Holistic nutritionist and bestselling author Elissa Goodman has built a career redefining what it means to heal and thrive. Known for her science-driven yet relatable approach, she shares how food, mindset, and intentional daily choices shape energy, resilience, and the way we age.

For readers who may be new to your work, how would you describe what you do and the mission behind it?

I help people feel better in their bodies and reclaim their health through food, lifestyle, and intentional daily choices. My work begins with uncovering the root cause of symptoms, often through bloodwork, so we can see what your body is truly asking for. From there, I guide you in building a foundation of whole, clean foods, nervous system support, and practices that restore energy. My mission is to show that healing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It becomes deeply nourishing and empowering when you understand what’s happening inside your body and align your daily choices with your unique needs. I know firsthand how powerful this approach can be, and my work is about making it accessible, sustainable, and even joyful for others.

You’ve been called a pioneer in holistic nutrition. What first drew you to this path, and how has your vision of wellness evolved over time?

In my early thirties I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and later with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, and Celiac disease… wake-up calls that forced me to completely reevaluate how I was living. At the same time, I watched my husband face Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and ultimately pass away, which deepened my conviction that nutrition and emotional healing are often missing from conventional care. Those experiences inspired me to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, create EG Kitchen, and write Cancer Hacks. Over time, my vision of wellness has grown beyond food as medicine to include the full spectrum of health: mindset, energy, environment, and spiritual alignment. To me, true healing means embracing a pro-aging lifestyle that nourishes body, mind, and spirit at every stage of life.

You often describe food as medicine. What intentional choices do you believe have the biggest long-term impact on our health?

The simplest choices are usually the most powerful. Eating an abundance of vegetables every single day, staying hydrated, keeping blood sugar steady, and avoiding the usual inflammatory culprits like gluten, dairy, seed oils, overly processed foods, and refined sugar. Just those shifts can change digestion, energy, mood, and even skin. Food really is the foundation for everything else.

Is there one food or ingredient you recommend everyone add to their diet for better energy?

I honestly could not pick just one because energy is built on a combination of nutrients working together. I would call it a trio: complex carbs, healthy fats, and dark leafy greens. Complex carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes, or brown rice give your body steady fuel instead of the spike and crash you get from refined carbs. Healthy fats from salmon, avocado, and nuts are essential because they support brain health, hormones, and satiety. I especially love how nuts combine fats with a little protein and carbs in one bite, so I recommend incorporating more walnuts, almonds, pumpkin and chia seeds, even hemp seeds. Then there are dark leafy greens. They are packed with nitrates that help oxygen move through the body more efficiently, giving you cellular-level energy while also nourishing your oral and gut microbiome for better digestion and nutrient absorption. Together, this trio creates the kind of lasting, balanced energy your body can truly rely on.

Are there any Cymbiotika products you’ve tried that have become staples in your routine?

I’ve been recommending Cymbiotika to my clients and social media community for as long as I can remember because I find their products to be some of the most effective on the market. Their liposomal delivery system really sets them apart. The Liposomal Vitamin C has been a staple in my rotation for years, and I swear by it for energy and immune support, especially when I am traveling. The Liposomal Glutathione is another favorite for detox and cellular health, and lately I can’t get enough of their Hydrogen tablets. I take them everywhere for hydration and an instant lift. These are products I not only use personally but truly believe in, which is why I continue to share them with so many others! 

If someone wanted to “age gracefully” starting today, what’s the first three things you’d have them do?

First, commit to eight hours of restorative sleep. Second, eat a nutrient-dense, plant-forward diet with enough protein and healthy fats to stabilize energy. Third, adopt a daily practice that calms the nervous system, whether that’s meditation, breathwork, or journaling. When you support your body’s recovery, fuel it with clean food, and regulate stress, you unlock the foundation for graceful aging.

Do you view balance as something we can achieve or something we continually adjust toward?

Balance is dynamic! Life is always shifting, and so is our health. Instead of chasing a finish line, I encourage people to check in with themselves daily and make small adjustments. That’s where the real balance comes from. Flexibility, self-awareness, and responding to what your body is asking for.

If you could encourage people to set one intention around health and wellness, what would it be?

To truly heal, you have to start by shifting into a state of belief. Your body is designed to heal, but it cannot do that if your subconscious mind is locked in patterns of fear or doubt. When you begin to teach your body that it is safe, that it is capable of repair and renewal, everything changes. This isn’t just about listening to digestion, skin, or energy cues. It is about rewiring the way you think and feel at the deepest level so your body gets the signal that healing is possible. When you create that internal safety and trust, you open the door for transformation.

What are the biggest myths about aging gracefully that you wish you could dispel?

One of the biggest myths is that aging is something to fight against. I use the term pro-aging because I see it as working with your body rather than against it. Another myth is that aging well is determined by genetics or luck. While our DNA plays a role, the truth is that our daily choices have far more influence. What we eat, how we move, the way we manage stress, the quality of our sleep, and even the energy we bring into our relationships all shape how we age. To me, aging gracefully is not about chasing youth or trying to look the way we did decades ago. It is about feeling strong, vibrant, and purposeful in the present, and continuing to create a life that feels meaningful at every stage!

What does it mean to you to live a purposeful life at this stage?

Purpose for me is about impact. I want to use my story, my healing, and my work to help others realize they have the power to change their health and their lives. At this stage, purpose also means joy and connection, like sharing meals with family, spending time in nature, supporting clients on their journeys. Purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it’s in how you live every day.

Keep up with Elissa and see what she’s building next on her official site.