My Story
Hi, my name is Ivonka, and in 2017 I used the power of juice and plants to start out on my wellness journey. This is the story of how I fell in love with juicing — and began to inspire the people around me to bring more plants into their lives.
Juicing has been a part of my life's journey since my childhood. Back in the early 90s, my mom was juicing before it became a trend.
In my mid-20s, I became a mom myself and decided to introduce more fruits and vegetables into my family's diet. I purchased my very first juicer, but I'll admit, I wasn't consistent. It came on and off the countertop until it eventually gathered dust.
My health
crisis
My health crisis hit me in 2017 at the age of 35 when I found myself battling cystic acne. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. I struggled with brain fog, constant fatigue, daily headaches, and unpredictable mood swings. To make matters worse, my gut was in shambles, and I endured persistent bloating and joint pain. It was a recipe for a deepening depression.
I went through days, even weeks, without regular bowel movements, and the process was painful and difficult. I resorted to laxatives and herbal teas in a desperate attempt to boost my digestion.
At first, I was seeking solutions for my skin issues, not realizing that my external appearance was merely a reflection of my internal struggles. I had spent years trying various diets, from Atkins to low carb and everything in between, without considering the impact on my overall health.
But I grew tired of this endless cycle and began researching natural ways to heal my acne. I stumbled upon stories of individuals who had transformed their health through the power juicing and eating an abundance of fresh quality produce. Slowly, I began to connect the dots – what was happening on the outside of my body was a direct result of what was happening inside.
Making
the connection
My diet had long consisted of processed foods and alcohol. It became evident that my body could no longer handle this lifestyle, leading to digestive issues, mood swings, skin flare-ups, weight problems, and difficulty focusing. It was affecting me both physically and mentally.
The turning point came when I watched documentaries like "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and "Super Juice Me." Witnessing the incredible transformations people achieved through juicing ignited a fire within me.
I realized that short-term juice fasts offered numerous benefits:
- Boosting the immune system with an abundance of immune-boosting nutrients and antioxidants.
- Giving digestion a break by removing fiber.
- Flushing toxins from the body thanks to the diuretic properties of many juices.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
Determined to heal from the inside out, I embarked on a 30-day juice fast. Today, it's been almost 8 years since my healing journey began. I've completed numerous juice fasts of varying lengths. I've also prioritized my mental health through practices like cold water exposure, Wim Hof breathing techniques, and daily exercise to get my lymphatic system flowing.
The transformation has been profound. My digestion is regular, daily headaches are a thing of the past, and my energy levels have soared. My skin has cleared up, and I no longer feel the need to hide my face or feel embarrassed. I've become more focused, goal-oriented, and my relationships have flourished.
But above all, I'm a much happier person. I firmly believe that consuming high-frequency foods like raw, unprocessed foods and freshly pressed juices has the power to improve your mood and rejuvenate your body.
The power
of juice
I've inspired my entire family to embrace juicing, and my dream is to inspire more people to prioritize their health by incorporating fresh produce into their lives. I've learned that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to achieving health and wellness.
What works for one person may not work for another, and that's perfectly okay. We're all unique, with different bodies, preferences, and needs. Instead of following a rigid dietary regimen, I believe in the power of individualized nutrition.
Tuning in
It's about tuning into your body, understanding its signals, and making choices that align with your own well-being. I've found that by embracing a flexible and intuitive approach to eating, I've been able to create a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. My journey is not about pushing a specific diet onto others; it's about encouraging everyone to discover what nourishes them best.
Whether you're plant-based, omnivorous, or somewhere in between, the common thread is the importance of incorporating an abundance of fresh produce into your life. The key is to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and freshly pressed juices to revitalize your body and enhance your overall well-being.
Current
life updates
Two years ago, my family and I made a life-changing decision to sell everything and move to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. The abundance of quality tropical produce here has made juicing even more accessible and enjoyable. We've immersed ourselves in nature, and it's been an incredible experience for our overall well-being.
So, my journey continues, and I'm excited to share the power of juicing and a produce-rich lifestyle with the world. Remember, it's not about a specific diet; it's about nourishing your body with fresh, wholesome foods and embracing the incredible impact it can have on your life.