Jules Von Hep: Nourishing Body & Mind with Wellness Insights
Jules Von Hep’s journey of self-acceptance highlights the importance of nourishing rather than punishing the body, a message that resonates deeply with Malta’s focus on wellbeing and balance. Speaking on the *Well Enough* podcast, the body confidence advocate and author of *The Confidence Ritual* shared his struggles with body dysmorphia, which began in his teens and influenced his confidence, relationships, and career choices. Von Hep emphasized the need to shift societal focus from aesthetics to overall health and self-care, noting the damaging impact of unattainable beauty standards perpetuated by media and brands. In Malta, the Mediterranean lifestyle, with its emphasis on fresh produce, balanced meals, and outdoor activities, offers an ideal foundation for supporting both physical and mental health. The local dining scene, increasingly embracing farm-to-table and plant-forward concepts, provides opportunities to explore mindful eating while fostering a sense of community and connection. Von Hep’s story serves as a reminder that wellness is about embracing imperfection and priorit
Title: Embracing Wellness: Jules Von Hep on Nourishing the Body and Mind
When it comes to wellness, the connection between physical and mental health cannot be overstated. For many men, body image struggles remain a silent battle, with societal expectations and rigid beauty standards often taking a toll on self-esteem. In Malta, where the Mediterranean lifestyle emphasizes balance and nourishment, Jules Von Hep’s journey of self-acceptance offers a poignant reminder of how vital it is to nourish rather than punish our bodies.
Men often experience body image issues, particularly during early adulthood. A 2021 BBC report revealed that 48% of men aged 16-40 felt their poor body image negatively impacted their mental health. Speaking on the Well Enough podcast, body confidence advocate and author of The Confidence Ritual, Jules Von Hep, shared how his own struggles with body dysmorphia shaped his life. His story is a powerful testament to the importance of self-care and holistic wellbeing, themes that resonate deeply with Malta’s evolving focus on health-conscious living.
“My body dysmorphia started in my early teens and shaped everything about who I was,” Von Hep shared with podcast host Emilie Lavinia. “It determined the lessons I attended, the social events I avoided, and the people I surrounded myself with. I blamed everything—the texture of my skin, the shape of my body. I saw someone else in the mirror, not the reality.” This distorted self-view led to self-harm, eating disorders, and even suicidal thoughts, he revealed. “It affected my confidence, relationships, and even career choices,” he added.
In Malta, where the natural abundance of fresh produce and a slower pace of life encourage a focus on wellbeing, Von Hep’s story serves as a reminder of how food and lifestyle choices can support both physical and mental health. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, olive oil, and lean proteins, has long been associated with improved longevity and mental clarity. For those navigating body image struggles, embracing a balanced diet can be an empowering first step toward self-care.
At the age of 32, Von Hep, now 39, experienced a turning point. While launching his beauty brand centered on body confidence, he realized that true wellness comes from within. “After 20 years as a spray tanner, working with people of all shapes and sizes—including Victoria’s Secret models and Hollywood celebrities—I saw that everyone apologizes for their body, no matter how ‘perfect’ they seem,” he said. “That’s when I decided to publicly embark on a journey of self-love and acceptance.”
Von Hep’s book, The Confidence Ritual, offers practical tools for cultivating self-acceptance and confidence, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their relationship with their body. Psychologist Dr. Brendan J. Dunlop, who joined Von Hep on the podcast, highlighted that these struggles are more common than many realize, particularly among young men and the queer community. “Social media, peer pressure, and outdated beauty standards all play a role in damaging body confidence,” Dunlop explained. “Unfortunately, this often leads to harmful behaviors like eating disorders or strained relationships, and we don’t talk about it enough.”
For those in Malta, where the restaurant scene is embracing healthier options, the connection between food and mental health is worth exploring. Restaurants focusing on fresh, local ingredients—such as farm-to-table concepts or plant-forward menus—align perfectly with a lifestyle that prioritizes nourishment and balance. Dining out doesn’t have to mean indulgence; it can be a mindful celebration of good food that fuels both body and soul.
Von Hep emphasized the role of the media and brands in perpetuating unattainable ideals. “Go online to shop for men’s underwear, and every model looks the same. That’s not reality. I’ve worked on men’s swimwear campaigns where models dehydrated themselves and contoured their muscles to look a certain way. This global obsession with one ideal body needs to change,” he said. The push for diversity in representation isn’t just about fairness—it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.
The Well Enough episode also delved into the pressures young boys face, from schoolyard expectations to the influence of toxic masculinity. “These issues feel isolating because we don’t talk about them,” Dunlop said. “Men often feel like they’re the only ones struggling, which makes it harder to seek help.” Von Hep agreed, adding, “Talking about it is half the battle. Every body wobbles—it’s part of being human. Society places so much worth on aesthetics, but we need to shift our focus to how we feel and function.”
For locals in Malta, where community and connection are intrinsic to the culture, these conversations are particularly important. Whether it’s through enjoying a wholesome meal with loved ones or engaging in activities like yoga, hiking, or even sea swimming, there are countless ways to nourish both body and mind while fostering a sense of belonging.
Von Hep’s journey reminds us that wellness isn’t about perfection but about embracing who we are, wobbles and all. In Malta, where the ethos of balance and nourishment runs deep, there’s an opportunity to redefine self-care and body confidence. Whether it’s through mindful eating, connecting with nature, or simply having open conversations about mental health, every step counts.
If you’re ready to take a smarter approach to feeling good, start by exploring Malta’s vibrant food scene, incorporating fresh Mediterranean ingredients into your meals, and being kind to yourself. After all, as Von Hep reminds us, the glow that truly matters comes from within.