Can the secret to good health be found in….green smoothies? The answer is a resounding “yes” according to Kim Caldwell, author of How Green Smoothies Saved My Life: A Guide for Using Green Smoothies, Uplifted Thinking, and Live Food to Enhance Your Life . In this book, Kim shares her intriguing life story and integrates it with powerful lessons from leaders in alternative health. I had the wonderful pleasure of speaking with Kim recently about her inspiring and empowering message of health.

What motivated you to change your lifestyle?

After I had my children, the doctors put me on pain pills and antidepressants, and I felt depleted. I wanted to do something to get off the medication and improve my life. I just wanted to feel better. I loved junk food. When I started eating healthier, I no longer possesed the urge to eat heavy, salty food. I also lost weight–four dress sizes! I attribute it not only to my diet, but to a change in my mental outlook. I became stronger by learning how to handle my emotions and stress.

What are your thoughts on the mind-body connection in the context of health?

Years ago, I used to think that everything was related to food. If my children came home from school with a stomachache, I assumed it was caused by something they ate. Then I observed that if they came home from school worried and upset, their stomach would hurt. I started to realize that your thoughts affect your body. You have to speak health. The key is stress reduction. A clean diet does not help if you are under stress.

What was your inspiration to write this book?

I have always liked to help people who have problems. I used to write down my smoothie recipes for people and then I thought, “Why not put them in a book?” I also wanted to share some of my inspirations, Dr. Norman Walker, Paul Bragg, Victoria Boutenkos, and Louise Hay (author of You Can Heal Your Life), to name a few.

In your book, you discuss the 80/20 rule for people transitioning to a healthy lifestyle. Can you elaborate on this?

As you are transitioning, if you strive to have at least 80% of your diet consisting of healthy foods, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t eat so well the other 20% of the time. Food should not be stressful. This principle also applies to having a positive mindset. You can never hold on to the same emotion forever. If you have negative, heavy emotions, it’s okay to feel them and let them go, to make room for the healthy stuff.

You can order Kim’s book here. Find out more about Kim’s inspiring story on her website. Kim also hosts an informative radio show, “Think Fit” which you can listen to here.