on her new book, redefining beauty and balance

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a media launch party for Deepak Chopra and Kimberly Snyder's new book, Radical Beauty. As an avid follower of both, the spiritual leader and nutritionist, I was excited to hear what they had to say and cannot get enough of the book. It's by far the most scientifically comprehensive beauty book that's landed on my desk (and trust me, I've seen a ton). Here, Kimberly dishes on her inspiration behind the book, food diary and finding balance.

If you were to start each morning with an intention, what would it be and why?

I start each morning (while I’m nursing these days!) by meditating for at least 10 minutes, but ideally closer to 30. My intention for each day is to be present, to accept today and the now, and stay peaceful with whatever comes up. Of course that doesn’t always happen- I get stressed out too!- but I find if I start the day with that intention, I do stick closer to that path.

**Congratulations on your new book with Deepak Chopra, Radical Beauty! What inspired you to write it?**

Thank you! I love Deepak’s work and I noticed in studying his vast material that much of his wellness work could also be applied specifically to a “true beauty” context and combined with my own work, around the philosophy that a lifestyle of vitality, health, joyfulness and balance is truly beautiful. We also wanted our partnership to empower women to have a positive perception of their own beauty.

**In Radical Beauty , you discuss redefining the idea of beauty, which has been a mission of mine for sometime. What’s the most important part of this radical shift in perception to you?**

We’re redefining beauty to be an empowering, attainable concept for all women and people, versus the limited, shallow concept that is often circulated. Radical Beauty has nothing to do with trendy makeup, fleeting fads, or insecure comparisons with other women.

Instead, Radical Beauty extends beyond the physical, encompassing all parts of your inner and outer being, including your overall health, confidence, vitality and connection to your true self. You achieve Radical Beauty when you reach the highest and most authentic potential of your natural true beauty, which is a birthright for each and every one of us.

Buy Radical Beauty Here

Beauty is _________.

YOURS and does not come from a skin product with artificial ingredients. No one can take it away from you.

How did your relationship with Deepak come about and what’s the most important advice he’s ever given you?

We started collaborating after he read and endorsed my third Beauty Detox book, The Beauty Detox Power, working on content and videos.

Then one day we met in a coffee shop and the idea for a book came up. Deepak stared off into the distance for two full minutes then came back (to earth) and said, Radical Beauty. That's the title. We mapped out the 6 Pillars (see pics below) on a scrap of paper from my purse, and away we went. The book became a reality. That’s how quickly your life can shift!

What are your five favorite “natural” beauty buys?

I use coconut oil religiously in multiple ways- as a deep hair conditioner, on my skin, as a makeup remover…I love the Ayurveda Pura rosewater. I use it as a toner to balance the pH of my skin, as rosewater has been an Ayurvedic beauty practice for millennia. I love Sally B’s Skin Yummies Antioxidant Boost- it’s a pure vitamin C powder you can mix into any serum or skin cream. She has a great night serum also and Carrot Dream Cream, all of which is non-toxic and made with organic and non-chemical ingredients.

Why is it important to invest in “clean” products?

Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs nutrients as well as toxins. In Pillar 2 of Radical Beauty, we teach daily practices of how to work with your skin to influence your overall health. For instance, we give specific instructions on how to properly conduct an abhyanga oil massage, which can soothe your nervous system and reduce stress that contributes to wrinkles.

Can you walk me through your food diary on a typical day?

I start the day with hot water with lemon and my Glowing Green Smoothie. I’m breastfeeding my nearly 6 month old son so I’m pretty hungry by mid morning, which is when I have a gluten free avocado and sprout wrap. Lunch might be a big salad and a soup or a stir fry and brown rice. Mid-afternoon is my Power Protein Smoothie. Dinner is any number of Beauty Detox recipes! Lately I’ve been making a lot of my version of Kitcheree, a complete and easily digestible Ayurvedic meal (recipe on kimberlysnyder.com). I’ve been plant-based for over a decade.

Favorite NYC and LA restaurants?

In New York I love Blossom, Candle 79 and Souen Soho. In LA I love Shima, Plant Food & Wine and Rahel’s Vegan Ethiopian.

What are your tips to finding a healthy life balance?

There’s a lot of noise out there, and it’s easy to be swept up. We all have to make an extra special effort to maintain more quiet. Simplify your life. Learn to say no more. Decompress on the weekends and after work. Don’t jam too much in. Don’t compare yourself or your path to others. Meditate and find time to be with yourself. “Not doing” is actually one of the most important uses of your time!