The Standard

Fountain of Youth, by Eduard Veith

Healthy aging? Does such a thing really exist? We’ll take it from the man recognized as the world’s leading authority on healthy aging, Oz Garcia, Ph.D. The “nutritionist to the stars” Oz is the go-to nutritionist for A-List celebrities and Fortune 100 CEO’s. His unique and customized approach to nutrition and anti-aging coupled with more than 30-years of experience has made Oz one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Soon he’ll visit The Standard, Miami for a “Wellness Weekend,” so we tried to get to the bottom of his anti-aging secrets to get us ready.

You look so young – what is the secret?

I discovered detoxification, practice intermittent fasting, follow a program that eliminates my intake of sugar, caffeine, and most wheat products, as well as run a few miles daily.

What inspired your nutrition start?

35 years ago, when I was in my early twenties, I was a fashion photographer in Manhattan living an incredibly fast-paced lifestyle. Like many people, I smoked cigarettes, drank too much caffeine, ate too much sugar and didn’t get enough sleep. I found myself having terrible migraine headaches. I knew it is imperative for me to take an active role in my own health, and began exploring nutrition in an attempt to get these headaches under control.

How do you define health?

Health is having the right balance physically, emotionally, and being happy with the way you look and feel on a daily basis.

What do you see in the future or the next in longevity – anti-aging?

Thankfully the concept of longevity is becoming more mainstream. Some of the advances in health technology are remarkable. People are clearly more open to taking natural approaches to living a longer, better quality of life, but there is still a lot of work to be done.

What are your 3 tips nutrition or lifestyle tips you give?

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed food. Manage your stress levels (and sleep). Exercise regularly.

What are your favorite foods?

I love the cuisine of both Asian and Mediterranean cultures.

What is your breakfast? What is a favorite recipe of yours?

My usual breakfast is a plain Greek yogurt with berries and almonds. If I have a little extra time, I like to have a nice omelet loaded with vegetables. I start with heating a little olive oil in the pan, then mix in 2 scrambled egg whites with one egg. I add some fresh organic spinach, mushrooms, and peppers. I am also not a coffee drinker, so I commonly will have a green tea or one of my Brain Enhancement Sticks to give me the needed kick in the morning.

What is the 360 Program? Tell us more about your programs and the key components?

OZ360° is the most unique among all my other programs. On this program, patients will have the most comprehensive diagnostic testing, care, and warm personalized follow up (including their own medical concierge). Patients have access to the world’s leading experts in the areas of wellness, preventative medicine, and life extension. When they arrive for their head-to-toe assessment, a personal concierge will discreetly coordinate each detail of their visit and can accompany them throughout their stay. Our team arranges hotel accommodations, transportation, and book all appointments and services.

Supplements – vitamins – what should one take?

I feel most people should take supplements, but what is recommended can be different for everyone. I also like to start my patients off slowly instead of loading them up on a bunch of products their body cannot handle. If I am being general, I would say a good quality multi-vitamin, fish oil, probiotics, and possibly a digestive enzyme.

What about the right balance of nutrition, exercise and wellness?

Nutrition, exercise, and wellness go together. In order to be healthy you need to be responsible to practice all three. The right balance is trying to do the best you can without altering your life so drastically. When people make changes, they need to do it in a way that fits into their lifestyle. With that being said, if you need to completely change your habits and lifestyle it is important to seek out a support system. That could be a friend, spouse, or health professional.

For more information about the Wellness Weekend; Body in Balance with Celebrity Nutritionist, Oz Garcia, Ph.D., February 17 - 19 click here.