The Model Health Show: Nutrition | Exercise | Fitness | Health | Lifestyle

Our powerful, intelligent, efficient brain is at the forefront of everything we do. From movement to memory to emotions, the brain serves many important functions. Yet for some reason, its health and maintenance are often ignored in the conversation about mental health.  When it comes to research on mental wellness, Dr. Daniel Amen’s experience is unmatched. Dr. Amen is a double board-certified psychiatrist, 12-time New York Times bestselling author, and one of the leading experts on mental health. Today he’s back on The Model Health Show to share powerful insights and strategies from his new book, Your Brain Is Always Listening. This conversation contains impactful strategies you can use to take control of your emotions, heal from your past, change your habits, and shut down negative thoughts. We can all take the initiative to build stronger minds and better brains. The one and only Dr. Amen is here to show you how.  In this episode you’ll discover: How the blood brain barrier works.  What one of the bigges

In our Western culture, it’s no secret that there’s a pill for every ill. And while there’s certainly a time and a place for conventional medicine, it’s important that we recognize the multitude of healing modalities that are available to us. Unfortunately, we live in a culture that considers holistic healing practices radical or far out, but the truth is that many healing practices are thousands of years old and have science to affirm them.  Specifically, acupressure treatments are rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. In acupressure therapy, pressure is applied to certain meridian points to essentially turn on the body’s natural healing mechanisms. With a 2000+ year track record, this healing method is certainly something worth considering.  Today’s guest, Jessica Ortner is a New York Times Bestselling Author, producer, and creator of the Tapping Solution Meditation App. Jessica is here to share the fascinating data on tapping and how it can be used to heal anxiety, body image, inflammation, and so much m

If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that I’m passionate about the power of a good night’s sleep. Quality sleep can help reduce your risk of chronic illnesses, improve the function of your immune system, protect your brain health, and so much more. And while getting consistent, quality sleep often comes down to habits, nutrition is also a powerful (and often overlooked) tool you can use to regulate your sleep. On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to learn about the connection between sleep and your metabolism, and the top nutrients you need to include in your diet to improve your sleep quality. You’ll also hear about the role that your microbiome plays in regulating your sleep, and what you can do to make sure your gut is ready to support high quality rest.   As always, I’m bringing you all of the science and studies you need, plus attainable, actionable practices you can implement in order to make a positive shift toward becoming better rested. I hope this episode inspires you to

Every day when you choose what to put on your plate, you are given the opportunity to nourish your body. Not only that, but our food choices also have implications on our families, our communities, and the planet. It matters where your food comes from, it matters how it’s made, and it matters how sustainable it is.  That’s why Darin Olien is on a mission to redefine superfoods. Darin is a New York Times bestselling author, an exotic superfoods hunter, and the co-host of Netflix’s hit series, Down to Earth. He’s here to talk about advancing our health with nutrient dense foods and creating a more sustainable food system. You’re going to hear Darin’s insights on transparency in our food system, the importance and function of clean water, and what makes a superfood super. I hope this interview will inspire you to make more intentional and conscious food choices, and to vote with your dollar every time you have the opportunity. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: How Darin became interested in nutrition and

Cancer - the very word in and of itself can put a pit in your stomach. We often think of cancer as an indiscriminate misfortune that randomly occurs. But did you know as little as 5-10% of cancers are determined by our genetics?  That means that upwards of 90% of cancers are controlled by epigenetic factors, and therefore are in our control. There’s no one better to speak on this topic than Naturopathic Oncologist, Dr. Christian Gonzales. On this episode, Dr. Gonzales is sharing the science behind cancer susceptibility, and how cancer actually occurs in the human body.  You’re going to learn about the power you have to control your health outcomes, how to hedge your bets against cancer, and why having a sense of community can improve our health. Dr. Gonzales is a true expert in this field, and I hope this episode gives you the knowledge and empowerment you need to become your best and healthiest self for years to come.  In this episode you’ll discover: How Dr. Gonzales became interested in integrative oncolo

In recent years, rates of thyroid disease have skyrocketed. And when you think about it, it’s really no surprise. When it comes to managing our health, the thyroid is a relatively overlooked piece of the puzzle.  This small but mighty butterfly-shaped organ controls a multitude of functions in the body, including metabolism, tissue repair, hormone production, and more. Because the thyroid controls so many mechanisms in the body, a malfunctioning thyroid can cause symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, inflammation, and memory loss.  While there’s a lack of accessible information about thyroid health, there’s also a lot of misinformation out there. In his new book, The Thyroid Reset Diet, Dr. Alan Christianson shares his latest research on thyroid health and strategies for restoring thyroid function. On today’s show, he’s sharing incredible insights from his research including statistics on thyroid disease, what you need to know about iodine consumption, and real solutions for regaining thyroid health. Enjoy!   I

