WELLNESS

WELLNESS--As a health and wellness coach, the number one reason that people seek me out is for weight loss. They are looking for guidance and tips on how to battle that bulge and keep it off for good. 

WELLNESS--One thing that I have learned with almost 50 years under my belt is that consistency is the key to living a more satisfying and successful life. I’ve also figured out that being consistent always wins over hard work. 

WELLNESS-Long gone are the days of our great grandparent’s food. In those times everything was organic and people lived off the land. The soil was rich in minerals and our produce was packed with vitamins and phytonutrients. Our food was pure and natural. 

WELLNESS--In his book “The Four Agreements” the author Don Miguel Ruiz speaks eloquently about one of those four agreements, which took me years to learn, do not take things personally. 

WELLNESS--Traveling by plane just isn’t as much fun as it used to be. The airports are packed, line-ups are long, and the whole experience is a bit tedious and nerve-wracking. 

WELLNESS--Hypnosis scares a lot of people. It’s most likely because many of us have images of losing control and we fear being under somebody else’s spell. Most of us have been to hypnosis shows where audience members are put into a trance only to do outrageous things on stage not remembering a single thing afterwards. 

WELLNESS--Our liver really takes a hit. It processes everything that goes into our body from food, medication, and alcohol, to portions of our personal care products. Our liver acts as a filter to remove toxins and chemicals while gently cleansing our blood. 

WELLNESS--We’ve all been there. Perhaps it was a difficult divorce, an illness or death in the family, financial struggle, or simply our hectic day-to-day schedules. At one point or another, we have felt overwhelmed and burdened by our preoccupation with a stressful condition and unable to sail through it easily and effortlessly. 

WELLNESS--I spent most of my life wanting more. It seemed that no matter what manifested into my experience, it wasn’t enough. I believed that this incessant drive and focus that had its roots in my future was the way to get ahead and create the life of my dreams. 

WELLNESS--Why is it that I am always the one to sit next to the person who has poured on cologne and perfume just before heading out to the movie, theatre, or restaurant? And why is it that when I am exposed to such excess scents, I feel awful? 

WELLNESS-In Eastern philosophies we hear a lot about the chakras, which are the 7 main energy points within our spiritual body. Today more than ever, we are learning that unless we create balance between our emotional, spiritual and physical life … problems often occur. 

WELLNESS--As a wellness coach, the number one reason people come to me is for weight loss. The second reason is because they are tired and desperately want to feel better! 

There can be a number of reasons why people have low energy … depression, a difficult life event, or a poor diet and lifestyle choices … and there are some effective ways to overcome them including  natural herbs and supplements. 

WELLNESS--We are all superheroes. I know it sounds silly and cliché but it’s true. Most of us just don’t realize it. Okay, so maybe we can’t fly, send laser beams with our eyes, or scale a wall, but we do have immense powers beyond our own belief. 

In my book LIVE LOOK FEEL I talk about dusting off your superhero costume and taking charge of your own life. I discuss ways in which we can find more self-empowerment, confidence, and strength for the important journey ahead.  

We ALL have special powers and gifts to offer the world but the problem is that many of us are tired. We are stressed out, overworked, and pre-occupied with the day-to-day routine and we have lost our way.  Because of this, we have also lost the energy we need to move ahead and conquer life the way we had once intended. 

Some of us may be very clear as to our life’s mission and we feel an undeniable drive to succeed, make an impact, and leave a legacy. Other people on the other hand, are just beginning to sense their deeper purpose in this lifetime. 

Regardless of where you are, if you’re feeling that you have a larger life to live, know that this is intuition speaking to you. Know that this is the voice of truth. 

If you lack direction or you are just burned out because of poor diet, lifestyle choices, and stress, try taking these steps to get you back on track, providing you with the kryptonite you need to become the superhero you were meant to be: 

• Detox - Often a diet high in processed foods, drugs, alcohol, and sugar can numb us. We lose sight of what it’s like to thrive. Doing a gentle body detox can help us remember what it’s like to feel great, lose junk food cravings, sleep deep, and remain energized throughout the day. Consider trying a short cleanse or detox to reset your body and metabolism similar to the 10-day transformation that I provide for my clients. Afterwards, bring in more organic produce, clean water, and superfoods and fuel your body the way nature intended.  

• Go Inward - If our minds are busy then we are sure to miss the synchronistic messages that the Universe is sending to us. By going inward, meditating, creating a quiet morning practice, journaling and reading uplifting material each day, we make room for miracles amidst the clutter. Put yourself first, make this practice a priority, and watch what happens. 

• Get Creative - When we were kids we’d pretend that we could fly, or do magical things. Our inner child and our creativity are closely related to each other. Do something that brings you joy such as playing an instrument, painting, walking barefoot in nature, singing karaoke, gardening, or playing a board game with friends. We are taking things way too seriously and we’re missing the boat. Life is meant to be fun and when we begin tapping in to our inner creativity and our childlike nature, we rediscover important aspects of ourselves and we become more balanced, happy, and unstoppable. 

In the comic books and movies superheroes save the day and sometimes, the earth. Each of us has such a mission. We were born with unique talents, gifts, and inspirational ideas that can truly change the world. If we clean up our body, mind, and spirit, and get tuned in to why we are here, there will never be a more important assignment than that. 

* Always consult with your physician before beginning any cleanse or detox program especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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WELLNESS--This week I was asked to participate in an online panel for a youthful aging summit that took place in Paris. The company running the event was gathering marketing strategies for a health company who is putting out a new product dealing with cellular regeneration. 

As somebody who is passionate about aging youthfully and committed to the fact that aging does not have to equal decline, I jumped on board! 

Are we all going to die? Yes. Do we have to suffer, fall apart, and lose our amazing bodies and minds along the way? No. In fact, many experts on aging believe that we can live well over 120 years old and do so healthfully. The problem lies in many of our day-to-day choices that are largely within our control. In fact, it is believed that our longevity is mainly based upon lifestyle choices. 

Eating an organic and non-GMO diet, exercise, stress reduction, and spiritual and emotional health account for up to 75% of our overall longevity with genetics playing approximately 25%. This is exciting news for those of us who are passionate about taking charge and improving our odds. 

What does the future on aging hold? What breakthroughs are ahead? Here are just a few of the most exciting topics being researched: 

Telomeres - The caps on our DNA strands are known as telomeres. As we age, they get shorter and shorter until they disappear leaving our cells and DNA unprotected to eventually die. Antioxidant supplements, exercise, yoga, and meditation are just a few lifestyle changes that have been shown to lengthen our telomeres. We can affect the longevity of our cells by choosing vitamin-packed foods and supplements along with daily exercise. 

Non-Invasive Procedures - If we decide to look more youthful on the journey, we are also in luck. We don’t need to age like our grandparents thanks to the latest in cosmetic procedures such as Botox and Hyaluronic facial fillers. There are also more lasers on the market than ever before that effectively tone and tighten the skin along with radio frequency and ultrasound technology to help us turn back the clock. 

Hormones - Hormones are the spark plugs for our body. As we age and due to the chemicals and toxins in both our personal care products and foods, many people experience hormone imbalances. We are seeing an increase in estrogen in both men and women and a decrease in testosterone to name just a few. Thyroid issues are also more common than ever. Anti-aging clinics are popping up everywhere offering age management solutions. When we can take natural and bio-identical hormones to balance our key hormones, we are able to turn back the clock on aging and look and feel better! These changes can be felt very quickly. 

Superfoods - We are now realizing more than ever, the power of nature. We’re going back to basics. Foods like mushrooms, spirulina, chlorella, aloe vera, dandelion, berries, and cruciferous vegetables may hold the secret to longevity and vitality into our later years. By consuming concentrated forms of these superfoods, we are literally flooding our cells with goodness often offsetting the toxins, chemicals, and free radicals that can attack our cells. Consuming less animal products in general and more plant-based foods is not just a trend, it is a way of life that will improve our odds. 

