I was SO excited for this interview with Author, Nutritionist and Founder of Joyous Health, Joy McCarthy!
First of all, If you haven’t checked out the TLC Reading Corner featuring her book called “Joyous Health – Eat and Live Well Without Dieting”… GO CHECK IT OUT… (after you read this interview obv!)
So, the reason why I was so happy to interview Joy was because I truly believe that a lot of my dear ladies are in a very toxic relationship with their health.
We must understand that our health is a relationship. Health is about our emotional, physical and YES, spiritual stability. You can’t have one without the other. Yet, I see so many of us thinking our relationship with food is completely separate. We go on “diets” thinking there’s always a QUICK fix, but the truth is, your health is in your lifestyle.
Joy McCarthy does such a great job talking about why you need to kick the “diet” trend and get on the FEEL GOOD train through living a totally sustainable and healthy way of life.
Now enjoy this interview with Joy McCarthy!
TLC: You say Joyous Health is about healing from the inside out… Why is that important for women to know in order for them to sustain a healthy lifestyle?
Joy: Maintaining great health is a lifelong journey that involves nutritious food, daily movement, nature, fun and healthy relationships. All of these factors nourish the inside of our body. Many women focus on the outside health — hair and skin, or quick fixes like diets. When you nourish the inside not only is this reflected on the outside, but it helps with energy, immunity, mental health and so much more.
TLC: What were your struggles (emotionally, physically, spiritually) before you started your healing journey and why was that important for your journey to become a mission?
Joy: Emotionally I struggled with body image and was pre-occupied with weighing myself every day. My self-worth was based on what the number on the scale told me. Physically, I had a lot of digestive problems, hormonal imbalance and spiritually I was feeling disconnected from my body. My health began to improve for the better when I addressed all aspects of my wellness.
TLC: I LOVE when you talk about Mood Habits in your book, ESPECIALLY #4! “Do a weekly brain dump.” I often find with women especially, it is normal for us to take on the energy of everything around us, good or bad. Can you explain, simply, what this practice is and why it is important for women to start immediately?
Joy: A brain dump simply means unloading all the conscious thoughts in your head on to a piece of paper or journal. I suggest writing a full page and not lifting your pen from the paper. This allows you to unleash a constant stream of consciousness and ultimately relieve stress and relax your mind.
TLC: One of the most important things I teach women is to live by what they want to FEEL most. I know you talk about this a lot as well and I especially love your quote “Instead of obsessing over how much you weigh, focus on how you feel.” How has this changed the women you helped for the better?
Joy: It’s common for women to determine their worth by a dress size or a number on the scale. I always suggest women focus on how they feel as opposed to how they look. When this change in focus becomes a habit, they find they like how they look much more.
TLC: What is the common myth/belief women have that you want to change?
Joy: One word: Dieting. I’m very anti-diets. Instead, I encourage all my clients to ditch the diet, eat well and live well. After all, weight loss is merely a side effect of great health.
TLC: For someone who is just getting started on their “Health” journey, what are 5 simple things they can start doing NOW that will aid in their consistency?
Joy:
- Drink freshly squeezed lemon and water every single morning on an empty stomach.
- Get daylight (sunny or not) and fresh air on your face every single day.
- Fill at least 50% of your plate at lunch and dinner with vegetables.
- Move your body every single day.
- Cut back on screen time. Less computer time, less TV time, less cell phone time. Instead, connect with others in person.
Our ancient biology has not adapted to thrive in our modern environment so we must make these healthy habits part of our daily routine.
TLC: You have some delicious recipes in your book! But what is your “go-to” meal or drink that you just can’t seem to get sick of?
Joy: Pancakes. I’m a pancake monster. In fact, I think I could have an entire cookbook just with pancake recipes. I mix it up all the time though and use many different ingredients which is probably why I never get bored of them.
TLC: Now, TLC is all about RELATIONSHIPS, because to us, life is all about connecting and “relating.” Some of the most fulfilled people in the world have mastered the art of relationships. What relationships are/were you most thankful for and how have they aided to your overall JOY and fulfillment?
Joy: I’m grateful to have really positive, loving people in my life who I admire and respect (it wasn’t always that way) – that goes for my close friends, my mom and dad and of course, Walker. My husband Walker is an incredible life partner, my best friend and my love. When Walker came into my life everything changed for the better. My accomplishments like my book, my blog and all my natural beauty products would not have happened without my support network.
TLC: What are your favorite things to do to unwind and reset?
Joy: Cooking and creating in the kitchen, going on walks with Walker (he loves walking… kinda makes sense given his name), yoga, riding my bike, and napping with my two cats. When time allows, I really appreciate not having any plans on a weekend and just let the day take me where it wants to.
TLC: Now a fun one! … What are your guilty pleasures?
Joy: Downton Abby, I’ve totally binged watched that show more times than I would be willing to admit! Salty foods – I love popcorn and sweet potato fries.
Click Here to get your copy of Joyous Health!
