Crazy Sexy Survivor: Kris Carr

Good morning!

It is with such an honour that I present to you the following interview with Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor, Kris Carr.

For many of us, Kris needs no introduction. I first saw her on TLC’s Crazy Sexy Cancer series. I fell in love with her joie de vivre. Her carefree attitude was something that all of us could learn from.

I cried with her, I laughed with her, I learned from her, and most of all I was inspired by her.

I never would have dreamed that one day I would have the privilege to interview her.

Six years ago, Kris received her devestating cancer diagnosis:

I told her I thought I’d fractured a rib on my first day of detox showing off for a hot guy in yoga class. She snorted and buried her hands in my abdomen. I writhed in pain. ‘I think it’s your gallbladder,” she told me. “Let’s see what the doc says.”

Dr. F did his usual drive-by examination and agreed that the pain was probably the result of a faulty gallbladder…He sent me off with a prescription for some very tasty pain drugs and ordered an ultrasound- posthaste.

[During the ultrasound, the nurse] has a mysterious half-worried, half-trying-to-look-casual expression on her face. She left the room, came back with another instrument, and started scanning again. This time the seriously distressed look in her eyes made it clear that she saw something. “What?” I asked her. “You’ll have to speak with the doctor,” she said.

Something was very wrong.

~Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips

Since then Kris has empowered cancer survivors around the world through her books, website, community, talks/advocacy, and TV/film appearances. She received the honour of appearing on Oprah (OPRAH!) giving hope to millions of cancer sufferers around the globe.

She’s beautiful, she rocks the green monsters, and she glows.

I never thought that someone with such a busy schedule would take the time out to do an interview with me, but Kris did. Down to earth and totally cool.

1) Angela: What are the benefits to juicing as opposed to consuming the food raw in its’ whole form?

Both are great ways to get your vitamins, minerals, enzymes and oxygen, and phytonutrients – oh and don’t forget chlorophyll, the blood of the plant that cleanses our blood. But juicing gives your body a rest. By removing the fiber your body gets a greater amount of nutrients instantly. Think about it, you can juice way more vegetables than you can consume in their whole form. Plus, alkaline juices help to detoxify your body. They raise your pH and help pull out old waste from your colon and tissues. Digesting food is a very complicated process that takes hours and requires lots of energy and enzymes, especially when you’re eating cooked foods or dense animal proteins. Juicing allows your body to take a break in order to focus on renewal and repair. If you’re eating a wide variety of raw and living foods you get plenty of fiber. Add juicing to your routine and you will see a HUGE difference in your energy and overall health. Good bye colds, hello health.

2) If you could pick your favourite 3 powerfoods, what would they be and why?

Chlorella – because it balances my blood sugar and helps to remove heavy metals and other toxins. Boosts pH as well.

Spirulina – because it’s loaded with digestible protein!

Maca – because it boosts my sex drive (a girl’s got to keep her priorities straight) and supports my frazzled adrenal glands.

3) What is your favorite green juice recipe? 

Cucumber, kale, dandelion, sprouts, spinach and pear! Delightful. I never juice sugary stuff. It’s best to keep it green and clean. One piece of fruit per juice is my max.

[I’m sooo trying this!]

4) I notice that you do regular juice fasts or as you call them ‘feasts’. :) I read that you fast for 21 days on 4 quarts of green drink per day. Do you think these should be incorporated into everyone’s lifestyle, regardless of whether they are diagnosed with cancer? What would you recommend for the average Joe out there looking to lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent cancer in their future?

As far as fasting goes, I think that longer fasts can be very beneficial. Fasting removes stored toxins and excess waste created by the SAD (Standard American Diet) and environmental factors. It boosts the immune system, helps with better absorption and overall energy levels. Fasting is natures operating table. But it’s not for everyone and I wouldn’t do it unsupervised. Since I’m writing about fasting for my new book I wanted to experience an extended one. Usually I only fast once a week – every Wednesday. I started this practice years ago when I was studying to be a health educator at the Hippocrates Health Institute and I love how I feel afterwards. Especially when I include colonics. Anyone doing extended fasts must do colonics! If not, your body will dump waste faster than it can be removed and then the whole system backs up.

For the average Joe’s and Jane’s looking to avoid a health crisis I would suggest a few very simple things.

· Reduce or better yet eliminate all animal protein, including diary.

· Alkalize your body with a diet consisting of 50-80% raw, organic when possible, foods.

· Juice your greens!

· Don’t over eat – even the good stuff.

· Do colonics at the change of the seasons

· Move your God pod.

· Keep the stress factor down and the joy factor up

· Deal with your emotions and stop shoving them in cubbies – those cubbies become dis-ease.

· Create a spiritual practice that includes meditation

5) You recently came out with a new book called Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor. How does this book differ from your first book, Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips? Any more books or TV spots in your future?

Tips is my advice-from-the-trenches girlfriend’s guide. Survivor is more about the reader, their journey. I included lots of space to write, reveal, work it out and chat back. It was my attempt to help my readers rebuild their self-esteem and get busy living their still glorious and meaningful lives – regardless of their diagnosis. I love both of my books and can’t wait to finish this next one. I started writing Crazy Sexy You: A Gutsy Game Plan for Health, Happiness and a Great Ass (working title) about a month ago. This book will be my break out from cancer and into mainstream wellness. I’m taking everything I’ve learned on my journey (especially about diet) and creating a plan for optimum health. After all, it’s hip to be healthy! Prevention is super HOT! As far as TV goes, we are currently developing a series and if all goes well you’ll see us back on TV sometime next year. The rest is super secret so I have to keep my lips zipped.

6) Congrats on celebrating 6 years since your diagnosis! Do you think about where you want to be in another 6 years or do you just take each day as it comes?

I don’t do the “day at a time” thing well, I’m a work-a-holic, manifester with huge dreams and plans! In 6 years? An Emmy (TV’s in my blood and I want to get back to it) and a baby – in that order. Though I am a career girl and babies scare the crap out of me, I know motherhood would be an amazing experience so I hope I’m up to the challenge. Plus, my husband is the most loving remarkable man who would be the coolest pop on the planet.

7) What is your most memorable celebrity encounter and who are you still dying to meet?

Meeting Oprah was by far the best celebrity experience ever. She is an incredibly charismatic force of nature! I have never received a better hug in my life. So long and loving, I was very moved. I would love to meet Al Gore and of course, Obama. It’d be great to teach him how to juice the veggies from their new organic garden!

8.) Favorite place in the world. Somewhere you would move in a heartbeat if the time was right. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico, it’s my spiritual getaway.

For more information visit Kris’ website/blog, online community, and CSL Store:

Kris’ Website/Blog

Kris’ Online Community

Crazy Sexy Life Store

Kris, a sincere thank-you from myself and Oh She Glows readers for this inspiring interview!

I can’t wait to buy her book Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor as well as the new book she is currently penning.

I appreciate everyone’s thoughts, comments, and questions below!

“Life is just too sweet to be bitter.” ~ Kris Carr