Grace provides me with inspiration every time I have the pleasure of speaking with her. She is an amazing wife, mother, artist, sister, and friend! Since meeting her, she has played a pivotal role in shaping my thoughts on health, and has provided me with much motivation (and information!). I am so pleased to be able to share her with you all. Enjoy!
What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?
I would tell my 20 year old self to stop stressing so much, and take it easy. I would not work myself as hard. Sometimes school, work, and life in general put such a strain on my immune system that it literally made me sick. Now, I've learned that even when you are eating the right things, stress can still affect our health. Stress actually causes our body to be more acidic, making it more susceptible to sickness and disease. So now I try to laugh whenever I can, because, of course, laughter is healing! Laughter is the best medicine!
How would you define healthy living?
I believe that the key to living healthy is understanding that our physical and mental health is directly affected by the foods we eat, and the chemicals we are exposed to. Eating more organic, non-processed whole fruits and vegetables, will provide us with the necessary nutrients to keep our bodies working to their fullest potential. I also think that keeping an optimistic, positive, and thankful attitude in dealing with any situation results in a less stressful lifestyle, which is essential for the health of our mind, body & soul.
Was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier?
When I was in high school, I broke out with a bad case of acne. I tried to cover it up with makeup, which only made it worse. At the time, I was eating everything trying to "gain weight". So I decided that I would start cutting out certain things out of my diet one at a time. First, I stopped eating pork and beef. By the time I graduated from high school, I had stopped eating poultry, fish, and drinking soda. And yes, I had stopped wearing that makeup, which I realize now was the root cause of my acne. Also, I remembered watching my father suffer from heart disease- through several strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. He passed away when I was 11. So I decided that it would be best for me to stop eating meat altogether.
What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?
I believe in preventive healthcare. I don't want to wait until I get sick to do something about it. I'd rather spend the extra $ buying organic, with the least amount of toxic chemicals right now, in attempt to prevent spending $ later on hospital bills and harmful prescription drugs. I have learned that an overdose of toxins combined with a lack of nutrients may result to certain parts of our bodies not working to their fullest potential, and can eventually lead to organ failure or disease. So I try to keep my palate open to a wide variety of nutritious foods, and eating often and well balanced throughout the day.
What is the one natural product you can’t live without?
I would have to agree with you on the coconut oil. I can't live without my Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil ! I use it instead of butter or oil for cooking or baking pancakes, brownies, bread, or frying rice. I also use it as a moisturizer for mine and my babies' hair, face, and body. I know for a fact that it cures/prevents diaper rash pretty much overnight, and I've read that it is also antibacterial, antifungal. Sometimes I mix it with equal parts of olive
oil and grapeseed oil and use it all over after showering at night. I love it!
What piece of advice would you give your 20 year old self?
I would tell my 20 year old self to stop stressing so much, and take it easy. I would not work myself as hard. Sometimes school, work, and life in general put such a strain on my immune system that it literally made me sick. Now, I've learned that even when you are eating the right things, stress can still affect our health. Stress actually causes our body to be more acidic, making it more susceptible to sickness and disease. So now I try to laugh whenever I can, because, of course, laughter is healing! Laughter is the best medicine!
Anything else?
Everyday is an opportunity to learn something new. Life is all about transformation. I am blessed to have the opportunity to use what I learn, to give this world the best ME I have to offer. More importantly, live to love. Love passionately and sincerely. Live everyday thankfully and gratefully.
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