Health

Video Interview & Giveaway with Nadya Andreeva of ‘Happy Belly’

April 15, 2014

Hey, guys! The other day I had the awesome opportunity to interview someone I admire greatly when it comes to health, digestion, wellness and overall wellbeing. Nadya Andreeva is the author of the book Happy Belly that I have been mentioning in my posts for the last several weeks. The moment I picked up the book I knew it was full of knowledge and firsthand health tips that I wanted to share with you.

(Image source: WorldLifestyle)

In the interview Nadya and I discuss a whole bunch of topics, including her journey to finding a healthy relationship with food, her wellness vision (my favorite part of the book!), my wellness vision, rules of food combining, what a typical day of meals looks like for her, where she got the inspiration to write the book, and info about the GIVEAWAY we are doing!

I am so beyond excited to be giving away three different copies of Happy Belly to you lovely readers! All you have to do is check out the video and comment below telling us why you think you would benefit from reading this book (let’s be real – who wouldn’t benefit from reading this book?). The giveaway will be open until this Saturday, April 19^th when I will be choosing three winners.

(Image source: Mind Body Green)

Creating a wellness vision has been something that has helped my overall relationship with food immeasurably – and that’s just one of the things I learned how to do in Nadya’s book. I also plan on following a cleanse program that Nadya offers in her book once I finish my juice cleanse, because it sounds like her digestive issues are very similar to mine so I trust that it would work very well.

Oh, and did I mention that Nadya is a health blogger too? Her website is called Spinach and Yoga, what a frickin’ cute name is that?

Around 16-17 minutes into the video, our connection got a little fuzzy, so ignore my late reactions and the brief minute or so that we couldn’t see each other clearly.

Also SUPER excited to be sharing this video with you all – this is my first video on TBV (thanks Nadya for videoing and sending me the mp4). It was such a fun experience and I think it’s so much more personal than just writing and photos. Although you know I do love my writing and photos. Here is a little slice of me chatting with one of my idols and health gurus:

So… what do you think?! Am I the way you pictured me to be? 😉

Why would you like to receive a free copy of this book? Can’t wait to see what you all have to say and to choose the winners!

27 comments

I Wanna Know what do you think?

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Kristina

Wow! This book sounds amazing. For the past 4-5 years, I have been struggling with stomach issues. Not sure it they are related to food allergies, or just that I haven't been eating the right foods. The last year or so, I have tried everything, and have started to clean up my diet, but am always looking for some new ideas, and some new motivation to push me that much harder to stay focused.
Taryn

Loved this video! I found this very informative and interesting! I have had a love hate relationship with food ever since having my daughter, who is now a rambunctious 2.5 year old. Before having her I lead a very healthy lifestyle, but since then has been on the bottom of my list. With saying that I have not felt myself for a while now which is really lying heavily on my diet. I just can't seem to get back into my groove and I cannot loose my last 10 pounds of baby weight, which emotionally is very draining which resorts to me eating the wrong types of food. I am very active also I run a lot and play soccer in the summer so with that I also never know what to properly put in my body! I feel like Happy Belly would set me on the right path to connecting and loving my body again, and also finding a new way to eat better to give me the energy I need for my busy days. I am also a Community Relations Coordinator in a big chain of restaurants so temptation is always at my finger tips, any suggestions on different ways or different foods I can bring to work to help with those temptations? Thanks again for a great video :)
Nina

Jordan - I love this interview and I love YOU! As someone who has suffered many, many stomach issues over the years I take comfort in the honesty and sense of community I find when I peruse your blog. I LOVE being addicted to something that's healthy for me, and your blog is no exception! I was extremely sick as a child, and was given antibiotics my entire first year to combat recurring infections that stemmed from the sickness. These affected my body greatly, and over the years I've suffered from anxiety, eating disorders, and general stomach issues due to my sensitive system. The mind-body-gut connection is very poignantly real for me. I'm at a good place now and learning (by trial and error, you know how that is!) every day how to foster mindfulness and self love but it's effing hard sometimes. I can't lie. I've gotten through some tough times with yoga, acupuncture, meditation, and sometimes just letting all of the control go and enjoying the moment - lifestyle changes are so, so important to this process! I truly do feel strengthened by the struggles I've been endured, and I know that while I'm far from being done with my wellness journey that I will ultimately come to peace with my body and be all the better for what I've been through. I'm quite certain a copy of Happy Belly would only do wonders for this process ;) Much love to you, Jordan, for inspiring conversation and engagement around these issues! XOXO Nina

