Bold ideas and calls to action 2025

February 25th 2025

WellBeing Magazine

This year invites us not only to embrace our own wellness and authenticity but also to champion the transformative ideas shaping a brighter future for the world. We asked 15 bold thinkers from diverse fields to share their perspectives and actionable steps for meaningful change — illuminating a path toward collective progress.

Tracy Bevan, Ambassador & Director of the McGrath Foundation “To me it’s really simple. Make 2025 the year that you prioritise your own health. It’s so important that we all get to know our own bodies and what’s normal for us. And importantly to see our doctors straight away if we notice any unusual changes — no matter your age or the time since your last check-up. We all get busy but ensuring we put our health first is crucial.”

Abigail O’Neill, Model & Environmental Advocate “I’m advocating for the most powerful connection to our inner knowing and true healing. Our deepest, autonomous understanding of ourselves as in sync with nature, in my experience, will aid the wellbeing of body, mind and spirit, and planet Earth. There’s also a shift around ageing — being signed by IMG internationally in my fiftieth year has been an affirmation to me to continue rising to the challenges of life, whilst living my true authentic self. Remember how important you are at this time of life, and how influential.”

Jay Cardiello, Fitness & Mindset Expert “The future of fitness is not just about movement but understanding the unique interplay between our bodies, minds and environments. I advocate for the integration of personalised, AI-driven health and fitness solutions that track physical activity and provide actionable insights for holistic wellbeing. One essential way to make this happen is through cross-industry collaboration. Fitness professionals must partner with technologists, behavioural scientists, and healthcare providers to develop platforms that are not only accessible but also inclusive. My vision is to create a world where fitness is no longer a privilege but a universally accessible part of every individual’s life — a foundation for living boldly, with vitality and purpose.”

Jarin, Wiradjuri Nation, CEO of Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care & Owner of activewear brand Jarin Street“Be an ally and #buyblak in 2025 and beyond! Support FirstNations economic independence by purchasing from Aboriginalowned and led businesses and support our communities by gettingbehind Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. We knowour communities! Walk with us by getting behind our communityorganisations and enterprises. Do your due diligence though andask, ‘Is this business First Nations owned?’ Not all Aboriginalappearing businesses or NGOs are owned or led by mob. We knowwhat’s best for our communities so do your bit by supporting mob to support mob.”

Jessica Sepel, Wellness Expert & Founder of JSHealth Vitamins “Setting boundaries with social media and technology will be pivotal for mental wellness in 2025. Prioritising screen-free time and developing mindful digital habits is essential for cultivating balance in our lives. When we do this, I truly believe we can restore a greater sense of peace for the collective.”

Kristy Morris, CEO & Co-Founder of KAILO Wellness Medi-Spa “In both the wellness tourism industry and spa and wellness industry, we’re seeing a growing demand for concierge longevity medicine and greater demand for luxury wellness travel across the globe. I am a huge advocate for individuals who want to take control of their own wellbeing by having tailored treatments specific to their needs and believe we’ll see further personalisation factored into treatments during 2025.”

“David the Medium”, Psychic Medium “In 2025 I am advocating for the empowerment of individuals to trust their own intuition and spiritual abilities. Often, people turn to Psychic Mediums seeking answers or validation but a significant shift could occur if we encourage others to reconnect with and trust their innate wisdom. One essential way to do this is to develop and offer educational programs or workshops that focus on teaching people how to strengthen their own intuitive abilities. These programs could include exercises in mindfulness, meditation, energy work and self-reflection — tools that cultivate a deeper connection to one’s own spiritual senses.

Josh Kirkman, CEO Surfers for Climate & Paloma Rose Garcia, Owner & Director of Paloma Salon “For us, to live boldly is to look at every dimension of this life and ask the question: am I doing good here? Are we doing good for the environment that sustains all of us? In 2025, we must choose [the Earth that keeps us alive]. What good is cost of living relief, if it comes at the expense of the environment? The natural world is actually ensuring we live and thrive, so why consider it last? It needs to be first, and then the good ideas for making a good life and society need to follow from that starting point. Not rocket science. Let’s strive to focus on what we all have in common, accept that we need a healthy environment to achieve anything meaningful today and into the future. Make sure that you’re ‘doing good here’.”