The science behind the microbiome is always evolving. From regulating your immune system to controlling your nervous system, there are many different ways that the microbiome can impact your overall health. We now know that the microbiome is also a key player in deciding how your body processes calories and stores body fat.   On today’s show we’re diving deep into the connection between the microbiome and body fat. You’ll gain an understanding of how powerful and important your microbiome is, and how improving your microbiome health can positively impact your metabolism.  As always, I’m bringing you all the latest studies, plus actionable steps you can take to influence the health of your microbiome. Your microbiome is truly an integral piece of regulating your metabolism, and I hope you will find these insights and solutions helpful on your quest for better health. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: What influence bacteria can have on calorie absorption.  The importance of thinking of our bodies holis

The quality of your microbiome has the capacity to impact every part of your health. Gut health is scientifically proven to affect our mental health, susceptibility to chronic illnesses, and even our capability to fight off infections. At a time when the function of our immune system is especially vital, this is a conversation that we need to be having.  One of the foremost experts in the field of gut health is Dr. Steven Gundry. Dr. Gundry is a researcher, bestselling author, and practicing physician who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people take control of their health. His work is focused on simple nutrition and how it affects the microbiome. On this episode of The Model Health Show, Dr. Gundry is sharing how you can reduce inflammation and improve your gut health so that you’re better suited to fight viral infections. This episode contains conversations on leaky gut, food quality, and small, uncomplicated changes you can make to improve your immunity. I hope this episode empowers you and reminds

We’ve all heard the mantra “calories in, calories out.” While it sounds like a failproof formula for weight loss, it’s actually a radical oversimplification of nutrition. Not to mention, the saying undermines the innate intelligence and adaptivity of the incredible human body.  Behind the scenes, there are many more variables than just calories consumed and calories expended. Today you’re going to learn about seven factors that impact how the body processes and absorbs calories. I’m going to walk you through a useful acronym you can use to remember the things that control how calories behave in our bodies. More importantly, you’re going to walk away with real world, tangible steps you can take to optimize your diet and metabolism. I hope this information empowers you to make more informed food choices, so that together we can shift the paradigm around calories and weight loss. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: What percentage of American adults are metabolically healthy.  The definition of the term ep

You already know the power that food has to affect your body composition and metabolism. But have you ever thought about how what you put on your plate impacts the way your brain functions? The latest data shows us that the way we eat can improve our mental capacity, ward off cognitive diseases, and improve memory and focus.  On today’s show, I’m going to walk you through the powerful science on neuronutrition from my new book, Eat Smarter. You’re going to learn specific foods and nutrients you can add to your diet that are scientifically proven to boost your brain power.   This episode is jam-packed with the latest science to help you feel empowered and informed in your food choices. I hope this information will inspire you to make realistic, impactful additions to your plate so you can build a better, smarter, healthier brain. So listen in, take good notes, and transform your brain function!  In this episode you’ll discover: What the most valuable object in the universe is. The percentage of your caloric i

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill Adversity is an inherent part of being human. For many folks, this year has been a time of incredible hardship and struggles. No matter what problems you’re currently facing, I hope this episode can remind you of your greatness, your resilience, and your strength to overcome.  There’s no one better qualified to speak about tapping into your inner strength than Shaun T. Shaun is a world-renowned health and fitness motivator and bestselling author who is passionate about helping people tap into their superpowers and transform their lives. But if you’ve ever thought of Shaun as someone who is solely focused on outer appearances, I hope this conversation about inner strength will resonate with you. We’re going to talk about the mental shift that precursors a sustainable physical transformation, the truth about confidence and authenticity, and how you can tap into your potential. Shaun’s story of building s

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” – Steve Maraboli At a time when so much of what’s happening in the world is out of our control, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. One effective way to combat those negative feelings is to take some ownership over the things we can influence in a positive way. When it comes to your health and fitness, taking control is one of the most empowering and impactful choices you can make. And while the term “control freak” often has a negative connotation, Autumn Calabrese wants to change the narrative and help you become a control freak in the most positive, effective way possible. Autumn is a Beachbody Super Trainer and author of Lose Weight Like Crazy Even If You Have a Crazy Life. On today’s show, she’s sharing how structure and flexibility can coexist in your workout routine and a simple, straightforward strategy for making better food choices.  You’re go

One of the first questions people ask when they’re getting to know you is, “what do you do?” Work has become so engrained into identity in our culture. But your job is not your entire identity, it’s just one piece of the multifaceted human being that you are. Job security is never promised, but even less so in 2020. That’s why it’s critical to create multiple streams of income and ensure that your entire identity isn’t contingent on the way that you make money. Today’s guest, Jemal King is back to reframe the way you think about careers and streams of income.  Jemal is one of the fastest-growing personal development teachers in the financial industry. He is the author of 9 to 5 Millionaire, and the owner of four multi-million dollar companies. Jemal’s personal story of creating generational wealth is a true testament to what can happen if you are dedicated, consistent, and driven. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: What can happen when you declare a goal or mission. How to change the way you think abou

