Sleep specialist and model Olivia Arezzolo is on a mission to help everyone live their best lives, inside and out. And now, will soon be a graduate nutritionist after attaining her Bachelor of Health Science at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies.
Residing in Sydney, the Bondi babe says that the decision to go back to uni to study nutrition was simple:
“Think about the people you love, and imagine being able to empower them to improve their mood, reduce illnesses and have more energy each day,” she tells Amodrn. “This is exactly what nutrition can do—and you can be the individual who helps them to achieve this.”
Suffering from disordered eating as a teen, overcoming this experience was one that led Olivia to her nutrition studies in order to help others who may find themselves in a similar position.
She also wanted to incorporate this knowledge with her existing work as a sleep specialist to gain a better understanding of how the human body mechanically works as a whole.
Here, Olivia shares more about her inspiration behind choosing health and wellbeing as not only a career path but a way of life (without shying away from the occasional glass of vino, of course!). And although she doesn’t “diet” in the normal sense of the word, there are a few principles she adheres to, to ensure she’s functioning at her best. Read on to learn more.
Career advice: Here’s How Olivia Turned Her Passion Into Her Career
You have many different qualifications behind you! Can you take us through these and what inspired you to study so many different disciplines?
Just a few! It’s always been my mission to help everyone function at their peak. After suffering major depression and disordered eating as a teen, I remember how painful, hopeless and disenchanting life seemed. Overcoming it was a process of optimising my mental and physical health.
“I now experience an incredibly rich, satisfying and happy life—I genuinely want everyone to experience a similar transition.”
Because of this, I knew I had to gain relevant qualifications—first studying my Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), which armed me with a greater understanding of the brain; then my certificate 3+4 in Fitness (Personal Training), which helped me appreciate the body; and now, my current degree, a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine), which grants me awareness of nutrition.
Now, I use these qualifications within my business, The Sleep Solution, to improve sleep quality and facilitate peak condition of mind and body.
Have you always had a passion for nutrition? At what point did you decide you wanted to study it?
Yes—I have always been compelled by the potential of nutrition to optimise, or limit, our functioning. After suffering anorexia and bulimia as a teen, I knew from experience that without nutritional health, you literally can not operate properly. After overcoming these disorders, I felt that my history granted me insight that only a previous sufferer would know.
What do you hope to achieve upon completion of this nutrition degree?
I am really looking forward to being a certified nutritionist after I’ve graduated from ACNT and adding this to the services I provide. Further, mastering the biochemistry of food will be fantastic to integrate into my existing sleep optimisation work. I believe it’s fundamental we continue to develop our knowledge, and this is a formalised way of doing so. It doesn’t matter that I already have a degree—we should all continue to evolve and grow into our adult lives!
What do you love most about studying nutrition and how has it influenced your everyday life?
I love studying the interaction of nutrients and the body, and then applying it to optimise my functioning—for example, the nutrients which will best support my sleep, learning, memory, recovery from fitness and happiness. This not only empowers me, but also those around me, as I have no hesitation passing on my knowledge to clients, friends and family alike. Sometimes this is well received, sometimes not!
What is one piece of advice you’d give others who are considering studying nutrition either straight out of high school or going back as a mature-age student?
Do it! Regardless of if you want to be a clinician or not, learning how to nourish properly will only serve you well—as well as your family and friends. Each day we have the opportunity to improve the way we think, feel and move—simply by the foods we select.
Similarly, if we do not take ownership of this power, we are innately limited. No one likes to be limited! There are so many ways to make money—why not combine it with improving the health and wellness of the community at the same time? That’s truly special.
The best way to start your journey in health and nutrition is by attending Open Day. ACNT has campuses across Australia and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the natural health community and meet like-minded students, alumni, academics and industry experts.
Don’t miss the next Open Day on Sat 4th August, you can sign up for free here!
I’d also recommend finding out as much as you can about the courses available to see which suits you best. ACNT offers many courses in natural therapies and nutrition, learn more here.
What is one thing you never realised about nutrition before you started studying it?
It’s potential is to predict your sleep quality, mental and physical health. I knew it was important, but not nearly as important as it actually is.
It is incredible how much I have learnt in my course, about taking care of our bodies and personal health. And it’s humbling and fulfilling to know that I will be making such a big difference to people’s lives when I graduate and become a certified nutritionist!
How do you manage to balance work, life and study?
Logistically, I only allocate space to activities which are truly important to me—I have no qualms in saying no to any person or activity which I don’t align.
My morning affirmation ‘everything at the perfect time’ reminds me not to rush anything. This means if I am doing something I am present, engaged and conscious of that experience. This helps me embrace the moment as it happens, and when it needs to end, I am happy to move onto the next.
How do you spend your down-time?
Walking, nature, the beach, meditation.
Being a model, do you have a specific fitness/diet routine that you follow?
I eat a predominantly plant-based diet, alongside fish, eggs, and nuts. I also enjoy moderate amounts of other important foods, like wine (haha… but really!). Nothing is off limits, however, I am mindful to limit gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol. Quite simply, eating these foods compromises my sharpness in my mind, and leaves me feeling less energetic. Obviously, not ideal! However, I do not 100% limit them because, for me, food isn’t just about functioning, it’s about enjoying the experience. So my diet is a balance of these two principles.
