Melissa Leong for Womens Health Magazine Australia

She’s graced our TV screens for years, cheering and cajoling budding home cooks. But now #MelissaLeong (@fooderati) is stepping out of her comfort zone, adding new layers to a unique personal journey.

In many ways, Mel is a fitting first digital cover star as we usher in a new era of Women’s Health. For just as we, as a brand, seek to explore the multi-faceted world of wellness beyond the dumbbell or yoga mat, Mel, too, is proving that you can be just as at home poring over perfumes as you can perfecting jiu-jitsu moves. After all, life is a rich dish indeed.

“I think the lesson is to dare to dream and to say yes to zany opportunities because you just don’t know what’s around the corner.”

Click here to read the full interview with the food critic, presenter and author.

Head of brand and words @scarlett.keddie
Editorial director @yeayea.nah
Photography @stevenchee
Styling @grantpearce.inc
Makeup @pinkiiieee
Hair @richardkavanagh
Styling assistant @elisestaveley
Head of social @ariellekatos

On the cover, Melissa wears @Ajeathletica coat, @The_upside top, @Nagnata skirt, @Veja shoes, @Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades watch.