Dr Francois du Toit on working in Thailand, triathlons, and sourdough flapjacks
A naturopath, wellness coach and speaker writes about wellness as ‘a work of heart’, self-discovery, pushing oneself too hard, and a return to natural beauty.
1 You live and work in the town of your birth, George, situated on a coastal stretch known as the Garden Route. How would you describe George and its surroundings?
George is an oasis of natural beaty and diverse outdoor sports opportunities. It has become one of the largest growing cities in South Africa and the appeal is clear - a return to natural beauty.
2 You believe that “wellness is a work of heart.” What does this mean to you?
This emerged from an interesting brainstorming session and it’s a pun on "art" and "heart". To make art is to be in the creative mind, not the stressful state of mind most of us find ourselves in. Thus a key to wellness is being at rest, calm, and doing what you love doing. For me personally my mantra is "I love what I do, and I do what I love".
3 You describe yourself as a networker. How does this play out?
This came about after the time I spent in Thailand working for a luxury wellness sanctuary and spa. I saw how, when a team of wellness practitioners took hands to lead guests through health transformation, these guests’ lives were turned around in a very short space of time. Coming back to South Africa I wanted to re-create this and established a Wellness Network for the Garden Route which is now over 40 members strong. It’s about bringing like-minded people together and supporting "teamwork to make the dream work".
Also listen to Francois’s explanation of why your gut is key to your health and happiness.
4 You spent some time working in Thailand. Do say more!
For just over two years, I worked at Kamalaya on the island Koh Samui in a sought-after role mostly only available to experienced Naturopathic Doctors. The role gave me the opportunity to wear many hats, as our team were responsible for receiving guests, designing their health programs and coaching them through rapid health transformations.
5 You have a strong background in health and fitness, but once said you had “to rediscover movement as a form of pleasure and joy.”
I went through a phase of self-discovery, when the walls came crashing down and I needed to look at my motivations for pushing myself so hard. I went through a period (I am still in the process) of experimenting with more and more forms of movement that I can genuinely say I love, or at least say I am almost never bored with.
6 What about each of the 3 activities involved in competing in a triathlon appeals to you?
It wasn’t so much the 3 sports, as that I have a talent for running, and half marathons was the distance I could race in well. Since the half ironman (which was the first triathlon I chose to compete in) ends in a half marathon, I thought "I can do that and still finish well!"
7 What would your perfect day - or week - look like?
A perfect week would include an in-person workshop, where a group of people shift their mindset to achieving their wildest dreams. A perfect day is one where I can spend as much time outdoors as I choose, either meditating on the beauty of nature or exercising.
Image: Unsplash
8 Are you an enthusiastic cook, and what are your favourite foods?
I love cooking. I would say that, at the moment, my favourite food which I prepare myself is sourdough flapjacks, made from home-fermented starter culture. It goes really well with nearly any food. I like adding avocado, cottage cheese and scrambled eggs. When I prefer something sweet, I add some raw honey and cinnamon instead.
About Francois, including contact details
Dr Francois du Toit is a naturopath, wellness coach and speaker based in George. He offerings include massage, Chinese acupuncture and masterclasses. His approach extends beyond treating symptoms, focusing instead on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness.
Cell/WhatsApp: +27 60 458 6419
Email address: drfrancoisdutoit@gmail.com
Website: www.drfrancoisdutoit.com
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drfrancoisdutoit/videos
Audio podcast series: Search for “Wellness mastery with Dr. du Toit” on Spotify or your preferred platform
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drdutoit
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drfrancoisdutoit
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drfrancoisdutoit
Thumbnail image: Unsplash
Other images: Pexels, unless mentioned otherwise
Photographs of Dr Francois du Toit: provided