I could not be more excited to kick off the “What the Well is Going on?” series with Josie Santi of Wellness by Josie. I came across an article Josie wrote on The Everygirl and was instantly captured by her writing style, amazing sense of fashion and love of wellness. When I started following her, I knew I had to connect with her - she is a beautiful soul on the inside and out and I know you’ll find her suggestions just as inspiring as I found them. Check out her website (link above) and amazing Instagram @josie.santi.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and Wellness by Josie?

I've always been interested in aspects of wellness like nutrition and positive psychology, but it wasn't until I studied religious studies in college that I really became fascinated in holistic health. I studied Eastern Religions with an emphasis in ancient spiritual and medical practices like Ayurveda, which was the time I realized that the mind, body, and spirit is intrinsically linked. After years of inconclusive tests, symptoms that I was told were "normal" by doctors (like extreme PMS, constant gut issues, or chronic fatigue), and feeling out of control in my own body, I went through my own personal journey that included a lot of studying ancient medical practices and modern research, while also looking inward to intuitively heal myself. Not only have my symptoms improved, but I'm happier, more confident, and kinder than I have ever been. Food and lifestyle changes are medicine to not only heal the body, but to give you the ability to live your very best life and be your most authentic self. 

Wellness By Josie is my Holistic Health Coaching Service and Lifestyle Brand to help as many women as possible learn the secret I believe everyone should know, but most don't: food is medicine, joy is a nutrient, and you shouldn't have to go through life just feeling "okay." You can feel like your best, vivacious, most vibrant self and I'm on a mission to help every woman find her. Too many women are experiencing guilt after eating, constant insecurities, gut issues, chronic fatigue, or acne that hurts their confidence. The symptoms not only suck, but they're preventing us from living our best lives. I like to say that the Wellness By Josie girl mindfully enjoys both a glass of wine and a green juice. Joy and pleasure are also nutrients, arguably more important than protein or healthy fats. Because of that, Wellness By Josie is not a restrictive program or a one-size-fits-all approach to health like most nutrition programs. Instead, it's a bio-individual process of making the most of this one life we get to have.

2. Who or what inspired you to start Wellness by Josie?

After years in the fashion industry (but also just my experience as a woman), I realized how many women were struggling with their own bodies. I did not know one friend, coworker, or family member who was not experiencing some type of chronic inflammation, anxiety and depression, painful periods, gut issues, fatigue and lack of energy, persistent acne, or guilt after eating and an unhealthy relationship to food. I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to further my nutrition studies, but also to figure out how I can help more women on a greater scale. I never felt like I would be a business owner (or a coach, for that matter), but I just kept hearing in my head, how dare I not get this information out there? It sounds so cliche, but I felt it was truly my purpose to connect with women and help them heal their bodies to live their best lives.

3. What have you been doing to stay at peace during this uneasy time?

Staying busy doing the things that bring me joy! You can eat vegetables, workout, and meditate every day, but I don't think the mind will really ever feel "at peace" until you experience true joy. I've been having happy hours with my college best friends, moving my body when I need, listening to podcasts on topics I want to learn more about, and making sure to laugh as much as possible (which means a lot of making fun of my boyfriend). Feeling grateful instead of feeling bored or sorry for myself has made all the difference in staying at peace during a time this scary and uncertain. 

4. What is your morning routine?

Having a solid morning routine is crucial for me, as I believe if you can have full control over the first and last 30 minutes of your day, you can find control over the rest. My formula for a perfect morning routine (because I'm extra as HELL) is: love, light, hydration, and me-time. First thing's first, I always try to remember to give my boyfriend a hug good morning or text my mom. I find that thinking of the people I love most first thing in the morning forces me to feel grateful and connected. I then make sure to get some kind of light to let my body know it's time to wake up, so either opening up the blinds or turning on lights if I'm up before the sun. Hydration comes next, which means warm lemon water with a few drops of Sakara Beauty Water, but other days it just means chugging cold tap water because that's all I have time or brain space to prepare.

I always try to fit in some form of "me-time" which is just a less douchey way of saying "meditation." I tend to prefer reading a few pages from spiritual books, but I also journal or listen to the Headspace app, depending on what I'm in the mood for. I start work pretty soon after waking, but when I do eat (around 9am or 10am), I always make sure it's one of my most nutritious meals of the day, as what you eat first gets absorbed the most. For me, this is typically fruit with tahini and coconut shreds, or a superfood smoothie.

