When I first heard about Imani’s plan for a 90-day juice fast, I admit I was skeptical. Ninety days of nothing but fresh-pressed fruits and vegetables? Could an everyday person really commit to that, and why? In our conversation on Good Living Now Podcast, he described stepping on the scale at 414 lbs and hearing a voice urge him to change or face dire consequences. It was a raw, honest moment that reminded me how sometimes we wait until real fear propels us into action.

What struck me most was how Imani handled the first big hurdle, the second-day 16-lb drop. Instead of declaring victory, he got back on the scale five times to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. That isn’t science fiction. It’s the body shedding years of inflammation and stored waste. And his approach wasn’t about extreme deprivation; it was about listening to his body’s signals, adjusting his fruits to manage blood sugar, walking daily for mental clarity, and celebrating wins like fitting into a shirt he’d bought a year earlier.

His story isn’t about selling juice cleanses. It’s a reminder that real transformation begins inside. One clear takeaway: meaningful change often follows a single moment of honest vulnerability.

For more on our community’s health tools and to join us in these real-life journeys, explore Harold’s supplements at www.thegoodlivingnow.com. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to our new YouTube channel → https://youtube.com/@GoodLivingNowPodcast to follow Imani as he moves toward his next goal of 250 lbs and beyond.

I’ve been experimenting with green juice for over a decade, but this week’s batch felt like a breakthrough. It wasn’t just the seven ingredients, celery, green apple, lemon, cucumber, ginger, cilantro, parsley, but the way I prepped, juiced, and even reused the pulp that made the difference.

That morning, I stood over my sink and realized how often I’d rushed past the “clean” step. A quick soak in baking soda, a rinse, then fifteen minutes to let any residue slip away. It felt almost meditative, like resetting my intentions for the day.

Then came the juicer choreography: soft produce first, hearty greens next, finishing with apple and lemon for a bright burst. The Kuvings Auto10 (my go-to after years of trial and error) hummed effortlessly, and within minutes I held a glass of emerald liquid, forty ounces of living energy.

But here’s what surprised me: instead of tossing the pulp, I pressed it into my potted herbs. Hours later, I noticed a sister at the farmer’s market doing the same with her tomatoes. Suddenly, this routine wasn’t just about what I drank, it was a loop of nourishment from kitchen to garden.

If you’re curious about a simple morning practice that ripples into the rest of your day, start here: wash well, juice with intention, then compost what’s left. It’s a small ritual, but it reminds me that wellness isn’t about perfect ingredients, it’s about how we treat every part of the process.

Enjoyed this peek into my green juice routine? Subscribe to our new YouTube channel → https://youtube.com/@GoodLivingNowPodcast
Discover Harold’s supplements & tools → www.thegoodlivingnow.com
Join our wellness community for real-life change, faith, and lifestyle transformation.

When I first learned that one in ten Americans struggles with eczema I was surprised. I remembered the childhood rash I scraped until it bled, never knowing it was a skin barrier issue. Talking with Remson Noir felt like chatting with a friend who had done the research and the experiments on herself.

Early in her journey Remson discovered that testing her food sensitivities gave her clarity on triggers she never suspected, even some plant foods she loved. She calls this “elimination by addition”, start by adding healing foods and let cravings shift naturally. Watermelon for breakfast, coconut-yogurt smoothie bowls for lunch, and leafy salads sprinkled with hemp and pumpkin seeds became her staples. Over weeks she saw fewer flare-ups and steadier energy.

Remson also emphasizes that topical remedies only go so far. Oils like lavender and tea tree may soothe irritation but the real work happens inside. Sixty to eighty percent of our immune function lives in the gut. Improving gut microbiome with raw fruits, nuts, seeds, and plenty of hydration allowed her body to regulate inflammation more effectively. She also cleans her sheets and checks her home for hidden mold.
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Reflecting on that conversation I realized how often we chase quick fixes instead of steady steps. Healing is a process of partnering with your body. One clear takeaway is that small, consistent additions, extra watermelon here, a handful of greens there, can transform your skin from the inside out.