“Fitness wise, I love being active and I do something physical everyday—it varies between a run, walk, yoga or Pilates based movements, HIIT circuits, resistance band workouts or a solid gym session with heavier weights.”
[Exercise] is always in the morning, straight after I’ve done my morning affirmations and before I do any work (unless I have a sunrise shoot or flight!), and goes for about an hour. This time is non-negotiable—it allows me to focus and mentally prepare for the day ahead. However, it also means that I am physically looking and feeling my best. This naturally feeds into my modeling as when we are feeling and looking our best, we will produce the best results on camera.
How would you now describe your healthy eating philosophy?
A balance between utilising food to optimise my physical and mental functioning, and enjoying the experience of food in itself. If you’re smart, they can be synergistic. This is why I love to create delicious yet healthy meals—it’s a win-win for my goals.
What does your typical day on a plate look like?
I start the morning with around 1L of water—it helps increase circulation, detoxification, and mental clarity.
Breakfast is quite light for me, something like eggs, fresh greens or a piece of toast, and a piece of fresh fruit from my local market. Sometimes I add something special, like some homemade pesto. It usually comes after being awake for a few hours, after I’ve done my mental and physical exercise.
A few hours later I like to snack according to what my body is asking for—my go-to’s are gluten-free crackers with a homemade dip or peanut butter; plus something fresh—being in Santorini now I’m obsessed with their tomatoes and cucumbers! If I have a while before lunch, I may have some more eggs. I often have a few nuts too—walnuts are one of the best foods you can eat for brain functioning and sleep quality!
Lunch is 99.9% likely to be a giant salad, filled with fresh, seasonal vegetables. I’ll often pair this with some fish, chicken, or a piece of bread (especially in Europe!). Sometimes, I’ll add cheese, or a wine, or a dip.
Dinner is typically fish, with a side of fresh, roast or grilled vegetables, and as with lunch, sometimes I’ll enjoy a wine, dips or whatever else is enticing, and sometimes not.
Evidently, my diet is natural, unprocessed, varied, adaptable and most importantly—ENJOYABLE! I don’t have days where I cheat—why would I want to?! That said, I am firmly committed to my mind and body being at its peak, so if I overindulge—I feel it. And if so, I’ll pull back on the luxuries. I don’t weigh myself and don’t feel it’s necessary—I know how I look and feel when I am at my best, and that to me is more important than any numerical value.
In terms of drinks, I absolutely LOVE English breakfast tea, herbal tea and am only somewhat partial to coffee. Alcohol I go through stages with—for example, in Greece now, it’s a likely accompaniment with most lunches. So I’ll have a glass or two. However, I remember before I left Australia I didn’t have a glass in 3 weeks. If I do drink I don’t get drunk as it:
a) I fall asleep almost instantly
b) this means the end of my fun for that time
c) waking hungover feels awful and severely compromises my morning routine!
Health food that you don’t necessarily like but eat anyway because you know it’s good for you?
Spirulina. So incredible for detoxification, gut health, restoring alkalinity and overall energy production.
What are some things you do to keep healthy during holidays?
To be honest, I travel a lot so I don’t have much of a shift in my health routine between home and holiday. As I do include more treats on my plate—e.g. sampling local cuisine each day and more (delicious) wine (both essential of travel, naturally), I make sure I balance it out with healthier activities, like hiking, walking, yoga and running. Regardless of where I am, I want to feel and look my best, so being mindful of my diet, movement and sleep is the most straightforward way to ensure it.
What is one thing you never realised about nutrition before you started studying it?
It’s potential is to predict your sleep quality, mental and physical health. I knew it was important, but not nearly as important as it actually is.
Top tips for those wanting to pursue a career in Nutrition?
I really believe in chasing your dream and creating a career from what you are passionate about.
For those interested in a career in Nutrition or Natural Therapies, it is important to do your research, explore your options, and find out as much as you can about the industry and field.
The best way to start your journey in health and nutrition is by attending Open Day. ACNT has campuses across Australia and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the natural health community and meet like-minded students, alumni, academics and industry experts.
Don’t miss the next Open Day on Sat 4th August, you can sign up for free here!
I’d also recommend finding out as much as you can about the courses available to see which suits you best. ACNT offers many courses in natural therapies and nutrition, learn more here.
Ultimately, life is what you make of it – just give it all you’ve got and you will succeed!
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Start your health journey at Open Day – Torrens University, ACNT & SSNT
Torrens University Australia collaborates with leading natural therapies colleges, the Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT) and the Southern School of Natural Therapies (SSNT), to bring you industry reputable nutrition and natural therapies courses that will pave the way for a meaningful career making a difference to peoples lives.
At Torrens, we believe that following a career you are passionate about will lead to a lifetime of loving what you do.
If you are interested in a career in nutrition, naturopathy, herbal medicine, and clinical myotherapy, join us at our next Open Day to learn about our courses and see how we can help you pursue a rewarding career in health.
Take a tour of our purpose-built campuses, labs, and clinics. Meet students, alumni, academics & industry experts. Join fun & interactive workshops and experience life as a student for the day!
Explore courses, career prospects, and study options at Open Day on 4 August.
Register now, click here.
