Jess Karwat, Vegan women's health coach chats with me in this episode about her journey into veganism, toxic diet culture & how it has become entangled with 'plant based' social media culture & her view on finding vegan options around the world. From Jess' site:'As a certified vegan nutritionist, fitness trainer, yoga instructor and reiki master & having worked with over 200+ clients at this point, I have mastered the exact tools and techniques to help women thrive, get fit, learn how their beautiful bodies work by syncing with their menstrual cycle, heal their relationship with food and reclaim their confidence.Before I started my career as an online coach, I had my own years of struggle. Not only did I have very bad hormonal acne all over my face, neck and back, I also had gut & digestive issues as well and I struggled with an eating disorder.I KNEW THAT GOING VEGAN WAS GOING TO HELP ME WITH SOME OF THE ISSUES, BUT DIGGING DEEPER WAS WHAT REALLY DID THE TRICK.I became a certified vegan nutritionist and fitness trainer and entered the world of fitness. Very quickly I realised that this world burnt me out, my hormonal imbalances got worse which in turn triggered my eating disorder. The entire time I would work completely against my body as I thought this was the only way to go. I would over exercise, under-eat, gain weight, feel bloated and I felt like I was stuck in a vicious cycle.I remember at one point my mom took a picture of me in a bikini at the beach in Barcelona and I didn’t recognise myself. I looked bloated and nothing like me. I felt lost.THE MOMENT I STARTED FOCUSING ON WORKING WITH MY BODY, HENCE WITH MY MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND FOCUSED ON HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT, THAT’S THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED FOR ME.Now after all of these years, endless research, self studies and certifications, I can finally say that I am looking the greatest I ever looked and I feel the best I have ever felt. I have fought my hormonal acne, my bloating and my eating disorder, I am feeling stronger than ever, physically and mentally and I finally feel in flow with my femininity and my menstrual cycle. On top of that, I know that our actions are positively impacting not only the environment and the animals of the world, but hundreds of women from all around the world. If you are reading this, see this is a sign from the universe.'Find out more about Jess at https://www.womensacademyoftransformation.com/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.