Model and lawyer dubbed Australia's Amal Clooney, 29, shares the tragic reason why she has chosen to follow a strict organic diet

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Jessica Kahawaty, from Sydney, has recently opened up about the sad events that led her to follow a strict organic diet.

Often touted as an Amal Clooney lookalike, the 29-year-old is the model taking the runway by storm, while also being a lawyer, TV host and charity worker - but it hasn't always been such smooth sailing.  

'We do only eat organic at home. Both my parents were diagnosed with cancer at the same time in 2015. It was really difficult,' she told Body+Soul.

'We went through a lot of lifestyle changes then and researched ways to really reduce the risk and live healthier lifestyles.' 

Jessica Kahawaty (pictured) has recently opened up about the sad events that led her to follow such a strict organic diet

Jessica uses chemical-free, vegan products for cleaning around the home

This means that Jessica uses chemical-free, vegan products for cleaning around the home as well as for her toiletries.

She also eats plant-based meals as often as she can.

'I won't eat meat or chicken that is not organic. Sometimes, I'll put myself on a vegan diet for a week, and I find myself in a more energetic state, and less lethargic,' she said.

'But I love all sorts of food, and think everything in moderation is great.'

Apart from her parents both being diagnosed with cancer at the same time, Jessica also had another health lesson earlier this year when she was working herself ragged.

Often touted as an Amal Clooney lookalike, the 29-year-old is the model taking the runway by storm, while also being a lawyer, TV host and charity worker

'I won’t eat meat or chicken that is not organic. Sometimes, I’ll put myself on a vegan diet for a week, and I find myself in a more energetic state, and less lethargic,' she said

'In one week I was on a plane for 70 hours. Sure, it's good to have extreme and intense times of working and travelling, but you also need to give your body a break, so you're not just functioning on adrenaline, which is what happened to me – then I crashed.'

Even if you're not that stressed, she said you should 'give your body the rest it needs'.  

Jessica is the master of balancing a busy schedule, whether it be hosting Project Runway Middle East, acting or jetting overseas with UNICEF on humanitarian missions. 

Apart from her parents both being diagnosed with cancer at the same time Jessica also had another health lesson earlier this year when she was working herself ragged

But despite her commitments, the stunning 29-year-old is always able to maintain a stable beauty routine and improvises her workouts no matter where she is in the world.

She previously spoke to FEMAIL ahead of storming the runway for Kookai and revealed her top beauty and health secrets and the advice she has for young models wishing to follow in her footsteps. 

'For me it does get a little tricky to stick to a routine because I am travelling every seven to ten days,' Jessica said. 

Jessica is the master of balancing a busy schedule, whether it be hosting Project Runway Middle East, acting or jetting overseas with UNICEF on humanitarian missions

Previously she spoke to FEMAIL ahead of storming the runway for Kookai (pictured), Jessica revealed her top beauty and health secrets and the advice she has for young models wishing to follow in her footsteps 

'But there are a few key things I try and stick to as much as possible.

'One thing I do try and do often is sleep until around 10am - I am not a morning person at all and I prefer to stay up very late to around 1am or 2am.

'I find that my most creative ideas come at this time so I'm often on the phone to my manager and team in different countries at all hours.'

With her beauty routine, Jessica says she's 'very strict' and likes to maintain it no matter where she is in the world.

'For me it does get a little tricky to stick to a routine because I am travelling every seven to ten days,' Jessica said

'One thing I do try and do often is sleep until around 10am - I am not a morning person at all and I prefer to stay up very late to around 1am or 2am,' she said

'I never sleep with make up on and I wash twice a day with activated charcoal cleansers - morning and evening,' she said. 

'I use all natural products and love using jojoba oil mud masks, dead sea masks and DIY masks - I love using sugar and cinnamon, especially on my lips.'

She has also revealed previously that she uses rose flower water as toner and SPF 50+ every day.

Jessica also has warm water with Manuka honey from New Zealand in it every morning without fail - something she credits for her glowing skin and improved immunity. 

'I never sleep with make up on and I wash twice a day with activated charcoal cleanses - morning and evening,' she said

'The degree is a part of me and I've got such a deep knowledge now of everything I am passionate about. I have so many plans and can't wait to do more work with UNICEF on an international scale,' Jessica said 

'I have actually never tried coffee in my life (shocking I know) but I find the Manuka honey water gives me all the energy I need for the day,' Jessica said.

With her diet, Jessica is all about moderation and describes herself as a 'massive foodie'. 

'I won't lie, I love food and I cook a lot. Because we are a Lebanese family we always cook up big feasts and while I enjoy everything I just focus on keeping the portions small,' she said. 

'In the lead up to a runway show like this I do try to eat healthier and follow a low carb diet and low gluten to prevent bloating but I am a huge chocolate fan so I never cut that out!

Jessica also has warm water with Manuka honey from New Zealand in it every morning without fail - something she credits for her glowing skin and improved immunity

'In the lead up to a runway show like this I do try to eat healthier and follow a low carb diet and low gluten to prevent bloating but I am a huge chocolate fan so I never cut that out!' She said

'The key for me is doing what my body responds to most so I find that I respond better to carbs in winter and at other times my body tells me to eat healthier foods.' 

The one thing she rarely eats, however, is plane food.

'I really dislike it and avoid it where I can,' she said. 

With her workout regime, Jessica says it changes from location to location. 

'Workouts are the hardest to maintain as I have a highly intense schedule for example at New York Fashion Week recently I didn't exercise at all because I had way too many shows and event appearances,' Jessica said

Speaking about the Kookai SS 17/18 runway on Wednesday night, Jessica said it took a little more preparation than an editorial shoot

'This is the hardest thing to maintain as I have a highly intense schedule for example at New York Fashion Week recently I didn't exercise at all because I had way too many shows and event appearances,' Jessica said. 

'I use hotel gyms where I can but I do love swimming as much as possible, I used to be a professional swimmer and it's one of my favourite forms of exercise.' 

Jessica, who has a Bachelor of Law and Finance, said her degree has been hugely helpful in her career - but for now, doesn't plan on practising law.  

Jessica, who has a Bachelor of Law and Finance, said her degree has been hugely helpful in her career - but for now, doesn't plan on practising law

'It's about ethics as much as it is about looks. Looks can help you get a foot in the industry but what gives a model longevity is how had she works and the impression she leaves behind - we all have a story,' she said 

'It's a complement to what I do as I studied human rights law and it really helps with my charity work and the issues I advocate for,' Jessica said. 

'The degree is a part of me and I've got such a deep knowledge now of everything I am passionate about. I have so many plans and can't wait to do more work with UNICEF on an international scale.' 

Jessica said her advice for young, up and coming models is to simply work hard. 

'I started at 14 and have worked ever since, and I've worked very very hard,' Jessica said. 

'I started because my mum was a model and she had an incredible work ethic too. It's also really important to be kind to people you work with and to leave a really good impression.

'It's about ethics as much as it is about looks. Looks can help you get a foot in the industry but what gives a model longevity is how hard she works and the impression she leaves behind - we all have a story.'