We are so excited to share with you guys a special featured interview with New York Times Best selling author JJ Smith. JJ Smith is an incredible human being with an amazing transformation story and is now changing lives all over the world in the health and wellness industry.
Enjoy!
1. For those who don’t know you can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure, when I was in my twenties, I had poor eating habits, poor health and my weight started to increase. I eventually gained forty pounds and went up four dress sizes. I kept getting sick with numerous ailments and illnesses. I was diagnosed with sinus infections, yeast infections, arthritis, chronic fatigue, prediabetes/insulin resistance, hernias, polyps, and ovarian cysts. Many of these conditions required surgery. Sometimes, I just felt generally rundown and exhausted, having little to no energy. I became frustrated! The doctors’ answers were not getting me well.
So I researched everything I could about different ways to heal my body and get healthy. The more techniques I tried, the better I started to look and feel. In fact, something very interesting happened. The more I applied natural practices of healing, the more I slimmed down and the more youthful I began to look. It was as though I was turning back the hands of time. At that point, I knew I was on the right path toward staying slim and healthy and getting my life back! I even went on to receive several certifications—one as a certified nutritionist and another as a certified weight-management expert. Now, in my forties, I teach my numerous clients these techniques to stay slim, restore health, and get their sexy back!
I realized that by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle—one that involved regular internal cleansing and detoxification—I could regain control of my body and my well-being. Since then, it has become my passion to educate others and share with them the natural remedies that helped me achieve the superb health that I enjoy today. I have dedicated my life to the field of healthy eating and living.
2. How did you first get involved in having an interest in Green Smoothies and what triggered you to go all in and create the massive brand you are today?
A few years ago, after years of clean, healthy eating and detoxing, I was bedridden with mercury poisoning from my silver dental fillings! I had high levels of mercury in my brain, gut, liver, and kidneys. I couldn’t get out of bed months. health, energy, and motivation were at an all-time low.
After learning how raw greens can heal the body, I created the 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse using green smoothies as my meals so that I could detox and rid my body of the high levels of mercury. Fast-forward to today, 2 million pounds have been lost on the green smoothie cleanse, which I codified into a book, the #1 New York Times bestseller The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. The book’s techniques are so successful and the word of mouth about the diet so organic, the book has stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for more than fifty-two consecutive weeks, and we now have over 1 million followers/fans. The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse is a great way to detox and jump-start weight loss.
3. Can you tell us a little bit about the challenges you have faced over the years from just starting out to coming into where you are today?
The biggest challenge has been the growth of the Facebook groups and fan page, which has been extraordinary. It’s quite a challenge supporting 1.3 Million fans and 600,000 folks actively doing the 10-day green smoothie cleanse every day. We get over 1,500 questions a day and it takes a lot of effort to maintain the level of support I feel that people need to be successful on their weight loss journey. So, I’ve added several Ambassadors to help me out throughout the day and night. However, this continues to be a great challenge.
4. What is your life motto?
Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” I love this.. I’m an avid reader, reading about 2 books per week.. Learning has improved the quality of life in every area; spiritually, professionally and financially.
5. Besides a green smoothie, what is your favorite go to healthy snack?
I love to snack, every few hours! I prefer apples and almond butter, a few nuts and seeds, and some lightly salted popcorn! I always have a snack on my purse so I won’t give into unhealthy cravings.
6. What’s a day in the life of JJ Smith look like?
Well I start early, with a prayer and a plan for the day. I then check in on all our Facebook groups to answer questions and provide support. My work day involves writing and developing new content to teach and empower people about healthy living. I also spend countless hours in the Facebook groups encouraging folks on their weight loss journey. I have a private VIP Group, where I teach about weight loss at a higher level, which includes how to balance your hormones for weight loss. I also do coaching calls and Facebook live with our VIP members on a regular basis. I also have a regular appearance on the Dr. Oz show and do periodic radio/TV interviews throughout the week.
7. Are you a goal setter? If so, has it helped you in your career or any other areas of your life? Is it important to set goals?
Yes, it’s absolutely important to set goals and I set and re-evaluate my goals often. Once I have the big goals set, I then create tactical to-do lists every day to move me in the direction of achieving my goals. There is no great success in life without establishing some life goals.
8. Do you have a favorite exercise routine?
I’m not great at exercising on a regular basis but there are 2 things I try to do consistently. Tabata, known as the 4 minute fat burning miracle, can help you burn more fat than a traditional 60-minute aerobic workout. Yes, studies show that 4 minutes of Tabata can get you better results than an entire hour of running on the treadmill. It will also increase your resting metabolic rate, which will help you burn fat all day long. Tabata is High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT. Research has shown that HIIT workouts can help you burn nine times more fat than traditional cardio. The other routine is about 100 squats 3-4 times per week to keep my butt nice and toned.
9. In three words, describe your mission in life?
Live. Laugh. Love.
10. Where can we connect with you and what is a current or upcoming project that you are currently working on that we should keep an eye out for?
Folks can connect with me on Facebook @RealTalkJJ or on Instagram @jjsmithonline
I just completed a new book that will come out in the Spring 2018. The book will equip dieters with the most overlooked factor in traditional dieting: the mental strategies required for permanent weight loss. Dieters know there is more to weight loss than “eat less and exercise” and this book will provide the missing piece they need to win at weight loss once and for all.
