Supermum Edition: Riyana Rupani
Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your line of work? Do you have any kids? Hi, I'm Riyana Rupani. I'm a Wife, Mother, Holistic Nutritionist, Recipe Developer, and I am totally obsessed with food! I have 3 beautiful little boys aged 6, 4 and 3. I love teaching others about food that not only tastes good, but makes you feel good, too. I've always had a passion for learning ways to nourish the mind and body, and my personal health journey has turned sharing that knowledge into my mission. I can't explain the joy it brings me when I can help others heal and thrive one delicious bite at a time.
How has transiting to WFH been like for you during the COVID-19 circuit breaker? How have you juggled work and kids? I'll be honest, it's been tough and like all working mums, I feel like I have a never-ending list of things to do, but I am taking it one day at a time and giving myself some grace. I've actually been trying to involve my kids in some of my work, getting them in the kitchen, for example, which has been great for my creativity and gives me a constructive way to bond with them. Each one of us is doing the best we can, and I continue to remind my clients and myself to be gentle with ourselves. It's ok to slow down in times like these. What have been the challenges and rewards during this circuit breaker period for you and the family? Adding the role of teacher to my list of titles has definitely been a challenge! My kids are young so they need supervision while doing their work. I am trying to use the opportunity to learn more about my kids, what they like, what they don’t, and how they deal with challenges. I don't think I would have ever gotten this opportunity if it wasn’t for HBL. Before the CB, I honestly felt like life was running away from me. We were all so busy going through the motions, rushing here and there. I am truly appreciating the chance to slow down, be more mindful, and focus on what's important. I hope post-CB things will continue at a slower pace, allowing each of us to give ourselves the much needed time to focus on ourselves.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year? Mother’s day for me is a time to celebrate the family you helped create. It’s not about gifts or flowers but about understanding what your children mean to you, and what you mean to your children. This year is actually a special mother's day, as it’s also my 40th birthday! I definitely wasn’t expecting to be in lockdown while celebrating, but I plan on making the most of it. The perfect day would be a nice morning walk followed by a breakfast cooking session with the kids; they have already decided on coconut flour pancakes! Perhaps an evening movie session with the family, followed by dinner from one of my favourite restaurants and a nice bottle of wine! Getting through the day without a tantrum or boy fight would be an added bonus. We know you enjoy good food and cooking at home, do you have any kid-friendly recipes you can share? I'm all about quick dishes with big flavours. I’m sharing one of my favourite, super simple dinner recipe. It's an Indian style chicken curry which my kids love as much as my husband and I do!
