The Habit Healers

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In this enlightening Q&A session, Dr. Rak and Dr. Marbas offer their expert insights into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of personal well-being - self-care. They candidly discuss their own strategies and the importance of making self-care a priority in our busy modern lives.

Listeners will gain valuable tips and techniques on how to effectively schedule self-care activities amidst a hectic lifestyle. These activities aren't just about treating ourselves but nurturing our minds, bodies, and spirits to function optimally.

This episode is also a treasure trove for those struggling with negative self-talk, as our guests share practical advice on fostering a positive mindset, thereby improving self-esteem and overall mental health.

Sleep, often termed as the best meditation, is another key topic in this episode. Learn from Dr. Rak and Dr. Marbas about the techniques to enhance sleep quality, which can profoundly affect your mood, energy, and productivity levels.

The conversation then transitions into the realm of physical fitness, providing listeners with guidance on how to make exercise an enjoyable and sustainable part of their daily routine.

Finally, the doctors share their wisdom on how to form healthy habits by starting small. Whether it's implementing a new dietary change or introducing a short meditation practice, they highlight the importance of gradual, consistent steps toward overall wellness.

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In this inspiring episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Doug Schmidt, a teacher who transformed his life and health after suffering a "widowmaker" heart attack at the age of 49. Doug's journey from a diet of steaks, cheeses, and ice cream to a whole-food, plant-based diet not only led him to lose 60 pounds within months but also allowed him to stop taking heart medications and even run marathons.

During our conversation, Doug shares his incredible story, including how he was dubbed the "sexiest vegan over 50" and inspired 1,300 students to follow in his footsteps by launching a 10-day plant-based diet challenge in his school district in Rochester, New York. Doug talks about his favorite meals, snacks, and tips for those considering making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle.

If you're looking for motivation to make a significant change in your diet and health or are simply curious about the benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle, this episode is a must-listen. Join me as we learn from Doug's remarkable journey and discover how a healthier diet can lead to a better, more fulfilling life.

To connect with a Doug: https://www.instagram.com/eatplants.love/

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

Join me as I interview Dr. Beth Frates, a pioneer in Lifestyle Medicine education and an award-winning Harvard teacher. Dr. Frates has a passion for helping patients adopt and sustain healthy habits, stemming from her father's heart attack and stroke at the young age of 52. With an impressive background that includes graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College, attending Stanford Medical School, and completing her residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Frates has dedicated her career to promoting wellness and stroke prevention.

In this episode, we'll explore Dr. Frates's journey as she developed and taught a popular Lifestyle Medicine curriculum at the Harvard Extension School, created the concept of Lifestyle Medicine Interest Groups (LMIGs) for medical schools, and served as a board item writer for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. We'll also discuss her election as the president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) in August 2020 and her ongoing efforts to define the scope of this emerging specialty.

As a prolific author, Dr. Frates has published books, medical textbooks, and calendars that focus on health and prevention topics. We'll delve into her influential books, including "Life After Stroke: The Guide to Recovering Your Health and Preventing Another Stroke" and "The Lifestyle Medicine Handbook: An Introduction to the Power of Healthy Habits," which was listed among the 100 Best Medicine Books of All Time by BookAuthority.

In addition to her public work in Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Frates is dedicated to helping individuals and groups implement healthy behavioral changes through her private practice, Wellness Synergy, LLC, and her roles at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Mass General Hospital. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a true leader in the field of Lifestyle Medicine, and learn how you can take charge of your own health journey.

To connect with Dr. Frates: https://www.bethfratesmd.com/

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Rachael Brown, the inspiring author of "For Fork's Sake." Rachael shares her transformative journey from being diagnosed with high cholesterol in her late 20s to embracing a whole-food, plant-based, no-oil (WFPBNO) lifestyle. With a 50-point drop in cholesterol in just 17 days, Rachael was convinced of the power of nutrition and went on to earn her plant-based nutrition and food sustainability certifications from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell.

A multifaceted professional, Rachael is not only an adjunct professor in nutrition and wellness but also a licensed practitioner of massage, pain neutralization technique, yoga, and Pilates. As a spiritual director and graduate of the 12-Day McDougall Program, Rachael has led corporate mindfulness seminars, helping countless individuals improve their lives.

Together, we'll delve into Rachael's unique perspective on food, health, and sustainability. We'll discuss her book, "For Fork's Sake," and learn about the practical tips she offers for adopting a WFPBNO lifestyle. We'll also touch on her involvement in various organizations, such as the University of Washington Alumni Association, T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies' Whole Communities program, Eat for the Earth, Plantstrong, and McDougall communities.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a passionate advocate for health and wellbeing, and discover how you too can embark on your own life-changing journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Join me as we explore Rachael Brown's fascinating story.

To connect with Rachael: https://forforkssakebook.com/

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Suzanne Harris, a registered nurse, tobacco treatment specialist, and co-author of the book "Learning to Quit: How to Stop Smoking and Live Free of Nicotine Addiction." With decades of experience helping patients quit smoking, Suzanne brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding when overcoming addictive behaviors.

