🗞 LiveTo120 Weekly Newsletter | Edition No. 006
The #1 longevity newsletter on substack for actionable insights on nutrition & wellness, physical & mental fitness + the latest trends in longevity.
Thursday, March 30th,
Hello Friends,
Welcome to the sixth edition of the #LiveTo120 Newsletter!
Every week, Jodii and I come together to brainstorm various ideas, topics, and anecdotes that we believe will be enlightening, educational, relatable, and occasionally humorous or deeply personal for all of you.
Last week, we thought it would be engaging to interview each other using impromptu questions under each headline, with the aim of providing the best possible spontaneous answers.
We jotted down numerous questions for one another, folded them up, and then randomly picked three of them on the spot.
The activity turned out to be incredibly enjoyable and allowed us to share our views and insights across the different pillars of our newsletter in a lively and conversational manner.
📍In today’s edition we’ll be publishing part two of our two part interview series featuring Jodii’s answers to Matthew’s tough questions.
We're grateful for each and every one of you. Enjoy the edition, and check your inbox next week for edition No. 007.
Sending the best of vibes,
-Jodii & Matthew
📍 Before we dive in, take a moment to make yourself comfortable and relaxed.
⏳ We have about 10-15 minutes of reading ahead, but if you prefer, there's also an option to listen to this episode via audio at the top of the newsletter.
▶️ You can even try listening on 2x speed for a speedy and efficient experience.
🎁 #LiveTo120 Weekly Treasure Chest
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🥞 Nutrition & Diet
💬 The following (3) interview questions fall under the category of nutrition and diet.
Matthew 🎙️: “You've shared with me so many childhood stories about your fascination with the relationship between nutrition and how it made your body feel. When did this interest begin for you? Why was nutrition such an important aspect of your childhood, and how did you come to appreciate the significance of proper nutrition early on?”
Jodii 🎙️: My mom still loves to share the story of my childhood obsession with broccoli - I used to call it "broc-broc," and I wanted it with every meal.
It's amusing to think that a child could be so fixated on a green vegetable, but perhaps it was an early indication of my future passion for nutrition.
Growing up in the 90s, I was no stranger to treats like Kool-Aid Jammers, Kraft Dinner, Pizza Pockets, and 5-cent candies.
However, my mom made sure we had a balanced and nutrient-dense meal every night. We rarely ordered takeout or ate fast food, not because of strict rules or restrictions, but because wholesome food was our go-to choice.
We learned the importance of healthy eating from a young age.
My involvement in sports like soccer, dance, and gymnastics partly fueled my interest in nutrition.
I was very in tune with my body, energy levels, and digestion early on. As I gained more control over my diet, I started to think more carefully about what I ate and how it made me feel. Fast food just didn't appeal to me, as I knew it would leave me feeling unwell.
One distinct memory from when I was around 12 or 13 stands out. After a sleepover with friends, we had Taco Bell for lunch before gymnastics practice. Thirty minutes in, I felt so sick that I had to call for a ride home.
That experience taught me how consuming unhealthy foods could significantly impact my body, and I started avoiding them as much as possible.
As I became more serious about gymnastics in my early teens, my performance and body composition took priority.
I knew that eating well and nourishing my body with wholesome foods would help me excel. Around this time, I saw a commercial for Vector Cereal, which I believed to be a superfood for athletes. I convinced my dad to buy me Vector and soy milk (for the protein), and it became my "meal of champions" every day after school for a year.
When I was accepted into Dalhousie University after high school, my intuition was that I wanted to pursue nutrition and exercise science - but reflecting on it now, I realize that my adult path was heavily influenced by my early experiences with understanding the relationship between food and functionality.
Matthew 🎙️: “Hypothetical situation; you only have a few hours left before a comet hits earth, what would be your last meal?”
Jodii 🎙️: That's quite an intriguing hypothetical question that only you would ask Matt. 😂
Hmm, if I only had a few hours left before a comet hit Earth, I would want my last meal to be something that evokes comfort and nostalgia.
For me, that would be my mom's spaghetti and garlic bread.
It's a dish she's been making for as long as I can remember, and it's always been one of my favorites.
Now of course, I'd have to include something sweet for dessert, and that would be a double chocolate chip cookie. There's nothing more comforting than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven.
In the end, I think my last meal would be more about the memories and emotions associated with the food rather than the taste itself. It would be a meal that transports me back to my childhood, surrounded by loved ones, feeling safe and content.