Kayakalpa - Kayakalpa yoga is said to help people to live longer and become stronger and healthier. The word Kayakalpa means immortalizing the body. Yoga in general has been linked to the lowering of disease and increasing of chi or life force. Many people who practice yoga regularly have felt improvements in many bodily systems and functions like boosting memory, reproductive issues, increasing immunity, and a reduction of reliance on certain medications, including those of chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and blood pressure. 

It is becoming more clear that what we do day-to-day and the choices we make in regards to our emotional, spiritual, and physical health will in fact, impact the course of our life. 

We live in exciting times! If you are interested in improving your health and wellness and of increasing your odds of living longer, there are numerous breakthroughs that are proving to be quite inspirational. The future continues to look very bright indeed. 

As a youthful aging and wellness coach, I for one, am very optimistic about what the future on aging holds for all of us. There has never been a better time to be alive.

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles.  http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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WELLNESS--When I was growing up in Canada my mom would snip our Aloe Vera plant and place the gel onto my cuts and burns. I felt an immediate cooling sensation and we had great results with a speedy wound recovery. 

WELLNESS--I can’t say for sure if the Law of Attraction works 100% of the time. I have certainly read a lot about Quantum Physics along with numerous books outlining the powerful art of allowing things into our life. Sometimes I believe in it more than others. 

WELLNESS--Isn’t nature amazing? Within plants, fruits, vegetables, herbs, fungus, and grasses, we have numerous solutions for improved health and wellness. With a little research we can discover secrets to ongoing vitality, youth, and increased longevity. 

One of nature’s awesome gifts is tart cherry. Although this fruit is not normally a part of our daily diets, tart cherry holds amazing anti-aging benefits for better health and a more restful sleep.  

Tart cherry contains natural occurring melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone normally made by the pineal gland in the brain and helps to control your sleep and wake cycles. As a wellness coach, I often recommend melatonin supplements to my clients who have issues either falling asleep or remaining asleep. Often stress, hormonal imbalance, chemicals, toxins, long distance travel, and an unhealthy lifestyle can cause our melatonin to become lowered, which directly interferes with our sleep. 

I recently started to use tart cherry juice before bed after reading of its incredible health effects. I have noticed that it works just as well as melatonin supplementation along with many other benefits too. 

Tart cherry has an ORAC value of 12,800. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity and refers to the potency and antioxidant levels in food. Blueberries for example have an ORAC level of only 2,400. Tart cherries are known to be one of the most potent antioxidant fruits on earth and may offer strong protection to our cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are like scavengers that cause our healthy cells to die off leaving room for potential negative effects such as an overgrowth of cancer cells. 

A couple of these antioxidants are quercetin and anthocyanins. Both have demonstrated marked ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation and to inhibit tumor formation in numerous studies. Quercetin has also been shown to reduce bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and to lower the risk of type 2 Diabetes. 

Tart cherry juice when mixed with water is an enjoyable beverage and has been shown to reduce overall inflammation within the body, which is ideal for those who suffer from stiff joints and muscles and for those with osteoarthritis. 

Why not try something different? Pick up organic tart cherry juice today and replace other juices in your home with this unique drink. Make tart cherry juice a part of your daily routine and begin to reap its many health benefits. 

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles. http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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WELLNESS--It seems that the healthier we get, the less we crave foods that aren’t good for us. We normally desire those foods which we eat the most. Sugar for example, if consumed regularly seems to perpetuate a constant craving for more sugar. 

That being said, no matter where you stand with your health and eating habits, sometimes WE WANT CAKE! And that is totally fine. As a wellness coach, I teach my clients to enjoy the odd splurge with their primary focus being on eating smarter and healthier the majority of the time. 

If you do crave sweets there are a few options instead of sugar. Sugar has been linked with increased inflammation within the body, depression, Diabetes and a lowered immune system. Raw honey, stevia, and organic maple syrup are a few good alternatives but my new Go-to SUPERSTAR of sweeteners is MONK FRUIT. 

Over a thousand years ago in remote mountain highlands of Asia, a group of Buddhist monks called the Luohan achieved enlightenment through meditation, prayer and pure living. On the slopes of a primeval forest, the monks discovered and cultivated a rare fruit prized for its sweetness. This sacred fruit was named Monk Fruit, or Luohan Guo, after its devoted caretakers and was used in elixirs to increase chi, or life energy.

