Ironically , Hector set out to become an actor and fell into modelling accidentally , signing with Elite Models in London . The agency had a thriving commercial department and his acting chops paid off . Then , the United States came calling .
“ In America , there were television opportunities and other acting jobs , plus I was invited to model here as well , which paved a lifestyle for me ,” says Hector . “ I enjoyed the process as this job can take you to new places , so I traveled a lot .”
At one point , Hector was traveling to Hawaii five or six times a year over several years . His passion for acting was evident in his performances in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and his on-screen presence undeniable . For Hector , Hawaii was paradise , from the work to the endless poke bowls , from the beaches to the lush landscapes .
“ Hawaii to me was the symbol of ‘ you ’ ve made it ’ in life ,” says Hector . “ There is the art of being able to walk along on a beach and see that much beauty and live effortlessly , to experience such a place generationally and the people who make it special .”
As physique and diet plays such a huge role in his job , Hector went to the islands prepared for wellness on the road .
“ I take my blender with me and my Garden of Life everywhere ,” says the fit-focused actor .
When Hector and Garden of Life partnered up , it was written in the stars .
“ I already had so much love for the three-four years I was using Garden of Life products before I became a partner with them , and the way it came about , the world certainly does have a silver lining ,” says Hector . “ I was discussing vegan proteins at a mindbody retreat in the Dove Mountains of Phoenix , Arizona with someone who turned out to work for Garden of Life .”
Hector was an avid meat eater for all of his life until he was in his mid-twenties . For the past seven years , he transitioned to being a non-meat eater , which can be challenging when your job is to stay buff and on the masculine side . The changes in diet began while he was sharing a house with a nutritional expert and mixed martial arts fighter , who imparted to Hector that meat might be causing a negative impact on his body .
“ I was modeling for LA Models at the time and I didn ’ t believe what I was hearing — so this fellow and I had a 30-day bet for $ 500 that I would feel better at the end of the month — I had some digestive issues at the time so I was open to trying it ,” says Hector , who dropped a dozen pounds in that month . “ Being from England , I had eaten meat and potatoes all my life , but after that 30 days I felt faster , had a clearer mindset , could run for longer and felt the recovery was faster .”
For two years Hector went raw as part of a fully plant-based diet and dropped weight from 212 to 172 , a 40-pound difference . He cut a lot of muscle , which was not ideal for someone standing at six feet , three inches .
“ When you are tall that ’ s really lean , and I recall going to my grandparents back in England and even my granddad said I was too skinny ,” says Hector , who by that time had met his wife , an avid carnivore . “ I started eating a piece of fish per month at first , then one or two pieces a week , which made me feel stronger than before .”
For Hector , it all adds up to clarity of mind and nutritional balance , seeing and hearing better and continuing to find ways to nourish the body .
“ I would just try anything plant-based and the Garden of Life products changed my life ,” says Hector . “ I ’ m excited about the new blends of protein they are developing to bridge the gap between plant eaters and carnivores and pescatarians , such as a marine complex with the advantages of a protein that dissolves into the muscle tissue , much like fish does .”
Hector advises newbies to incorporate plant-based proteins in moderation .
“ Begin with compartmentalizing because going cold turkey is too extreme — introduce half of your meals as plant-based and half what you normally eat ,” says Hector . “ That way you don ’ t feel like you ’ re missing out and consider going one day on and one day off , so you ’ re not restricted and therefore still feel like you have choices .”
For Hector , the right supplements begin with vitamins and probiotics to make sure gut health is optimal at a bare minimum . He suggests breaking down a list of what the body needs and what to change , and then matching the correct supplement to the problem .
“ There is almost a vitamin for everything , so look for what ails you and choose the supplements that will help you ,” he says .
Hector ’ s shake schedule is absolute . He has a morning and evening shake , with the morning regimen including Garden of Life Sport Plant-Based Protein , a frozen block of sugar-free acai , almond milk , water and ice cubes .
“ In the morning , I also add frozen fruit because I know I will absorb those sugars in my hour workout and within that window the body will use those sugars ,” says Hector , who opts for a raspberry , blueberry and blackberry mix . “ I stay away from fake sugars but one night a week , when we watch shows like The Bachelor or one of the Real Housewives , I ’ ll grab the M & Ms — I can ’ t help myself when it comes to a cheeky treat !”
Hector says his wife Olivia also loves Garden of Life products , in particular finding the refrigerated probiotics for women to be beneficial . This past November he and Oliva celebrated their oneyear anniversary , spending most of their first married year during the Covid shutdown .
“ It was like a wonderful apprenticeship with your loved one ,” says Hector , who continues to stay busy with several other influencing projects including Garden of Life and Christopher Ward timepieces . “ Bowflex is another product that has changed the way I work out , utilizing push and pull strength and it ’ s amazing to see what happens in 30 minutes versus 60 minutes .”
Follow Jay Hector on Instagram at @ jayhector .
Extraordinary Health ™ • Vol 40 49