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

“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives… not looking for flaws, but for potential.” – Ellen Goodman Every year when the calendar flips to a new year, millions of folks set out to create change in their lives, their relationships, and their bodies. Unfortunately, many resolutions fail because they are simply wishes paired with little follow-through. Today I wanted to highlight your immense capacity for cultivating change.  You are immensely powerful. Your thoughts, your words, and your actions all hold the potential to change the world around you. To remind you of this, I’m sharing seven clips from some of the impactful educators, best-selling authors, and thought leaders. You’re going to hear about the power of your words and the stories you tell yourself, how to build a network of support to help you reach your goals and the importance of inv

At a time when nearly 250 million Americans are overweight or obese, we need to come to an understanding that our approach to this deadly epidemic is not working. In fact, it seems that our citizens are only getting sicker and fatter with each passing year. So how do we end the unproductive conversations about calories, food choices, and willpower and instead pivot to a model that actually helps people understand their brains and their biology?  Today’s guest, Mark Schatzker, is the author of the new book, The End of Craving. He’s back on The Model Health Show to share powerful insights on our society’s dysfunctional relationship with food and how our brain drives our cravings. Mark is sharing powerful insights on the infamous low fat vs. low carb debate, the psychology of obesity, and what we can do to reset our body’s innate intelligence when it comes to food. On this episode, you’re going to hear about the science of pleasure, how to eat in a healthy and sustainable way, and how some of the biggest myths

Some of the key principles to creating a healthy body are the incredibly simple: eat whole foods, drink water, get quality sleep, and move your body. But if metabolic health is truly that easy, why are so many of our citizens struggling with excess body fat, insulin resistance, and chronic illness? The answer to this question is complex, but one major contributing factor at play is the deception in food marketing.  The best way to navigate deceptive terms and strategies is to educate yourself, and that’s what today’s guest is here to do. Max Lugavere is an author, health and science journalist, and podcaster with a mission to teach others about eating real, health-promoting foods for longevity, cognitive performance, and overall wellness. On today’s show, Max is sharing some of the commonly consumed foods that are detrimental to metabolic health.  You’re going to hear Max’s insights on nutritional labels, how to determine the difference between healthy fats and unhealthy fats, plus three things you should s

If you want to improve your metabolic health, you might turn to common methods like eating enough protein or getting a good night’s rest. I’m a big proponent of both of those strategies, but there’s another key player in this equation that doesn’t get enough attention—brown adipose tissue.  Brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, is a distinct type of body fat that plays multiple roles in the body, including maintaining body temperature, improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic function, and more. Specifically, when it comes to metabolic health the function and responsibility of brown fat is often overlooked, but the science is fascinating.  On today’s show, we’re taking you behind the scenes of brown adipose tissue to gain a better understanding of what it is and how it works. You’re also going to learn specific action steps you can take to influence your body’s brown fat ratios and functionality for better metabolic health. I hope this episode gives you the knowledge and tools you need to improve your heal

Obesity is a prevalent and growing epidemic in the United States and worldwide, and it’s also a major contributor to other chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. At this time in history, when we have the best technology and more knowledge than ever before, how can it be that our citizens are fatter and sicker than ever?  Something is clearly wrong with our approach to treating obesity, and today we’re going to dive into what that is. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is the world’s leading expert in Muscle-Centric Medicine, a revolutionary approach to improving muscular health through a protein-rich diet, exercise, and lifestyle shifts. Her protocol teaches muscle optimization for body composition, vitality, and overall long-term health.  This episode contains mind-blowing conversations on the power of dietary protein, and why it’s been demonized in our culture. We’re going to talk about why building muscle is the key to many of our common ailments, plus dietary tips you can implement to optimize your

Over the past few years, intermittent fasting has made headlines as a popular diet trend. While fasting can certainly create impressive weight loss results, it also has a wide range of benefits that go beyond body composition. Intermittent fasting has been proven to reduce inflammation, improve metabolic function, and aid in the prevention of multiple chronic illnesses.  On this compilation episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear from some of the world’s foremost experts on fasting, like Dr. Amy Shah, Dr. Will Cole, Ori Hofmekler, Dr. Jason Fung, and other knowledgeable experts. You’re going to learn about the history of fasting, special considerations for women, how fasting can help you burn body fat and prevent cancer, and so much more. This episode is full of proven insights and science-backed tips on how you can include fasting in your routine for better health, no matter where you are on your health journey. We’re going to talk about the powerful benefits of circadian rhythm fasting, how

If you want to improve your health, one of the most important things you can do is optimize your sleep. When it comes to improving your sleep quality, there are a lot of simple, common-sense steps you can take like moderating your caffeine consumption, exercising regularly, and limiting your screen time after dark.  But not every method for getting a better night’s rest is quite so obvious. In fact, there are some strange things that are scientifically proven to impact sleep quality that you might not have considered. On today’s show, we’re going to dive into five of these points, why they matter, and how you can utilize them to get better sleep.  You’re going to learn about the science behind timing your meals for optimal sleep, how improving your air quality can help you sleep better, and why connecting with the earth is an essential human practice. As always, you’re going to walk away with practical and realistic strategies you can implement starting today. So listen in, take good notes, and enjoy this e