Monk Fruit was used for centuries in eastern traditional herbalism to increase chi and well-being, earning it the nickname “The Immortals’ Fruit.” 

Monk Fruit is a delicious, all-natural, zero calorie, zero glycemic sweetener with the sumptuous rich taste of sugar. It can be replaced for sugar in equal amounts in all recipes and baking.

I am quite surprised that the whole world is not using Monk Fruit sweetener because of its likeness to sugar and its numerous health benefits. I am confident that in time, everyone will be consuming it.

My favorite Monk Fruit manufacturer is called Lakanto.  They produce the highest quality products that I have seen, along with Monk Fruit sweetened chocolate bars and maple syrup. Their sugar alternative comes in original and golden, which can be likened to white and brown sugar.

The next time you’re craving a sweet snack, a substitution for your favorite cookie or crumble recipe, or sugar for your tea, use Lakanto’s Monk Fruit sweetener and enjoy no more guilt and no more sugar blues.

*Enjoy my complimentary 20% discount at www.Lakanto.com and enter JBL20 at checkout.

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles.  http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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WELLNESS--I have always been a coffee drinker. I love the dark, rich taste and the smell of my morning java. I do my best not to drink caffeine in the afternoon however and searched out an alternative years ago. 

I personally am not fond of light, herbal teas and prefer something with a similar robust flavor to coffee and a dark color. Being a wellness coach, I also look for options that will offer me health benefits as well. Enter Rooibos.

The Rooibos bush is originally from South Africa and the word actually means “red bush” and is one of the richest antioxidant filled teas around, being high in Vitamin C and polyphenols yet it’s naturally caffeine free. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, and calcium. 

Here are the Top 7 Reasons to drink Rooibos tea regularly: 

Immune Support

The powerful polyphenol and Vitamin C content in Rooibos tea has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which give the immune system an extra boost especially during cold and flu season. 

Relieves Hypertension


Some research has shown that Rooibos may help with hypertension by gently lowering the blood pressure with regular consumption.

Aids the Respiratory System


Rooibos tea has shown positive effects as a bronchodilator and seems to offer some relief to those who suffer from respiratory challenges such as Asthma. 

Bone & Teeth Support

Because of the high mineral content in Rooibos, it may support healthy bones and teeth and may slow osteoporosis with regular use. 

Digestion

Rooibos tea is rich in antispasmodic agents that activate potassium within the body and therefore may help to ease stomach cramps, and abdominal pain along with aiding proper digestion especially if consumed 30 minutes before a meal. 

Improves the Skin

Rooibos has anti-inflammatory effects, which will help the skin to look smoother and less puffy with regular consumption. It is also an ingredient in many facial chemical peels because of its high content of naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid. 

Blood Sugar

Rooibos is rich in Aspalathin, which is a rare yet potent antioxidant that may help to balance blood sugar along with supporting proper insulin production. 

So the next time you’re searching for a rich, dark, and satisfying decaffeinated beverage, pick up some Rooibos tea and feel free to add organic milk or coconut cream and monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or raw honey for a delicious and health-promoting beverage.

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles. http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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WELLNESS--It seems that many people struggle with their weight. Everybody wants to feel comfortable in his or her own skin and we all want to project a positive image to the world that makes us feel confident. While feeling overweight isn’t the core issue of our lack of self-acceptance, it certainly is a contributing factor. Being overweight has other potential negative health effects too such as long-term disease and obesity. 

For these reasons and more, I’ve paired up with an amazing superfoods company to run a regular 10-Day transformational detox and cleanse. The majority of participants have experienced weight loss of somewhere between 5-20 lbs. in 10 days in a very healthy way. But more importantly, people have seen a reduction in unhealthy cravings, an increase in energy, more restorative sleep, improved skin, and just an overall healthier feeling. Not bad for 10 days huh? 

