Meet Our Cover Model Ashley McAdoo
Ashley McAdoo is all about a healthy lifestyle. Along with owning Shine Beauty and Wellness, the mom of two works to share her health wisdom with others as a yoga teacher, holistic health coach, and raw vegan chef.
What are some of your favorite ways to ensure a healthy, balanced lifestyle?
I believe that consistency is king. Every morning I wake up and drink 16 ounces of alkaline water with lemon. Then I strap my shoes on and move! I love to get a great sweat first thing in the morning. My morning beauty routine includes a green smoothie or juice to fuel my body full of detoxifying greens. Then I try to make sure that each day I drink at least my half my body weight in ounces of fresh water to help keep my energy up and cravings at bay. Finally, a great night’s sleep is crucial. They don’t call it beauty rest for nothing! I like to create space before bedtime to turn off the TV and my phone, apply some lavender essential oils, and meditate or read before I fall asleep.
From the Cover!
Carrot Juice Recipe
• 6 carrots
• 4 apples
• 2 inches of ginger
Wash produce, juice, and enjoy!
Makes 16-20 ounces.
What’s your favorite way to stay fit?
I love to run and practice yoga. Movement and sweat are crucial for detoxification. We want to rid our bodies of the excess toxins that can hide in our skin and muscles. I also believe that finding time to move is the best way to clear the mind. I often refer to my daily runs as my cheap therapy sessions!
How did you get into raw, vegan cooking, and what types of health benefits do you gain from it?
I grew up obsessing over diet foods that were terrible for my skin, created multiple health problems, and did not give me the energy I craved. In my twenties I discovered the value of eating a plant-based diet. I started to slowly increase the amount of fruits, vegetables,
legumes, and raw nuts in my diet as refined sugars and animal products started to fall away. The effects were immediate. My skin cleared up, a healthy weight was easily obtained without over exercising, and my energy increased without having to include an excess of caffeine. Eating raw creates a lightness of body that is very different than the sluggish feeling after eating most cooked, processed meals.
*TIP! For someone interested trying a raw or plant-based diet, I would suggest starting slow with a raw breakfast, and over time include more raw or cooked plant-based meals into your daily diet.
Where do you find vegan-friendly menu items when you’re eating out around Chattanooga?
My favorite healthy choices around town include Taco Mamacita’s vegan soup (they have an entire vegan menu!), Southern Sqweeze for a delicious raw grab-and-go meal, and for a date night, the Meeting Place’s “vegan goods” is always a sure bet.
Want to give the vegan lifestyle a try? Start with Ashley’s Easy Chocolate Sprout Shake.
Blend together:
– 1 cup sliced banana (frozen is best)
– 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 3/4 cup sprouts (clover or broccoli sprouts will work too)
– 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder
– Stevia or coconut nectar to taste
