You can have your cake and eat it, too. Health is not an endless string of sacrifices. Take it from Liana Werner-Gray, our Health Raiser of the Week. She’s the author of The Earth Diet, a revolutionary guide to natural living and nutritional healing. If someone who nourished her body back to health advocates dessert, you better believe it’s not off the menu for anyone.
That being said, Liana urges you to stay in your (healthy) lane and treat your body like the temple it is by eating whole foods, preferably raw and organic, and listening to your inner cues – and occasional cravings.
What does health mean to you?
Health to me means feeling good from moment to moment, so that, over time, we feel good for the majority of our life experience.
What inspired you to start living a healthy life?
I hit rock bottom with my health when I was 21 years old and in the hospital. I was inspired to go back to nature, nourish my body, take care of myself properly, quit my addiction to junk food and break my binge-eating habits. I knew better health was possible and that I could do something greater with my life!
What are three things you do to stay healthy?
- I juice every day for instant cellular nutrition.
- I eat as many whole foods as possible, including raw cauliflower and avocado (two of my faves for their versatility in the kitchen!).
- I eat whatever I’m craving, but in the most natural way possible. I eat organic candy, raw chocolate and cheesecake made with cashews. It’s all about nutritional upgrades!
What is one motivational quote or mantra that you live by?
A good, healthy life is a choice.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what Vitacost product could you not live without?
Peanut butter, of course!
What advice do you have for someone who is trying to live healthier?
Read The Earth Diet book, get the concept of eating directly from nature for ideal nourishment, incorporate the recipes for a consistently healthy life and get your ingredients from Vitacost!
Is there a role model you look up to?
I have three, actually: Jessica Alba, Meryl Streep and Mother Teresa.