Nicki Cured Her Acne With Beauty Detox!

It’s time for #featurefriday here on the blog!

I’m so happy to share with you the story of Nicki, a beautiful woman who is part of our Beauty Detox Community. She shares her journey from gradually eliminating certain foods from her diet to coping with her family’s concern with her new lifestyle towards overall health— applying the Beauty Detox lifestyle.

Meet Nicki…

How did you get started with the Beauty Detox lifestyle?

I was attracted to the Beauty Detox philosophy because of the passion behind it and the facts that back it up. I remember the shock and empowerment I felt when I read The Beauty Detox Solution for the first time.  All the science made total sense to me. I felt like I had uncovered the secret to health and I was determined to try it out for myself.

It was so unique compared to everything else I had been told about food. Kimberly doesn’t have an agenda she’s forcing upon her readers. You can tell she genuinely wants everyone to experience the freedom and excellent health she has from living this lifestyle, and that cannot be faked.

It has been a gradual process, but I’ve been following Beauty Detox principles for about a year and a half.  The first thing I changed was my morning routine.  Then I gave up dairy and significantly decreased my animal protein consumption. Since feeling the benefits in my body, I have no desire to go back to my old Standard American Diet ways.

I always start my day with hot water with lemon, followed by one of Kimberly’s Probiotics.  I practice yoga at home or with my mom at her house for about 30 minutes.  I absolutely love the Glowing Green Smoothie (GGS) because I’ve never liked traditional breakfast foods anyway, and it feels so good to start my day with something so pure.

I always use cucumber instead of celery and sometimes I’ll substitute a peach for the pear.  My favorite greens to use are kale and spinach.  I’m always trying new vegan recipes for lunch.  It’s often a bowl of soup, like the Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup (one of my favorites), and some baked veggies or a kale salad.

I also love having quinoa in the summer. I’ll often make a smoothie for my afternoon snack. I like the Rainforest Acai Smoothie because it has cacao in it, and I’m a chocolate lover. I have to think a little harder about dinner because I’m cooking for my husband as well.

Recently, he’s been loving the Beauty Detox recipes I’ve been making.  His favorites are the Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Lentil Meatballs, the Black Bean Burritos With Spicy Red Sauce, and Beauty Food-Paired Vegan and Gluten-Free Mac ‘N’ Cheese.

For sweet cravings, I stick to dairy-free dark chocolate and my go to dessert is the Chocolate Chip & Coconut Chia Pudding.  My husband and I both take Detoxy a few times a week as well.

The biggest differences I’ve experienced since beginning the Beauty Detox lifestyle has been an increase in energy and the improvement of my skin.  Following proper food combinations and eating Light to Heavy have given me so much more energy.

I’ve dealt with acne and a ruddy complexion since I was 13. At the age of 24, I decided I had to do something different. I began researching skin and that’s when I found the Beauty Detox books. I’m so thankful I did, because even though my skin is not perfect, it is gradually and significantly improving as I go deeper into the program.

The biggest obstacle has been the misguided concern and confusion I’ve felt from my family. Listening to Kimberly’s podcast has really helped me react to things people say when they don’t understand why I’ve changed my eating habits. I often bring my own food to family gatherings and now I take Kimberly’s advice when questions come up. Eating this way makes me feel good and that’s something that cannot be disputed.

Before starting this journey, I felt I had no control over my body. I thought prescription acne creams would be my solution, and when they didn’t work, I felt hopeless.  After discovering all the delicious food I can enjoy, and that I have control over the state of my body, I feel so free.

Even when I let my sweet tooth take over, I remember the phrase “progress not perfection” and I can move forward and continue on my journey.  It’s also a huge deal that my diet is now 98% vegan.  My husband is a hunter, so we were eating a lot of meat before I started the Beauty Detox lifestyle.

I used to not understand why anyone would give up meat or dairy, until I researched it and felt the benefits of the diet in my own body.  Occasionally, I eat a small amount of venison with dinner, of course with a salad first. The Beauty Detox books have completely changed my mind about the vegan diet. My husband has been incredibly supportive and has felt similar benefits in his body as well.

What is your favorite recipe and why?

My favorite Beauty Detox recipe is the Yellow Pepper and Caper Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (from The Beauty Detox Power). I often make it for lunch and it is so satisfying. I used to love chicken and since I no longer eat chicken, this is a great way for me to still enjoy the flavor of the capers and lemon!

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

I would encourage everyone in the Beauty Detox Community to never give up on yourself.  I know what it’s like to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. The key for me has been to make gradual changes at my own pace. It’s also extremely helpful to not keep foods around that still tempt me.  I’ve only been living this lifestyle for a short time and the future of my health has never looked brighter.