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

It’s easy to get caught up in modern marketing, especially when it comes to nutrition. Here in the US, post World War II advertising led to increased consumption of processed food—including microwave dinners, canned food, and anything considered instant or convenient. And while you can still find many of these products on the grocery store shelves today, there is a huge movement around getting back to basics with our food.  Something I’ve discovered throughout the years of fine-tuning my diet is that we can learn a lot by taking a comprehensive look at which foods our ancestors considered staples. Most coastal countries have been adding the superfood group of sea vegetables to their plates since ancient times. Seaweed and other underwater vegetables have long been known for their nutritional value, and today we’ve got the evidence to back up those claims.  This powerhouse episode provides insights into the powerful health benefits of sea vegetables. You’re going to learn about nutrient density, preventative p

What comes to mind when you think about fat? If you’re like most people, you probably associate a negative connotation with that word. But like most things when it comes to health, it’s simply not that black and white. While it’s certainly important to have control over your body fat percentage, fat has been overly demonized in our society. Fat actually plays many critical roles within the body—it can affect the size of your brain, your hormone function, the efficacy of your immune system, and more. Because the function of fat is largely misunderstood, so many people fail when it comes to losing weight. In fact, there’s an entire industry dedicated to teas, pills, and diets that work against the body’s natural mechanisms. Today we’re going to dissect what fat actually is, and its complex role in the human body. And there’s no one better to approach this topic than Dr. Sylvia Tara. In her new book, The Secret Life of Fat, Dr. Tara explores the cutting-edge science behind fat as an organ, its role in the body,

Emerging science regarding the role of the human gut just keeps getting better and more complex. Until recently, most of us considered the digestive tract a simple means of processing food and eliminating waste. But the entirety of the digestive tract spans thirty feet long, and it turns out our amazing gut controls much more than digestion.  The entire body is an integrated, interconnected whole, in which the gut plays a huge role.  The gut has implications on many systems in the body—including hormones, the immune system, and even emotions.  Today we’re joined by an expert on all things gut health, digestion, and integrative medicine. Dr. Jilian Teta is a naturopathic physician, author, and leader in the field of digestive health. She’s here to help us understand the holistic role the gut plays within our bodies and how to optimize its function. So click play, write down what resonates with you, and enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: The link between the gut and emotions.  What ENS means.  The two di

True wellness is multi-faceted—it encompasses nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and so much more. Interesting research is emerging suggesting that we are healthier (and we live longer) when we have meaning and a sense of purpose in our lives.  But what does it truly mean to have a purpose? This idea has become distorted in our culture. Words like passion and purpose are often overused and misconstrued. Uncovering your purpose is not always an enlightening epiphany. We are all passionate and purpose-driven, but sometimes stepping into that power is easier said than done. The truth is, no one is going to give you permission to live the life that you want. You are not going to be handed your purpose on a silver platter—it’s something for you to discover, and ultimately choose for yourself. On today’s show, you’ll learn three specific steps you can take to diversify your thinking and walk in your purpose. I hope you’ll listen intently, take good notes, and become inspired to fully and authentically s

What holds you back from becoming your best self? Maybe you feel like it’s too late to find a career that you’re passionate about. Maybe you believe that you lack the motivation required to get started on your fitness goals, or maybe you simply doubt your worth and abilities. The problem with these limiting beliefs is that not only are they entirely false, but the more we repeat them, the more they take root into our mindset. The key to reaching any goal begins with your mentality, so finding the ability to reprogram negative thoughts can totally change your life. Once you hear Natalie Jill’s story, you’ll know this to be true. From getting started in the fitness industry in her late 30’s to totally transforming the way she thought about health and authenticity, Natalie has unmatchable experience in overcoming the mental barriers that can literally block success and health. Today you’re going to hear Natalie’s insights into overcoming your ego, reframing the way you think about aging, and so much more. Enjoy!

