What does it really take to lose 85 pounds after 40—and keep it off for good?

On this powerful episode of the Good Living Now Podcast, host Harold Leffall sits down with certified nutrition and weight loss coach Makita Harvey, who shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming emotional eating, infertility, hormonal challenges, and years of yo-yo dieting.
Now 47, Makita has not only transformed her body but her entire lifestyle—using walking, whole foods, intermittent fasting, and raw nutrition as tools to reclaim her energy, vitality, and confidence.

From Emotional Eating to Empowered Living
Makita opens up about how food became her comfort from an early age, especially after the heartbreak of infertility and loss. Like so many women, she turned to food for emotional support—until one day, she decided to take back control.

“If I couldn’t control when I had a baby,” Makita shares, “I could control how I showed up for my health.”

That powerful shift in mindset became the spark that lit her transformation.

The Power of Walking
Forget the gym. Makita began with something simple: walking. One mile became two. Two became three. As her consistency grew, so did her results.

Too often we underestimate the power of walking. For Makita, it became the foundation of her new lifestyle—something anyone can start, regardless of fitness level.

Real Food, Real Change
Makita stopped counting calories and started fueling her body with real, whole foods. By eliminating processed and fast foods, her body naturally moved into a healthier state—and the weight began to come off.

Her biggest takeaway? “You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent.”

Reversing Symptoms & Going Deeper with Fasting
After struggling with hyperthyroidism and perimenopausal symptoms, Makita took a bold step into the world of detox and fasting. What started as curiosity turned into a life-changing experience.

She completed a 15-day water fast, followed by dry fasting, which she now credits for reducing inflammation, eliminating joint pain, and supporting her thyroid function.

Through research and discipline, she discovered how powerful fasting can be—not just for weight loss, but for internal cleansing and resetting the body’s natural systems.

Life After the Weight Loss
Makita now maintains her results with a raw-focused lifestyle rich in leafy greens, smoothies, and big veggie-packed salads. She still strength trains, practices intermittent fasting, and makes self-care a top priority.

The best part? She’s now a mom of two boys—after doctors once told her she couldn’t conceive naturally.

Makita’s Advice to Women Over 40Her message is clear:

• You are not stuck.
• You don’t have to be perfect.
• You can start with one small change—like a 15-minute walk a day.
• Focus on consistency, whole foods, and showing up for yourself.

“Stop complaining about something you’re unwilling to change,” Makita recalls God whispering to her. That was the moment everything shifted.

Connect with MakitaFollow Makita Harvey on Instagram and YouTube at @IAmMakitaHarvey to learn more about her coaching, lifestyle tips, and real-life inspiration.

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In a recent episode of the Good Living Now podcast, host Harold Leffall explored the profound impact of fasting on health and wellness. Joined by plant-based nutritionist and fitness coach Remson Noir, the discussion shed light on the science behind fasting, its various forms, and the life-changing benefits it can offer.

Why Fasting?
According to Remson, fasting is like hitting the body’s reset button. The human body is constantly working to maintain balance, and fasting encourages it to become more efficient by shedding what it no longer needs. This natural process, known as autophagy, helps eliminate waste, toxins, and damaged cells—allowing the immune system to function at its best. Imagine lightening the load on a long journey—fasting helps the body remove unnecessary baggage so it can operate more effectively.

Exploring Different Types of Fasting
Not all fasts are created equal. The podcast broke down key fasting methods, each with its own benefits and levels of intensity:

• Juice Fasting 🍊🥕 – A gentle detox where only fresh juices are consumed. This method provides energy without proteins and fats, making it great for cleansing and weight loss.
• Water Fasting 💧 – A deeper, more intense fast where only water is consumed. This pushes the body into a heightened state of autophagy, enhancing cellular repair.
• Dry Fasting 🚫💦 – The most extreme form of fasting, with no food or water. This accelerates detoxification but should only be done with caution.
• Intermittent Fasting ⏳ – A more accessible approach involving cycles of eating and fasting. While it offers some autophagy benefits, it’s ideal for those seeking gradual lifestyle changes.