“You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside.” – Wayne Dyer  At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, it’s more important than ever to have some awareness and ownership over our inner world. Our thoughts and routines are critical building blocks not only for our success, but who we are and how we behave on a daily basis.  There’s no better way to take control over your routine than to apply a proven system that has helped tens of thousands of people transform their lives and reach their full potential. Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning is a movement that aims to elevate human consciousness, create profound and lasting changes, and transform lives.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, Hal is sharing his incredible story of overcoming, how to take control of your life by changing your morning routine, plus practical strategies you can apply to actually move the needle in a positive direction. So listen in, take good notes, and enjoy this in

At this time in human history, we’re more stressed than ever. We know that chronic stress leads to a myriad of health problems, including a lowered immune system and increased susceptibility to infections. So how do we break out of this negative cycle and create real change that will lead to longer, healthier lives?  It starts with taking control over our minds. When we’re driven by fear and anxiety, the capacity and strength of our immune system becomes undermined. But when we recognize our innate ability to create our reality, we become stronger, healthier, and more empowered. There’s no one better suited to speak on the topic of the mind-body connection than Dr. Bruce Lipton.  Dr. Lipton is a stem cell biologist, bestselling author, and an internationally recognized thought leader. On today’s show, he’s sharing the powerful science behind how your beliefs inform the expression of your genetics, how to optimize your immune function, and the pertinent steps you need to take in order to change your health out

Navigating the challenges our world is facing right now can be incredibly emotional. Emotions like fear, overwhelm, anxiety, and uncertainty have become daily occurrences for some folks. How we interpret and deal with those emotions impacts how we show up in our relationships, our careers, and our health.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, Dr. Susan David is back to discuss the importance of practicing emotional agility amidst a pandemic. Dr. Susan David is an award-winning psychologist, expert on emotions, and TED Talk sensation. She’s here to share her expertise on normalizing and processing difficult emotions, the importance of self-compassion, and how to better navigate your relationships during stressful times. I hope this episode will help you build emotional agility so that you can handle whatever life throws your way. Because our bodies are a manifestation of our emotions, this topic exudes into every area of our lives. The way that we deal with our emotions matters, and it’s an area we can al

“Happiness is a quality of the soul, not a function of one’s material circumstances.” -Aristotle  How do you respond when you face a challenge in life? Whether you’re facing some truly dark days or simply dealing with first world problems, it can be easy to get caught in a cycle of negative thoughts and patterns. I want to encourage you to take a lighthearted approach and focus on abundance.  Because even when life is hard and you’re up against an obstacle, there is still an opportunity to be found. Today’s guest, Katie Wells, embodies that philosophy. From turning her personal health struggles into a thriving community to getting her mind right in order to set an example for her children, Katie knows a thing or two about turning lemons into lemonade.  Katie is the founder of the renowned website Wellness Mama, bestselling author of The Wellness Mama Cookbook, and a mom of six who is passionate about uplifting and inspiring other families. On today’s show, she’s sharing personal anecdotes about transforming h

No matter your diet or relationship with food, chances are that you think about calories, at least occasionally. From restaurant menus to fitness trackers, we’re constantly being reminded of the significance of the almighty calorie. But have you ever stopped to think—what exactly is a calorie, and how accurate are the numbers we’re continuously being fed?   On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the infamous calorie and how it actually works in real life. We’re diving into the history of how the calorie came to be, and how it became such a pervasive figure in our culture. You’re also going to learn about the numerous factors that influence how your body absorbs and reacts to calories. You’re going to hear the differences that exist in types of food, how they are prepared, and the role your unique metabolism plays in the processing of calories. No matter your history or relationship with calories, this episode will help you gain valuable insights into how your body intera

It’s a simple truth: We are all, collectively, experiencing a challenging time right now. But instead of sitting in the negativity the news and social media feeds us, what can we do to convert concern into action? My guest on this episode, New York Times bestselling author and internal medicine physician Dr. Austin Perlmutter, explains how we all hold the keys to freeing our bodies and brains from damaging patterns. If you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed right now, Dr. Perlmutter offers some simple but profound ways to optimize your brain to better meet this moment. In these turbulent times, we have an opportunity. We have access to information from experts like Dr. Perlmutter and thousands of others who can help us change our lives, and in turn, change the world. Now is the time to translate your worry into action—and it all starts with a little compassion, for yourself and others, even when you don’t see eye to eye. In this episode you’ll discover: What an opportunistic infection is and what it has to d

Seventy million Americans are suffering from digestive issues right now. Can you believe that? What’s more mind-blowing is that most of those folks could start to feel a lot better by simply changing the way they eat. In this episode, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and I get real about gut health. Dr. Bulsiewicz is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning gastroenterologist who changed his approach to treating gut health when he turned his life around by changing his diet. Now, he’s leading the way in making nutrition a routine part of the digestive health conversation, inside and outside his clinic.  Dr. Bulsiewicz and I dive into the connection between a healthy immune system and a healthy gut, why eating a diversity of plants is key to a diversity of microbiota, and yes, we go there—we even talk poop. I hope you enjoy our conversation and think about the incredible symphony happening in your gut in a whole new way. Enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: Dr. Bulsiewicz’s superhero origin story—from 50 p