Hopefully, by now, you have a lot of powerful tools in your superhero utility belt—smart sleep habits, an exercise routine that you love, mindfulness, and a well-rounded diet that supports your goals. But have you ever thought about travel as a way to enrich your overall health and wellness? We know that vacations can be relaxing, but science shows us that traveling actually has many health-affirming benefits. Travel has been associated with lower rates of heart disease, better mental health, and a greater sense of connectedness. That being said, being away from home and out of your regular routine can take its toll on your body in the short-term. Traveling has been shown to negatively impact your immune system, digestion, sleep schedule, and skin. Today you’re going to learn how to be your best self while traveling. This episode is loaded with ten practical tips you can use to support your body while you’re on the road. You’re going to learn about establishing good sleep habits away from home, how to optimiz

There’s a ton of conflicting information about which foods you should keep off your plate. You name a food, it’s probably been vilified on some corner of the internet. Everything from coconut oil to rice, even entire food groups and macronutrients have been metaphorically hunted with pitchforks and torches. This approach rarely serves anyone. You probably already know that food is medicine, and that what you choose to put on your plate can have incredible implications on your overall health. But instead of taking an extreme fear-based approach toward eliminating foods, what if we instead focused on abundance and expansion? Adding food to your plate that is scientifically proven to prevent disease is a much more logical and sustainable approach. That’s why I think you’re going to love this episode with Dr. William Li. His groundbreaking research has had a positive impact on diseases such as cancer, obesity, and heart disease. In his new book, Eat to Beat Disease, he highlights how what you eat can help aid you

No matter how dedicated you are to self-improvement, you’re bound to have a bad day every once in a while. We’re human, and that means sometimes we’re unmotivated, uninspired, or just plain cranky. It’s okay to have a bad moment or a hard day. But what truly matters is your ability to pivot and get back to your baseline of happiness and health. The reason I felt so compelled to share this message is because I’ve recently been in that dark place. No matter what strategies or tools you use to get out of a funk, there’s no denying that listening to inspirational stories can help you channel your motivation. This episode is a compilation of motivating and thought-provoking interviews that you can turn to when you need a mood boost. You’re going to hear eight incredible stories about improving your self-image, finding the lessons throughout hard times, and harnessing your power to create change. I hope you’ll listen intently, find the pieces that resonate with you and revisit them the next time you need to fill yo

Have you ever reached a goal, and then immediately felt unfulfilled or disappointed? Psychologically speaking, this is totally normal. Having big goals gives us a sense of purpose and a reason to look forward to the future. More importantly, striving toward those goals helps us feel connected and hopeful. After becoming a best-selling author and reaching all of his life’s goals at only 29, Mark Mason felt a deep sense of malaise and depression. While that might sound counterintuitive, science says it’s totally normal to feel apathetic and blue after reaching a huge goal. In his new book, Everything is F*cked, Mark dives into the psychology behind achievement, human happiness, and the importance of hope. Mark is on the show today to share his experience, along with the impressive science behind the human mind. You’re going to learn the powerful formula for perpetuating hope, how to hack your brain to create habits that stick, as well as how to truly measure happiness. In this episode you’ll discover: The surp

Diet culture is confusing. With modern marketing, social media, and endless diet books, is it any wonder that people are confused about what to eat? The reality is, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to diet. Different things work for different folks, and this can even vary throughout different seasons of life. If you’re paleo or vegetarian and that works for you right now, more power to you. But being true to your health means valuing your body more than that label and being open-minded enough to consider that your needs might change one day in the future. Personalizing your nutrition approach (and being flexible!) is key to optimal health. That’s why when I read 131 Method by Chalene Johnson, I knew I had to share it with you. The book doesn’t have a list of good and bad foods. Instead, it’s about honoring your own body, experimenting with your diet, and eating what makes you feel good. You are uniquely you, and your diet should be too. How powerful is that? On today’s show, Chalene ret

