Meet Kailey Joy,
Health Coach and Yoga Teacher from Chicago.
1. Tell us a bit about your background, Kailey!
I am originally from Chicago, IL, although I’ve traveled and lived all over the world.
I received my formal education at Indiana University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate. However, my passions lie in all things health + wellness!
I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as well as a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. You can find me at kaileyjoy as well as The Earth Diet.
2. What drove or inspired you to do what you are doing today?
Witnessing first hand the power of nutrition and my body’s innate ability to heal itself once I gave it the proper fuel!
It was during my first trip to India and Bali when I first discovered the true healing powers of a diet rich in whole foods. At the time, I was on sabbatical from my corporate job seeking refuge and clarity from a life that was riddled with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and all the symptoms that go along with it.
During my time away, I embraced a raw vegan diet as a way to cleanse myself from years of abuse (i.e. drinking, processed foods, stress-eating, sedentary lifestyle, etc.). Within one month of eating a diet free of processed foods and dairy, coupled with a more active lifestyle, I not only felt lighter, more energetic, less stressed, and all around happier – but my body completely healed itself of asthma and allergies of which I had suffered from since childhood!
3. That sounds fantastic! Being really honest with yourself, what is your favorite food, and why?
Ice cream! Who doesn’t love the creamy, sweet goodness of a well-crafted scoop of ice cream on a warm summer day (but also in the winter too 🙂 )! This is why I’ve partnered up with my friend Alex, of rawguru, to launch (later this month!) a 100% organic, raw, vegan ice cream company – www.kelapacreamery.com.
We’re using whole young coconuts and only the finest natural ingredients (dates, vanilla bean, irish moss, and superfoods like maca, cacao, and more!) to make delicious soft serve I can feel free to indulge in without having to worry about the harmful side affects of all the dairy, food additives, preservatives, GMOs, refined sugars, etc. that typically come along with it.
Nothing like being able to have your cake and eat it too!
4. Yummy…and in general, what makes you feel good?
Clean eating and an active lifestyle. The more I eat a diet rich in whole foods, the better my body feels and responds. When your body is free from limitations (like fatigue, bloating, arthritis, etc.) that is typically caused by a poor diet, the more energy is available to flow to your mind and senses!
It truly opens up a new world that allows you to feel creative, inspired, and focus on what really matters.
5. How do you keep yourself connected to your wellbeing?
By unplugging. In a world filled with stimulating technology 24/7, it’s so important to take time away from it all.
I have found meditation, as well as simply being present in the moment and walking outside in nature, to be one of the most critical parts to my overall wellbeing.
6. Which form of movement or exercise works best for you?
I truly believe in a combination of things. Variety is the spice of life and I think it’s important to move your body in all sorts of ways. I enjoy yoga, but also running as well as weights. In terms of what I feel most motivated to do? Lately… hula hooping!
7. Haha same here, hula hooping rocks! What is it that you would like to see more of in the world and how do you think we can get there?
An awareness of the power and importance of nutrition. In our world today, there is so much disease and suffering – and so much of it is caused by a poor diet. We are also incredibly over medicated. The problem with the ‘quick-fix’ style of medications is they not only have negative side effects (sometimes even worse than the original condition) but they do not address the root cause! Our bodies have the tremendous ability to heal themselves, if only we give it the proper nutrition with which to work.
One of the best ways to get there is by encouraging people to continue to VOTE with their dollars. Stores like Whole Foods here in the states have seen tremendous success because health conscious individuals are favoring fresh, local, organic, non-GMO foods that are in season over highly processed or conventionally raised produce/ poultry that is mass produced and harmful to our bodies. I also believe in the growing field of health coaching and the continued education we can provide to bring about this awareness.
8. What would you like to tell your younger self?
Put that can of soda down! But also – trust your intuition and know that when you marry your passions with naturally given gifts and do it in a way that benefits others…the path will be nothing but abundant (in happiness, joy, satisfaction, fulfillment, etc). Trust and take the leap!
9. Wow that is wonderful. What would you say is the greatest advice you have ever received?
“Our past does not dictate our future. No matter what your story, or where you came from – you have the ability to design a future you are 100% passionate about.”
10. How do you see the future of health and well-being?
I see a future of vibrant societies living a more natural and intuitive lifestyle – with an emphasis being placed on community vs. the self. What I hope to see is support for local farmers, and fast-food chains being a thing of the past. I see empowered cultures that understand our health (physical, mental, emotional) is the foundation for a good quality of life (not money!).
11. Any last advice you want to share with our wellconnected.nu readers?
The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. I believe true health and wellbeing is rooted in self-love. So prioritize your relationship with yourself! Indulge in time spent uncovering the foods, movements, environments, work and relationships that nourish you most completely…because it is only those who nourish themselves first that are able to give most completely to the world.
Thank you so much, Kailey!