My Journey to Wellness: Natalie Hurling

Living life well means being in good health - mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s when my family is well, our needs are met, and we feel rooted in peace. For me, it’s about listening to my body, understanding what it needs, and then actually implementing those needs with care and intention. It’s about fuelling myself with real, nourishing food, and making space for movement, reflection, and joy. Living well also means nurturing meaningful relationships, staying connected to my loved ones and my community, and living in alignment with my values, especially around healing, nature, and wellness. It’s not about striving for perfection. It’s about being fully present and intentional in how I live each day.

Can you share a bit about your own health journey so far?

My wellness journey began from a place of burnout and deep imbalance. I was chronically ill, on pharmaceuticals and antidepressants, overworked and emotionally exhausted. As a mother of four daughters, I was trying to hold everything together -  school runs, extra murals, and keeping our small business afloat through the 2008 financial crisis. We lost so much during that time that we were forced into a minimalist lifestyle just to survive. But in that simplicity, something shifted. We began eating less meat, cutting back on fast foods and convenience meals, and we noticed powerful changes: fewer cravings, deeper sleep, better digestion, and renewed energy. I was just under 130 kg at the time, and slowly, with small consistent shifts, we began healing. Our plant-based lifestyle wasn’t a trend - it became a return to our indigenous roots. We discovered how the Khoi and San, our First Nation ancestors, lived in alignment with the land. It’s been a beautiful journey of learning and unlearning. My husband has been my rock through it all - the highs and the lows, the moments of growth and deep challenge. Healing isn’t instant. It’s a process of shedding, of decluttering the habits that no longer serve you, and choosing to show up for yourself every single day.

How do you encourage your family to live well every day?

I have to lead by example. In our community, eating well is not practised – it’s talked about but very few do it consistently. Our life path has presented many challenges over the years, and one thing that’s helped us navigate them is a strong focus on being healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Taking care of our bodies, keeping our minds calm, and staying rooted in purpose has become our anchor. Three of my daughters are now young adults and live life on their own terms, and I stay connected to them with weekly check-ins. I gently remind them to keep their immunity strong because the world is constantly throwing new viruses and pressures our way. I encourage them to fuel their bodies with foods that empower rather than impair. More than anything, I try to be a representation of what self-care looks like: a woman who prioritises her health not just for herself, but for the ones she loves. Not just in words, but in how I show up for myself. That’s the legacy I want to leave: not pressure, but inspiration rooted in love and example.

How do you support your gut health?

For me, gut health is both physical and emotional. I nourish my body with high-fibre, living foods, and my husband plays a big role in our kitchen. He makes fermented veggies, hearty soups, broths, smoothies, and wholesome, easy-to-prepare, plant-based dinners that keep us grounded and nourished. He keeps it simple.  I supplement with plant-based capsules  and Pegasus Homeopathics for that extra support my body needs. I’ve also learned to minimise and avoid processed foods and refined sugars, which has helped reduce inflammation and cravings. I practise intermittent fasting to give my digestive system time to rest and reset. But just as important as what I eat is how I manage stress. Daily breathwork, mindful movement, and setting healthy boundaries all support my gut-brain connection. When my emotional state is balanced, my digestion and my overall wellness follows.

Do you have any wellness habits or rituals specific to women’s wellness at this stage of your journey?

Yes, absolutely. As I’ve entered my 50s and the peri-menopause phase of life, I’ve become more unapologetic about honouring my body’s needs and making wellness non-negotiable. One of the biggest shifts this year has been the addition of a new tool to our wellness offerings - Bio-resonance Health Scans. It’s a fascinating intersection of technology and traditional healing. I’ve used my scan results as a guide, and I’ve made some adjustments. I run 6 km daily and include sprint intervals to strengthen both body and mind. I do functional fitness with my 13-year-old three times a week, which keeps us both grounded, connected, and strong. I support my hormonal health with indigenous herbs, warm nourishing plant-based meals, and rest when needed. Breathwork and strategic stretching have been my lifeline through every season of my wellness journey. This year, I’ve added more grounding rituals, including drawing, painting, and journalling just like I did as a teenager. For me, women’s wellness is about embracing both softness and strength. It’s about slowing down when needed and showing up with intention, no matter the season.

How do you keep active through the winter months?

Winter is when I lean into more intentional, restorative movement, but I don’t slow down. I focus on keeping the momentum going. In fact, I love running in the rain! My husband and I, along with our dog Daisy, embrace the elements together. Our bodies adapt with the seasons, and I believe winter is a time to listen more closely to what our bodies need while also staying active and connected to nature. Each morning starts with breathwork and gentle stretching to boost circulation, lift my mood, and shake off the negative thoughts. I also keep up my functional fitness routine three times a week at home, with bodyweight training, low-impact cardio, and mobility work to stay strong and energised. I’ve read about the importance of muscle as you age. And of course, I take extra care with what we eat. We enjoy grounding soups and broths, plus potjie-type meals for dinner. These aid in keeping us full and nourished without overeating. Staying active and intentional through winter keeps me grounded and resilient. 

Where can our readers find and stay in touch with you?

You can connect with us through our website: www.rootsandraw.co.za. We offer personal wellness support as well as Workplace Wellness services including Bio Resonance health scans, liquid fast cleanses, and kickstart smoothie bundles for those wanting to add more veggies to their day. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok at @rootsandraw.