Have you ever heard the statistic that we only use 10% of our brains? That’s not exactly true. While there are certain areas of the brain that perform at a higher level than others, brain imaging has proven that we use the majority of our brains even doing simple tasks like walking and talking. This huge and pervasive myth goes to show that most of us know very little about how our brains actually work. Today, I want to talk about some tangible steps you can take to maximize your ability to learn and comprehend information. You can probably guess that diet and exercise play a role, but we’re also going to cover some interesting data on how things like social interaction and social media can affect your incredible brain. This episode is full of simple habit changes you can implement to maximize your brain’s abilities, as well as the science to back it up. You’re going to learn about how small changes can have a lasting effect. We’re going to cover ten different areas that can help you maximize your brain power

What do you do to maintain the health of your brain? You probably already know about the importance of mental stimulation and problem solving for the health of your brain. But the truth is, our brain is an incredibly complex system that can be affected by many internal and external factors. Protecting your health isn’t as simple as doing a word puzzle—it’s a culmination of all of your daily habits and rituals. Researchers are constantly uncovering new evidence about the interconnectedness of the human body, and the importance of creating healthy habits to protect all systems in the body, including the brain. Among the lifestyle choices you can implement to make a positive impact on your brain health, simple habits like exercise and meditation go a long way. Dr. Wendy Suzuki is an expert in all things neural science and brain plasticity. Her evolving work has spanned from the brain’s ability to retain memory, to how exercise and meditation can improve cognitive ability, and how everyday anxiety can be harnesse

Transforming your health on a holistic level means looking beyond the hours tracked at the gym, or how many macros you eat on a daily basis. Sleep is an incredible foundation for your overall health—and it’s one that you must lay the groundwork for on a daily basis. If you’ve read my best-selling book, Sleep Smarter, you already know that making small changes to your habits can pay off tremendously when it comes to getting better sleep and transforming your overall health. But since the book was published in 2016, even more groundbreaking science has been released about how sleep can impact your brain, body, and function. It might seem like changing your sleep habits comes down to simple common sense, but the truth is that there are many factors and habits affecting our sleep quality—some that you might not ever consider being the culprit of a restless night. Today we’re going to discuss four hidden things that might be interfering with your sleep quality behind the scenes. As always, we’ll dig deeply into th

Because science is always changing, so is what’s considered normal in the healthcare industry. It’s astounding to think about a time when lobotomies were a normal procedure, or when leeches were considered a medical treatment. This is proof that when we know better, we can make more informed choices. Being educated about your options, becoming empowered about your body, and choosing to act as your own advocate can go a long way when it comes to improving your health. This is exactly the message that Dr. Jolene Brighten teaches. She is a pioneer in the women’s health field, and her mission is to help women better understand the role of hormonal birth control and its effects, and how to make the best decisions for their own bodies and lifestyles. This episode is an insightful look into hormones, birth control, and the far-reaching effects of women’s health on our society at large. Dr. Brighten’s experience and knowledge in this area is truly unmatched, and I know you will find useful information in her message.

As someone who didn’t like vegetables as a child, smoothies played a huge role in helping me begin consuming quality nutrition and resetting my palate. This is the case for many people—smoothies can be an incredible vehicle for getting in nutrients and starting your day off on the right foot. But not all smoothies are created equal, and it’s important to be mindful of what is going in your blender. If you’re not paying close attention to what you’re putting in your smoothie, it can be easy to overload on calories and sugar, raise your insulin levels, or create a concoction that is totally contradictory to your goals. A health-promoting smoothie contains an essential foundation of fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Most importantly, your smoothie should be tailored to help you on your own unique journey. This episode is all about helping you maximize the health benefits of the amazing smoothie. You’ll learn how to avoid the most common smoothie pitfalls. We’re also going to cover the number one question you s

