Lola Berry Ocsober Interview

Australians are being urged to set their willpower free this October and participate in Ocsober – a month long refrain from alcohol, all in the name of a good cause.

Ocsober (1-31 October) is the biggest fundraiser of the year for national charity, Life Education which is the largest non-government provider of health education to children.

Life Education is seeking to raise $1 Million this year for its drug, alcohol and health education programs which are delivered to 600,000 school students annually. The preventative health programs educate and empower children and young people to make safer and healthier lifestyle choices.

'We are encouraging adults everywhere to take up the mental challenge and say -no' to alcohol for 31 days this October and raise money for Aussie kids. By demonstrating your self-control and willpower, you will inspire future generations to exercise their own willpower and make responsible choices when it comes to drinking in the years ahead," said David Ballhausen, CEO of Life Education.

Sign up now as an individual or a team to participate in this year's Ocsober campaign. To register, please visit www.ocsober.com.au.

Interview with Lola Berry

'Doing Oscober lets me inspire others to be the best version of themselves and gives people an opportunity to feel the best they can. It's an opportunity to help others whilst helping themselves at the same time.

Willpower is something that's inside you, it's having that sheer determination to focus and believe in a dream that no one else can see but you. I tap into it each day, using willpower to focus on my dreams; the way I see it, every choice you make can either bring you closer to your dreams or make them a little further away," says Lola Berry, Nutritionist and cookbook author.

Question: What inspired you to become an ambassador for Ocsober?

Lola Berry: I think it's a great way to raise money to help others and also looks after your own body at the same time.


Question: As an ambassador for Ocsober what do you hope to raise awareness for?

Lola Berry: I'd like this to mean that more youth can be educated and learn about the effect of drugs and alcohol, and not be too scared off but have a healthy attitude towards it.

Question: Why should other women join you in giving up alcohol for the month of October?

Lola Berry: Because your liver is like the garbage man of your body and by just taking one month off alcohol you're helping you main organ of dextoxifation out, so you'll notice it's much easier to drop excess weight, your skin will be clear, the whites of your eyes will be bright. And you'll feel pretty awesome!


Question: Why is important that Australians cut down on their alcohol consumption?

Lola Berry: We consume loads of it, and I mean it really affects your brain function, skin, the way and how rapidly you age. It's a big one! But at the end of the day it's about feeling awesome!


Question: What will you drink instead of alcohol throughout the month of October?

Lola Berry: Coconut water! I love the stuff, but you can also have fun and make mocktails with your mates!


Question: What advice do you have for other Australians joining Ocsober?

Lola Berry: Enjoy it, do it with mates and soak up the journey, it will be over in a flash!


Question: What are your top tips for females who are using Ocsober as a way of kick starting a healthy routine?
Lola Berry: Really start listening to your body, it tells you when it feels good. Try pulling the refined packed foods out of your diet and replacing them with whole foods. Go a whole month of just eating real food, you'll feel ace!


Question: How can Australians support you and Ocsober?

Lola Berry: They can jump online and sign up or simply donate, it's easy peasy. You can sign up from this link - https://ocsober2014.everydayhero.com/au/get-started or donate to me here - https://ocsober2014.everydayhero.com/au/lola


Question: When did your interest in health begin?

Lola Berry: When I was 18, I was a DJ and not healthy at all, in fact I was a bit of a party animal. Then one day I just went on a summer time detox and started to become so fascinated with foods and the effect they had on the body. Then my best friends told me I should start studying nutrition but I didn't think I was smart enough. But I did it anyway and one morning woke up and was like I'll be the Steve Irwin of fruits and veggies! Then I got 3 jobs, and saved up and bought a camera! I would talk about my brekkie to camera every morning and that's how it all started!


Question: What food myths do you usually like to clear up?

Lola Berry: Go for real food; forget the counting calories stuff that just takes the joy out of food! You want real food that nourishes your body and tastes unreal too. Simple.


Question: What's a typical day like, for you?

Lola Berry: Wowzers, it always changes, well it always involves some form of yoga (I love yoga so much I've even done the teacher training course and I teach it). Then filming of some sort or a photo-shoot. Then interviews like this. Then I'll try to get out amongst nature!

Question: What's next for you?

Lola Berry: So long as I'm showing up each day and being the best version of myself, then I'm rapt! If that message can help and inspire others then I am over the moon. I've just finished writing my next cook book (and it will be full of lifestyle stuff too), and that comes out early 2015 so that's real exciting. Also filming lots, it's a very exciting time. I feel very lucky!


Interview by Brooke Hunter