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From learning how to read nutrition labels, making healthy food swaps and adopting lifelong habits from our regular challenges, we love finding out how members of the GoodnessMe community about what they've done to overhaul their health and lifestyle! This month, we chat Jess Hahn who takes on her health journey.
How did you eat growing up?
My parents are English and Austrian, so we ate meat and vegetables (English style) and a lot of Austrian meals of goulash, schnitzels, German sausages with loads of vegetables. Everything was homemade with big serves (loved it all!).
How do you feel now that you eat wholefoods?
A lot better, while my family cooking when I was growing was balanced and delicious, when I moved out it wasn’t the same and I would go for quick meals rather than nutritional meals. Since changing, I feel a lot better in myself and my doctors are happy with my food, health and weight.
How would you describe your food philosophy?
I think eating healthy is not about a diet and cutting out bread and pasta for example. I believe it is about balance and moderation. Eating a balanced amount of fruit, vegetables, pasta and bread with a little bit of chocolate and biscuits (my pleasure snacks) in your day means I am filling my body with what it needs and wants.
What made you switch to wholefoods?
In 2017 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it was a massive shock and I was very unwell from the attack that occurred, I lost over 15kg in just over a month which was a very unhealthy drop (I was a little overweight but not by a lot).
I kept dropping weight as I wasn’t hungry but when I did eat it was processed foods, which just made my fatigue and other symptoms worse as my body wasn’t getting the nourishment it needed, I spoke to the MS Nurses who told me I must change the way I ate otherwise I will not improve from my attack and I would suffer more with my MS.
The thought of feeling as unwell as I was and dealing with my MS for the rest of my life really kicked me into gear to change my thoughts about food. I started to research whole foods and was introduced to GoodnessMeBox which opened my world to a lot of options.
Was the change difficult and if so how did you overcome this?
I knew mentally the change needed to occur however I was finding it hard and would slip back into my old ways. Then I received a GoodnessMe box which was put together with Lyndi Cohen, I looked her up and connected with what she talked about. Her way of nutrition meant I could enjoy what I wanted but from a whole food perspective.
Any tips or advice for those out there trying to make the switch to a wholefood lifestyle?
I would suggest you give yourself balance, don’t cut out the things you love or what makes you happy, then transition to more wholefood options. It’s important to keep your food health and mental health happy!
After making the switch, how did you feel after and did you notice things you could do that you couldn't do before?
I have noticed more energy and better weight management (no more fluctuations). I am also hoping that this is helping me with my MS for the long term and giving me the best chance in the future.
Is there anything you can do now or you have done, which you once thought would have been possible?
It might sound silly but for me it was to maintain a healthy weight for my MS. Since changing it has been consistent and within a very healthy range.
What are 4 staple products that are always in your shopping trolley?
Bananas (great snack and source of potassium), chocolate coated rice crackers (I love a snack and these are a healthier alternative than a Kit Kat), peppermint tea (perfect morning drink and good for the gut) and water (I grew up on tank water and find it hard to drink tap water, I usually drink 2-3 litres a day to keep my body well hydrated).
How has GoodnessMe helped you on your health journey?
GoodnessMe has introduced me to so many different and interesting foods that I would never have looked for myself.
What has been your all-time favourite product in our box and why?
Hard to pick! Table of Plenty mini rice cakes with chocolate and Rebel Mylk iced coffee are equal for me.