Have you ever thought about how long you will live? Have you ever considered what the late years of your life might look like? Just because aging is inevitable doesn’t mean that we have to sit back as our minds and bodies deteriorate over time. While there is no fountain of youth, and no one can predict the future of medical advances, we aren’t totally helpless. There are certain tools and strategies you can take advantage of now to ensure not only a longer life, but a longer quality of life. In Dr. Steven Gundry’s new book, The Longevity Paradox, he highlights new research linking our quality of life to the overall function and health of our microbiomes. On today’s show, Dr. Gundry is sharing incredible tips about sustaining longevity through your current habits and behaviors. You’ll learn about cultivating a healthy microbiome, how to eat for longevity, and how to protect your brain health as you age. I find Dr. Gundry’s work to be incredibly enlightening and empowering and I hope this episode will inspire

Science agrees: sex is good. Engaging in regular sexual activity not only feels great, but also has many health-promoting benefits. Because sex is so taboo in our culture, no one is really talking about this. That’s why I wanted to dig into the research and bring you a comprehensive look into how sex can help you live a longer and healthier life. You probably already know that sex releases endorphins and contributes to cardiovascular health. But what if I told you that sex can promote cell growth in your brain, relieve pain similarly to morphine, and increase your overall functionality? Today you’re going to learn the latest research on how having an active sex life can contribute to your mood, cognitive function, and general well-being. You’ll hear studies linking sexual activity to increased heart function, improved sleep, and a more powerful immune system. Additionally, I’m sharing a few tips for maintaining a healthy sex life. So click play, and let’s talk about sex! In this episode you’ll discover: How

The ketogenic diet is generating a lot of buzz these days. Headlines often refer to it as a fad, Atkins 2.0, and even warn of its potential issues long-term. But let's all remember this important fact: there isn’t one perfect diet suited for all humans. From bio-individuality to lifestyle differences, we all operate a little differently. If done correctly, the ketogenic diet can be a powerful tool for burning fat, finding mental clarity, and improving digestion. To better understand the basic mechanisms of how keto works, today I’m bringing you one of the most qualified experts I know—Drew Manning. Drew is a NY Times bestselling author and outstanding coach who has done the research, written an awesome book about keto, and (most importantly) he walks his talk. His new book, Complete Keto, is much more than your average cookbook. It covers all bases, from a basic framework of eating and biology, to the myths surrounding the keto diet. Additionally, Drew taps into the mindset shifts and emotional breakthroughs

It’s no secret, there’s a lot of confusion out there about what to eat. One day a popular article states the numerous health benefits of coconut oil, and the next day it’s labeled as poison. And while it’s true that sometimes the science changes, that’s rarely what’s going on here. It’s important that we understand where these studies come from, who is funding them, and why they’re being promoted. Vani Hari, also known as the Food Babe, has advocated for not only herself, but all of us by challenging food companies and organizations and holding them accountable for their actions. Today, she is here to share information from her new book, Feeding You Lies.Vani is discussing the details behind how nutrition research is manipulated, and how the food industry generates fake information. I hope this episode inspires you to become your own advocate for your health, and to understand where your food comes from. More importantly, I hope Vani’s story reminds you to never underestimate your power to cultivate change in

If you do a lot of reading, you’ve probably seen tons of books and articles about topics like mental health, heart health, and gut health. But there’s one incredibly important, powerhouse organ that has been overlooked in this conversation—the liver. In ancient cultures, the liver was thought to be at the root of human consciousness and self-awareness. But today, most folks hardly consider the health or function of their liver—and when they do, it’s typically after a night of drinking. The truth is, our livers play a huge role in hormone function, digestion, fat burning, and creating energy. That’s why when I read Dr. Alan Christianson’s new book, The Metabolism Reset Diet, I felt like my wish had been granted! His smart, science-based approach to restoring liver function is exactly what has been missing from common knowledge. On today’s show, Dr. Christianson is sharing the basic mechanisms behind the liver, why it matters, and how you can hit the reset button on your metabolism. In this episode you’ll disco