Josie Santi on Holistic Wellness
Josie Santi has always been interested in aspects of wellness such as nutrition and positive psychology. But it wasn’t until she studied religious studies in college that she 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 her symptoms improved, she says she is happier, more confident and kinder than she has 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.”
Her career in the fashion industry showed her how other women struggle with their bodies, whether it is uncomfortable acne and bloat, chronic fatigue, a lack of confidence, or an unhealthy relationship with food. “I studied with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition because I knew I wanted to help other women not only eat and feel better, but become their best, happiest, most vibrant selves. I founded Wellness By Josie to heal as many women as possible. It's 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.”
There are three things that Josie always recommends to make the most drastic change with the least amount of effort.
1. Eat more leafy greens
2. Drink more water
3. Laugh more often
“Not only do each of these three things help you live longer, but if you increase your greens, water, and laughter, any health concern will start to work itself out–guaranteed! Also, I've had a wide variety of clients with many different health concerns, lifestyles, and diets. But almost always, health concerns and symptoms are intensified because of a lack of self-love. Stop restricting, become more intuitive, and prioritize loving yourself more than anything else. This is not cheesy advice: it's the most powerful thing you can do for drastic change.”
Josie offers free consultations always — even if a client is 100% sure they want to work with her, she has them do a consultation first. “The main reason is that my #1 priority is to help each individual person (not to get as many clients as possible). Therefore, I want to make sure my program would be the best fit for each potential client's individual goals and concerns. If it's not a fit for whatever reason, then I'll point them to the doctor, nutritionist, or specialist who might be. I love offering a free consultation because it's a way to get to know people really quickly: I find out what they're struggling with, what their family is like, and learn about their personality and goals.” She says that there are so many people who tell her that they come out of the free consultation with relief, feeling like they just had a therapy session, because we so rarely get the chance to talk and be heard when it comes to healthcare. “Something that simple is an extremely important part of what I do, and I want potential clients to get a small "test run" for themselves of what the 6 month program would be like. It's crucial for their healing that every client goes into a program feeling confident and excited about the process.”
In five years, Josie hopes to still be in Los Angeles, with two French bulldogs and living in a house with a lemon tree out front. “Most importantly, I hope I look back in 5 years and can fondly reflect on all the many women I have helped become their best selves, heal their symptoms and poor relationship to food, and boosted their confidence and quality of life. That's honestly my greatest hope, and if I accomplish that then I know I'll be successful (and the lemon tree wouldn't hurt…)."