Elissa Goodman's Nightly Ritual

Interviews 03 May 2019

Elissa Goodman's Nightly Ritual

After defeating cancer by transforming her lifestyle, Elissa Goodman is now one of LA's premiere Cleanse Experts and Holistic Nutritionists. We sat down with her to chat about her nighttime routine, and how she utilizes food to aid with getting her best night of sleep.

Elissa wearing the Washable Silk Pant Set at home

What is your nightly ritual? How do you prepare yourself for bed?

I’ve recently started to complete a 12-minute writing exercise taken from Dr. Sadeghi’s book “Clarity Cleanse” where I write down everything on my mind, then burn it before bed. Before that, I make my nightly cup of Tulsi tea (an adaptogenic tea that helps the body’s stress response) and I shut down electronics at 8pm.

What can we currently find on your nightstand?

I keep it simple: a favorite healing crystal, Serenity and Balance Essential Oils from DoTerra, and a carafe of Hallstein water ready for me to drink in the morning.

What is the difference between nutrition and holistic nutrition?

Nutrition looks at the science of nutrients and what we eat to sustain us. With nutrition you evaluate what you eat for health and growth.

Holistic nutrition looks at the whole picture, I take in consideration the mind, body, and spirit of my clients. My approach is to ensure that my clients are not only eating for health, but to elevate their well-being so they are thriving in all aspects (from how they feel when they wake up in the morning to how productive they feel at work). The food you eat is more important than meeting macro or micro nutrients – there is an emphasis on unrefined, unprocessed foods in whole form with organic foods and food sources also mattering.

What trends are you noticing in the wellness space at the moment? Which are you loving, and are there any you are calling B.S. on?

I am loving the collagen trend because the research backs it, and it really helps repair the gut. I add it to smoothies, in my coffee, or matcha latte. I am a fan of using adaptogens, when done right (don’t overdo it and really find what works for you). I drink my Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil) daily! I’ll always be a fan of (green) juicing and currently I am loving the the celery juice trend for providing nutrients at a cellular level and supporting gut health.

I’m not loving all the online subscription vitamin companies that are popping up. I don’t feel that you can always trust the quality and I don’t like that you go online, take a quiz and are told that you need such and such supplement...I feel that a more personal approach to choosing supplements is beneficial and a nutritionist can help you choose QUALITY supplements!

I’m not loving when clients come in with bags full of supplements. I think over-doing it with supplements (or even certain foods for that matter) is an issue. We don’t need much and sometimes it can be a waste of money or do more harm than good to take tons of supplements.

I am not loving the Keto diet that promotes eating bacon, cheese, and all kinds of unhealthy fat. I DO love the Keto-tarian program from Dr. Will Cole which is a healthy way to keto.

What foods naturally promote sleep + relaxation?

Complex carbs (for example sweet potato, squash, quinoa, buckwheat, etc..) Having one serving of complex carbs with dinner is great way to help the body relax because they are also full of minerals like magnesium. I always have a serving of a complex carb with my dinner to bring me back down to earth!

What are the best supplements you can be taking to get a good night's sleep?

It depends on your particular needs, but here are my most recommended ones...