Jordan Younger

Nina!!! I absolutely love this comment, and I love you right back girl. Ahh, I want to give a copy of the book away to everyone... keep on entering the giveaways, and I would def recommend buying a copy of this book :) it's beyond worth it. You rock, girl!

GiGi Eats

OOO baby, my tummy, ain't so happy right now, however, I did love this interview, so I guess that makes UP FOR IT!!! ;)
Chloe

What a great interview!!! I love hearing both of your stories so much. I also had 0 idea about the fruit for dessert!!!! Mind blown. As a fellow woman with an extremely sensitive tummy (runs in my family actually!) I'd love to learn more from her book! And I completely trust if you loved it I will too!! Part of our kindred spirits :) xoxox
Olga Adler

Hello, I am so curious to read the book and to share it with all my friends, followers and blog visitors. I'm a vegan and I have read about nutrition and digestion for about 15 years. 5 Elements Diet, Blood Type diet, Ayurvedic nutrition, etc, etc. I am especially glad that this book brings up the topic of food combining as that is the biggest culprit in digestion problems for people who eat otherwise healthful meals. Great interview!
Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl

This was such a great, informative interview! Perfect timing for me too... I'm pregnant and have been trying to eat healthy but I'm caving into my sweet tooth ALL the time. This interview makes me more determined to clean up my diet and really pay attention to the foods I'm putting in my body. Thank you! :)
Kate @ Baking in Yoga Pants

Jordan, what an amazing and empowering video - thank you SO much for sharing. I was so inspired watching this and could completely relate to your and Nadya's discussion about having different visions of ourselves. Over the past year, I've become incredibly intrigued by the relation and inter connectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and as you said, what it really means to tune into our bodies. I've struggled for the past 10 years with a lot of digestional health issues, and while I am a vegetarian now, I have strongly considered becoming vegan for a variety of reasons, and your blog has been so inspirational and informative to me as I have reflected on what that would mean in my life. I would really love to receive a copy of this book because I feel like it could help to bridge the gap on so many of the stomach issues I have struggled with and also, I aspire to build a healthier and happier overall version of myself! Thanks again to both you and Nadya for sharing! :D
Kim @ BusyBod

I would LOVE to win a copy of the book! As you know I was diagnosed with fructose malabsorption as the source of my digestion issues. Eliminating the necessary foods has helped, but I still have issues with no known cause. Doctors haven't been helpful, so I feel like reading this book could help me learn enough to sort it out on my own! ps you're too cute in the video xo
Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl

This was such a great, informative interview!! It was perfect timing for me too... I'm pregnant and trying to maintain a healthy diet but I'm also caving into my sweet tooth ALL the time. This interview made me more determined to cut out the crap and watch what I’m putting in my body. So thank you! :)
Ronda

It is so interesting to see that there are many of us out there who are struggling with not only eating healthy but also balancing out our digestion. I did not grow up in a health conscious family and so starting on my health journey was a huge learning process for me. Over the past year I have lost 60lbs (yay!). So now I have new issues, I am struggling with calorie counting and restricting on top of the other issues I struggle with. Lately, I have realized that even though I was able to lose weight, I still don't feel healthy or that life energy that I crave. I have been trying to eat "healthier" but still, my digestion is "happy" only about half of the time. Your video was really helpful and I am already utilizing the "ideal self" motivation tool to help me take the next step in my health journey. I am tired of counting calories and being worried about eating over or under. Eating worry free because what I eat is worry free and good for me is a place that I want to be. I would love to receive a copy of this book to increase my knowledge and encourage my passion and drive for a healthier me. Thank for the inspiration and as always, love the blog :)
Courtney @RunningforCupcakes