Most people know that obesity is a prevalent and pressing issue in our country today. A smaller subset of folks understand the gravity of this issue and the fact that weight issues lead to a higher susceptibility to COVID-19. Even fewer understand how obesity actually occurs or what can realistically be done to optimize our body fat ratios. That’s why on today’s show, I’m taking you behind the scenes of body fat. We’re going to talk about how our body fat works and the various categories of fat. You’re going to hear about how excess body fat is created, and most importantly, what we can do to have a healthy amount of body fat. Specifically, we’re going to dive into realistic and clinically proven tools you can use to promote a healthy weight.  This episode of The Model Health Show is packed with the science on body fat, insulin resistance, and metabolic health. We’re going to talk about our susceptibility to COVID-19 and why it’s more important than ever to get our communities healthier. I believe that the

Now more than ever is a time for us to focus on full-body health. Every decision we make has the potential to impact our brains, our immune function, and our gut health. Everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat has an influence on our incredible bodies.  And at a time when so many of our citizens are suffering from diseases like obesity, diabetes, and even viral infections, we need to get to the bottom of our underlying health issues. And if there’s anyone I trust when it comes to finding a root cause, it’s Dr. Alejandro Junger. Dr. Junger is a pioneering cardiologist, a New York Times Bestselling Author, and the creator of the Clean Program. He’s back on The Model Health Show to share profound insights on body fat, inflammation, and gut health.  You’re going to learn about why so many of our common ailments are simply survival mechanisms and what we can do to help our bodies thrive. We’re diving into conversations on the link between systemic inflammation and gut health, the importance of high

Fear, anxiety, and worry are natural human emotions that we all experience from time to time. However, perpetual and excessive fear have become prevalent in our society. Prolonged stress can suppress the immune system, ramp up inflammation levels, negatively impact sleep quality and so many other essential functions in the body.  Now more than ever, we need tools help us navigate our fear and anxiety. That’s why I put together this compilation episode with some of the world’s foremost experts on how stress impacts the body and strategies to reframe our mindset. We need logic, composure, and empowerment more than ever, and I hope that’s what you’ll take away from today’s show.  You’re going to learn about emotional health, and how to manage your emotions in a beneficial way. You’ll also learn about the direct impacts that stress and fear can have on the body, and how to identify and categorize your coping mechanisms. This episode is packed with expert insights, so listen in and enjoy the show!  In this epis

It’s no secret that the United States has a weight problem. According to CDC statistics from 2018, over 73% of American adults were overweight or obese. Even worse, thanks to increased sedentary behavior during the pandemic, these numbers don’t seem to be getting any better.  At a time when weight issues are so prevalent, what can we do to add in healthy behaviors and reach our body composition goals? Today you’re going to learn from body transformation coach, Luka Hocevar, about seven key behaviors that lead to success in reaching your health and fitness goals. Luka has helped countless folks attain their fitness goals, and I know his tips will resonate with you.  You’re going to learn about the four stages of changing your behavior, real tips for building your self-esteem, what an exercise routine should look like, and so much more. This episode also contains conversations on obesity rates in the age of COVID-19, our circles of influence, and how to take back control of our bodies and our minds. I hope yo

There are many issues that can spark a heated controversy in the US, one of them being our for-profit healthcare system. Each year, our country spends $4 trillion on healthcare, yet we’re sicker than ever. When you go to the doctor with a symptom, you’ll most likely walk out of the office with a prescription to manage or suppress that symptom, instead of treating the root cause.  This begs the question: who is this system built to serve? If the healthcare industry isn’t helping patients get healthier, what is its mission? On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear about major problems with the US healthcare system, including the overuse of pharmaceutical drug use and the overall management of funds.  We’re also going to be diving into reported COVID vaccine adverse effects and the problems with our reporting system. Most importantly, we’re diving into the importance of taking control of your health and why our tendency to avoid the root causes of illnesses is exacerbating our health prob

One of the most fascinating and advancing areas of science is the field of microbiome research. Our understanding of our microbiome and its role has rapidly grown over the past few decades. The evolving knowledge of our microbial system shapes how we understand our biology, health outcomes, immune function, and so much more.  The health of our microbiome is linked to a myriad of aspects of our health, including our ability to fight viruses, our weight and metabolism, and susceptibility to major illnesses like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. And while we do inherit some aspects of our microbiome, there is a lot that is within our control when it comes to determining our microbial health.  On this compilation episode, you’re going to hear insights and actionable tips from various experts on microbial health. This episode contains important information on how our microbes control different aspects of our lives, which medications can damage gut health, and which foods are essential for mic