Katherine Hay, Clinical Nutritionist Specialising in Women’s Health, Hormones & Fertility “At its core, to live boldly is to care for oneself in a way that’s deeply nourishing and sustainable. In 2025, let’s focus on empowering women to embrace their unique health journeys, giving them the confidence to prioritise their physical and emotional wellbeing. Women’s health is inherently complex, with unique challenges related to hormonal fluctuations, fertility, stress and mental health. The action I’m advocating for is to embrace a data-driven, personalised approach to nutrition — one that considers each woman’s specific needs, prioritising education and accessibility in personalised nutrition so that support is available to all women, so they can access the tools they need to thrive, feel happier, and love themselves fully.”

Shaun Christie-David, CEO of Plate It Forward Hospitality Group “I am advocating for kindness. In the words of Babuysa, ‘Be kind to each other, motherf#ckers’ is our slogan for 2025, and if we all treat each other nicer, we can come out of 2025 closer and more united.”

Tanya Ali-Jani, Sound-Healing Facilitator, Transformational Breathwork & Meditation Guide, Founder of RIISE “I believe living boldly in 2025 means stepping into greater self- awareness and truly owning our inner world. I’m advocating for the use of modalities that are scientifically proven as a transformative tool to create this shift. Practices like sound healing, breathwork, and meditation allow us to release stagnant energy, reprogram the subconscious, and align with the life we desire. These tools are gentle yet profound, helping us break free from cycles and step into joy and empowerment. Commit to small, consistent practices that bring you back to yourself. Just like caring for your physical health, caring for your inner world needs daily intention.”

Courtenay DuBois, Transformative Therapist, Relationship & Behavioural Change Expert “I’m calling for a transformative shift in mental health and behavioural change — switching the focus from managing symptoms to fostering deep and authentic connection. This begins with developing genuine curiosity as to why we feel the emotions we feel, and facing them without fear, shame or mindless distraction. Neuro- Linguistic tools, Time Line Therapy®️ and Hypnotherapy empower individuals to break free from illusion, comparison and distraction and process complex emotions efficiently — aligning their actions with their true aspirations. We must lead by example, creating a culture where authenticity is a strength, not a vulnerability — not just for ourselves, but for future generations.”

Mukti, Author of Truth in Beauty & Founder of Mukti Organics “I’m calling for a significant reduction in synthetic fragrances in personal care products — an essential step for both human health and environmental sustainability. Fragrances permeate our lives, and the chemicals they contain are absorbed through our skin, nose and mouth. The words ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on labels can mask up to 300 potentially harmful chemicals. My advice is to avoid synthetic fragrance where possible, and I predict that by 2025, the fragrance industry will move towards natural, plant-based scents and bio-engineered alternatives. To make this happen, education and transparency in the beauty industry are essential. Raising awareness about the risks of synthetic fragrances and advocating for stricter ingredient regulations will empower consumers to make informed choices. By investing in green chemistry, exploring upcycled ingredients, and prioritising essential oils, we can embrace a future that supports our wellbeing and the planet’s health.”

Dr. Maria-Elena Lukeides, Psychologist from The Wellness Fountain “I predict that we’ll see individuals taking greater control of their mental health through accessible techniques like ‘Dropping Anchor’. This mindfulness practice I’ve developed is designed to manage anxiety and stress in the moment and will become essential in our high-stress world. Mental health management should move beyon the therapist’s office to become as natural as brushing our teeth or checking our phones. In 2025, I hope boldness means no longer fearing painful emotions but embracing them. Tools like mindfulness and breathwork will help us hold space for difficult emotions, allowing us to live fully, focus on what matters, and build the resilience needed to face life’s challenges.”

Olivia Arezzolo, Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert “I advocate for prioritising your sleep. Set a goal, get an accountability partner and check in weekly. Research shows we are 95 per cent more likely to achieve our goals when we have a scheduled check in with an accountability buddy so this actually works! When it comes to your sleep goal, choose one simple habit to focus on each week, such as keeping your bedroom tech free, abstaining from alcohol and getting 20 minutes of sunlight upon waking. By having an accountability buddy and a scheduled weekly check in, you now have the support to make it happen. If it’s accessible to you, I strongly encourage a sleep retreat. Predicted to be a ‘booming trend for 2025’, sleep retreats are the ultimate space to rest, recoup and recover from days, weeks and years of lost sleep. Ideally, the retreat not only teaches, but actually facilitates optimal sleep — right through to a schedule to optimise the circadian cycle.”

