From her teenage years through her twenties, Sarah Wragge struggled with chronic health issues like stomach aches and acid reflux. “While other girls were sunbathing, or barbecuing at our apartment complex, I spent my afternoons in gastroenterologists’ offices, one after another,” she recalls. It was an acupuncturist who finally diagnosed the problem: candida, an over-production of yeast that caused inflammation throughout Sarah’s body, including her digestive tract.
A 60-day candida protocol cleanse changed her life. “Within two weeks I tossed the Prevacid,” recalls Sarah. “I started sleeping soundly and – the coolest thing – my hair started growing like crazy! The eye-opener was that giving up many of the things I’d been eating most of my life and replacing them with whole, unprocessed foods didn’t make me feel like I was missing anything. I felt nourished in a whole new way.”
Inspired by the dramatic change in her life and her health, Sarah got a degree at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Now, in her holistic wellness practice, she teaches people about the connection between nutrition and well-being, starting with a clean approach to diet. And – no surprise – she’s a juice fan.
What do you look for in a juice product?
I look first and foremost at the vegetable to fruit ratio. If it has too much fruit - aka sugar - I don't drink it. I'd sooner drink a veg juice, than one with fruit. I use juice to do mini cleanses here and there (I'll wake up and feel like I need a clean day and just do straight juices) OR I use it to accompany other foods. I look at green juice as a "brush" or a magnet to help move toxins out of my cell walls.
As a wellness coach, what do you think are the biggest challenges to living a healthy, balanced life?
Time. I'm all about food prep and arming yourself with fuel so that you aren't hungry. The moment you are hungry you are at risk to make a bad choice.
How has being a mom changed your life?
My life is all about efficiency now. Also, the things that I really care about - like wellness and nutrition and family - have become glaringly clear. I look at my baby as such a pure little creature and I'm envious that he has only ever known organic foods, breast milk and purified water. I wish I were him!
What are three things people can do right now to start living a healthier, happier life?
- Drink more water. Start every day with a liter before you put anything into your body. That's right - A LITER.
- Arm yourself with knowledge. Learn about a holistic lifestyle and know what you are putting into your body.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions and make requests at a restaurant. You have ONE body. Don't let hard work you put in be undone with one meal out!