I am so happy to be bringing back our Beauty Detox Transformation stories here on the blog. I think it is so important for us all to share our journeys, because if you are going though something, chances are someone else is dealing with a similar struggle or situation.
This week we are sharing Hayley’s story! Thank you Hayley for sharing your experiences on your Beauty Detox journey that started in Kildare, Ireland. It was touching to hear that your overall health and well being has transformed from applying the Beauty Detox principles.
Let’s Meet Hayley…
How long have you been following the Beauty Detox philosophy? Was it easy to incorporate it into your lifestyle?
I have been following the Beauty detox philosophy now for about 2 years! I still remember the day I came across The Beauty Detox Foods book in a gorgeous place called The Elms in Kildare, Ireland. I felt like it literally jumped off the shelf at me. I opened it and glanced over one or two pages and it was like a ‘light bulb’ moment.
It couldn’t have come at a better time; previously I had been recommended something by my doctor that had a negative effect on my health. During a trip to Australia I had collapsed and been rushed to hospital with severe abdominal pains. I had developed acne, my hair started to fall out, and I had a swollen and uncomfortable stomach. I was constantly being sent for scans and being prescribed antibiotics for months on end. It was like a vicious circle.
At the time, I was working for MAC Cosmetics. I remember calling in sick because I couldn’t face being surrounded by mirrors.
I would wake up and cry out of frustration. I also hadn’t had a menstrual cycle for over a year. I was desperately looking for answers when I came across The Beauty Detox Foods.
Once I began reading the book I started to listen to my body more. I saw the affects I was experiencing were my body’s way of telling me something wasn’t right.
I had also visited a Naturopathic doctor and had some regular acupuncture sessions. I’ve always been into fitness but I also started practicing yoga 3 to four times a week.
Although I do eat fish I haven’t eaten red meat since a very young age and I have always loved my fruit and veggies. I did find it hard at times though to be inspired in the kitchen so reading the recipes in Kimberly’s books had my mouth watering instantly!
My first steps were to invest in a good juicer and blender!
What is your daily regimen? Give us an example of a typical meal plan and exercise routines
I am now a freelance make-up artist which I guess means I can be anywhere on any day so meal planning can be essential for me especially when on location or driving long distances.
I love waking up to a Glowing Green Smoothie! It really does set me up for the day; on days where I might be unprepared I will have a hot water and lemon. I like to mix it up by adding ginger, mint or lime, etc., also, I honestly credit this daily juice for clearing my skin!
For breakfast I love the buckwheat gluten-free vegan pancakes with maple syrup, I also like to sprinkle some bee pollen on top with mixed berries and banana. Alternatively I’ll have gluten free toast and avocado.
For lunch I love the Earthy Oregano Kale Salad that sometimes I might have with a protein depending on what kind of day I have ahead.
Generally my dinners will involve an array of vegetables, sweet potatoes, beans or lentils of some sort, brown rice, or buckwheat noodles. I love experimenting with different sauces so I will always have coconut cream at hand with garlic and spices like turmeric.
I exercise 5-6 days a week, be it yoga practice or strength and conditioning training, so I really enjoy my meal times! I love to practice my yoga at night as it helps me to relax and unwind especially after some days I might be standing for hours in the same spot.
I once brought in some bite size pieces of the raw chocolate ginger stacked cake with frosting after a grueling group workout at the gym. They went down as a guilt free treat!
How do you feel after adopting the Beauty Detox lifestyle? What changes have you experienced?
Wow where do I start…. Since adopting the Beauty Detox lifestyle I feel like a completely new person. It has had so many positive effects on my life and has opened my mind in so many other ways also. My skin has cleared and my hair dresser has even commented on the growth and thickening of my hair, which I never thought was possible!
I no longer have any severe bloating and my migraines have disappeared, within a month of following the Beauty Detox lifestyle and regular yoga practice, my cycle also returned to normal.
How has this impacted your outlook on life?
I have a new found confidence in myself and a clearer mind. I’m more aware of having positive energy in every aspect of my life. I followed my dream of becoming a freelance make-up artist and am gradually making my way through a list of solo trips around the world!
I’m inspired every time I see a post or picture up from Kimberly at different locations. I’ve just recently returned from California where I traveled the coast and attended a personal retreat at Esalen, which was beyond magical.
My friends and family also joke that now they receive a Glowing Green Smoothie when they visit instead of a cup of tea!
My dad always has a large stock of avocados and kale when I visit them in Zurich and he’s even started growing his own lemons!
What is your favorite recipe and why?
One of my favorite recipes has to be the Kale, Carrot, Pinto Bean and Quinoa Stew. I love it at any time of the year but especially as the winter months get colder. It brightens me up and keeps me warm inside.
If you are anywhere near my house on a Friday night this usually means gluten free pizza night, even to the point my local health shop guy asks me what toppings I’m going for tonight. Owner, Wilma, even gave me some vegan cheese, as a treat to try on top, a few weeks ago!
What words of encouragement do you have for others in the Beauty Detox Community?
I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is to listen to my body and mind. Although we might feel like life can run away from us sometimes we are all in control of our own happiness and future.
Surround yourself with positive thoughts and people. Above all be kind to yourself.
Thank You Hayley!
I hope everyone is feeling inspired after reading this! Hayley, you are an inspirational beauty and it has been amazing to read about your transformation applying The Beauty Detox principles. We all support you, and are honored to have your beautiful spirit in our community. Keep going, Beauty!!
I encourage you to enjoy your weekend by doing something for yourself, taking a moment to pause and be grateful for the abundance you have in your life. Even when something comes up that feels challenging, if we can see the flip side and view it as a chance to grow and evolve, we can see it as a blessing.
If you too want to share your story, please contact Katelyn our community manager at Katelyn@kimberlysnyder.com — we’d love to feature you!
See you back here soon.
With love and gratitude,
Kimberly
This is why we keep on going and blessed be the people out there trying to impact others in such a positive and life-changing way like my role model Kimberly Snyder. This makes me feel so connected to the universe knowing that other beautiful souls out there are also doing such good for themselves and essentially, others, in the bigger picture. When we live healthier and treat ourselves and bodies with this respect and honor that Kimberly teaches, we become happy/[ier] naturally, making the world a better place. Thank you for sharing your story Hayley and of course, Kimberly, I am always grateful for being fortunate enough to learn from such an amazing and unique leader.