Article Featured in WellBeing Magazine 214

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Bold ideas and calls to action 2025

Creatine Myths & Truths, Protein Goals, Leucine & Longevity | JJ Virgin

February 24th 2025

Dr. Will Cole

In this episode of The Art of Being Well, I chat with JJ Virgin, a triple-board certified nutrition expert, Fitness Hall of Famer, and founder of the Mindshare Collaborative. We dive deep into the science of protein—how much you need, why hitting your leucine threshold is critical, and what plant-based eaters need to know. JJ also breaks down the latest on intermittent fasting, sharing strategies for when to eat depending on your lifestyle. Beyond weight loss, JJ explains why body composition is the real key to longevity and how to shift your mindset for sustainable health. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode will help you cut through the noise and find clarity.

As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ is a passionate advocate of the healing power of nutrition, and is mission driven to change the way the world sees aging and longevity.She has launched 2 multimillion-dollar businesses, including a 7-figure personal brand, and founded the Mindshare Collaborative, the most influential professional community in health, having propelled more New York Times bestsellers, PBS specials, and 7 figure brands than any other community.

JJ is a prominent TV and media personality who co-hosted TLC’s Freaky Eaters and was the nutrition expert for Dr. Phil’s Weight Loss Challenges. She’s made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and The TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly, commanding audiences of 10,000 or more, and has shared the stage with other highly sought-after experts including Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, Mary Morrissey and more. She regularly teaches for Tony Robbins’ Life Mastery Program.

JJ is the author of four NY Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet, and JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook. Her book, Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience, shares the inspirational lessons JJ learned as she fought for her son’s life.

Evidence of JJ’s far-reaching impact can be seen in the millions of views on her YouTube channel, Instagram and Facebook, and through her popular podcast Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, which has more than 20 million downloads and counting. JJ is a 3x Inc. 5000 Founder and a top 10 finalist for the John C Maxwell award. As an authority on transformational leadership, she has coached some of the biggest names in health and transformed the lives of millions of people around the world. Visit www.jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you build your dream life.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

  •  JJ Virgin’s early journey into wellness—how her personal experiences shaped the expert we know today.
  • Setting the record straight on protein: How much do you really need, and where should you start?
  • Understanding the leucine threshold: Why it matters for muscle growth and how to hit it effectively.
  • Navigating plant-based protein: Why plant-based eaters may need to consume more and how to meet those needs.
  • Intermittent fasting strategies: Is it better to break your fast at lunch or start fasting earlier in the afternoon?
  • Why weight loss isn’t the goal—focusing on body composition and what truly matters for long-term health.

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

If you like what you hear, please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe and pass it along to a friend.

In Health,

Dr. Will Cole

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Creatine Myths & Truths, Protein Goals, Leucine & Longevity | JJ Virgin

How Stevia Impacts Your Body: A Zero-Calorie Sweetener Guide

How Stevia Impacts Your Body: A Zero-Calorie Sweetener Guide

February 21st 2025

Bulletproof

  • Stevia is a plant-based, calorie-free sugar substitute. It is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
  • If you’re trying to lose weight or watch your blood sugar, stevia is a good option that cuts down on calories, not flavor.
  • Learn tips on baking with stevia and creating healthier spins on beverages.

None of the sugar substitutes—aspartame, sucralose and saccharin—take the cake quite like stevia. The naturally occurring sugar substitute comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has zero calories, making it a solid option for those looking to cut calories without sacrificing flavor. Stevia is also renowned for not raising blood sugar levels.

But are the benefits as sweet as they seem? Keep reading to learn about this zero-calorie sweetener’s impact on the body and how it’s skyrocketed into a billion-dollar industry.[1]

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that’s made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The plant is native to South America. For centuries, it was used to sweeten food and drinks.[2]

Once word got out about this “miracle sweetener,” food and beverage manufacturers wasted no time adding it to products promoting healthier lifestyles. This includes diet soda, flavored water and “sugar-free” baked goods. At Bulletproof, we love this natural sweetener’s taste and health benefits. We use it as a better-for-you sugar alternative in some products, such as our Vitamins A+D+K Gummies and Energy Collagen Protein.

people drinking coffee together

How Stevia Works in the Body

Stevia metabolizes differently than sugar. Sugar is a carbohydrate that gets broken down into glucose, the body’s preferred source of energy. Insulin then acts like a “key” to allow glucose to provide energy to the cells. When blood sugar spikes become the norm, this could result in insulin resistance.[3]

Stevia, on the other hand, shines for not affecting blood sugar. When stevia is consumed, the main compound (steviol glycosides) travels to the colon and liver and transforms into steviol glucuronide.[4] After it’s absorbed and metabolized, steviol glucuronide is released through the urine.

