Wendyl's wisdom ‘THE POWER OF SELF CARE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|April 11, 2022
From her home in the Hokianga, the writer reveals why she switched up her diet, changed her outlook and penned a new book during the pandemic
Nicky Pellegrino
Wendyl's wisdom ‘THE POWER OF SELF CARE'

Former magazine editor and broadcaster Wendyl Nissen has left the city behind and forged a new simpler, healthier life in the Hokianga with her husband Paul Little plus a menagerie of chickens, dogs and cats. She has also written a new book, Natural Care, filled with inspiration to help New Zealanders look after ourselves and our land.

What inspired your latest book about natural living?

To be honest, I didn't think I had another one in me. I'd already done The Natural Home and A Natural Year. But then the pandemic hit and I realised that caring for yourself and other people was going to be even more important. I had started reading some worrying things, like if you're overweight then you'll get Covid-19 more severely. Also, my mother died in 2019. She had diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's and couldn't walk very far. I realised that I didn't want any of that for myself. I've never minded my size, but I was at risk of getting sick if I didn't take this seriously. So I started writing and by the time I'd finished, I had lost 23 centimetres from around my waist, given up social media and started making amazing compost so that my homegrown vegetables are more nutritious.

How did you lose the weight?

This story is from the April 11, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 11, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYView All
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024