We caught up with wellness expert and powerhouse Julia Matthews from Two Islands to chat about Fresh Start’s partnership with Two Islands and her non-negotiables for the day!
What do you love about Fresh start deliveries?
The ease of picking meals via the app, no food waste, I know that the meals are well balanced and filling and also the variety. Every week there is something different so it’s never boring. Our whole family eat Fresh Start, even the children, they love it!
From a business perspective – why was Fresh Start the perfect company to team up with?
Fresh Start and Two Islands are a match made in wellness heaven. Both brands share a common goal of making a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Fresh Start’s dedication to providing healthy, convenient meal options aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify wellness and empower individuals to take control of their health.
Fresh Start’s commitment to delivering nutritionist-approved meal kits complements Two Islands’ philosophy of offering thoughtfully made products that target specific health challenges. Together, we aim to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals seamlessly. This collaboration is rooted in the understanding that modern life can be demanding, and maintaining wellbeing shouldn’t be a complicated process.
By joining forces, we’ve created a holistic approach to wellness, addressing not only nutritional needs but also providing solutions that fit into fast-paced, modern lifestyles. The partnership is more than just a collaboration; it’s a shared commitment to helping people thrive by offering accessible, convenient and nourishing solutions.
In your opinion, how important is breakfast?
Breakfast holds significant importance as the first meal of the day, setting the tone for overall health and wellbeing. There are many reasons why breakfast is considered crucial with just some of them being:
Energy, concentration and focus – after an overnight fast, breakfast provides the necessary nutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates to replenish energy stores, kick-start metabolism and enhance cognitive function, improving concentration, focus and memory. This is especially important for school children and those engaged in mental tasks throughout the day.
Weight management – contrary to the belief that skipping breakfast aids weight loss, studies suggest that regular breakfast consumption may help regulate weight. It can prevent overeating later in the day by stabilising blood sugar levels.
Nutrient intake – breakfast is an opportunity to intake essential vitamins and minerals. Including a variety of food groups at breakfast contributes to overall health and supports the body’s daily functions.
Metabolic health – eating a balanced breakfast helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. This can be beneficial for long-term metabolic health and may reduce the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Mood and emotional wellbeing – starting the day with a nutritious breakfast can positively impact mood and emotional wellbeing. It provides a sense of satisfaction and can help prevent irritability and mood swings.
Establishes healthy habits – encouraging the habit of having a wholesome breakfast from an early age promotes a lifelong commitment to healthy eating habits. It sets the foundation for a balanced diet and overall wellness.
Breakfast plays a crucial role in supplying the body with essential nutrients, supporting energy levels and contributing to overall physical and mental wellbeing. Making informed and nutritious choices during this first meal sets a positive trajectory for the day ahead.
What are the benefits of the Two Islands Marine Collagen and Salted Caramel Protein?
Marine Collagen Beauty Powder benefits:
Harvested from the North Atlantic Ocean, our marine collagen is sourced from wild-caught cod. It is exclusively and sustainably sourced in accordance with stringent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards, making it a verified sustainable fishing source. It is also a by-product of the fishing industry that would otherwise go to waste.
Collagen is the most abundant protein within the body, making up our skin and connective tissues, with over 75% being Type I collagen. Collagen’s role in the body primarily includes providing our skin with strength and structure, providing a sort of scaffolding that supports plump, hydrated skin, healthy hair and strong nails. As we age, our body’s ability to naturally produce collagen declines and dermal networks degrade. From around our mid-twenties, production drops by around 1% per year, with a 30-50% total loss in women by post-menopause. Other factors like smoking, stress, overexposure to sunlight and a poor diet can also cause a decrease in the amount of collagen our body produces. Consequently, a decrease in collagen leads to wrinkles, dry and sagging skin, thin hair, brittle nails, and can result in joint problems due to weakened cartilage.
Formulated with unique bioactive collagen peptides, our Type I hydrolysed marine collagen is highly bioavailable, making it extremely well absorbed in the body. Because of its small particle size and similarity to human collagen structure, it is 1.5x more efficiently absorbed by the body compared to bovine or porcine derived collagen, with a lower environmental impact. Marine collagen is an easy way to provide your body with collagen peptides to support the appearance of hydrated, smooth skin, strong nails and healthy hair, as well as joint and gut health.
Marine collagen may just be the most elite form of collagen, with scientific research showing that consumption improves multiple signs of ageing, such as skin elasticity, hydration, radiance, firmness, and wrinkles.
Pea Protein Powder benefits:
Protein plays an essential role in our body and is considered a macronutrient. This means that it is a nutrient that is required in large amounts by the body. In fact, every cell in the human body requires protein to function. Not only does protein provide us with energy, but it also helps to form our muscles, hair, skin, nails, blood and organs. Consuming protein also helps to keep us satiated, meaning we stay fuller for longer.
Pea protein is a complete protein offering all 9 essential amino acids. Protein plays an essential role in our body including providing the body with energy as well as lean muscle building and repair. Research has discovered that the consumption of pea protein, a plant protein, had a greater effect on satiety when compared to animal proteins. Pea protein is also equally as effective in the production of strength and muscle mass when compared to animal proteins like whey.
Pea protein is a perfect protein for those who are vegetarian or vegan. Not only is pea protein a suitable alternative to animal proteins such as meat or milk protein, but it is also free of common allergens, including dairy and soy.
What’s your go to breakfast?
Mornings are busy in my house and it’s a race to get out the door so a smoothie is my go to as they are quick to make. A decent serving of plant protein, some fat and fruit to make it a well rounded meal.
Goals / aspirations for Two Islands for the year?
To expand into the Australian market and release some exciting products we have in the works!
What are your own health and wellbeing goals?
To keep making exercise a priority and working as hard as I can during the week so that on the weekend I can fully switch off and be present with my babies.
