Kathlyn Finds Juicing to Be “The Secret Elixir” to Curing Her Severe Acne

Name:  Kathlyn Wolpin
Age: 26
Location: Seattle, Washington
Reboot: 3 days. I then incorporated regular juicing and adopted a diet of mostly raw or steamed veggies and organic fruits into my diet. I eliminated the junk and processed foods.

How did you learn about Reboot with Joe?
Watching “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” piqued my curiosity which then led me to do some research online. I was drawn to the healthy recipes, helpful content and warm sense of community.

What inspired you to do a Reboot?
I struggled with severe acne for the past four years. After numerous failed visits to the dermatologist, I watched “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” which inspired me to take responsibility for my own health through a change in diet and lifestyle.

I was in crazy denial that what I put into my body actually mattered.

I was fooled into believing that topical creams and antibiotics were my answer, when in reality they actually exacerbated the problem. I was discouraged to find myself with a plethora of new health problems that now needed be tackled as well. My dermatologist had me on antibiotics for 8 months! It cleared my acne, but the results were only temporary. Unfortunately, the acne returned and it did so with a vengeance. The acne was just the physical manifestation of a ruined gut and enfeebled constitution – no lotion or cream created in some lab could do the job – healing needed to start nutritionally from within.

The secret elixir to glowing skin became very clear after watching Joe’s journey in Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead: a diet of fruits and vegetables either juiced or prepared simply when eaten.

I realized that what I put into my body matters…and it matters A LOT.

How did the experience go for you?     
It was tough at first because my emotional attachment to food is strong. I would panic at the thought of being “deprived” of all the foods I used to love for the rest of my life. Thankfully, I came across a wealth of nutritional information and recipes that educated me on how to create delicious AND healthy sweet treats, salads, smoothies and juices. I became passionate about cooking my own food and learning new recipes (I’m regularly browsing through the Reboot recipes – don’t even get me started on the Raw Coconut Macaroons – this coconut(y) ambrosia of a macaroon… is my favorite indulgence at the moment!)

How much weight did you lose (even if that wasn’t your goal!)?
10-15 pounds. I was happy for it! I had gained quite a bit of weight due to the overuse of antibiotics which led to serious Candida. I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life so I was happy to return to my regular weight.

Did you have any notable health or physical improvements?
Candida and digestive issues went away. Acne & redness began to clear, face started to glow once again!

What was the toughest part about the Reboot experience?
Traveling and social events that involve eating. Wait…pretty much ALL social events involve eating…

Initially, socializing was very stressful for me, but once I started to fill my mind with knowledge, I began to think in a more positive way when faced with food that I once used to stuff my face with. I began to practice saying “no” and told myself I wasn’t deprived – in fact I was liberated… and it actually got easier over time.

What habits have you maintained and kept a part of your everyday life?
I juice. I enjoy cooking my simple meals. I eat veggies and fruits. I still have a sweet tooth, but I’ve found a way to satisfy it through natural sweeteners.

I continue to research how different foods are specifically beneficial for the skin. Now that I am dealing with scarring from the acne – I am attentive to fruits and vegetables that help with scarring. I try to make carrot juice a couple times a week. I also use a lot of flax seed in my smoothies because flax seeds are full of omega-3 essential fatty acids that improve heart health and skin function. Topically I’ll use aloe vera, coconut oil and papaya/honey facemasks.

I get off track sometimes and inevitably when I do…I start to miss the good stuff. My body is now conditioned to crave that which makes me thrive=)

What is your lasting impression of the Reboot experience?
My Reboot experience has gifted me with a new passion and direction in life. I want to learn as much as I can about the healing properties of fruits, herbs and vegetables. I am now more conscious of how my food is grown, especially after working with my Aunt in her garden. I take time to connect with my food and to be grateful for the health I have. I’m also learning how important the mind is when it comes to healing my body.

And last but not least, it has not only left me with positive impressions but also a sense of belonging. I believe that one of the biggest components to health and happiness is community. A community to share, vent, contribute, laugh, empathize and learn from.

It is my joy to be a part of this community!