Abby Jackways on raising awesome kids!
Photos: Troy Tanner
Abby Jackways: professional snowboarder, business owner, mum
Meet Abby Jackways, a professional snowboarder and 3 times World Heli Champion, business owner but first and foremost a mum to Lillian, 8, and Bohdi, 6.
Abby Says “We have a family first policy so the kids are the main priority - keeping them happy and healthy. We love nature & sport so getting amongst all sorts of games and activities i.e. biking, skateboarding, netball, bush walks, swimming, golfing, hitting the mountains and so much more. This is how we live our everyday life and what we truly love”.
Abby runs two businesses with her husband Will Jackways (also a kiwi snowboarding legend). Explore Wanaka - snow tours, golf tours and media production and a “humming” roofing business called Alpine Roofing.
Abby works across both businesses, alongside Will. “You name it we do it. It's great fun and it keeps us busy and life interesting”
We asked Abby a few questions about living life to the best and raising awesome kids!
What does healthy mean to you?
Feeling good within ourselves -eating well, getting exercise and getting into nature
What is the importance of eating fruits and vegetables every day?
Eating fruit and veg is so important - it’s a crucial part of our diets and we couldn’t go without them!
What are some examples of healthy snacks on regular rotation at your house?
Carrots and hummus
Nuts
Apple and cheese or pear and cheese
Almond butter and banana on toast or popcorn cracker
How can we make our meals more colourful and nutritious?
Get creative with your choice of fruit and veg we have recently been eating purple cauli, the kids think it’s so fun. It’s pretty colourful!
Why is it important to read food labels and understand what's in our food?
Because it's good to take ownership of what you are eating and good to know what makes you feel good or not so good. So much food these days is processed so it’s good to aim at a whole food diet as much as possible
What are some fun ways to involve kids in meal planning and cooking?
Asking the kids what they feel like! Try eating different meals from different countries, our kids love this and it gets them trying all sorts. Even just getting them to help chopping and making pizza and choosing their own toppings is another fun one, they love making faces etc.
What does the term "sustainable food product" mean to you?
Something that is grown locally or made in New Zealand, generally
What is the importance of reducing food waste in sustainable food practices?
Helping to save the planet one apple at a time!
What are some ways to support sustainable and local food systems in your community?
Buying it! And, of course telling your friends and family.
Favourite thing to do with your kids?
Everything! I love being Lilian and Bodhi’s mum
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Magic healer- so I could cure diseases
What's your go-to comfort food?
Dark chocolate
What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
Flown a small plane over the Golden Gate bridge
Favourite NaturKidz product?
Absolutely the Gold Kiwi Slices!
If you fancy a bit of what Abby and Will offer at Explore Wanaka you can check it out HERE