In our culture, where more than two-thirds of our citizens are overweight or obese, we tend to think of body fat as an inherently negative thing. But your body fat is a critically important component of your body and your overall health. Certainty, there is such a thing as bad fat or an excess of fat, but fat is not the enemy. In fact, our body fat is a vital part of our evolution and it’s what makes us the resilient humans that we are today.  Today you’re going to learn about the five categories of fat and how they operate in the body. You’re also going to hear about why calories alone cannot dictate your body weight, and what the key epicaloric controllers are that determine how your fat is stored. This episode is my interview on my good friend Lewis Howes’ podcast, The School of Greatness, as part of the promotion for my newest book, Eat Smarter.  I’m sharing some of the key insights I learned in my research for Eat Smarter, including how your diet influences your hormones and metabolism, how calories ar

What does it mean to you to live a healthy and active lifestyle? And more importantly, have you given yourself permission for that definition to shift through different phases and circumstances of your life? Over the past couple years, many people have had to pivot their movement practices and reframe what an exercise routine looks like.   On today’s show, Lita Lewis is back to share her refreshing perspective on incorporating realistic movement into your routine. Lita is an expert fitness trainer, motivational speaker, and the founder of Thick Athletics Apparel. Her realistic and uplifting approach to fitness is inspiring, and it’s one that’s needed now more than ever.  You’re going to learn about honoring your body, redefining consistency, and what it means to pursue your best life. This interview also contains conversations on pivoting and adapting your workouts, why gratitude for our bodies is so important, and so much more. At a time when it’s of upmost importance to get ourselves, our families, and ou

We know that stress is an inevitable part of being human, but it doesn’t help that we’re living in a particularly stressful time. While we might not be able to remove stressful situations from our lives entirely, we can practice healthy strategies to help us cope and recover more quickly.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to learn about five accessible and clinically proven strategies you can use to build your resiliency against stress and adversity. You’re going to learn about the connection between physical and mental recovery, how sleep and meditation can build your resiliency, and much more.  This episode is full of real, accessible, free, and scientifically proven strategies that you can implement to better handle challenges. I hope this episode empowers you to improve the way you react to adversity. Because when we learn to respond to stress in healthier ways, we build physical, emotional, and mental resilience that will help us move through life’s challenges stronger than ever. 

There’s no denying that under certain circumstances, prescription drugs and medical interventions can be lifesaving. But in the US healthcare system, there’s a lot to be desired in the realm of preventative medicine. When medications are for-profit, many patients leave their doctor’s office with an ever-growing list of prescriptions and little hope for life outside a pill bottle.  Dr. Meg Kilcup is a Doctor of Pharmacy and an integrative health practitioner who is passionate about teaching others about preventative health, patient safety, and how to live a holistic, healthy lifestyle. On this episode of The Model Health Show, she’s sharing what it’s like behind the scenes of the pharmaceutical industry and why a healthy lifestyle is your best defense against COVID-19.  You’re going to learn a multitude of interesting facts about drug side effects and recalls, why our healthcare system is not patient-centered, and how our culture of over-prescription is making us sicker than ever. Meg brings a unique and enl

Face masks have served as the pervasive and omnipresent symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re on a plane, on a coffee run, or at a school, it seems as if masks are a new part of our society at large. But what does the data actually say about mask efficacy? Can wearing a mask actually reduce transmission or infection from viruses? On this episode of The Model Health Show, we’re diving back into the studies on mask effectiveness, including the safety of cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks. We’re taking a thorough assessment of the data, discussing various types of scientific studies, and cross-referencing the data. You’re going to hear about new studies, studies that have proven the test of time, as well as studies that are commonly cited.  You’re going to learn the truth about mask efficacy, including different types of masks in different settings. We’re also discussing how human biases can cloud the truth, and how the debate around masks has prevented us from addressing other pressing issue

The health of your mitochondria has the capacity to impact nearly every process and reaction in your body. Recent research suggests that mitochondrial function relates to the aging process, immune function, the body’s renewal processes, and more. But what do you actually know about improving the health of your mitochondria? This topic isn’t one that’s talked about often, but it’s of utmost importance, especially in the conversation surrounding viral infections. On this episode of The Model Health Show, Mike Mutzel from High-Intensity Health is back to discuss the link between mitochondrial function and COVID-19 outcomes and how natural immunity works.  You’re going to learn powerful, free, and accessible strategies you can use to improve your mitochondrial health.  We’re diving into topics like autophagy and mitophagy, the life cycle of cells, and how to optimize your immune system. I hope you find this information empowering, realistic, and applicable no matter where you are on your health journey.  In th

Emerging science shows a strong connection between our brains and our gut, or the gut-brain axis. While you might think that these two organs have very different structures and functions, they actually have more in common than you’d think. The gut and the brain are connected by the vagus nerve and neurotransmitters, and our gut microbes can even communicate with our brains.  When it comes to brain function and the science behind the gut-brain connection, Dr. Andrew Huberman is one of the world’s foremost experts. Dr. Huberman is a highly-regarded neuroscientist and tenured professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He is the director of Huberman Lab at Stanford, and the host of the Huberman Lab Podcast.  In part two of this interview series, Dr. Huberman is sharing his expertise on the numerous benefits that fasting can have on the brain and the neurobiology behind overeating, hyper-palatable foods, and obesity. You’re also going to learn about the gut-brain axis, the glymphatic system, and th