We're glad to introduce the very first Healthy Ambassador - selected monthly from reader nominations and brought to you by The Healthy Grocer, Thrive Fit Co, and Natural Awakenings.

Name: Ireland Kelly Barrick, 25, Lemoyne, PA
 

Meal/Food Tip: An easy way to get most of your daily nutrients is by making a smoothie for breakfast. My smoothies usually start with a base of frozen bananas, maybe some frozen berries and a dark leafy green, nut milk, and then I like to add in an array of superfoods to make sure I am getting in a variety of macronutrients and micronutrients right off the bat. My common go-to superfoods are moringa, matcha, hemp hearts, barley grass, maca, baobab, camu-camu, spirulina, and chlorella. Another easy way to make sure you are getting all your nutrients is to incorporate a wide variety of plant-based foods into your diet.

Must Have Daily Snack: I’ll be honest, I have a bit of a sweet tooth. That being said, I do my best to satisfy those cravings with sweet, yet still nutritious snacks, and one of my favorite ways to do this is to make “Nice Cream”. Simply blend some frozen bananas using a high-powered blender or food processor, and it turns into a healthy, refined sugar and dairy free ice cream! The best part is that this snack is so simple and versatile, you can add any flavors you want depending on your mood for the day, and then top it off with some nut butter, seeds, fruit, or even some healthy chocolate chips!

Best Healthy Lifestyle Advice Received: Some of the best advice I have ever received was, “Health is a state of overall wellness, but at its’ core, it’s all about self-care; health is the foundation to wellbeing and demands a commitment to self-love.” Being healthy demands a deep commitment to self-love mentally, physically, and spiritually. You can drink all the green juices you want and cut out added and refined sugars completely, but you can still be unhealthy if you are not taking care of yourself mentally, spiritually, financially, environmentally, or socially.

Biggest Health Accomplishment: My biggest health accomplishment was learning how to treat my body kindly by providing it with proper nourishment and learning how to incorporate self-love into my daily routine. I spent a good portion of my teenage years battling with severe anxiety, depression, and even multiple suicide attempts. Little did I know that going vegan would change everything for me -- I lost 38 pounds and stopped needing anti-depressants, I began to eat fresh, whole foods instead of processed junk, and I began to foster a self-loving mindset. A weight had been lifted off of my shoulders that I didn’t even know previously existed and I finally felt aligned with my true self, appreciating my own life and the life of others as well. I have been vegan for four years now, and I feel the best I have ever felt in my life. Five years ago, I didn’t even think I’d be alive at this age, but I am now using my experience and knowledge to build my own business, Sustaining Eden, to help others re-invent their lives through holistic health and wellness coaching.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sustainingeden

Instagram: @sustainingeden

Website: www.sustainingeden.com

Nominate people that inspire others to live a healthy lifestyle to be a Healthy Ambassador at TheHealthyGrocer.com/ambassador, in conjunction with Thrive Fit Co and Natural Awakenings Magazine.