Kerri went vegan at the age of 12. But she wasn't a healthy vegan. Pasta, sugar, gluten, soy, and junk food all featured in her diet, causing drastic mood swings, low energy and skin issues. After 24 years of that kind of strict veganism, she felt like crap. She had constant sugar cravings, was tired all the time, was anemic, started losing her hair, and her brain didn't work. And all the doctor did was… prescribe medicine. He didn't even ask Kerri about her diet. He just diagnosed her with ADD and handed her some pills. At that moment, Kerri had a breakthrough. It wasn't about veganism. It was about health and eating right. The food choices you make dramatically affect your mood and your physical health. Your gut isn't called your second brain for nothing – that's where your immune system is, and where most of your serotonin is produced. So if you're eating foods that cause poor digestion and inflammation in your gut, then of course that this is going to affect your mental health, and increase your risk of auto-immune issues and disease. The biggest culprit in all of this is the one food we all find so hard to give up: sugar. Kerri only needed to walk past a strawberry shortbread to get a craving. We often associate sweet tastes with happy times in our childhoods, so we naturally seek it out, especially when we're stressed or sad. And we're hard-wired to desire sweet foods. Basically, we're addicted to it. To really step into health, we have to free ourselves from our sugar cravings. That's exactly what Kerri did, and why she's launched her new brand Ageless and Healthy, dedicated to helping people be the healthiest, most beautiful version of themselves. And if you like Food Heals, then you are going to die for Kerri's podcast, The KPod – it's what originally inspired us to start this show, so check it out! Kerri's Tips for Ageless Health and Beauty: Hydration, hydration, hydration: have 2-3 liters of water a day and in 3 months you will look like you've had fillers in your face. But you also need electrolytes to help your cells to absorb that water. Vitamin C: apply vitamin C serum and take vitamin C supplements. Make sure your anti-aging cream contains vitamin C and retinol. These nutrients WILL tighten your skin. Use sunscreen. HALO laser therapy. Beauty begins from within: eat your greens! They instantly alkalize you and give you boundless energy (way better than coffee!). To address rosacea, go on an elimination diet; focus on the foods you eat or drink every day. IPL: intense pulse light laser therapy. Take care of your insides: focus on anti-inflammatory healing foods (turmeric, greens, antioxidants) and leave the junk foods on the shelf. You can check out Kerri's previous Food Heals episode here! Being hailed as "Sex and the City for Food," The Food Heals Podcast brings together experts in the field of nutrition, health and healing to teach you the best-kept natural secrets to being a hotter, healthier, happier YOU! The Food Heals Podcast is hosted by Allison Melody and Suzy Hardy – two self-proclaimed natural chicks who will rock your world and change your beliefs about health! This sexy, savvy duo provides eco-friendly advice on a variety of issues including the healing power of nutrition, living authentically, turning your passion into your career, choosing the best natural health and beauty products, the benefits of a plant-based diet and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices