It’s time for #featurefriday here on the blog!
I’m so happy to share with you the story of Amélie, a beautiful young woman who is part of our Beauty Detox Community. She shares her journey from trying various programs to curb her sugar cravings to finding a more permanent solution to her overall health, by applying and living the Beauty Detox lifestyle.
Meet Amélie…
How did you get started with the Beauty Detox lifestyle?
For about three years I tried to control my sugar cravings. I went through different programs but never stuck to any in particular. I mostly combined principles from each of them. In the end, I didn’t get any results. I decided to commit to the Beauty Detox Solution program when I saw all the resources and support around it.
I have never found a program that would cover the topic of food in all of its aspects as much as Kimberly’s. It became easy to follow the program because it felt natural and empowering to give my body what it truly needed.
How long have you been following the Beauty Detox principles?
I started the Beauty Detox three months ago. At first I was inconsistent with the meal planning which got me off track quickly. The Glowing Green Smoothie Challenge helped me create a routine and apply the principles daily. I thought it would take months before seeing results but the changes appeared early enough to keep me motivated and consistent.
Explain your average day? Give us an example of a typical meal plan and exercise routines.
Every morning starts with a 24oz Glowing Green Smoothie®. I normally use the low sugar recipe since I am starting the program and trying to find balance. I drink it on my way to work which is a fifteen minute walk and throughout the morning at work. If I get hungry in the morning but still have time waiting for lunch I eat fruits or oatmeal with water, chia seeds and cinnamon.
At lunch I always start with a salad. I keep it simple using one or two kinds of greens with lemon juice and hemp seeds. One of my favorite lunches is a brown rice tortilla with spinach or microgreens, avocado, tomato and quinoa. This recipe also allows me to use anything I have handy in the fridge. I prepare lunch every night and sometimes I need to do it fast— so it is a great option.
Near the end of my work day I like to drink a Power Protein Smoothie to get enough support and energy for my yoga class later in the afternoon. Since I start work early, I practice before dinner for about an hour and a half. I attend a Hatha or Hatha flow class at a yoga studio. If I can’t make it to the studio, I like practicing at home with online classes.
Every night I prepare dinner if there are no leftovers and my lunch for the next day. I often prepare warmer meals because I live in a place where it’s cold most of the year. I love soups with brown rice and of course a salad. I found a vegan, gluten-free probiotic brand here in Montreal that I started using. I must say, it’s really helpful in reducing the bloating I experience sometimes, at the end of the day.
What is the biggest difference you feel after adopting the Beauty Detox lifestyle? What obstacles did you face?
Before the Beauty Detox, I would experience recurrent abdominal pain, heartburn and cramps. I would also be tired for most of the day. My skin looked pale, dry and unhealthy. I committed to a plant-based diet as soon as the GGS Challenge started.
Within two weeks, I got my energy back. Instead of getting tired around lunch time, I would finish my work day and still have energy for my yoga practice. After a meal, I feel light and I am able to listen to my body whether I ate enough or not.
Digestion is easy and my under eye circles have faded away. One of the most noticeable changes is my skin tone. It is definitely more even, healthy and vigorous.
I do find it difficult sometimes to apply the principles in family or friends meeting. I would blame myself if I would eat non-beauty foods even if it was just once a week. Now that I am conscious of what I accomplish I aim for progress instead of perfection.
How has following the Beauty Detox Principles impact your outlook on life?
The Beauty Detox brought me beyond the thought of how a healthy diet can impact on your body. It made me experience it. The changes are just as impressive as the consciousness I developed when I feed my body. It is the best gift I can give myself for the rest of my life. It is amazing how you can focus on more things when your body is at peace.
What is your favorite recipe and why?
I love the Vegan Mushroom Soup (in the Beauty Detox Foods book). It reminds me of my grandmother’s soup. It is so comforting! I was so surprised when I saw the creamy texture even without using milk and flour! It makes me feel grounded and satisfied without the discomforts the dairy version can cause. I like to serve it with gluten-free croutons and micro greens.
What words of encouragement do you have for others in the Beauty Detox Community?
The plant-based diet has taken a sacred place in my lifestyle. I create peaceful moments cooking with my music on and focusing on the beauty of such colorful and healthy foods. It’s almost meditative! I encourage all Beauties to put their heart and love into this process. May you all find balance.
Thank you Amélie…
I hope everyone is feeling inspired after reading this True Beauty story! We are all so proud of you Amélie!! You are an inspiration to the community and to those who have similar battles in overcoming their cravings and making adjustments in the daily lives.
There are many of us Beauties who crave sugar, and it is so inspiring to see how you were able to move forward in your life by becoming more aware of the impact food has on our mind, body and spirit.
It has been amazing to read about your transformation applying The Beauty Detox principles in your life and being vulnerable enough to share your story in hopes of helping others. We all support you Amélie. Keep up the great work, Beauty!
If you too want to share your story, please contact Katelyn our community manager at Katelyn@kimberlysnyder.com — we’d love to feature you!
I encourage you to take a moment to pause (breathe!) and be grateful for the abundance you have in your life. You have so much strength you can pull from and use to make incredible changes in your life, no matter how you feel right at this moment. If Amélie can do it, and I can do it, so can you.
Sending you lots of love,
Kimberly
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing!
Hey Kimerly, hope all is well with you and baby boy. I wanted to ask if it’s terrible that I rather almond milk original which is sweetened. I also love making your spring glowing green drink and was wondering if it’s terrible that I rather it than the original. I know you say its best to switch up the greens but I like the spring mix spinach mango banana lime version very much. Is it ok? I would also love to know the exact measurements to the chia gel you make if you don’t mind. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you
Alma
Hi Alma and thanks for checking out Amelie’s story and for your feedback on the Spring GGS. First, I choose unsweetened almond milk because we don’t want to put more burden on the digestion process with added sugars. If you need to have the sweetended kind, maybe try to wean off using half unsweetened and half sweetened, until you can eliminate sweetened for good. Otherwise, the occasional sweetened is better than other alternatives.
As for my Spring GGS, I’m so happy you love it. I always encourage you to switch things up but if you favor one over the other, that’s okay too. It’s just good to try and get the variety of fruits and veggies into your system. Try to alternate days with the GGS then the Sping GGS and see how that goes for you. I’ll be putting out a new blog soon on another version you can add to your list!
The chia gel can be made easily with 2 tablespoons of chia and 1 cup of water. Depending on how often you think you’ll use it, you can double the recipe. I would use the gel within 2-3 days, for best results.
With all food choices, progress, not perfection is a great thing to remember. We have to be proud of ourselves that we are making healthier choices, rather than none at all.
Keep up the great work Beauty and sending lots of love ! ;)
Thank you so much for the response and all the feedback! Will do my best to make some changes.?
Hi Alma and thanks for reading Amelie’s story. If you think you’d be interested (in the future), to be part of a transformation story, keep track of your progress. Write a daily journal and takes lots of pics! Before and after shots are great, since this allows all of us Beauties to see the positive results that come from implementing the Beauty Detox lifestyle into our daily lives. If you’re interested in the future, please contact our Project Manager, Katelyn, at: katelyn@kimberlysnyder.com Sending you lots of love and encouragement! ;)
Thank you! I’ll keep this in mind?