Matthew 🎙️: “You've been working with individuals to improve their nutrition habits for the past decade. From your experience, what are the most common obstacles people face when it comes to improving their nutrition habits, and how have you seen food and nutrition work wonders in people's lives?”
Jodii 🎙️: You know, food is such a big part of our culture, social events, and emotions.
What we eat can really affect how we feel, and sometimes it's just about the memories and habits we have.
I've seen how the right kind of nutrition can totally change someone's life, but I've also seen how bad eating habits can really mess with a person's mind and body.
In the last 10 years, I've noticed a few things that make it hard for people to eat well:
Most of us never really learned about nutrition, so we end up relying on ads and social media to figure out what's good for us. It can feel like we're trying to understand a different language, and it's easy to get overwhelmed.
There's just so much information out there, and not all of it is right. With all these diets and products claiming to be the answer, people often feel lost and think nothing works for them. The truth is, there's no magic fix – it's about learning the basics of nutrition and finding what works for you.
Sometimes, people label food as "good" or "bad" without really understanding why. This can lead to a pretty joyless way of eating, and it's not sustainable. We need to know more about nutrition to make better choices.
And let's not forget about the quality of our food. So many products are filled with stuff we don't need, like chemicals, additives, and low-quality ingredients. These things can cause a whole bunch of health problems.
But when people really get into proper nutrition, it's amazing to see the changes:
Once they understand how nutrition works (things like metabolic rate, macronutrients, micronutrients, food selection, and reading labels), they feel more in control and can enjoy food without guilt.
It's incredible to see someone's face light up when they start feeling good in their body. They don't even realize what they've been missing! Many people experience better energy levels, digestion, and skin, and they feel more confident in their clothes.
I've seen people manage or even reverse health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, and digestive problems just by changing their diet. Nutrition has such a significant impact on disease prevention, management, and reversal.
And when someone feels good, it shows up in all parts of their life – work, relationships, even their social life. They might get a raise at work, become a more present parent, or see improvements in their relationship with their spouse. Feeling good attracts abundance, and I've seen it happen time and time again.
So, yeah, I think proper nutrition can really be a life-changer for a lot of people, and so many need to learn and discover the power of having a quality diet.
🏋🏼 Movement & Fitness
💬 The following (3) interview questions fall under the category of Movement & Fitness
Matthew 🎙️: “Like me, you have been an athlete for most of your life. You have told me how much movement meant to you at a young age and how you have always felt very connected to your body. Explain why playing sports and moving your body was and is so important to you and how it has helped you throughout your life.”
Jodii 🎙️: From a very young age, I've always had this restless energy in my body and mind.
You know, I was diagnosed with ADHD and had a tough time focusing, which led to a lot of worry and fidgeting - but I found that I felt most at peace when I was physically moving my body.
As a kid my parents signed me up for various sports and I spent tons of time riding my bike, bouncing on my trampoline, swimming, and participating in dance, soccer, and gymnastics
When I was on the field or in the studio, my brain would just shut off, and I'd find myself in this intensely focused state where time just seemed to fly by.
Moving my body also helped me handle my emotions and deal with life's challenges – it felt like a total emotional release.
I remember my mom being very sick with health complications when I was 12 and life became so much more difficult for our family - I turned to running as a form of therapy.
I remember running around the block, focusing on each step ahead of me. There was this sense of freedom when I was moving and pushing myself, and the post-run high was just amazing.
Now, as an adult, I still see exercise as a form of therapy. Moving my body is my way of releasing stored energy, processing emotions, and staying centered so I can focus better.
I'm really grateful that I was able to develop this passion as a child, and I value it so much today.
Matthew 🎙️: “Of every goal you have ever accomplished throughout your life in sports or fitness, what was the one moment that you pushed yourself the hardest & to complete exhaustion for a goal, and what was your driving force behind this effort and what did you learn from this experience.”
Jodii 🎙️: This is a great one, let me reflect.
I'd have to say it was the Arnold Classic in 2020.
That was my last international Bikini competition and I was determined to give it everything I had.
It felt like the culmination of all my experiences, every show I participated in, and everything I had learned.
This gave me an incredible sense of strength and internal drive to push myself to my fullest potential every single day.
This prep wasn't easy, let me tell you.
I coached myself for the entire 16 weeks, and I knew I needed to push my limits to compete with the best and be my absolute best! I did 90 minutes to 2 hours of cardio per day, plus a training session, and my diet was super dialed in. It was tough, both mentally and physically, but I learned just how powerful the mind can be in achieving what you want.
My mind was strong, and my body followed suit.
Boarding the plane for Ohio, knowing I had left nothing on the table, was the best feeling. I was so proud of myself.
I’d have to say pride and confidence is the answer you’re looking for - that’s the outcome of a moment of complete exhaustion.
Matthew 🎙️: “We've been watching “The Last of Us” so let me ask you, if there was a zombie apocalypse and you were one of the last humans on earth, what would you do to stay in shape + what would your training look like or would you even workout at all?”
Jodii 🎙️: Matt, come on, they're not zombies, they're infected!
Haha, but if I were living in a time where people were overtaken by mushrooms and I had to survive, I'd definitely want to make sure I could protect myself.
Being able to run, duck, fight, carry a weapon, and climb a wall would be essential for my survival.
The first thing I'd want to focus on is speed and endurance. So, I'd practice high-intensity running for short periods of time, maybe with some agility work. I think you'd have to be able to run for about 5-6 minutes to escape from an infected person.
Since they can't see you and can only hear you, I feel like speed would be more important than long-distance endurance. So, timed sprints would also be part of my training program.
I'd also want to make sure I was strong enough to run with a weapon, climb a wall, or do anything else necessary. So, push-ups, chin-ups, box jumps, and bodyweight squats would be on my list too.
And you never know if you might need to carry someone, supplies, or even an animal. So, sandbag carries to work with dead weight, tire flips, and boxing would definitely be part of my program as well.
🧬 Supplementation & Alternative Medicine
💬 The following (3) interview questions fall under the category of Supplementation & Alternative Medicine.
Matthew 🎙️: “We have been sponsored by and have worked with many different companies over the years. What are some supplement staples that you have developed a love and respect for over the years, conversely, which supplements do you feel are overhyped, having gained insight into the quality and inside scoop on the industry?”
Jodii 🎙️: I do pride myself on having extensive experience in the supplement industry, and I can tell you it's a complex and ever-changing world.
One key thing I've learned is that not all supplements are created equal. Quality and effectiveness can vary greatly between products, so it's crucial to research and choose supplements that are scientifically backed and produced by reputable companies.
Another important aspect is the regulatory environment surrounding supplements, which differs significantly from that of pharmaceuticals.
The FDA / Health Canada doesn't regulate supplements in the same way it regulates drugs, creating challenges in ensuring safety and efficacy.
Supplement companies often use exaggerated claims, flashy packaging, sponsored athletes, and branding to entice customers.
My view on supplements has changed a lot over the past 10 years. I've watched the industry explode, and now there are hundreds of companies and products to choose from. Navigating a supplement store can be overwhelming.
I'll list my top 5 "worth the hype" supplements and what to look for when choosing a brand or product:
High-quality protein powder: Hitting your recommended protein intake from food alone can be difficult, and it may be more cost-effective to get some protein from a supplement. But not all protein powders are created equal. Look for grass-fed or hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and check the sweetener used. If choosing a vegan protein, consider digestibility, taste, and texture.
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): These help with endurance, hydration, energy, and recovery during workouts. Look for EAAs rather than BCAAs, as EAAs contain all 9 essential amino acids that your body can't produce on its own. Avoid products with sucralose and food dyes, which can cause health issues.
High-quality Omega-3 fish oil: Omega-3s help manage inflammation in the body. Choose a supplement with at least 500 mg of combined EPA and DHA per serving from wild-caught fish, and ensure it's third-party tested for purity and potency.
Greens supplement: These provide natural vitamins and minerals, support detoxification, and provide energy and antioxidants. Choose a product with organic, non-GMO ingredients, and avoid artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and fillers.
Probiotic: Gut health influences many aspects of well-being. Probiotics repopulate the gut microbiome with good bacteria, improving nutrient absorption, vitamin production, skin health, and reducing inflammation and bloating. Choose a product with multiple beneficial bacteria strains and live active cultures.
Matthew 🎙️: “If you had to recommend one supplement as the holy grail for longevity, what would it be and why.”
Jodii 🎙️: If I had to recommend one supplement as the holy grail for longevity, it would be Ningxia Red from Young Living.
I've been using this product every day for 3 years, and it's been a game-changer for my energy levels, workout recovery, and overall wellbeing. Plus, it tastes delicious!
Here's why I believe Ningxia Red is the holy grail for longevity:
Ningxia Red is a whole food superfood supplement made with the Ningxia Wolfberry, which has long been studied for its powerful longevity properties and health benefits. These wolfberries are grown in the mineral-rich soil of China's Ningxia region, giving them a nutrient-dense profile.
The Ningxia Wolfberry is packed with vitamins and contains all 21 trace minerals, including Zinc, Iron, Copper, Calcium, Selenium, and Phosphorous. It is also the highest known whole-food source of Potassium, which helps slow the decline of growth hormone and GABA as you age, ensuring proper muscle contraction and normal blood pressure.
The Ningxia Wolfberry contains all 9 amino acids, important for muscle repair, neurotransmitter production, mood regulation, and blood sugar balance.
The Ningxia Wolfberry is the fruit with the highest protein content, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their body composition, people who exercise regularly, and athletes of all ages.
The Ningxia Wolfberry has been proven effective in increasing the production of white blood cells and protecting them, supporting immune system function and protecting against pathogens, diseases like cancer, and autoimmune conditions.
Ningxia Red contains 500% more vitamin C per weight than oranges.
The ORAC test, developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University to measure the antioxidant ability of foods, rated Ningxia Red as the highest rated food on the ORAC scale at 23,500 (10x higher than blueberries).
For those listening it’s important to remember that Antioxidants are molecules found in food that help neutralize free radicals, protecting our body against oxidative damage and other harmful effects of free radical accumulation.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to cells, leading to inflammation, premature aging, and diseases like cancer and heart disease.
While free radicals are a natural by-product of our metabolism, lifestyle and environmental factors can cause excess accumulation in our bodies.
This is why you’ll see me sipping one Ningxia Red every, single, day.
Matthew 🎙️: “I always call you Mother Nature because you always seem to find a natural solution for healing. In your pursuit of unconventional healing modalities, what form(s) of alternative healing has made a lasting impression on you?”
Jodii 🎙️: You know how much I love unconventional and alternative healing, and throughout my life, I've experimented with many different forms of healing, including acupuncture, reflexology, crystal sound baths, meditation, breathwork, tapping, and journaling.
But the one I want to touch on is how much energy work and energy healing has impacted me.
I remember the first time I experienced a Reiki session; I had no idea what to expect, but I was desperate for something to help with my intense grief and anxiety that I was experiencing at that time.
I was seeing my massage therapist Lauretta at the time, and she was a Reiki Healing Master.
She offered to combine massage with Reiki as she felt that my energy body was impacting my physical body and contributing to a lot of the tension and anxiety I was experiencing.
I was interested in what she was telling me, and I was open to the experience and receiving the healing that she was offering, even though I had no idea how it worked or understood what she was doing.
I remember lying on her table, and she waved her hands over my body slowly. I felt my body relax, a warm tingly sensation, and my mind went still, and I began seeing beautiful purples, greens, and blues.
After that session, I felt lighter, slept better, had less anxiety, and felt more connected to my body. I experienced less pain in my neck, shoulders, and jaw and overall just felt better. I wanted to know more about what she did.
Over the course of a few months, she taught me more about our energy body, how to ground myself, how to shield myself, and protect my energy when I went in public. She used to tell me to send light and love to any place I was visiting to set a positive intention for where I was going.
This was a pivotal point in my life, and six years later, I am now a certified Reiki Practitioner and have spent years understanding the connection between the physical body and the energy body and our connection to the metaphysical world and the healing power of energy work.
By the way, for those unfamiliar with Reiki listening to this interview, Reiki is this alternative healing method that has its roots from Japan.
It's all about the idea that there's this energy flowing through our bodies. And if that energy gets blocked or messed up, it can cause physical or emotional issues.
When someone opens up their energy for a Reiki session, the practitioner uses their hands to transfer healing energy to the person they're working on. The goal is to clear out any blockages and bring balance back to the body's energy.
What's really cool about Reiki is that it's super gentle and non-invasive, so it can be used along with other treatments. It's known for helping people feel more relaxed, less stressed and anxious, and even sleep better. Plus, it can boost overall well-being. Some even say it helps with physical pain or symptoms from illnesses - I believe this to be true.
And the best part? Reiki is safe and gentle, which makes it a great option for people of all ages and health situations.
🧠 Personal Growth & Mental Health
💬 The following (3) interview questions fall under the category of Personal Growth & Mental Health
Matthew 🎙️: “When you reflect back on your life, what would little girl Jodii think of grown up Jodii and what advice would grown up Jodii give to little girl Jodii.”
Jodii 🎙️: You know, reflecting on my life and thinking about what I'd say to my younger self was a really deep and eye-opening experience for me.
It was tough trying to connect with that little version of me who had no idea what I've gone through or learned since then.
But when I pictured grown-up me chatting with that little girl, she just looked at me with so much love and admiration. She's really proud of who I've become and the path I've chosen in life.
If I could give my younger self some advice, I'd probably tell her a few things to help her navigate the next part of her journey:
Don't stress so much about life.
Remember, you've survived all of your toughest days so far.
Trust your gut instincts, not your ego.
Slow down and enjoy the ride.
Matthew 🎙️: “We share a love for reading especially personal development books and I know you have so many favourites, if you had to pick your top 5 what would they be and how have they impacted your life.”
Jodii 🎙️: Oh, Matt, it's so hard to pick just five favorite books, I've got so many I love!
Okay, I'll give you six of them, in no particular order, because I just couldn't narrow it down to five.
"A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle - This book really grounds me and helps me stay present in the moment. It taught me that I'm in control of my emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, and they shape my reality. I've learned to find joy in the smallest things and create happiness within myself.
"Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" by Dr. Joe Dispenza - This book helped me understand the concept of manifesting your dreams. It teaches that we can consciously create new neural pathways to change our thoughts, beliefs, and reactions to the world around us.
"Psycho-Cybernetics" by Maxwell Maltz - I've been bugging you to read this one for years! This book taught me the power of visualization, and that small daily positive habits shape our lives. It also helped me reframe my view of failure as an opportunity for growth.
"Brain Wash" by David & Austin Perlmutter - I read this book during the pandemic, and it made me more intentional about my daily choices and habits. It sparked my interest in essential oils and inspired me to start my Young Living business.
"Becoming Supernatural" by Dr. Joe Dispenza - This book really deepened my meditation practice and expanded my mind. It talks about the quantum field and how we can access and manipulate it through meditation and mindfulness.
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear - This book is all about how small habits can have a huge impact on our lives. It's a practical guide that helped me build better habits and break the ones that were holding me back.
These are just a few of my favorites that have had a significant impact on my life.
Any readers out there ought to add these to their library, and I'm sure you’ll find them just as inspiring and transformative as I did!
Matthew 🎙️: “Personal development is a continual journey and we are all growing and evolving constantly what part of your self-development journey is currently in the spotlight and what are you working on right now?”
Jodii 🎙️: Currently, in my personal development journey, I'm diving deep into my emotions and focusing on a few key aspects.
One of the most significant is learning to embrace patience and trust, allowing myself to believe that the things meant for me will naturally find their way into my life.
I'm also working on identifying and releasing any limiting thoughts, including those that are deeply ingrained in my subconscious. It's crucial to confront them and give them permission to leave so they don't continue to hold me back on an emotional level.
I've discovered that some issues I thought I had resolved are still lingering beneath the surface. It turns out I merely suppressed them, and they've been subconsciously affecting my life, creating emotional barriers without me even realizing it.
So, ultimately I’m working on healing and releasing any hidden emotional wounds as I do believe I’m on the horizon of big breakthrough in my life and these are the last resistances I need to overcome.
👋🏼 Hey!
Thanks for reading this week's #LiveTo120 Newsletter Edition No. 006
If you have any comments, feedback or questions on any material written in this edition please share as we’d love to continue a dialogue below.
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*Disclaimer; we are passionate and educated coaches with 20+ years of combined experience working exclusively online with clients to transform their bodies and their lifestyles; however, it must be said and understood that our perspectives and opinions written on substack are our own and do not constitute specific advice for your individual goals in health and wellness.
All material presented in this newsletter is not to be regarded as medical advice, but for general informational and entertainment purposes only. Following over-generalized Exercise, Diet & Supplementation guidelines does involve risk, so caution must always be utilized and a medical professional consulted to provide unique care and guidance for your needs. We cannot guarantee weight-loss or remedy for ailments by following the information provided within the Life Aesthetics substack. You assume the entire risk of following any information provided within our publications. You are solely responsible for making your own wellness decisions. Owners of this newsletter, its representatives, its principals, its moderators, and its members, are NOT registered medical professionals either within British Columbia or any regional or international regulatory authority. We recommend consulting with a registered medical professional for tailored healthcare. Reading and using this newsletter or using our content on the web/server, you are indicating your consent and agreement to our disclaimer.