5. What is your go-to healthy snack and/or meal?

I'm not a huge snacker, but if I am nibbling on something, it's either a bar from Sakara, avocado pudding, olives, or Siete chips and homemade dip. For meals, my main go-tos are cauliflower crust pizza, creamy plant-based pasta (like chickpea or lentil pasta with nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar), avocado toast on gluten-free sourdough bread with sauerkraut, or a sushi bowl with rice, veggies, tofu, ginger, and kimchi. 

6. What is your favorite way to sweat while at home?

I've historically been so bad at working out at home, so this has been a learning process for me. I love going to workout studios (especially since I work from home full-time) and rely on the pricey cancellation fees in order to get my butt to a workout class at the end of a long day. However, I've appreciated this time because it's forced me to tap into my intuition a little more, and figure out how my body wants to move and when it wants to move, instead of mindlessly signing up for a workout class.

I've been doing Melissa Wood Health workouts daily (I love them for fitting in empowering movement in a short period of time), and live streaming classes from my local workout studio, Psycho LA, a few times a week, which combines HIIT and yoga for a class that makes me sweat AND makes me leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

7. What is your quarantine go-to drink?

Wine, wine, and more wine! I love Dry Farm Wines for an organic option (that won't give you a hangover: biggest win!). I also love a superfood coffee in the mornings (blended with ceylon cinnamon, almond milk, coconut oil, and inulin powder for the frothiest latte ever) and a vegetable juice in the afternoons (gives me way more energy than coffee, which is crucial for that afternoon energy slump). 

8. What is one wellness product you can't live without?

It's like asking me to pick my favorite child! If I'm being honest (and annoying), the only thing I would not be able to live without is fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. If we're talking supplements, I'd say a probiotic, a clean multi-vitamin, the Sakara water drops, any kind of dandelion tea (for detoxification), and inulin powder for prebiotics and gut health, because those are the things I have every day, without fail. 

9. What are a few things you are looking forward to once this is all over?
One of the saddest parts of this whole thing is avoiding other human beings. There's something incredibly depressing about having to cross the street to avoid someone walking on your side of the sidewalk, or dodging people walking by in the grocery store. More than anything, I'm excited to get to chat with strangers or smile at people I don't know. This pandemic has made me realize how the mundane interactions between strangers are one of the most beautiful parts of being human. I'm excited to be able to chat with strangers in an elevator or talk to the barista without worrying about passing along or catching a virus.

Besides that, I'm excited to workout in dimly lit studios with a bunch of other people (that I normally complain about if the class is too full). I'm excited to sit at a crowded bar and order a glass of prosecco from a busy bartender on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I'm excited to act stupid with my friends, as if we have no cares in the world (because in light of a global pandemic, we really don't), and I'm wildly excited to put on makeup, do my hair, and put on an outfit that isn't joggers and a t-shirt (never thought I'd look forward to putting in so much effort). 

10. What book, show or podcast would you recommend?

If you're a die-hard Oprah-fan (or just looking to deepen your spiritual practice, but like, Oprah is a spiritual practice), you need to read The Wisdom of Sundays. It's a collection of some of her most meaningful interviews, and I reread pages from it often. Every time, it totally changes my outlook. Another favorite is Super Attractor by Gabby Bernstein, which is an amazing resource in holistic manifestation, while also being incredibly practical and tangible. 

11. Favorite music to listen to?

You'll only ever find me listening to two niche genres: music made before 1980 (ranges between Frank Sinatra, the Supremes, and REO Speedwagon), and Broadway (I get it, I'm a musical loser). If I am listening to music made at some point this century, it's probably the music my boyfriend produces, because he knows how to write music I love to dance to. 

12. What is one piece of advice for people who are having a hard time right now?

Despite what we've been taught, happiness is not circumstantial. It's a skill, not an outcome. The hardest times can teach us how to truly achieve happiness, so don't waste the opportunity. 

13. Go-to lounge wear/WFH outfit?

I never thought I'd be a "sleep romper" girl, but turns out, wearing sweatpants 24/7 has made me adventurous. I ordered a ribbed knit romper from Aerie because it was on major sale, and I truly haven't worn much else. If I'm not romping, I live in workout sets because I know it'll get me to workout later (I hate wasting a cute set). 

14. Is there anything else you want my followers to know about
you/Wellness by Josie?

Just a shameless plug, I'm currently offering 50% off my services because I want to help as many women as possible during this time. It's no doubt a terrifying time, so I hope to be a resource and help women work on showing up as their highest selves.