It was always obvious that Eat Fit Food founder Bianca Monley would one day work with food

EATING well has become a way of life and booming business for one mother

Eat Fit Food founder Bianca Monley relaxes at home in Woollahra. Picture: John Appleyard

• WHO: Bianca Monley, founder of food delivery service Eat Fit Food

• WHERE: Woollahra with husband Timothy Waugh, and children Harper, 4, Winter, 3, and Finn, 2

• FAVOURITE THING: It’s important my children know how food is grown and what comes from the sea. They are informed about everything they put in their mouth

• INSPIRATION: Warm and welcoming, and not too pristine

• HOME IS: The joy children can bring to you after a stressful day is awesome. Playing blocks with them just makes everything seem so simple

LOOKING back, it was fairly obvious that Bianca Monley would one day work with food. Growing up in the small New Zealand town of Wanaka, a young Bianca worked in her family’s restaurant where she was assigned various humdrum tasks, including cleaning
toilets and peeling potatoes.

Not to be discouraged, 10-year-old Bianca would also forage watercress in local waterways to use in the restaurant and sell to other local chefs. Those entrepreneurial skills came into play when she launched her wholefood meal delivery service, Eat Fit Food, in Sydney.

Starting as a one-woman business in 2002, Bianca now employs more than 50 staff including nutritionists and chefs, who produce more than 3000 meals daily in the Sydney and Melbourne kitchens.

Bianca Monley maintains a healthy work-life balance, in order to give her three children her undivided attention away from the office.

AT HOME WITH NICK DE LA HOYDE

Stars Hugh Jackman, Miranda Kerr, Megan Gale, Lara Worthington and Michael Klim have all used the service, and it was rated by Gwyneth Paltrow’s website GOOP as one of the top home food delivery services in the world.

Bianca says she tries to maintain a healthy work-life balance, in order to give her children Harper, 4, Winter, 3, and Finn, 2, her undivided attention away from the office.

“I work very hard, but when I am with my children I am with them 100 per cent,” Bianca says. “When I am at home I either turn my phone off or put it in aeroplane mode. I am a very present mum.

“The business can be challenging, but all that disappears when I come home. It can be chaotic, but there’s a sense of fun and happiness that brings you back to the simple things,” she says.

“I have a lot more going on now than when I started the business so I have to
be organised to be able to do it all. I exercise and meditate — to be a great mother and boss, those two things are non-negotiable.”

More: eatfitfood.com.au

Bianca Monley with her children, Finn, 2, Winter, 3, and Harper Waugh, 4.

Aje blazer: It’s a classic. It’s black, comfortable, smart and goes with everything

Lorna Jane tights: We have fitness Friday at work where we wear our exercise clothes. We might go for a jog, do some burpees (squat thrusts) or run up the stairs. We try to mix it up.

Brown, the cat: He’s 13, and he’s been with me since before my husband and children. He is very affectionate and has the personality of a dog. He wants to be the centre of attention.

Rag and Bone hat: I love wearing hats on the weekend. My sister gave me this one and it’s very special to me. She has great style.

Boxing gloves: I do a boxing session once a week. It’s a great release and it makes me feel happy and positive. It releases any tension you have from work or the stresses of life.

Artwork: Italian artist Marco Lorenzetto came to live with us for a few months and painted this artwork. We cooked food together and he was here when my youngest child was born. His art is very special to us.

T2 book: Maryanne Shearer (founder of T2) is my business mentor. This is a fantastic book and it inspired me to keep going with my business.

Adidas running shoes: I am often in fitness gear. I really enjoy exercising, it keep me positive and motivated with the up and down of running a business and having three children.

Blue bull: This came from a vintage shop in Sydney. The colour drew me to it. The bull stands strong and keeps pushing through. I like what it represents.

Marc Jacobs sunglasses: They are smart, chic and classic and they go everywhere with me.