I've struggled with stomach issues for as long as I can remember. I finally went vegetarian about 6 months ago and that has helped immensely, but my stomach still isn't 100% I would love to read this book and see if I could get the rest of my issues figured out. I still have a lot to learn!
Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming

i would love to win! i always struggle to keep my stomach happy
Courtney Maiorino

For the past four years, I've suffered through stomach issues. After multiple allergy tests and other preliminary procedures, I got diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in January 2012. Upon hearing the news, I told myself that I wouldn't take the easy, medicated way out full of pills and surgeries. Holistic health and nutrition have played a huge part in easing my symptoms and I think I have definitely found my passion and path in life. While I constantly read/listen to anything related on these topics, I feel as if this book would give me a fresh perspective (due to the Ayurvedic influences) on how to truly take care of myself and become the best version of me. :) It could be another tool in my toolbox of health/wellness/nutrition related books and articles that I can refer to and continue to be inspired by. I also just wanted to let you know that I admire you so much for being your true self. I've struggled with food issues for a while now, and giving up "normal" foods is hard, especially as a young adult. People like you, who have embraced healthy lifestyles and being different, give me hope that I can become that comfortable with myself and my circumstances to inspire other people. :)
Kaitlin

Hi Jordan! Thank you so much for sharing this video. Nadya is truly an inspiration. I have been in search for this book since you first mentioned it on the blog. Turns out no chapters, indigo, coles, etc. carries it in my area. I have mentioned my stomach issues in previous contest submissions.... but I always seem to leave out that there was a period of time last year where I couldn't "go" for a straight 21 days (TMI right?!). Doctors told me I would just have to wait for it to come naturally... not an answer you want to hear when you're sick and your tummy is 3 sizes too large and hard as rock. Since then, I have had to be so regimented in my diet in order to stay balanced. I am hoping that by winning Nadya's book "Happy Belly" I will be able to learn more about digestion and MY wellness vision. Thank you so much for the video and rockin' good blog! Can't wait to order up some tees in the near future!! Kaitlin
Keira

Jordan, I have admired and followed your blog posts and beautiful instagrams ever since I first saw them about 6 months ago. It makes me happy to hear you collaborating and discussing your opinions with Nadya because it is such a motivation to know that there are people that want to help others reach their potential when it comes to overall health. I have suffered from pretty severe face and body acne since I was in 5th grade. It gave me so much stress and anxiety when I was younger that it forced my mother to take me to see a dermatologist who put me on antibiotics. These antibiotics worked very well and cleared up most of my acne, but I would still get occasional breakouts. I was on these antibiotics for almost 7 years until I finally realized how harmful they were to my gut. I stopped taking antibiotics over the summer and I am now a freshman in college. My acne has come back because I stopped the antibiotics, and my digestive system is also very out of sync because of the antibiotics. I have been a vegetarian for many years, but just recently turned vegan to try to get my digestive system back on track and clear up my acne in a natural and healthy way. Lately I have been trying to do even more than solely focus on what I eat and how much I exercise, but also focus on things like stress management and relaxation. Now I am feeling like I am doing all the right things for my body, I just need that little bit of extra guidance to get me reach my goals of being the healthiest I can be and to clear up my skin and digestion problems. Happy Belly inspired you so much, I hope it could do the same for me!. Thank you so much for all your wonderful posts!
Allie

Hi Jordan, Oh my gosh, I LOVED this video. This is just what I need. I have been struggling so much with digestion for years, as well as some other autoimmune issues, which I believe has been associated with poor digestion and relationship with food and exercise! am so happy I stumbled upon your blog and most definitely will be buying this book if I do not win it ;) Thank you for everything! Allie
Liz M-B