As I mention to my clients and in my book LIVE LOOK FEEL, it is always a good idea to give our bodies a break, even for the most fit and healthy people. This is where a short-term detox and cleanse comes in. Often our bodies can become sluggish, overworked, and under-nourished due to numerous factors from a lack of nutritionally dense food, poor digestion, or stress.  

Depending upon the type of cleanse, a detoxification assists our body in not only eliminating toxins and buildup in our systems but also brings in important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and works to alkaline our body and off-set some of the excess acidity. A detox also prompts us to become aware of our addictive patterns with food and it teaches us the importance of giving our body a rest from constant digesting, especially when it comes to meat protein and processed foods. 

The 10-Day Transformation includes only the highest quality organic, raw, vegan, and non-GMO superfoods that I have ever seen. And I have seen a lot! But regardless of which products you use to detox whether it be supplements, food, or juice, make sure that you’re using top quality ingredients and that it has been approved by your doctor especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or if you’re on medication.

Losing weight is just the beginning when it comes to detoxing. It’s what goes on inside on a cellular level that is most important. Often we can’t see those changes but we can certainly feel them! Expect an increase in vibrancy, energy, and an overall feeling of wellbeing. 

Keep in mind that if you’re deciding to stop caffeine or other drugs during your cleanse, some withdrawal can be expected for the first few days. Make a commitment to yourself to stick with it no matter what, drink lots of water, and remind yourself that your body deserves a vacation just as much as you do!

• If you’d like to find out more about my group 10-Day Transformation or if you’d like to join in, feel free to email me with any questions: [email protected] 

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles. http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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WELLNESS--Have you ever asked or perhaps begged and pleaded the Universe for something that you really wanted? I know that I have. 

In fact, most recently I had been doing a lot of that type of thing. Over the past few months I’ve been pitched for numerous television opportunities with big networks. While I have been featured on TV many times over the years, I’ve wanted nothing more than to have my own Television show promoting health and wellness in a larger way. 

Fast forward. None of those specific opportunities came to fruition. However, I was offered a unique opportunity to work with a health food company promoting their amazing superfood products. At first I resisted because I knew what was best for me; that was being on TV and not going back into sales. 

But as I’ve delved more into helping people by promoting these life-changing products, I quickly realized that in fact, it wasn’t so much the television thing that I yearned for, it was the meaning and purpose and excitement that went along with it. Ironically, that’s what I am getting with this new opportunity. I wanted the satisfaction of being able to help people during my day while feeling productive and that’s exactly what I am doing now, albeit in a different vehicle. 

How many of you have an exact image of how your life should be? Do you know precisely what the man or woman of your dreams looks like? Are you set on living in only one neighborhood while doing a specific career? If so, you may be missing out. 

While it is good to have a clear vision and goals, that very clarity may also be preventing you from moving forward. When we are so focused on how we think our life should be, we become inflexible to what else is available. We remain too rigid to see that in fact, there are numerous paths to living our dream life. The Universe that we begged and pleaded may have a quicker, easier, and more enjoyable route than we could have even imagined. 

What if that very Universe actually knows better than we do? What if we surrendered a little and handed it over? What would life be like if we let go, trusted, and had total faith? What if we said “this or something better?” 

I for one could not be happier, more motivated, and fulfilled with my new position. That’s not to say that I won’t be on a regular on television one day soon but if I had not opened myself up to other slivers of possibility, I may have just been clinging onto one vision of how I wanted things to be. I may have missed out on other amazing chances to create a great life in this moment. 

This week, I invite you to go inward, tune in, and listen. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Become malleable. Are people offering you incentives, opportunities, and new challenges that you may be turning down? Is the Universe showing you signs that you’re missing because you want it your way? 

If you lift and broaden your gaze just a bit, you may begin to see things differently. If you ask for a miracle, expect it to come. Just don’t expect it to look exactly the way you’ve envisioned. Sometimes it will. Sometimes it won’t. As the Rolling Stones wrote in their hit song, “you can't always get what you want but if you try sometimes, well you might find you get what you need.“ 

You’re good now. Just wait and see all the abundance that begins pouring in.  

(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles.  http://www.jaybradleylifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)

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