In Conversation with Lou Wilson - Founder of Olea of Monemvasia
When did you first discover Phileos extra virgin olive oil?
I have a friend in Greece who lives in Laconia in the Peloponnese and for many years, he was shipping me his olive oil. I shared it with my family and friends, and we couldn’t believe how good it tasted. I had to keep asking him for more and because he only had 16 trees himself, he started sending his friend’s extra virgin olive oil to fulfil our needs. I tried to source a similar olive oil in Brisbane and couldn’t so that was when I decided that Brisbane and Australia needed to be able to buy this beautiful product. My friend introduced me to a co-op of farmers who supply the extra virgin olive oil to me from Laconia, Phileos.
What makes it so special?
It gives me great joy to cook delicious and nourishing meals for the people I love. So, initially, it was the taste and the way the extra virgin olive oil enhanced the flavours in my cooking. Seafood, salads, roast vegetables, hummus, and tapenade had never tasted as good before. This was more than 10 years ago, so it was before there was an explosion in research into the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil. Today, it is well known that premium extra virgin olive oils contain polyphenols which when consumed as the primary fat source as part of a Mediterranean Diet improve cardiovascular, metabolic and brain health and reduce inflammation.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine they food’
Hippocrates
What is your favourite place to visit in Greece and why?
Like most people, I love visiting the Greek Islands and I have enjoyed many holidays on different islands, mostly in the Cyclades group, but the Peloponnese is the place I love the most as it is less touristy, more rural, and it’s full of surprises. There are many incredible ancient sites including Epidavros, Olympia and Mycenae. Monemvasia, my favourite place is a medieval fortress town steeped in history and full of charm. There are no cars inside the castle walls and it is a joy to wander around the cobbled pathways discovering churches, quaint squares, and ancient doorways and spend time in the restaurants, bars and cafes. The beaches in the Peloponnese are beautiful and the water crystal clear and you get a real taste of Greek hospitality in the village tavernas. I have many friends living near Monemvasia and it’s always fun to spend time together.
What are some non-negotiable things you do every day for your health? (Physical, mental, spiritual) and where has your passion and love of health and well-being come from?
In 2005 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which had spread to my immune system. I endured a year of chemotherapy and radiation and it was a very frightening time for me. I believe that it was the changes I made to improve my health and well-being since then that have kept me cancer-free and in good health for the past 18 years.
I meditate regularly to manage my stress levels and it keeps me feeling calm and relaxed. I follow a Mediterranean Diet which includes at least 40mls of Phileos every day.
I exercise most days at a moderate level and I drink lots of water. I sleep between 7-8 hours a night and I prioritise time with my family and friends.
How has using Phileos impacted your health and why should people include it in their everyday diets?
I believe that it is a whole combination of things that have helped me to remain fit and healthy. It’s a choice of lifestyle although I am not strict with myself, as I believe that that adds stress which has a negative impact. I feel well and I can manage the activities that enrich my life like having lots of energy for my children and grandchildren, balancing a busy work life with an active social life, and taking on physical challenges at a reasonable level. The addition of Phileos, which is a delicious extra virgin olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, packed full of polyphenols enhances the health benefits of a healthy diet.
What is your experience with following the Mediterranean diet and what are some easy recommendations for people wanting to add more Mediterranean foods into their everyday life?
I try to eat like the Greeks do. I don’t see it as a diet but more my choice of how I live my life. It is my way of eating delicious food and optimising my health at the same time. The Mediterranean Diet has been heavily researched and the benefits for cardiac, metabolic and cognitive health and reducing inflammation are well known.
Obviously, I use Phileos as my main source of fat and substitute it in all my recipes. I eat lots of salads with a big variety of leaves, olives, feta and herbs topped with lemon and olive oil dressing (with a piece of sourdough bread to soak up the juices). I love roast vegetables baked in olive oil, salt and herbs and steamed vegetables finished with a glug of extra virgin olive oil. I eat red meat only occasionally, chicken a couple of times a week and I eat as much fish and seafood as possible. I make my own yoghurt which is delicious with berries or honey in the morning. I snack on nuts and olives.
My advice is to keep it simple. Use fresh unprocessed ingredients, lots of fruit, vegetables, salad, whole grains and legumes. Cut down your red meat, increase your intake of oily fish, and enjoy fermented foods like feta and natural yoghurt.
What is something you do to unwind from a stressful day?
I spend time with the people I love and incorporate yoga and meditation into my winding down routine. I love music and choose what I listen to according to how I feel or how I want to feel.
Lou x