John Mackey, the co-founder of organic grocery store Whole Foods, believes that we are not defined by our genes. He asserts, “We have the power to shape our health and well-being through the choices we make every day – whether it’s lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and sleep, or our mindset.” After selling Whole Foods to Amazon and retiring in 2022, Mackey’s passion for conscious capitalism remained strong, leading him to create Love.Life, a 45,000 square-foot wellness community space in El Segundo, California.
Love.Life is not your average wellness center. It offers a holistic approach to health, combining functional medical care, fitness, and wellness in one location. This integrated approach allows individuals to access a diverse range of services, from consultations with doctors and trainers to physiotherapy and biohacking technologies, all seamlessly connected through a shared software platform.
“I’ve had this idea for a long time, and I almost created a similar business in 1985 called LifeWorks,” Mackey explains. “While I am very proud of the impact Whole Foods had on bringing healthy natural and organic food mainstream, there are limits to the impact a grocery store can have on improving health. That’s why I am so excited about Love.Life! It’s a continuation of my 40-plus year calling that takes the power of nourishing food and marries it with functional medical care, fitness, and wellness for a holistic approach to health that’s focused on helping people become the healthiest, best version of themselves.”
During my visit to Love.Life, I experienced a comprehensive Baseline Assessment, which involved the analysis of 105 different biomarkers through multiple blood vials drawn. This detailed assessment allows for a deeper understanding of individual health and potential risks. This was particularly relevant for Mackey, who learned he carries the APOE4 gene, a genetic marker linked to an increased predisposition for Alzheimer’s and heart disease. This discovery, however, empowered Mackey to make proactive lifestyle changes, demonstrating that while genetics may influence health, they don’t dictate one’s future.
Mackey’s commitment to a whole-foods, plant-based diet, coupled with practices like Transcendental Meditation and gratitude exercises, are now integrated into the Love.Life community. The facility encourages participants to embrace a mindful approach to wellness, with a focus on healthy living, fitness, and personal growth.
My own experience at Love.Life inspired me to make changes in my lifestyle. I began incorporating small routines like morning stretches and evening walks, which have already shown positive impacts on my physical well-being. The knowledge gained from my biomarker results will guide me in making further informed decisions to enhance my health journey. Love.Life provides a platform for individuals to take control of their health, fostering a community of like-minded individuals seeking to achieve their optimal health and well-being.
