Rigorous exercise and a healthy diet may not be enough.
Surprising? Definitely.
I thought a stricter diet and more intense workouts would fix these issues, but doing so made me feel worse. I realized there was something more that I was missing
It’s well established that proper food and exercise are keys to our ultimate transformation, be it in areas of physical health, mental well-being, good mood, and better skin.
But in our interview with Jessica Karwat, founder of Women’s Academy of Transformation and TED Talker, she shares that a stricter diet and more intense workouts actually made her feel worse.
And we’re pretty sure she’s not the only one. A good portion of women may share this feeling as well.
Jessica’s a certified coach in fitness, hormonal health, yoga, and plant-based living. Her services are dedicated to helping women live their best lives, helping them be at peace with their hormonal health.
She unleashes a woman’s full potential by helping them navigate their cycle and build their lifestyle around it.
In this interview with Vegan Boss Ladies, we discuss transformation, nutrition, hormonal health, and success.
What inspired you to become a Women’s Transformation Coach specialising in Women’s Health, Mindset & Vegan Nutrition?
Jessica: I started my own health journey years ago when I was battling an eating disorder, weight issues, digestive issues, and severe fatigue. I thought a stricter diet and more intense workouts would fix these issues, but doing so made me feel worse.
I realized there was something more that I was missing: understanding my hormonal health, trauma, and mindset. I didn’t realize that health was holistic and that I was missing important pieces that would contribute to my overall well-being.
How do you integrate vegan nutrition principles into your transformation coaching to help women achieve their health and life goals?
Jessica: I truly believe that we as human beings are holistic.
There is so much more to health than is often discussed. Nutrition is a significant aspect of being healthy inside and out. The healthier we are, the better we are able to pursue our dreams and attract the things we want into our lives. That’s why, when I work with clients on their mindset, trauma, and healing, I integrate the aspect of nutrition, as it truly makes a big difference to someone’s energy and overall well-being.
Why vegan? Because I truly believe that we are not meant to consume animal products, as many of these products are inflammatory and hinder us from being our healthiest and most energetic selves.
Can you share a bit about your own journey with the menstrual cycle and how it has influenced the work that you do with clients?
Jessica: Absolutely!
I learned many years ago that our hormonal health is the foundation of a healthy woman’s body and mind. I discovered that women experience hormonal fluctuations daily and that we go through four different phases during the menstrual cycle.
In each of those phases, the brain changes up to 25%! This means that women think, feel, and experience life differently throughout the entire month. By syncing our life, exercise, food, and more with our cycle, I was able to heal myself from painful periods and PMS, and I have helped hundreds of female clients do the same.
This work is truly powerful, and more women need to know about it.
What unique challenges do women face when wanting to become healthier and happier and how do you address them in your coaching?
Jessica: The biggest piece is always the mindset.
I know it doesn’t sound as exciting, but my clients are always surprised by how much work they actually need to do on themselves first.
Many people believe that weight loss will make them happy, but it is actually the result of the weight loss. It might be the newly developed confidence or better energy that comes with weight loss.
So, connecting with the goals is more important than focusing on the number on the scale because this is what will keep them going.
What is the biggest blockage you see women have when they start a life transformation journey?
Jessica: They don’t believe in themselves!
I see that so often. Many women really struggle with self-doubt, and that self-doubt is what stands in their way of transformation. This is where my coaching comes in. I help women see their potential and what they are truly capable of achieving.
What role does community support play in helping women create a better and healthier life?
Jessica: Community is truly everything!
All of my clients love this aspect of the program, as they get to share their struggles and wins. It makes them feel less alone with what they are going through, and many of my clients actually end up becoming friends in real life and even meeting up!
Just recently, I had a client travel all the way from LA to France to visit another client. It is truly beautiful to see what we have created!
Would you like to share your favourite success story from one of your clients with our readers?
Jessica: Wow, I truly have so many!
One of my favorites is Stephanie. She has worked with me for a year now, but her transformation started happening within the first week of working with me.
Stephanie struggled with hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, weight, vertigo, low confidence, and anxiety. She had been in therapy for a while but felt stuck, as she wasn’t moving forward. When she started working with me, she got off birth control, her digestive issues went away, and so did her vertigo.
Her hormones completely balanced out, she lost weight, and most importantly, she is incredibly happy and truly connected to her authentic self. She has started her business as an artist, is now traveling the world, and she cut her hair short (something she always wanted to do but was scared of). Her transformation is truly remarkable, and there are many more stories I’d love to share!
Image Source: iamjessicakarwat on Instagram