Throughout our discussion, Suzanne shares her journey as a former smoker and the various strategies and techniques she teaches in her classes to help others kick the habit. We also delve into the importance of support groups for maintaining a smoke/vape/chew-free lifestyle.

As a certified tobacco treatment specialist and a member of the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence, Suzanne's insights are invaluable for anyone struggling with addiction, particularly regarding smoking. If you're looking for practical advice and proven strategies to help you break free from addictive behaviors and improve your health, you won't miss this episode!

Connect with Suzanne Harris: https://learningtoquit.com/

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In today's episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with the pioneering dean of self-talk, Dr. Shad Helmstetter. With 16 best-selling books under his belt, including the groundbreaking "What to Say When You Talk to Your Self," Dr. Helmstetter has dedicated his life to understanding and harnessing the power of self-talk for personal growth and success.

During our conversation, we dive deep into the concept of self-talk, exploring how the words and phrases we use in our internal dialogue play a significant role in determining our life path, personal success, and even our health. Dr. Helmstetter shares some practical tips on how to improve your self-talk, drawing from his vast experience and extensive research in the field.

As someone who has reached millions of listeners and viewers through his appearances on Oprah Winfrey, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN News, as well as speaking to as many as 250,000 people a year, Dr. Helmstetter's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.

Join me in this fascinating and empowering conversation, and learn how to tap into the power of self-talk to improve your overall health and well-being. You won't want to miss this episode!

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

To connect with: Dr. Helmstetter: https://shadhelmstetter.com/

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In this heartwarming and invigorating episode, I had the privilege of sitting with the incredible Elaine LaLanne, the 94-year-old wife of fitness legend Jack LaLanne. With a journey over seven decades, Elaine shared mesmerizing stories about her husband's extraordinary fitness achievements, such as his handcuffed swim from San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island.

As a motivational speaker, author, and television pioneer, Elaine has touched the lives of countless individuals, motivating them to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles. During our conversation, she offered an exclusive preview of her new book, Pride & Discipline: The Legacy of Jack LaLanne, which explores the principles that drove her husband's incredible success in the fitness world.

Elaine also opened up about her secrets to staying fit and full of life well into her 90s! Her infectious passion inspired me to strive for youthfulness at any age, and she shared practical tips for maintaining good physical health.

Don't miss my fascinating conversation with Elaine LaLanne, a woman who embodies vitality and youth. Her stories of Jack LaLanne's legendary feats and her own path to wellness left me feeling inspired, motivated and educated. Listen in and discover how you can tap into the power of pride and discipline to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

To get Elaine's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Discipline-Legacy-Jack-LaLanne/dp/B0BPZ6FJG4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21RGQEUB11YV0&keywords=jack+lalanne+book&qid=1680291034&sprefix=jack+lalanne+book%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In this eye-opening episode, I'm thrilled to share my interview with Susan Benigas, the Executive Director of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). Susan takes us on her incredible journey that began with a personal paradigm shift after discovering the China Study, which led her to dedicate her life to promoting the power of lifestyle medicine.

Join me as Susan and I discuss ACLM's mission to create a healthier world and the profound impact that lifestyle medicine is having globally. Learn about the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine that have the potential to prevent and reverse chronic diseases and how the American College of Lifestyle Medicine is championing this revolutionary approach.

Susan also highlights the ongoing educational opportunities available to medical professionals, empowering them to transform their practices and better serve their patients.

To connect with ACLM: https://lifestylemedicine.org/

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

In today’s show, Dr. Rak and Dr. Laurie Marbas are joined by Dr. Kullar to share their travel experiences as plant-based eaters.

They highlight how plant-based eating can actually be a positive force in enhancing your travel experiences and appreciation for local culture and food. They debunk the myth that being vegan will negatively affect your travels and share their tips on preparing for a trip as a plant-based, vegan tourist.

Listen as they discuss how to meet nutritional needs while traveling, the best areas that cater to plant-based diets, and how to travel alongside a non-plant-based eater. They also share how being mindful of the times we eat, whether we really are hungry, and creating an environment that fosters eating healthy is vital during travel.

Featuring valuable insights and travel tips for plant-based travelers, your hosts will prove that being vegan isn’t a limitation and won’t stop you from going where you want to go.

To work with Dr. Laurie Marbas, visit: https://www.drmarbas.com/

Today I'm joined by Dr. Rak, who's made it his mission to guide people through their health journey and provide the necessary tools to navigate and sustain a happier and healthier you.

Listen as Dr. Rak, a lifestyle medicine certified clinician, answers your questions and shares the secrets to radically improving your health by changing your relationship with food and fitness while sharing the factors that encouraged him to alter his lifestyle habits, ultimately leading him to adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet.

Proving that a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable and lead to a more fulfilling life, Dr. Rak shares how he lost 75 lbs over the last six years while discussing his healthy eating habits, sustainable life changes, and the most beneficial ways to exercise. To help you enjoy a wonderfully varied, tasty, and nutritious diet, tune in so you can learn to lead a fulfilling, healthy life!