#MOTHERMUSE Jessica Hoskins
Introducing clinical nutritionist & herbalist Jessica Hoskins (@nourishedbyjessica). By combining evidence-based nutrition with the wisdom of naturopathic and traditional medicine, Jessica offers a whole-person, root-cause, and effective approach to your health.
We chat to our latest #MOTHERMUSE and mother of three about how she keeps her family nourished everyday and all her favourite rituals to also keep herself nourished.
How do you start your day, Mama?
How I start my day often depends on what’s happening around me, but I usually aim to wake up an hour before the kids to enjoy some calm before the chaos of getting three children ready for school. I always begin with a glass of water and apple cider vinegar, followed by a few minutes outside. I try to fit in 15-20 minutes of resistance/ weight bearing exercise before the kids are up, though more often than not, I end up squeezing it in between making lunches and walking to the bus stop!
Conversely, how do you end your day?
I like to have a little reset before winding down, as I find my nervous system benefits from having a tidy space to help me start the day well. I also work best with habit sequencing, so the more I can prepare for the next morning, the better my chances of getting off to a calm and productive start. I generally brew a pot of herbal tea before putting the kids to bed, so once the bedtime routine is done and I've set up for the next day, it's a simple but lovely way to end my day.
During the busiest years of motherhood, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. What do you do when your body needs to recover?
The most valuable advice I can offer any mother is to surrender. There is immense pressure on us as women to do it all, and self-care often adds more tasks on a never-ending to-do list, leaving us feeling inadequate when we can't get to them. It truly takes a village to raise a family, especially if we want to prioritise all the things we know we should be doing, but often that village simply isn't there—or at least, not all the time. Some days, everything falls into place, while on others, the flow just isn’t there. Surrendering to this imperfection allows you to take things one step at a time, and it brings a huge sense of relief to your nervous system.
Secondly, if you're feeling constantly exhausted, on edge, foggy, or just not like yourself—it's important to know that while these feelings are common for many mothers, they don't have to be your norm. I know it can be hard to prioritise yourself, especially when you’re used to putting everyone else first. But your health and wellbeing are the foundation for everything else in your life. Taking the time to explore the underlying causes and invest in yourself is one of the most valuable things you can do, both for you and your family. I work with many mothers in similar situations, helping them discover what true self-care means, restore their energy, and feel more like themselves again.
What’s your morning skincare routine like? Do you prefer natural skincare?
I only use toxin-free and fragrance-free skincare, and after years working in women’s health, this is something I’m incredibly passionate about—especially when it comes to guiding younger generations. I don’t have the time for a complicated routine, so my mornings are usually just a hyaluronic acid serum and either a tinted moisturiser or a little rosehip or jojoba oil. If I’m heading out into the sun, I always opt for a mineral SPF—Mother’s skin tint primer is a favourite as it feels so good on my skin! Keeping it simple and clean just works for me.
What do you look for in an SPF for yourself and your family?
Look for good mineral-based sunscreen, particularly those containing zinc oxide which provides broad-spectrum protection without the potentially harmful chemicals commonly found in conventional sunscreens. Like my skincare, I choose formulas that are fragrance-free, non-toxic, and free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals. With two of my children having sun-sensitive skin—quite different from my olive complexion—it’s essential that any sunscreen we use is gentle enough for long-term, daily application and entirely free of anything potentially harmful.
Sun exposure is vital for good health, supporting vitamin D synthesis, boosting mood, regulating circadian rhythms, and contributing to overall well-being. I believe we’ve been conditioned to fear the sun, but rather than avoiding it, we should work in harmony with nature. The key is to approach sun exposure mindfully, selecting the right time of day for outdoor activities and using protective measures when the sun is at its strongest, all while embracing the health benefits of natural sunlight.
How do you personally keep your skin glowing from the inside out? Any favourite herbs, rituals or skin foods?
For glowing skin from the inside out, I focus on nourishment both internally and externally. A whole foods diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and collagen-boosting nutrients is essential. Staples like avocados, berries, wild-caught fish, and greens play a big role. I also take a high-quality collagen supplement and include beef organ supplements for vitamins A and C, which are vital for skin health.
I prioritise gut health since the skin reflects internal balance. Fibre-rich produce supports digestion and detoxification, while probiotic foods like kefir and miso help maintain a healthy microbiome.
For extra skin support, I incorporate herbs like gotu kola for collagen, calendula for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, and nettle for its mineral content that strengthens skin, hair, and nails.
Lastly, I love dry body brushing before a shower to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, promoting healthy skin turnover.
As a nutritionist, what's always in your fridge?
In my fridge, you'll always find fresh seasonal produce, avocados, eggs from pasture-raised chickens, grass-fed butter, and a variety of fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso paste, and kefir. Wild-caught fish, grass-fed lamb and beef, and bone broth are also staples. I always keep greek yoghurt too.
What’s always in your pantry?
My pantry is stocked ghee, extra virgin olive oil, and high-quality coconut oil. I keep basmati rice, and buckwheat flour on hand as versatile, gluten-free grains. You’ll also find collagen powder, loads of dried herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin, along with tins of sardines and anchovies for their omega-3 content. I keep a supply of organic, minimally processed dark chocolate, honey and maple syrup for sweet treats.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour or habit has most improved your life?
The practice of setting stronger boundaries has had the biggest impact on my life. As a mother and practitioner, I am so used to putting others’ needs before my own, but it has lead to burnout more than once. Recognising that self-care can simply be taking breaks, setting limits with work, or ensuring I’m not overcommitting, has significantly improved my mental, emotional, and physical health. This shift has allowed me to show up more fully, both for my family and my clients.
Lastly, what’s your favourite activity to do with your family?
Our favourite family activity is getting outdoors and exploring nature together. It is usually the beach, river or spending time in the garden. Being outside allows us to connect, unwind, and soak up some sunshine. It’s a chance for us all to be present with each other, free from distractions, and hopefully create core memories.
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