Real Stories of Transformation
Throughout the episode, Remson shared inspiring stories of individuals who have transformed their health through fasting.
🔹 Reversing Fibroids Naturally – One woman successfully avoided surgery for fibroids by committing to a water fast, resulting in significant improvements without medical intervention.
🔹 Overcoming Diabetes & Hypertension – A man struggling with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure turned to juice fasting, not only reversing his conditions but also achieving major weight loss.
These powerful testimonies underscore how fasting, when done correctly, can be a game-changer for health and healing.

How to Start Your Fasting Journey
If you're new to fasting, Remson recommends preparing your body first. A high-fruit, nutrient-rich diet can help ease the transition, ensuring your body is well-nourished before diving into fasting. He also suggests starting gradually—begin with intermittent or juice fasting before progressing to more intense fasts, always considering your individual health needs and goals.

Debunking Common Fasting Myths
One common concern about juice fasting is its sugar content. However, Remson clarified that natural sugars from fruits do not cause diabetes—especially when consumed in the absence of high-fat, processed foods. The key is understanding the body’s natural processes and how different foods interact with metabolism.

Seeking Expert Guidance
For those looking to dive deeper into fasting or receive personalized coaching, Remson Noir provides expert guidance through his platforms. His approach empowers individuals to take control of their health with informed choices and sustainable fasting practices.

Final Thoughts​
Fasting isn’t just about skipping meals—it’s a powerful tool for detoxification, healing, and overall well-being. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, reverse a chronic condition, or simply boost your energy levels, fasting—when done mindfully—can be a transformative step toward better health.
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Want to learn more? Tune into the full episode of the Good Living Now podcast for an eye-opening conversation on the incredible benefits of fasting!

Resilience & Healing: Dr. LaFarra’s Journey to Overcoming a Rare Illness
In today’s episode of the Good Living Now podcast, we explore a powerful story of perseverance, healing, and transformation. Our guest, Dr. LaFarra, is not only a dedicated medical doctor but also a survivor who faced a life-threatening health crisis and emerged stronger than ever. Her journey underscores the importance of self-advocacy, holistic healing, and the undeniable role of nutrition in recovery.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Dr. LaFarra’s health battle began unexpectedly after attending an event in January. What started as mild symptoms quickly escalated into a mysterious illness that defied diagnosis. Despite undergoing multiple tests and treatments, her condition remained unresolved. It wasn’t until a lung biopsy revealed the presence of histoplasmosis—a rare mold infection—that she finally had an answer.
The journey to recovery, however, was just beginning.

The Road to Healing
As a pathologist and health coach, Dr. LaFarra understood the gravity of her diagnosis and took an active role in her treatment. Her experience reinforced her belief that “you don’t heal in the hospital; you heal at home.” This philosophy drove her to explore integrative healing methods alongside medical treatment.

She faced difficult decisions, including adjusting her diet to accommodate treatment. One surprising moment? Having to consume Coca-Cola—a stark contrast to her usual clean eating habits—to help dissolve her medication effectively. These small but crucial adaptations exemplified the flexibility required on the path to recovery.

The Power of Nutrition & Mindset
Nutrition became the foundation of Dr. LaFarra’s healing process. She leaned into plant-based nutrition, juicing, and antioxidant-rich foods to support her immune system. By incorporating flavonoids and nutrient-dense meals, she fueled her body’s ability to fight infection and regain strength.

Beyond food, stress management played a crucial role in her recovery. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making healing more difficult. Dr. LaFarra, who now coaches high-performing women, emphasizes the importance of balance, mindfulness, and self-care in overall well-being.

Empowering Others Through Experience
Having transitioned from patient to healer, Dr. LaFarra now uses her personal experience to empower others. She encourages individuals to be inquisitive, proactive, and unafraid to challenge medical advice when necessary. Her holistic approach integrates diet, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional well-being to help others regain control over their health.

Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating their own health journey, proving that resilience, education, and the right support system can make all the difference.

Connect with Dr. LaFarra
​Dr. LaFarra’s experience is a testament to the body’s ability to heal when given the right tools. If you’re looking to learn more about her work or seek guidance on your health journey, you can connect with her at Dr. LaFarra, M.D. on social media or reach out via email at [email protected].
Her journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us all that healing is not just about treatment—it’s about nourishment, self-advocacy, and resilience.

