Moon Juice Founder Amanda Chantal Bacon’s Self-Care Secrets for Living on Earth
Amanda Chantal Bacon, founder of Moon Juice, LA’s wellness epicenter, was gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free at the age of 4, years before there were complete grocery aisles, restaurants, and hipster juice shops dedicated these popular dietary preferences. Saddled with physical and emotional issues at an early age, Bacon set out on a path of self-care, a discovery that brought her around the world. Her holistic learnings led her to open her first Moon Juice, in 2011. Moon Juice, now with three locations in Los Angeles, made a name for itself with a variety of “dusts” — superfood powders — that were quickly touted by the hip and healthy, including Gwyneth Paltrow.
While in her 20s, Bacon gave birth to her son and to Moon Juice. She’s navigated being a single mom with growing a now international wellness business. We caught up with Bacon to discuss how she balances work, parenting, self-care, and healthy eating.
Organic Authority: Why did you create Moon Juice?
Amanda Chantal Bacon: I created Moon Juice for people interested in a new way of living. Not a way where you have to erase your past, but a way fueled by excitement to help yourself live better. Our only intention is to add goodness and beauty to your life.
OA: What does “wellness” mean to you?
ACB: Wellness means feeling deeply comfortable and connected to source.
OA: What is the spiritual practice that works best for you?
ACB: Sitting quietly long enough that the thoughts disappear and I am again aware of the many layers of miracles happening around me at every moment.
OA: You balance a hugely successful business with being a single mom. How do you make time for self-care in your busy schedule?
ACB: It’s all about the stolen moments, and being able to drop into deep rejuvenation in the midst of chaos – on a plane, in a car between meetings or after my son is asleep. I’ve learned not to be too precious about finding the perfect moment.
OA: So what does self-care look like in your day?
ACB: I meditate daily, which often means I’ll pull over while driving, and take 20 in my parked car. I also always spend 3-5 minutes deeply nourishing myself by making an adaptogenic smoothie. The meditation and smoothie prep only take 25 minutes out of my day, but it’s life changing and sustaining!
OA: How do you truly disconnect without having guilt around the other things you should be doing, so you can come back rejuvenated?
ACB: I’ve been trained in the art of disconnection by being a single parent; I had to work through the pain of separating from my son while he spent time with his dad. It came down to knowing that he was safe and happy. I realized I should enjoy my time, and make the best use of it, so I could be better upon his return.
OA: What do you do when you’re stressed?
ACB: I have a range of go-to protocols that include acupuncture, adaptogens, meditation, sleep, and vitamin shots.
OA: Moon Juice carries a lot of adaptogens. What are adaptogens, and why are they so important?
ACB: Adaptogens are herbs, mushrooms, and minerals that help our body better respond to stress. These potent allies work by reducing stress-hormone (cortisol) induced cellular damage— improving mood, boosting immunity, and reducing fatigue. I highly recommend making them a daily practice for profound benefit, which is easy and delicious when you set yourself up for it.
OA: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
ACB: I can’t say I feel guilty about them, but I don’t like to wear sunscreen, though I don’t let myself burn. My son and I eat dark chocolate for breakfast some mornings, and I curse daily. These things bring me lots of pleasure!
OA: If you ever indulge, how do you get your body back on track?
ACB: I recalibrate by consuming lots of plant protein, good fats, fermented foods, and healthy greens. I drastically cut out sugars, grains and caffeine.
OA: What are the staple foods that you always have on-hand?
ACB: In my house, you can almost always find fermented veggies, nori wraps, ghee, micro greens, coconut flour, Himalayan pink salt, apple cider vinegar, maca, cacao, cordyceps, avocados, frozen strawberries, organic stevia.
OA: Favorite snack?
ACB: I love a warm protein shake loaded with adaptogens, and maybe an avocado too.
OA: Go-to meal?
ACB: I can always go for roasted veggies and a hearty salad.
OA: What’s your favorite way to exercise?
ACB: After dissing all the fancy methods, my preference truly is walking. It’s a luxury that I’m trying to make time for every day. A brisk 30-minute walk a day can do wonders to center me, and it requires no advance preparation or special equipment.
OA: Where do you see the Moon Juice brand in five years?
ACB: We will be bringing powerful ingredients that were once unknown and hard to acquire into homes all over the world.
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