Carla Oates is the founder of The Beauty Chef, the Gwyneth Paltrow-approved brand helping customers shine from the inside out. The line of probiotic-infused ingestible products contains organic ingredients designed to solve a range of problems, such as sleeping and skin concerns. Previously a writer in the fashion industry, Carla launched her business after discovering the power of treating food as medicine. Now, The Beauty Chef is sold on major retailers such as Revolve, Sephora, and Goop. Below, this Australia-based health and beauty entrepreneur tells us how she keeps herself centered during her busy workday.
Bad habits you’ve cut out of your daily routine?

  1. Getting up in the morning and going straight to my computer to do work.
  2. Having meetings while eating lunch. It’s not good for digestion!
  3. Working when I get straight home from work.

Good habits?

  1. Meditation.
  2. Morning swims at Bondi Beach.
  3. Daily dry body brushing.

How do you take care of yourself throughout the day?
For me, walking is my meditation and my tool to stay balanced. It’s like a natural filing system for my brain and an activity I find both calming and energising. My mind can be full of thoughts, problems and ideas, and by the end of the walk, I often have solutions, resolve and a sense of calm. I also find that the best way to feel balanced is to ensure I get a full eight hours of sleep – it’s called beauty sleep for a reason.

Are there any activities or hobbies you do to de-stress?
Aside from walking, I love playing tennis and also really love cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. I’m such a foodie and I get so much pleasure out of creating new recipes and dishes for my family and friends to enjoy. Cooking is meditative and cathartic for me – it is both productive and relaxing.
Other hobbies include playing scrabble, watching Netflix series and I also really love getting into a good book. Again, during the working week it’s sometimes hard for me to switch off, but whenever I go on holiday, I always have a stack of books with me!
How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 
I do my best to get eight hours a night, but sometimes I do find it difficult to switch off my brain, especially when I have meetings with overseas partners or stakeholders in the evening. I find our SLEEP Inner Beauty Powder really helps; it is full of natural sedative herbs like passionflower and lemon balm and it really helps my mind switch off. I know I could improve my sleep schedule by finishing work earlier and reducing screen time in the evening – I am working on that!!
Do you have a favorite wellness trend?
Medicinal mushrooms. I have always loved them, actually way before they became a trend. Shiitake (which we have now added to our BODY Inner Beauty Powder), Reishi, Lion’s Mane etc. They have long been used in traditional Chinese Medicine for their incredible health benefits – for increased immunity, stamina, energy, cognitive function and overall well-being.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fermented foods, of course! I use The Beauty Chef products every day, but I also love adding fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi to my meals, where I can.