Embracing Self-Care: Navigating Life’s Changes with Purpose
In a world that never slows down, stress and uncertainty have become inevitable companions. As we navigate life's transitions, it is easy to lose sight of our most valuable asset—our well-being. In a thought-provoking episode of the Good Living Now podcast, self-care and wellness coach Angie Hodges shared transformative insights on harnessing the power of self-care to navigate change with grace and purpose. Her holistic approach redefines self-care, extending far beyond indulgent rituals to encompass every facet of our lives.

Self-Care: A Holistic Foundation
When we think of self-care, images of spa retreats and relaxation often come to mind. However, Angie Hodges challenges us to look deeper. True self-care is a mindfulness practice, an intentional commitment to nurturing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Angie expands on these core pillars, introducing nine essential forms of self-care: social, recreational, occupational, environmental, financial, and digital self-care, in addition to the foundational four. This comprehensive framework acknowledges the intricate demands of modern life, offering a roadmap to sustained balance and fulfillment.

Digital Well-Being: Reclaiming Control in a Hyper-Connected World
One of the most profound takeaways from Angie’s insights is the necessity of digital self-care. In an era dominated by social media and instant connectivity, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison and digital fatigue. Angie highlights the impact of excessive screen time on our emotional well-being and encourages mindful consumption. By curating our digital experiences and setting intentional boundaries, we can reclaim our time, energy, and mental clarity.

Navigating Loss and Transition with Grace
Life’s inevitable changes—whether a career shift, personal loss, or unexpected detour—can shake our sense of stability. Angie advocates for embracing these moments with openness rather than resistance. Journaling, she suggests, is a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing us to process emotions, gain clarity, and reframe our perspectives. Gratitude practices, even in difficult times, serve as anchors that shift focus from loss to abundance, fostering resilience and hope.

Self-Validation: Cultivating Inner Strength
Many of us spend years seeking external validation, measuring our worth through the approval of others. Angie urges us to reclaim our personal power by tuning into our own voice. Through meditation, self-reflection, and intentional affirmations, we can build an unshakable foundation of self-worth and confidence. This inner alignment enables us to move forward with authenticity and purpose, untethered by societal expectations.

Practical Self-Care: The Art of Nourishing Yourself
True self-care is not just about treating oneself—it is about understanding and honoring one’s unique needs. Angie recommends journaling not just as a tool for emotional release but as a celebration of one’s journey and growth. By acknowledging past accomplishments, we cultivate the confidence and motivation needed to embrace future challenges with renewed determination.

Journaling: A Love Letter to Yourself
As a devoted advocate for self-care, Angie Hodges has distilled her expertise into her book, “Loving Myself from the Inside Out: A 30-Day Self-Care Guided Journal.” This transformative journal offers a structured approach to self-exploration through affirmations, guided exercises, and multimedia resources, providing readers with the tools to cultivate self-love, clarity, and emotional resilience.

Leaving a Legacy of Wellness
Embracing self-care is more than an individual pursuit—it is a legacy we leave for future generations. Whether as parents, mentors, or friends, we have the power to model self-love and emotional well-being, inspiring those around us to do the same. As Angie eloquently puts it, “Every setback is a setup for a new chapter.” Through intention and self-care, we hold the power to redefine our narratives and step into lives filled with purpose, balance, and joy.

​Self-care is not a luxury—it is a way of life. Whether through mindfulness, journaling, or simple moments of presence, let us commit to prioritizing our well-being and embracing change with open hearts and steady minds.

Welcome to the Good Living Now blog, where we explore transformative journeys towards improved health and well-being. In our latest podcast episode, we dug deep into the world of fibroid management and holistic healing with the renowned author and certified fibroid coach, Tina Marie Fuller. Tina joins our host, Harold Leffall, to share crucial insights about naturally reversing fibroids, managing painful periods, and creating a healthier lifestyle.

Understanding Fibroids and Lifestyle Influence

Tina Marie Fuller enlightens us on a prevalent health issue that many women face: fibroids. Tina cites that a staggering 80% of African American women are diagnosed with fibroids by the age of 50, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and education. Through her experiences and coaching, Tina stresses that lifestyle choices significantly impact the severity of fibroids and related symptoms.

She expounds on some common factors influencing fibroid growth, including stress, diet, and exposure to harmful environmental toxins. Tina underscores the importance of acknowledging these lifestyle elements as potential drivers and provides actionable steps women can take to mitigate these effects.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Better Health

Tina shares profound insights into the lifestyle adjustments that can help alleviate fibroid-related distress. She outlines: