Self-discovery and health transformation through exercise, diet and yoga - Jeff Lester (NNP #64)
Release Date: 12/22/2019
New Normal Project
The coronavirus pandemic is becoming a global catastrophe and in this episode Andrew talks about why we all need to do social distancing extremely well so we can reduce the number of deaths.
info_outline Milk's effect on health - The New Normal in Action - February 2020 (NNP #71)New Normal Project
Dr Andrew Davies summarises a recently published scientific paper from a high impact factor journal entitled "Milk and Health" to help you understand what the science says about the effect of cow's milk consumption & other dairy products on your health.
info_outline Helping your brain to think and work smarter with Phil Dobson (NNP #70)New Normal Project
Phil Dobson, who runs “BrainWorkshops”, talks about maintaining brain fitness; managing brain stress; optimising brain health with exercise, sleep and learning; dealing with the distractions of modern life; and the value of mental rehearsal.
info_outline A focus on some sleep science - The New Normal in Action - January 2020 (NNP #69)New Normal Project
Host Dr Andrew Davies talks about a recent scientific paper on sleep he enjoyed reading; several others on sleep you might wish to read; some books and podcasts he's recently read and listened to; and some of the recent habit challenges he’s made.
info_outline Gut health, the microbiome, and optimal nutrition for gastro-intestinal disorders - a replay episode with Dr Alan Desmond (NNP #68)New Normal Project
UK gastroenterologist Dr Alan Desmond speaks about gut health, the microbiome, pre- & probiotics, bowel cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, fibre, processed food, antibiotics, cancer screening and a whole food plant-based diet.
info_outline The health benefits and risks of exercise - a replay episode with Dr John Orchard (NNP #67)New Normal Project
Australian sport and exercise medicine physician, Dr John Orchard, talks about how much daily exercise benefits your health, which diseases can be prevented and even treated with exercise, and how you can exercise to prevent an overuse injury.
info_outline A plant-based diet helps the climate & your health - a replay episode with Dr Neal Barnard (NNP #66)New Normal Project
A pioneer of plant-based nutrition, Dr Neal Barnard, of the PCRM in Washington DC, describes the value of a plant-based diet, for the climate and many medical conditions, and just how easy it actually is to start eating this way.
info_outline Andy Ramage on why you should consider an alcohol-free challenge - a New Year’s eve replay episode (NNP #65)New Normal Project
Andy Ramage, the co-founder of the One Year No Beer movement, tells us his story of trying an alcohol-free challenge, how significant the social pressure was, and just how good he felt as he understood his relationship with alcohol more clearly.
info_outline Self-discovery and health transformation through exercise, diet and yoga - Jeff Lester (NNP #64)New Normal Project
Jeff Lester talks of self-discovery as he transformed from an obese and troubled young adult to a wise, kind and purpose-focused man teaching yoga and meditation retreats, through a healthy and spiritual approach to exercise, plant-based diet and yoga.
info_outline Some experience & information to help you - The New Normal in Action - December 2019 (NNP #63)New Normal Project
Host Dr Andrew Davies talks about 3 recent scientific papers; what videos, podcasts & books he's recently watched, read and listened to; what's happening for him in the health pillar of sleep; and some new challenges he’s made over the last few episodes.
info_outlineIn this episode you’ll hear an inspiring story of transformation through a lifestyle based on a healthy plant, body and mind focus.
Jeffrey Lester, originally from Atlanta in the USA, transformed himself from a people-pleasing, academic achievement-focused and obese young adult to a mature, wise, kind and purpose-focused man living a lifestyle of service, exploration and fulfillment, which he does by traveling the world teaching yoga and meditation retreats.
I hope you will be intrigued by Jeff’s story as he describes his traumatic childhood, which due to an unhealthy relationship with food, led him to become significantly overweight, weighing close to 130kg. As he buried himself in high school and university studies, aiming to achieve academically, Jeff realised he was very unhappy with his life situation.
He had begun to be more physically active, which then led to him eating more healthy food and becoming passionate about running group fitness classes. When one day a friend told him “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” he started ruminating on what he really should do with his life. When he then had to make an important decision about his mother’s life a spiritual awakening began.
Without spoiling the story, Jeff is now touring and exploring the world, leading yoga and meditation retreats, and seems abundantly happy doing what he describes as his life mission.
My wife Claire and I became friends with Jeff at a retreat hosted by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt a couple of years ago. When Jeff told us he was coming to Melbourne earlier this year, he stayed with us and led a cacao ceremony at the yoga studio we attend, a very profound spiritual event for both of us. We also took the opportunity to record this long form conversation for the show.
As we approach Christmas and the New Year, when many of us reflect on our purpose, our direction and our goals, this podcast should really plant some seeds for how you might be able to be more healthy, fit and fulfilled.
Please enjoy hearing the story of Jeff Lester’s powerful journey of self-discovery.
Live well, feel well, do well.
Andrew Davies
--------------------
About the New Normal Project podcast: The podcast is aimed to inspire and empower you to live your most plant-based, body-moving and mind-focused lifestyle, by hearing scientific evidence, experience-based information and real-life stories in the areas of the healthy lifestyle pillars such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, sleep, connection and purpose. You’ll hopefully glean insights to help you to consider making choices about your daily habits so you become more healthy, fulfilled and conscious.
Although I’m a doctor this is not medical advice, as I don’t know your personal circumstances or your health conditions. Please see this as information for you to consider, and then to look up more about, so you can discuss it with your doctor.
------------------------------------
Links related to Jeff Lester
Jeff Lester at Happy Jack Yoga
Links to people and resources (in order of mentioning)
Links related to New Normal Project podcast
New Normal Project on Facebook
New Normal Project on Instagram: @newnormalproject
New Normal Project on Twitter: @newnormalproj
Andrew Davies on Instagram: @andrewdavies66
Andrew Davies on Twitter: @andrewdavies66