In our How She Does It column, we talk to inspirational mothers about work-life balance, their favourite travel destinations, travelling with children, and how they really do it all.
This month, we chat to Gabriela Peacock, nutritional therapist and best-selling author. The mum-of-three tells us how she balances running her own successful practice with motherhood, and why she would encourage all mums not to sweat the small stuff.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a nutritional therapist and an author. I’m married and I have three kids, Mia who is 13 and twins Iris and Casper who are seven. We are currently moving from London to the Cotswolds. We’ve been talking about moving to the countryside for a while and decided now was the right time, with our kids the ages that they are.
Tell us more about your working life?
I moved to London 24 years ago and had a career in modelling, but I was always so interested in health and wellbeing. As a model you are constantly thinking about eating well and looking after yourself, so it felt like a natural progression. I studied at the University of Westminster where I did a BSc (Hons) in Health Science and a diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition. I found the course fascinating; the way the body and biochemistry works and how everything we do has a positive or negative effect on our health. I set up my first clinic in Belgravia in 2012 and I now work from my GP Nutrition clinic roughly one day a week. I also work from home as it’s so easy to talk to people on Zoom. My day-to-day varies a lot as I don’t have a set schedule, but that means I can do the school run most of the time and be there when the kids need me.
What inspires you in your career?
I love working with clients and helping them. That’s why I wrote my first book Two Weeks to Feeling Great – and my second one, Two Weeks to a Younger You, was published recently. As a clinician I can help one person at a time, but with my books I can reach a much wider audience and share my knowledge. I will hopefully write another one at some point, but it is exhausting writing and promoting a book, so I’m definitely having a break from that at the moment.
If you could give your past self one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?
Feel less guilty! But I know that’s easier said than done. The first three years of my eldest child’s life I felt really unhappy and conflicted trying to balance being a mum and working. It was hard and looking back it wasn’t necessary. Kids are resilient. They don’t need you to be there every minute. It’s ok to miss bathtime sometimes – they probably won’t even notice.
The three things that help you juggle everything?
My diary – a cliché I know, but it’s true. I tried digital diaries but they don’t work for me – I need to see things written down. I have a beautiful bespoke Anya Hindmarch diary that has my kid’s hand writing all over it. Every year I buy a new paper inset from Muji and pop it in. I’d be lost without it. Of course I’m going to say this, but supplements are essential for me. I have my own range. I’m a great believer in adding them to any health programme to give it a boost. In the summer I’ll add something cleansing to help my liver after enjoying a glass of wine or two, and I also love good antioxidants to help with skin and immunity boosting. Another thing I love is kombucha. I find water really boring so I’m always trying different brands and flavours to keep me well hydrated.
Have your career goals and aspirations altered since becoming a working mum?
I was never one to work a 14-hour day and, to be honest, I think I’ve got the balance right now. I know when to shut the laptop and I’m pretty good at switching off and focusing on the kids. What matters to me now is that balance. I love my job, but unless I have a really important deadline, I’m not prepared to overwork and stress myself out too much.
If you had the power to change one thing for working mothers, what would it be?
Better, more affordable childcare for all. It’s a lot easier to go out to work knowing your children are in a safe pair of hands. I have a great nanny and that’s so great for me and our family. Also less guilt for all mums – good childcare certainly helps with that.
If you have a day to yourself, what do you do?
Well that would be quite exciting! I’d choose to spend it abroad if possible. My ideal day would be wandering around a beautiful city alone. Somewhere like Rome or Paris with time to potter around and take in the sights. I also adore a lovely hotel and ordering room service too, so I’d do that.
Heading ‘out out’ – where is your favourite spot?
The Dorian in Notting Hill is one of my favourite restaurants for a night out with friends. I also love the gorgeous Bull in Charlbury for its great food. It’s from the same team behind the Pelican in Notting Hill, another restaurant I love.
Tell us about the best holiday you’ve taken with your children?
We love holidays. All that time to be together is just wonderful. We have a house in the South of France that we go to every summer which is so fun. Then we always head off to Switzerland for a quiet break after that. It’s such a contrast to France which is so busy; we go hiking in the mountains and swimming in the lakes. In the UK I love Salcombe in Devon. We went there for the first time last year and it’s so charming and idyllic: waking up and going for a swim in the sea with the dog, then wandering down to the harbour and buying fresh fish to cook on the barbecue. It’s really simple – like an Enid Blyton novel. The way childhood holidays should be. We stayed in the Harbour Hotel and we had such a great time that we are going back again this year.
Favourite hotel ever – with or without children?
Gstaad Palace in Switzerland is divine and amazing for families. They cater for your every need and are so welcoming. Very old-school, and they even let us bring our Labrador into the restaurant! Lots of great activities for kids and good in the summer season too – not just in winter for skiing.
Without kids I’d say the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. It has such a stylish bar and is perfectly located in the centre of the city, so you are close to everything.
Can you share tips on what to do with children in London?
My ideal Saturday with the kids would be a trip to somewhere like the Royal Museums in Greenwich before a potter to Borough Market and a long lunch there. Or we might go Hutong at the Shard as the kids really like it too. There is so much to do in London with kids. The London Eye is a must I’d say.
Travel essentials with kids?
My kids each have their own little rucksack with their name on it and they pack the things they like – LEGO, colouring, books. I always have a healthy snack for them too. When kids don’t have enough protein and their blood sugar drops, that’s when they start to play up and get tricky. So I’ll always carry something like nuts from Clearspring or the Nakd bars which are a nice treat. Also my kids love dried seaweed strips from Itsu.
Travel essentials without kids?
Earplugs. I love sitting quietly on a plane with my eyes shut listening to the sound of my own breath. Also lip balm. I have so many that I rotate. This one by La Mer is great.
How do you think travel benefits your children?
We’re not the types to ‘fly and flop’ on a beach somewhere. We love exploring and adventures and being really active. I think that’s great for kids. We do relax as well, but it’s nice to see them expanding their minds and learning about new places. I also think it’s good for children to discover things for themselves. It’s great to just let them out in a field to run around and be a bit feral!
Where are you off to next as a family and why?
France to our house as soon as school breaks up – I can’t wait! Then off to Switzerland after that.
The best advice you would give to other mothers?
Honestly try not to sweat the small stuff. That’s something I’ve learnt. If they don’t brush their hair one day, or their shoes aren’t polished, or if they don’t do their homework one night, it’s really not a big deal. None of us are perfect and we are all just working hard in our own ways, doing our best.
Are there any women who inspire you?
Princess Beatrice is a great friend of mine and one of the kindest, most dedicated, hard-working women I know. She is so caring and polite to everyone she meets. I admire her for her complete commitment to everything she does. Another friend who comes to mind is Celia Walden who is a writer and editor. She’s so inspiring and talented. She’s a wonderful human being and she writes beautifully (and she’s working on another great book). They are also both such amazing mothers who are completely dedicated to their kids and really seem to get the work-life balance right.
How do you do it?
I have a wonderful husband who is super supportive and also a great nanny. It is a juggle but I try to stay relaxed and focus on what’s really important.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?