How her own diagnosis paved the way to helping others enjoy better health!
I loved meeting Elissa Goodman, years back, when she was just beginning on her better nutrition path. She was my first intern! We bonded on the influence of Dr. Andrew Weil and how to help people make it easier to get in better nutrition deliciously. Get to know Elissa Goodman and her better nutrition tips below!
What does “better nutrition” mean to you – what is it? What isn’t it?
Elissa Goodman: “Better Nutrition” is about wanting more for yourself and your family, educating yourself, becoming aware, becoming your own advocate for good health, and thriving instead of simply surviving. It is a focus on quality, nutrient dense foods with high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is about avoiding processed foods for organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Better nutrition does not need to be over-complicated or categorized by social-economical class, it is accessible for all of us in making small changes and educating ourselves.
How do you feel when you make better nutrition choices? What do they enable you to do?
Elissa Goodman: At this point, it is a no-brainer for me to make better choices, after many years, I have trained my body and my brain and I am now more tuned in and aware of how much it throws me off to eat poorly. I notice a difference in digestion first, then energy, brain function/memory, sleep, skin, and even my overall mood and outlook on life. I feel amazing when I eat well and take care of my body, I feel better now than I did in my twenties and it is mostly about what I put in my body.
What is the greatest barrier (yours, your patients, etc) to making better nutrition choices?
Elissa Goodman: It is “so hard” to change, it is “so expensive” to change, are the most common excuses I hear, but I think the “self” is the greatest barrier. Old habits and emotional issues play a large part into this. I have found the more we work on ourselves (and this was true for me as well), the more we grow as a person, the more we want to eat better and prioritize good nutrition. Starting therapy and sticking with it, starting a yoga practice or walking routine and sticking with it…those little steps of taking care of yourself break down the barriers and increase the desire to make better nutrition choices in my opinion.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plan?
Elissa Goodman: I try not to make too many rules, except for the rule of balance. I feel good if I am eating whole plant-based foods, and allowing myself to live by the 80/20 rule and making room for indulgences without guilt. I typically start my day with a Matcha latte or occasionally a coffee with nut milk and XCT oil then have a bowl of coconut kefir yogurt kefir with fresh berries, a green juice is always in the mix, I like to keep it raw with a vegan protein for lunch, dinner is plant-based or lean, organic animal protein with lots of veggies, I like Tulsi tea in the evenings.
What about when you are traveling?
Elissa Goodman: When I travel, I tend to indulge more, but I am well-equipped with travel packs of my favorite protein and greens powder so I can make a nutrient rich shake wherever I am. I also take my digestive enzymes, travel friendly probiotics, liquid B12 and choose local produce as much as possible to add nutrients.
What is your favorite better nutrition pit stop (can be a meal or a snack)?
Elissa Goodman: I kind of live on LA Juice’s Liver Aid with a spoonful of chia seeds. I also love Suzie’s Gluten Free Thin Puffed Cakes with Lick’s Peppercorn Cashew “Cheese” spread sprinkled with hemp seeds.
What frustrates you in the world of nutrition today?
Elissa Goodman: There are too many rules, over complicated information, not enough balance, and an emphasis on weight rather than over-all long-term health. Those are the main ones 😉
What did you eat and drink yesterday?
Elissa Goodman: Iced matcha latte with a spoonful of XCT oil for breakfast. I had a luncheon event at the vegan restaurant Gracias Madre and had a bit of their chopped salad with chickpeas and avocado and cauliflower tacos. Dinner was roasted organic chicken with sautéed green beans & spinach and millet sautéed with shallot, parsley, lemon, and olive oil. I had a delicious banana chocolate chip “cookie” made with gluten free oats and almond flour a few hours after dinner.
Elissa Goodman is a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle cleanse expert who believes that proper nourishment, healing by listening to your gut, and a daily renewal practice are essential for optimal living. Elissa’s mission is to educate and encourage healthy, mindful living, helping others embrace the concept that we are a product of what we eat and how we treat ourselves. Based in Los Angeles , Elissa works privately with professionals and celebrity clients to develop personalized wellness programs that encourage true health from the inside out. Creator of the food based “S.O.U.P” Cleanse and “Cleanse Your Body, Cleanse Your Life,” her approach to cleansing is gentle and accessible for those looking to renew, recharge, rejuvenate and maintain their healthy lifestyle. Elissa collaborates with health and wellness partners throughout Los Angeles and is the creator of M Cafés macrobiotic RESET Cleanse, signature juice blends at Erewhon Market and L.A. Juice, and multiple recipes soon to be found at Earth Bar. Elissa s first book, “Cancer Hacks” is now available on Amazon. For more information visit www.elissagoodman.com.