If the Roman expression nomen est omen is true and your “name is your destiny,” then Joy McCarthy is living proof of this. Joy is nothing short of the embodiment of the word herself, while also bringing joy to all who connect with her through her inspirational health blog and YouTube channel, Joyous Health. She helps to bring back the joy that is all too often lost from poor eating habits, chronic ailments and stress with her cheery demeanor and insightful yet simple tips. Being a holistic nutritionist, she touches on topics of all kinds from plant-based eating and natural beauty, to how to get that coveted flat belly. She is the living, breathing example of how vibrant one can feel, which is why she has seamlessly grown into her role as a Penguin Books bestselling author.
Taking her message worldwide through her book Joyous Health, she discusses the ins and outs of eating and living well without dieting. She is an international speaker, designer of a natural beauty line, and a featured nutrition expert on Global TV’s “The Morning Show” and CBC’s “Steven & Chris.” For a women whose reach expands into all realms of wellness, we want to know, how Joy does it all… and, so, well, joyously. We are taking a peek inside of her daily routine, hoping to pick up a few joyous tips of our own.
My Daily Supplements:
Probiotics, O3mega+ Joy, vitamin D, Greens+ O
.
Can't live without my:
Bicycle.
Daily Breakfast:
Changes everyday! Today I had a green juice and sheep’s milk yogurt with some live/raw sprouted granola.
5 Things Always in my Medicine Cabinet:
Canadian bitters (great for digestion i.e. bloated belly), oil of oregano, thermometer, natural toothpaste and tea tree oil.
Fave Workout:
Yoga – I can’t start my day without at least five sun salutations. I also love to run, but only if it’s outside in nature.
Once a week for my health I:
Visit a farmers market and do some grocery shopping (not in the winter though).
On tap: filtered or bottled, how do you drink your water?
Filtered definitely. Bottled water is a big-time no-no for the planet. There is so much plastic being used that even if it’s “recyclable” it’s not actually recycled. Use tap water and filter it!
Best fast food option:
Fast food is a smoothie to me!
Best healthy restaurant tip:
Protein+veggies. Fill at least half of your plate with bright beautifully colored veggies! Color is a cue for health. Eat a rainbow!
At least once a week I cook…
Freshly made kale or arugula pesto on buckwheat or quinoa pasta – I actually crave it! I don’t skimp on garlic. It keeps my immune system strong like bull!
If I could give just one piece of health advice it would be...
Get fresh air on your beautiful face every single day.
Reading list:
All I read are health-related books. One of my faves is Your Brain On Nature: The Science of Nature’s Influence on Your Health, Happiness and Vitality
. My last vacay, I read Life of Pi
– LOVED it!
Go-to health resources:
My bookshelf which is busting at the seams right now! I love reading new books.
Crazy health idea that actually works:
Digestive bitters. They don’t taste good, but they are amazing for enhancing digestion.
My food philosophy in one sentence:
Eat well, live well and you will be rewarded with joyous health!
Non-negotiable:
Sleep. I make it a priority. If I don’t get adequate sleep and burn the candle at both ends, I get burnt out and can’t do all the things I want to do! Sleep is one of the most overlooked health habits. It’s also my beauty secret for glowing skin (aside from eating my greens).
Simplest way to improve health:
Drink more water and while you are at it, squeeze some fresh lemon juice in your glass first thing in the morning.
Fave healthy getaway:
My hubs and I don’t specifically go on “health getaways,” but every single summer we travel to Europe to visit his dad in Austria and always tie in another Euro country on our summer vacay. I feel so refreshed and rejuvenated when we return. But this vacation is definitely tied with a weekend trip up north to visit my parents on their farm. The air is incredibly fresh and the energy from all the trees and surrounding nature is incredibly joyous!
My health passion:
Creating new recipes in the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon.
Health trend to skip:
Anything that has a label that reads “low fat” or “low calorie.”
My current mantra:
Be vibrant. Be awesome. Be joyous!
