Today’s story is from a very special young woman named Mariela. I think it is important for us all to share our vulnerabilities and struggles at times, because if you are going though something, chances are someone else is dealing with a similar struggle or situation. Our shared stories and words can help inspire others! And that is truly a precious, beautiful thing we can offer to one another.

Mariela found The Beauty Detox lifestyle at a time in her life when she really felt she needed some support.  She shares her journey and how her perspective shift of looking at the world differently transformed her life and the way she views it. Mariela gained the confidence she desired and the joy she craved by incorporating the Beauty Detox principles into her life…wow! 

Meet Mariela…

How long have you been following the Beauty Detox philosophy? Was it easy to incorporate it into your lifestyle?

I first found out about the Beauty Detox philosophy when I was 17 and at a loss: I didn’t know how I could begin to recover my mental and physical health, and I was young and easily swayed by whatever the next “new thing” was.

A good friend a little older than me recommended I read The Beauty Detox Solution and since April this year I’ve been an avid “Beauty Detox” follower.

The nutrition aspect of Beauty Detox was incredibly easy to incorporate into my lifestyle as I was already vegan at the time. The increase in green veggies did take a few weeks to get used to!

What has taken more consistent effort on my part has been using Beauty Detox principles to help my mental health. Kimberly’s Podcasts have been excellent support and inspiration for that, though, so I feel as though I am well on my way.

What is your daily regimen? Give us an example of a typical meal plan and exercise routines.

I generally wake up a 5:45am, do a few sun salutations, drink 500mL water, and head out the door for my hour-long morning walk. When I get back (around 7am), I take 30 minutes to prepare and eat a healthy, mindful breakfast.

While I prepare it, I drink my warm water with lemon and take my Beauty Detox probiotic (and a flax oil capsule every other day).

If I don’t have a big salad planned for later on in the day, I will make up a batch of the Glowing Green Smoothie. Generally, I just eat a few pieces of fruit and some oatmeal cooked with water and blueberries.

During the day I’m always being challenged and stimulated, so I will just snack on some carrot and celery sticks.

When I get home in the evening, I help my family prepare a big, fresh salad for us to share, and my mum will have a Beauty Detox approved curry (or one of Kimberly’s warm meals), ready!

After dinner I indulge in some slow stretching and dance practice, or if I’m after something a bit harder I head to the gym for a quick HIIT and boxing session.

How do you feel after adopting the Beauty Detox lifestyle? What changes have you experienced?

I can honestly say that adopting the Beauty Detox lifestyle has been one of the best decisions of my (short so far!), life. I feel infinitely better.

People always comment on the smoothness and luster of my skin despite me being of prime acne age (18!), I have so much more energy and vitality, and I feel a general increase in self-contentment and real, genuine joy.

I still have my dark days, but I feel as though Kimberly has personally given me sources of inspiration (specifically her podcasts, her blog, and her most recent book – The Beauty Detox Power), that I can look to to lift my mood and re-inspire and re-invigorate me.

Thanks to her yoga program I’m also the most flexible and at peace that I have ever been!

How has this impacted your outlook on life?

Life suddenly has so much light in it. I feel more connected to myself and to the world around me. I am inspired to continue along a life path that seeks contentment and practices deep compassion.

What is your favorite recipe and why?

During the winter I absolutely adore the Vegetable Lasagna with Butternut Bechamel, but for a lighter summer meal you can’t go wrong with the Raw Taco Gorilla Wraps. Yum!

What words of encouragement do you have for others in the Beauty Detox Community?

Your health is the source of your earthly wealth, so do your best to uphold it through Beauty Detox nutrition, some exercise, and above all a practice of peace and mindfulness.

We are all beautiful beings of light, and we can enhance our ability to recognize this by using so many of the tools Kimberly has equipped us with through her blog and three books.

Cherish yourself and live a life full of love.

Thank You Mariela! 

I hope everyone is feeling uplifted after reading this! Mariela, you are a true inspiration and blessing to have in our amazing community. I can feel your beautiful light and spirit just from reading your words. Thank you, thank you for simply being YOU and contributing to the beauty in the world. Sending you much love.

It is so important for all of us to share our journey because if you are going through something, chances are someone else is going though the same thing! When you show openness, that courage and hope reaches out into the world and helps to light the way for others. :)

See you back here soon.