This 73-Year-Old Can Do More Pushups Than You | Chef Babette Davis x Rich Roll Podcast

Added: Jul 22, 2024

Early Life and Transformation

Davis reflects on her challenging past, including experiences of molestation, domestic abuse, and struggles with drug addiction. She credits her transformation to discovering metaphysics and spirituality through the teachings of Reverend Dr. O.C. Smith and Reverend Michael Beckwith at the Agape Spiritual Center. This introduction to spiritual concepts helped her understand the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of self-love.

The Power of Self-Love and Present Moment Awareness

Davis emphasizes the significance of self-love and living in the present moment. She shares an anecdote about advising her daughter to focus on the present rather than stressing about things beyond her control. She believes in the power of controlling one's thoughts and emotions, stating that negative experiences are not real and can be overcome through mindfulness and self-awareness.

Plant-Based Journey and Food Philosophy

Davis's transition to a plant-based diet began when her husband introduced her to vegan meals and books on nutrition. She discovered that proper food combining and plant-based eating alleviated her digestive issues and improved her overall health. She views food as medicine and believes in the importance of understanding the specific dietary needs of different species, including humans.

Fitness and Aging

At 73, Davis continues to maintain an impressive level of fitness. She shares a recent experience of injuring her knee while overexerting herself at the gym, emphasizing the importance of staying within one's limits and checking one's ego. Despite the setback, she demonstrates her strength by performing 11 push-ups during the podcast, showcasing her resilience and dedication to fitness.

Stuff I Eat: The Restaurant and Community Impact

Davis discusses her restaurant, Stuff I Eat, located in Inglewood, California. The establishment serves as a platform for sharing her message of health and compassion through delicious plant-based meals. While she acknowledges the challenges of changing dietary habits in her community, she remains committed to educating and inspiring others through her food and personal example.

Activism and Outreach

Davis shares her experience participating in a protest at Starbucks, where she glued her hand to the counter to raise awareness about the upcharge for plant-based milk alternatives. While she recognizes that such actions may not lead to immediate change, she believes in the importance of speaking up and making noise to effect long-term change.

Spirituality and Oneness

Throughout the conversation, Davis emphasizes the concept of oneness and the interconnectedness of all beings. She credits her spiritual journey for helping her embrace love and forgiveness, both for herself and others. She believes that understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for cultivating compassion and making conscious choices that benefit all life.

Challenges and Ongoing Growth

Despite her positive outlook, Davis acknowledges that she still faces challenges. She mentions her ongoing struggle with sugar addiction and the need to constantly check herself and make adjustments. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth, even at 73 years old.

Future Aspirations

When asked about her dreams, Davis expresses a desire to have her own garden where she can grow food. She also mentions wanting to learn how to swim properly, revealing a fear of water that she hopes to overcome.

Advice for Others

Davis encourages others to educate themselves about nutrition and the impact of their food choices. She believes that knowledge is crucial for making lasting changes and emphasizes the importance of understanding why certain dietary choices are beneficial. Davis advises against forcing change on others, instead advocating for leading by example and sharing information in a loving and non-judgmental way.

The Impact of Love and Compassion

Rich Roll highlights Davis's unique ability to inspire others through her positive energy and compassionate approach. He suggests that her power lies in modeling an aspirational way of being, rather than relying on aggressive activism or shaming tactics. Davis agrees, emphasizing the effectiveness of extending love and understanding to others.

Closing Thoughts

As the conversation concludes, Rich Roll expresses his admiration for Davis's spirit and her role as a catalyst for growth and expansion in others. He encourages her to continue spreading her message and offers his support for her future endeavors. Davis reciprocates the love and appreciation, leaving listeners with a powerful reminder to practice self-love and gratitude as a way of honoring the gift of life.