IN CONVERSATION WITH

SVENJA OSTWALD

NAGHEDI JOURNAL
Issue 08

Health coach, author, and entrepreneur Svenja Ostwald believes that feeling good begins with the food you eat. The former fashion designer and mother of two is the founder of MOAI, her digital wellness program focused on clean eating and community, author of two bestselling German cookbooks, and co-founder of Germany’s newest clean toothpaste brand, Cleen. Based in New York City, Svenja shares her accessible take on wellbeing alongside real-time glimpses of her daily life on Instagram–all served up with her infectious energy and signature smile.

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QUESTION 01

Why did you shift from fashion to health coaching?

Throughout my pregnancies and early motherhood, the thought of working in the fast-paced fashion industry didn’t feel right. I couldn’t work full-time and prioritize my kids the way I wanted to. But I love working and I missed it during the years when I couldn’t after moving to the US, so I pivoted to yoga and nutrition. [During the pandemic] I thought, here is the thing I love to do, and now is the time to create something.

QUESTION 02

What inspired MOAI?

The name MOAI comes from Okinawa, Japan, one of the Blue Zones, where people form lifelong support groups called “moai” to foster connection and shared purpose. The emphasis on the power of friendship, accountability, and collective wellbeing resonated with me, and I wanted to create something more meaningful than expensive, pre-packaged detox programs.

QUESTION 03

What small habit shift do you recommend for someone who wants to start eating clean?

Starting meals with veggies is a small shift that is so impactful–it’s a great way to regulate blood sugar levels. Vegetables, especially those high in fiber, help prevent sharp spikes and crashes (goodbye emergency Snickers!). Plus, incorporating veggies first can help with satiety, making it easier to maintain balanced eating habits throughout the day.

I’m very inspired by Dan Buettner’s research on Blue Zones–regions where people live longer, healthier lives. My approach to wellness is rooted in the factors that contribute to Blue Zones, especially a clean diet and social connections.

RAINBOW SUMMER ROLLS WITH QUINOA

Recipe

RAINBOW SUMMER ROLLS WITH QUINOA

Filled with colourful vegetables, protein-rich quinoa and served with a delicious sauce, they are the perfect dish for a healthy and refreshing meal. I also think it's always so much fun to sit around the table and roll!

Serves 2-4

(Makes 8-10 rolls)

INGREDIENTS

ROLLS

184g red or white quinoa (rinsed thoroughly)

1 tbsp coconut aminos (or tamari)

1/2 medium lime (juice)

Cook the quinoa according to the packet instructions and set aside. To add more flavor, add 1 tbsp of coconut aminos and the juice of ½ a lime and stir well.

10 spring roll wrappers

Strong greens or salad boats/cups

1 large handful each: cucumber slices, finely sliced carrot, finely sliced red bell pepper, chopped romaine lettuce, fresh cilantro and mint

Prepare the vegetables and herbs and set aside.

SAUCE

128g cashew butter (or peanut butter optional)

30ml coconut aminos (or tamari)

30ml maple syrup

2 medium limes (juiced)

Hot water (for thinning)

Place all the sauce ingredients except the water in a small bowl and stir with a whisk. Add enough hot water to make a liquid sauce.

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all the sauce ingredients except the water in a small bowl and stir with a whisk.Add enough hot water to make a liquid sauce.

To assemble the spring rolls, pour very hot water into a shallow dish or pan and dip the rice paper into it for 10-15 seconds. It takes a bit of practice, so don't be upset if your first attempts fail! Place a generous spoonful of quinoa in the Lower third of the paper and layer veggies and herbs on top.

Gently fold the wrap over once, tuck the edges in, and continue rolling until the seam is sealed.

Place seam-side down on a serving platter and cover with a damp towel to keep fresh. Repeat. You should end up with about 8-10 spring rolls in total. Serve with cashew butter sauce and/or a hot sauce of your choice. Leftovers keep well wrapped in cling film, but are best when fresh.

My NAGHEDI always has a water bottle, a healthy snack (I’m always prepared!), lipstick for an emergency glow-up, and most likely three to six stuffed bunny toys, courtesy of my daughter!

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SVENJA OSTWALD

Why did you shift from fashion to health coaching?

What inspired MOAI?

What small habit shift do you recommend for someone who wants to start eating clean?

RAINBOW SUMMER ROLLS WITH QUINOA