If you’re ready to begin your own journey toward healthier skin and a balanced immune system, subscribe to our new YouTube channel → https://youtube.com/@GoodLivingNowPodcast

Explore Harold’s curated supplements and health tools → www.thegoodlivingnow.com
Join our broader wellness community focused on real-life change, faith, and lifestyle transformation.

Menopause can feel like an unexpected storm of hot flashes, weight gain, and hormone-driven headaches. In a recent episode of the Good Living Now Podcast, host Harold Leffall sat down with plant-based coach Nicole R’Shae Holiday to demystify menopause and share the holistic strategies that helped Nicole regain her vitality and confidence. Below are the key takeaways from their conversation.

1. Understand That Menopause Is More Than Hot Flashes
Many women assume menopause only means losing one’s monthly cycle and enduring occasional hot flashes. As Nicole explains, menopause (and the preceding perimenopause) involves a complex decline in hormones that can trigger:

• Unexplained weight gain around the midsection and back
• Chronic headaches (she logged 15–25 migraines per month for a full year)
• Insomnia, night sweats (though Nicole never experienced these), and mood shifts

Recognizing that each woman’s experience is unique is the first step toward finding relief.

2. Leverage a Plant-Based, High-Raw Diet to Ease Symptoms
Nicole has followed a plant-based lifestyle for nearly 15 years. When menopause symptoms began surfacing in 2022–2024, she discovered that simply maintaining her usual diet wasn’t enough—her body was accustomed to it. To address hot flashes and migraine frequency, she “upped the ante” by increasing her raw, nutrient-dense intake:

• Morning Ritual: A fruit-based smoothie or “nice cream” bowl with chia seeds, berries, and nuts
• Lunch: A giant raw salad featuring mixed greens, sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a homemade tahini dressing (or a low-sodium store-bought vegan dressing)
• Dinner: Light, hydrating fare (e.g., watermelon, a smaller salad) on days she consumed higher-sodium ingredients earlier

By flooding her system with antioxidants, vitamins, and plant enzymes, Nicole saw her hot flashes dissipate and her headache frequency dramatically decline.

3. Track Mindful Eating to Reverse Menopause Weight Gain
Weight gain around the belly and back can feel inevitable during menopause—even if you eat healthily and exercise regularly. Nicole’s “secret” wasn’t a gimmick; it was mindful tracking:

• She used an app (Chronometer) to log daily meals and match her caloric intake to her activity level.
• Rather than drastic restriction, she maintained a modest 200-calorie deficit most weekdays and allowed herself flexibility on weekends.
• Over 12 months, she lost 14 out of 15 pounds—focusing on how clothes fit and before-and-after photos, rather than obsessing over the scale.

This balanced approach—85–90% whole, plant-based foods and 10–15% occasional treats—empowered her to sustain weight loss without feeling deprived.

4. Strengthen Body & Mind with Exercise and Community Support
Exercise remained a non-negotiable for Nicole—she’s been working out her entire adult life. During her weight-loss journey, she:

• Continued lifting weights three to four times weekly (crucial for bone density and muscle preservation in menopause)
• Prioritized daily step counts (even chores at the elementary school where she teaches contributed to her goal)
• Embraced accountability through her “Shedding and Shine” coaching program, offering weekly check-ins and meal plans to support other women

Her point? Nutrition is roughly 80% of the battle, but consistent movement and sisterhood support complete the picture.

5. Pay Attention to Small Wins and Daily Rituals
Finally, Nicole emphasizes that “small wins” compound into sustainable change. Whether it’s fitting into a pair of pants that were once too tight or breaking a fast with hydrating watermelon and olives to replenish electrolytes, these moments build confidence. She encourages every woman to:

• Celebrate progress photos over weekly scale fluctuations
• Tune into hunger and fullness cues—don’t fall for “eat all the raw you want” myths if your body still stores excess calories
• Lean on a supportive community (online or in person) for accountability, encouragement, and resources

Join Our Health & Wellness Community!If Nicole’s journey inspires you, we’d love for you to become part of the Good Living Now community.

