Hey there,
I’m super excited to share with you a dose of joy today from the delightful Joy McCarthy of Joyous Health. Everything this woman does radiates with positivity, and her book is no exception. A fellow Institute of Holistic Nutrition grad, this gal has been spreading the message of self empowerment, delicious whole foods, and finding your balance through her well loved blog for a few years. People who spread joy and health make me happy, so I’m glad to share this book review and interview with you, my friends. She also inspired me to make a delicious green matcha coconut latte, which I will share with you in my next post.
I love a good fun and engaging food and nutrition read. This book isn’t just a recipe book. It’s a full on guide to healthy vibrant living, broken down into easy to follow sections to help map out your path to total wellness. You will find information on everything from how to give your kitchen a makeover, boost your mood, and how to get your gut health on track. The pictures in the book are gorgeous and inspire you to cook nourishing healthy and delicious meals. Throughout the book you will find Joy’s super helpful tips, like
“Natural” luncheon meats? If you see the ingredient “celery root extract” listed, steer clear! It’s the same thing as nitrate, which converts to sodium nitrate when eaten.
There are many delicious and nutritious recipes ranging from the basics, like Vanilla Almond Milk and Farmers Market Bruschetta, to over the top fun like Sangria Kombucha! Dessert anyone? Pear Tart with Cashew Maple Cream, oh my:) Reading this book is a great reminder that it’s not just about the food, to be truly content in life you need to have a joyous attitude and be kind to yourself. The extra tidbits like “I have a beautiful body. I love all parts of me. I am perfectly perfect.” will inspire you to be just that!
Here is my interview with the delightful and joyous nutritionist and author, Joy McCarthy! Enjoy:)
A. What was the catalyst that led you to be a holistic nutritionist?
J. I feel like I’ve been a student of nutrition my whole entire life. The power of food to heal or harm has fascinated me for years and it wasn’t until I suffered from my own health challenges that I decided to go back to school to student nutrition and make a complete career change after being in Marketing/Advertising for 7 years. In my twenties I suffered from major digestive problems which were linked to my hormonal imbalance, hair loss, dry skin and depression. It wasn’t until I corrected my digestive health, made lifestyle changes, started taking nutritional supplements to correct my deficiencies that I was able to heal from the inside out. Being unwell and then healing myself was the catalyst to change and become a holistic nutritionist so I could make a contribution to people’s lives and help them achieve optimal health and wellness — joyous health!
A. Three powerfoods that are inspiring you in the kitchen right now?
- J. Cauliflower: Not fancy or exotic but I’m loving cauliflower right now! I love roasting it or sautéing it, making a soup with it or eating it raw. Move over kale, cauliflower is the new reigning queen! There’s a great recipe for mashed cauliflower with goat cheese in my book that’s wonderful for those who need a good substitute for mash potatoes
- Coconut Flour: I’m a little obsessed with coconut flour because it’s contains more fiber than any other flour so it’s really fulfilling and it’s also a great source of protein. Pancakes are my favourite way to use coconut flour.
- Matcha tea: I’ve been making my own coconut milk lately and using it to make a matcha latte. I LOVE matcha because it’s energizing yet doesn’t leave you drained like caffeine from coffee. Plus it’s chock FULL of antioxidants. It’s my secret weapon against aging!
A. Your favourite healthy indulgence of the moment?
J. Probably chocolate — I absolutely LOVE Giddy YoYo’s mint chocolate. It’s the perfect mid aft snack or after dinner sweet treat. It is so rich and intense I am totally satisfied with 2 squares.
A. We are in an industry that is constantly evolving with a wealth of new info and the ‘it’ diet of the moment. What would be your suggestion for someone struggling to find what works for them?
J. Really listen to your body. Most people focus too much on a number on the scale. Focus more on how you feel, for example – how is your energy, how are you sleeping, how’s your sex drive, how happy are you? These are better indicators of health rather than obsessing over a dress size or the number on a scale. Be comfortable in your own skin first and foremost and you will reach your goals. Weight loss is a side effect of joyous health!
A. What is the biggest misconception about healthy living you find yourself having to clear up to clients/fans?
J. That healthy food is boring. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I think many people have this misconception because they think that healthy food means no fat and no flavour. Healthy is the new delicious! There are so many wonderful ways to flavour food from herbs and spices and good fats.
A. Your absolute favourite gush worthy recipe in your cookbook?
J. Oh this is so hard to choose! Probably the black bean chia brownies or the overnight strawberry chia pudding — both are delicious and nutritious!
A. What is the most important message you hope to get across in your book?
J. You can eat and live joyously without dieting!
A. Your go to dinner on a busy weeknight?
J. Pizza Libretto in Toronto! My fave meal is the pear walnut arugula salad and margarita pizza with extra basil on spelt! Plus a glass of red wine.
A. Balance. We all strive for it, but during stressful and especially busy times we sometimes put our own health on the back burner. Any tips on how to stay healthy when life is throwing you many curve balls all at once?
J. I try to have balance but I will admit I’m certainly not perfect at this and it’s something that I’m always working on. When I feel like I’m getting thrown too many curveballs and I can’t handle it, I take an afternoon off or a day to rejuvenate and disconnect from technology. It doesn’t normally take me very long to feel like I’ve recharged my battery.
A. What does your morning routine look like?
J. Wake up, drink lemon and water, do my own yoga practice, eat breakfast and then head on in to my office.
A. I would rather eat dirt than..
J. Eat McDonalds.
A. Ryan Gosling or David Wolff ~ Who’s hotter?
J. Ryan Gosling is pretty dreamy.
Thank you joy! Get yourself a copy of this awesome, practical and inspiring health book: Joyous Health: Eat and Live Well without Dieting