So glad you posted a video! You are totally the poised, articulate, adorable person I imagined would write a thoughtful blog like the Blonde Vegan. I would love love this book because, first off, Nadya is so credible! Happy Belly seems like a strategic vision with a specific idea of health and connecting with your body. She's the real deal; Happy Belly moves beyond just recipes and into lifestyle/philosophy territory, which is SO important when embracing a healthful diet. Also, I'm about to move back to the Central Coast of CA for a few months to study for the bar, and I will not have access to all the Asian food stores that I love so dearly in DC! I would LOVE to start off "western cooking" on the right foot, and I totally relate to Nadya's vision of being light, healthy, and freed by food choices. I get the feeling Happy Belly could really help me harness the amazing power of CA's killer summer farmer's markets! Thanks for the giveaway, and take care! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg1qUhrRhvg
Nadya @ Spinach and Yoga

Jordan, thank you for the interview and for letting me share my philosophy with your wonderful audience! I am really grateful for this opportunity! Thank you everyone for thoughtful comments! I wish I could give a book to each one of you. Your stories are so touching and inspiring! I wish you all the best on your wellness journey no matter no treacherous it might seem at times. You are moving forward even when it seems that you are sliding back! Keep it up!
Ashley P

I would love this book to figure out more about my digestion. Sometimes I have difficulty tolerating certain foods, at certain times, or in combinations. This book may be perfect to better help me understand how I can eat to have better digestion!
Karissa @ Vegan À La Mode

Thank you for hosting this giveaway! I am familiar with Nadya's site Spinach and Yoga because when I was diagnosed with IBS I started doing research on plant based treatment and Nadya's site came up! IBS is actually what led me to transition from vegetarianism to veganism and was an enormous help in the beginning. But once I started going through personal hardships and stress, my IBS worsened to the point where I started getting tests run to see if I was suffering from something more serious such as ulcers etc. But nothing came up so I started getting my personal life in order and I was advised to keep a food journal to track which foods could be causing flare ups. That actually led me to become obsessive over what I was eating. Flash forward to now and I have learned the true key to good digestion is a stress-free life and positive disposition. With that said, I still suffer every now and then with digestive flare ups whenever I am faced with stress. I noticed Nadya mentioned the rules of food combining which would be great for me to follow when I know my digestion isnt running perfectly. I would LOVE to see what other advice Happy Belly offers to keep the digestive tract running even while experiencing stress and anxiety.
Jacqui

I could really use this book because I have been struggling with my health lately. I have been trying to get back into a consistent workout routine, but find myself so hungry all of the time! Unfortunately I find myself reaching for unhealthy foods such as chips, cookies, etc. instead of healthy options. I always tell myself it's just one or that tomorrow is another day to restart and be good, but I never follow through. I could really use something to get me back on track and reset my relationship with food!
Kayla Cox

Hi Jordan & Nadya! I am super excited about this giveaway and believe you guys are an awesome encouragement to those striving to live healthier. I am just getting started with my health journey, I have been struggling with stomach inflammation issues since 2010 and with that has brought a lot of stress and anxiety on my body.I am hoping by transitioning to vegan and adding more exercise to my regimen I can lessen my issues. Right now what has been helping me is drinking natural fruit juices/smoothies and cutting almost all meat out of my diet. This book will benefit me a ton with helping on my journey to vibrant health and I pray that I will start feeling better soon with productive consistency. Thank you guys for all that you do!
Kaitlyn

Hi Jordan! Just came across your blog recently through well + good NYC and have really enjoyed following! I would love a copy of this book and can 100% relate to your digestive qualms. I've been looking into a lot of ayruveda principles and cleanse options and think it'd be awesome to read this & share with some of my followers as well! also- if you had to pick ONE favorite juice cleanse company that ships, what would it be?! juice press? Thanks :) xo

Jordan Younger

Hey girl! Amazing comment. So glad that you found my blog through Well + Good!! Makes me very happy. I would totally choose Juice Press- reason being: you get to create your own cleanse with 6 different juices per day! The other cleanse companies don't have as many options for creating your "own" cleanse. Suja is another great company, and they sell it at Whole Foods nationwide so that makes it easy!

Kaitlyn

Awesome!! Thanks for getting back to me. And perfect, those were the two I was thinking of and know the best anyway. Happy Easter and good luck w the rest of your cleanse! much love