👉 Subscribe to our brand-new YouTube channel: GoodLivingNowPodcast
👉 Explore Harold’s supplements and wellness resources at www.thegoodlivingnow.com

Our podcast is dedicated to sharing real-life success stories, evidence-based tips, and supportive tools to help you thrive—no matter where you are on your health journey. Together, we can navigate menopause (and every life transition) with confidence, community, and compassion.
Stay bold, stay well, and welcome to Good Living Now!



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Nico Jordan’s Journey: Natural Strategies for Hair Loss and Alopecia
Hair loss and alopecia can feel isolating, but our recent Good Living Now podcast episode with Nico Jordan proves you’re not alone—and there are holistic steps you can take. In this conversation, Nico shares her personal story of dealing with significant hair shedding, the doctor’s diagnosis, and the natural approaches that helped her regain healthier, fuller hair. Below are the key takeaways and how you can apply her insights to your own wellness journey.

Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Support
Nico first noticed excessive hair loss in 2017–2018, when long strands began falling out in the shower. After years of attempting home remedies—aloe gel, fenugreek oil, onion-infused treatments—she finally pursued a medical evaluation. In 2020, a scalp biopsy confirmed alopecia. Though the diagnosis felt overwhelming, it also marked a turning point. Nico knew she needed a multifaceted plan: one that combined nutrition, lifestyle tweaks, and targeted hair care.

Embracing Plant-Based and Alkaline Nutrition
One of Nico’s most impactful decisions was to transition fully into a plant-based, alkaline-focused diet. Guided by a friend’s experience, she shifted from a standard vegan approach to a raw, alkaline regimen. Within 30 days of eating alkaline, raw meals and incorporating nutrient-rich foods—such as chickpea flour, leafy greens, and fresh fruits—Nico saw her hair feel noticeably fuller. She also completed a 40-day juice cleanse (watermelon for breaking the fast, with a couple of olives to satisfy her salt cravings), which left her skin glowing and her scalp refreshed. While individual results vary, her story highlights how nutrient-dense, whole foods can support hair strength, skin health, and overall vitality.

Targeted Hair Care and Gut Health
Beyond diet, Nico uses a combination of sea moss and moringa in her daily smoothies to nourish from within. For topical care, she applies Batana oil (a lightweight, nutrient-dense oil) and occasionally a hint of castor oil to maintain moisture without overloading her follicles. Rather than frequent washing, she opts for gentle apple cider vinegar rinses to cleanse her scalp without stripping natural oils. Most importantly, Nico emphasizes gut health—encouraging anyone experiencing hair thinning to begin by optimizing their digestion and microbiome, which can have a direct impact on hair follicles.

Realistic Routines and Self-Compassion
​Nico’s journey underscores that healing takes time and consistency. She tracks her progress with weekly measurements and photos, celebrating every small improvement. Exercise (weight training for bone health and daily steps) and stress management (breathing exercises, adequate sleep) also play a role in her balanced routine. Above all, she practices self-compassion—acknowledging that occasional treats or social gatherings might introduce minor setbacks, but tackling them quickly keeps her on track.

Join Our Health & Wellness CommunityIf Nico’s story resonates with you, know that Good Living Now is more than a podcast—it’s a growing community dedicated to real-life health transformations. We invite you to subscribe to our new YouTube channel for more episodes that explore natural, sustainable wellness strategies:
➡️ Subscribe now: youtube.com/@GoodLivingNowPodcast
You can also discover Harold’s carefully curated supplements and additional resources to support your journey at:
➡️ Explore more at: www.thegoodlivingnow.com
Whether you’re navigating hair loss, menopause, or chronic conditions, our community offers practical guidance, inspiring success stories, and trusted products designed to help you live your healthiest life—naturally and confidently.