In a world that so often glorifies the grind, celebrates the busy, and makes us feel like we’re falling behind if we’re not constantly producing something, there’s a quiet power in choosing to slow down. For Eleanor Cripps, writer, mother of four, and a voice for intentional living, wellbeing isn’t about green juices or rigid routines. It’s about listening. Listening to your body, your needs, the seasons, and your intuition.
As part of Women’s Health Week, we spoke with Eleanor about what nourishment, creativity, and self-care look like in this season of her life, and why softness might be the most radical yet nourishing thing a woman can choose.
You’ve built a beautiful life and career around nourishing food, slow living and creating a peaceful home. What does women’s health and wellbeing mean to you right now?
Right now, it’s about a soft returning. A homecoming to my own rhythms, not just as a mother or partner, but as a woman with her own needs and quiet longings. I’ve been a mother for most of my adult life, with a teenager of 17 years, and also a new baby in my arms, so I’m dancing between seasons - learning again how to make space for myself within it all. True wellbeing, for me, is about listening, really listening, to what my body, mind, and spirit are asking for. Sometimes it’s rest. Sometimes it’s movement. Sometimes it’s something as simple as standing in the sunshine with a hot cup of coffee. I’m learning not to overcomplicate things. Intuition has become my compass. She’s gentle but clear. The more I listen, the more I trust her.
What does a typical day of nourishment look like for you - from meals to movement, rituals to rest?
Mornings begin early in our home, usually around 6am. I slip into the day with a cup of tea and baby Bernie snuggles in bed. If it’s a school morning, I like to light a candle, put on calming music, and ease us all into the day - It’s crazy how this little ritual sets the tone in the most magical way, I always notice on the mornings that I forget, they always feel far more chaotic!
Breakfast is always simple: buttery sourdough toast, eggs, or a quick smoothie if we’re short on time. Once the big kids are off to school and Bernie naps, I make my coffee (my highlight of the day!) and ideally, enjoy it slowly with the sun on my face. I try to walk daily, nothing intense - just 45 minutes or so through the quiet neighbouring streets here in Raglan. I usually walk down to the local bay, that glimpse of water always re-centres me. Pre-baby I was an avid surfer, and one day I’ll get back into the waves, but for now, it’s almost been nice to have a break. Perhaps this summer I’ll return.
When it comes to lunch and dinner, it’s usually simple and rustic fare, one-tray meals or slow-cooked pots of something nourishing. I try to cook for the season - easy food with soul, lots of herbs and aromatics, plenty of vegetables. Locally caught fish is a real treat. We are lucky to have a great fish shop here in Raglan!
You’re a mother, writer, and creative. How do you make space for yourself within the demands of daily life?
Truly? It’s a constant dance. I work from home, often in the in-between moments, when the baby naps or the kids are content. I adore what I do, and there’s always a quiet hum of creative ideas waiting to be born. But I’ve had to learn the art of surrender. Doing what I can with the time I have, and letting that be enough. To refill my cup, it’s always simple pleasures: a walk without my phone, a weekly trip to the library (I love the escapism of a romance novel). We recently acquired a spa for free and fixed it up - a luxury I’ve always dreamed of having, and it’s become my little sanctuary. I don't think my wellbeing habits are earth-shatteringly exciting or elaborate. More like small moments of beauty, even amidst the busyness of looking after four kids. A soft robe, a few pages of a good book. A beautiful life doesn’t require grand gestures, just a willingness to notice joy in ordinary things.
How do you view the connection between food and feminine health - have there been any pivotal points in your journey?
For me, the connection between food and feminine health is deeply intuitive. Our bodies speak to us - gently at first, then louder if we don’t listen. When I eat in a way that supports me, I feel more grounded, more patient, more able to show up with grace. There’s also something beautifully feminine in the act of preparing food slowly, thoughtfully - plating it with care, sitting down to eat without rushing. Even the smallest ritual, like eating from a cherished ceramic bowl, or pouring tea into your favourite mug, can be a powerful form of self-respect. These small touches invite pleasure, and pleasure is powerful medicine for women.
My pivotal moments have always come in the hard transitions - postpartum, burnout, times of grief or change. Those seasons taught me how closely food and emotional wellbeing are linked, and how I need to nourish not just my body, but also the part of me that longs to feel held and nurtured.
What role does intuition play in your approach to wellbeing and nourishment?
It’s everything. Intuition is the quiet guide I return to when the world feels noisy. It tells me when I need more rest, more greens, more sunshine. When I listen, things feel harmonious. When I ignore it, I feel scattered and stretched too thin. I’ve learned that no one else can truly tell you what you need. Not a book, not an expert, not even a well-meaning friend. That inner voice? She’s always there, whispering gently, I just had to learn how to trust her.
Are there any key practices, rituals, or ingredients that help you feel grounded and energised?
I’m a big believer in practices that tether you to the moment. In most cases, it seems the more simple the better! Stepping outside before breakfast, making herbal tea in the late afternoon. Putting on soft music while I cook. These small things always seem to shift the energy.
As for ingredients - lots of broth in winter, lemon water throughout the day, good flaky sea salt, beautiful quality extra virgin olive oil, seasonal vegetables with every meal. I also love warming spices, fermented foods, and anything with a meltingly good delicious sauce. I don’t think I can enjoy a meal without good sauce!
We were lucky enough to have you create some delightful recipes with the Mitchells range. We’d love to hear how you’ve used Mitchells Bone Broth or Protein in your own life.
The Bone Broth has become a winter staple in our home. I stir it into pasta sauces, soups, and anything slow-cooked, it adds such beautiful depth and warmth. I love it in brothy bowls with noodles, greens, and a soft-boiled egg on top - a comfort meal that feels both light and nourishing.
The Bone Broth Protein Powder is a daily go-to, especially with the kids. I make hot chocolates with it in the afternoons (a cosy little ritual) and blend it into smoothies or homemade energy balls. I always try to keep a batch of some sort of wholesome treat in the fridge - perfect for when the 3pm slump hits and you want something nourishing but sweet.
What advice or gentle encouragement would you offer to women feeling disconnected from their health or themselves?
Begin with softness. Don’t overhaul your life, just start by listening. Your body already knows what it needs. Maybe it’s more sleep. Maybe it’s fresh air. Maybe it’s simply permission to rest. Return to the basics. Warm food, lots of water, a few deep breaths, something that brings you joy. Don’t wait for the perfect time to begin. Start now, in the middle of the mess, with what you have. And above all, be gentle. You’re doing better than you think.
What’s bringing you joy or peace right now - any small moments, seasonal rituals, or personal shifts you’d love to share?
Right now, it’s the quiet rhythm of winter. Giving myself permission to not be in the hustle mindset, and letting go of the pressure to always be motivated, achieving, and pushing forward.
We live in a world that glorifies the grind, celebrates the busy, and makes us feel like we’re falling behind if we’re not constantly producing something. But nature doesn’t bloom all year round, she retreats. We, too, need to gather strength in the quiet.
Winter is the perfect time for this. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is to soften.
Where can we find and follow you?
The best place to find me would be on Substack, where I share slow-living stories, easy recipes, and reflections on living with intention and care. You can also find me on Instagram @eleanor.cripps.
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