Stevia and Blood Sugar

Stevia is a potential game changer for those with diabetes or blood sugar issues.

A 2024 meta-analysis of 26 studies found that stevia may reduce blood glucose levels.[5] The results were particularly noticeable in participants with a higher body mass index and those with diabetes and high blood pressure. Stevia made no noticeable differences in insulin or A1C levels.

man and woman exercising together

Stevia’s Impact on Weight Management

Stevia’s impact on body weight has been a mixed bag. Some studies found that stevia helps with weight reduction, while others found that it contributes to weight gain. In one study, healthy adults were split into two groups: daily stevia group and non-stevia group. The goal was to test the effects of daily stevia consumption on blood sugar, body weight and energy intake.[6]

At the end of 12 weeks, researchers found that the non-stevia group gained significantly more weight than the daily stevia group. More studies need to be done to confirm stevia’s role in weight management.

Is Stevia Safe?

Yes, stevia is safe to consume. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and several other global health authorities have approved its use as a low- and no-calorie sugar substitute.[7]

However, this only applies to high-quality pure extracts. Raw stevia, such as the leaves, roots and stems, aren’t FDA-approved.

Stevia side effects are rare, but they can happen. Watch out for:

  • Nausea
  • Low blood sugar
  • Low blood pressure
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea

Stevia and Gut Health

Sugar consumption is already linked to poor gut health. But what about stevia? A 2024 study put this sugar substitute to its paces. They split healthy adults aged 18-40 into two groups: a stevia group who consumed stevia twice daily and a control group who didn’t change their diet. Both groups refrained from taking probiotic supplements.[8]

At the end of 12 weeks, the stevia group had no changes to the gut microbiome in the stevia group. Researchers concluded that long-term stevia use doesn’t negatively impact gut health. More studies need to be done to confirm these results.

Benefits of Stevia vs Sugar

The similarities between sugar and stevia go beyond sweetness. When consumed in moderation, both have health benefits.

Sugar benefits

  • A quick source of energy
  • Promotes mood-boosting chemicals in the brain
  • It helps baked goods from drying out
  • Promotes a recipe’s shelf life

Stevia benefits

  • It doesn’t impact blood sugar
  • Zero calories
  • May support weight reduction goals
  • Heat-stable in high temperatures

various baked goods

Baking with Stevia

Stevia is worth its salt in the kitchen. The sugar substitute is stable in high temperatures and can stand in for sugar for all your tasty creations. But baking with sugar substitutes isn’t a cakewalk, either. Since stevia is 200-350 times sweeter than sugar, bear in mind that a small amount goes a long way.[9] Sugar-to-stevia ratios vary per brand, so always read the package instructions.

Stevia can’t match sugar’s role in making baked goods moist and soft. For this reason, you must account for lost volume by incorporating stevia with bulking ingredients. Some ideas include applesauce, pumpkin purée or maple syrup.

Stevia in Drinks

Drop by drop, stevia has become the go-to sugar alternative for beverage manufacturers. Scour your local grocery store and you’ll see it prominently listed as a main ingredient in various sugar-free products. This ranges from sparkling water to cocktails to juice. You can also make healthier versions of your favorite drinks at home with liquid stevia drops.

Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener that comes from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. After getting its start in South America, the global food industry transformed stevia into a billion-dollar industry.

Stevia’s impact on the body is healthier than sugar. It’s low in calories and doesn’t raise blood glucose levels. This makes it a good option for those with diabetes or for those watching their weight. It’s also safe to consume and FDA-approved.

Stevia is a favorite stand-in for sugar when baking or sweetening your favorite drinks. Just be sure to follow package instructions for the best sugar-to-stevia ratio.

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How Stevia Impacts Your Body: A Zero-Calorie Sweetener Guide

Black Drawing Salve Recipe

February 20th 2025

Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families

I first heard about DIY black drawing salve as a natural remedy when visiting a local Amish community to pick up produce and eggs. One of the farmer’s sons was applying what looked like tar to his arm after getting a large splinter from a fence post. I asked what he was putting on his […]

Continue reading Black Drawing Salve Recipe

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https://wellnessmama.com/remedies/black-drawing-salve/