In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak welcomes James Wilks, former MMA fighter, elite Special Forces trainer, and the mastermind behind the groundbreaking documentary The Game Changers. James shares his incredible journey from overcoming severe knee injuries to revolutionizing the conversation around plant-based nutrition. The film, viewed by over 200 million people, challenges longstanding myths about meat and athletic performance, showcasing the powerful benefits of plant-based eating. In their conversation, Dr. Rak and James delve into the making of the documentary, the challenges faced, and the impact it has had on public perception. They also discuss the exciting sequel, The Game Changers 2, and James's ongoing mission to combat misinformation in the nutrition industry.

James also shares the vision and mission of his innovative plant-based protein company, FȲTA. Listeners of the podcast can save 10% using offer code HF10 at checkout. Visit https://fyta.com/discount/HF10

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health, fitness, and the transformative power of a plant-based diet. Timestamps:

[00:52] - Dr. Rak’s Introduction to James Wilks [07:28] - Unexpected Impact [09:09] - Early Filming and Journey to Make the Film [18:51] - Maintaining Control and Mission Integrity [21:02] - Addressing Critics and Misinformation [22:52] - Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet [26:21] - The Mission of The Game Changers Institute [28:39] - Vision for The Game Changers 2 [31:02] - Thoughts on the Carnivore Diet [35:11] - Introducing FȲTA Plant-Based Protein [36:59] - Benefits and Features of FȲTA [42:14] - Battling Misinformation [44:29] - What James is Bringing to The Health Feast [47:29] - A Day in the Life of James Wilks Guest Bio: James Wilks is a film producer, vegan activist, and former professional mixed martial artist. He is best known for directing and starring in The Game Changers, a documentary that has been seen by over 200 million people and is arguably the most-watched documentary of all time. According to Google Trends, interest in plant-based diets tripled within a week of the movie being released on Netflix. As an MMA fighter, James made his professional debut in the UFC in 2009 and was crowned welterweight champion. Extensive injuries eventually caught up with him, and he retired from professional MMA in 2012. Setting off on a path of physical recovery, James researched how diet might help him train faster and better. He came across a study on the original Roman gladiators and found their diets were predominantly vegetarian. This sparked his decision to follow a plant-based diet himself. The Game Changers followed James through his recovery and adoption of a vegan diet. James experienced huge benefits, including increased physical stamina and improved health markers. In the documentary, James discussed his findings with other elite athletes who follow plant-based diets, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lewis Hamilton, and Dotsie Bausch. The show also looked at the potential environmental benefits of decreased meat consumption. In November 2019, Joe Rogan addressed the documentary on his podcast with paleolithic diet proponent Chris Kresser. Both harshly criticized it. A month later, Rogan invited James on his show alongside Kresser to debate the topic. The resulting four-hour discussion caused Rogan to change some of his own views. “James knocked it out of the park and defended himself and the film quite spectacularly,” Rogan said.

James is also the founder of FȲTA, an innovative plant-based protein company that uses whole ground lupin bean and upcycled barley protein to deliver best-in-class nutrition.

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In this episode of The Health Feast (Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube), Dr. Rak is joined by Jason Gootman, a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, certified nutritionist, and certified exercise physiologist. He’s known for his refreshingly honest approach to health and well-being.

Jason has profound insights into lifestyle medicine that challenge the prevailing norms of the healthcare system. He advocates for a model as straightforward as caring for a houseplant. Jason's philosophy is rooted in salutogenesis, which focuses on promoting health and well-being rather than merely treating disease.

During our conversation, Jason shares his personal journey that shaped his professional ethos—a journey marked by early struggles with body image and excessive exercise, leading to his transformative approach to balanced health. His story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and holistic well-being.

Jason’s holistic approach to wellness coaching integrates psychological motivation, intrinsic self-worth, and the practical implementation of healthy habits.

He highlights how establishing a harmonious relationship with oneself is crucial in actualizing a life of wellness, and he advocates for a compassionate, needs-based approach to health.

Our discussion also delves into Jason's views on the healthcare industry, prompting us to reconsider the conventional approach to health and wellness practices.

This conversation bridges the gap between complex medical systems and the innate simplicity of living well. Jason's articulate, thoughtful dialogue offers not just food for thought but a veritable feast for the soul, encouraging us all to embrace a lifestyle that genuinely nurtures health and happiness.

Prepare to be inspired and enlightened by Jason Gootman’s visionary perspective on health, wellness, and the journey to a more harmonious life.

Takeaways

• Taking care of the inside and outside are concomitant and interconnected.

• Identifying needs and taking action to meet those needs leads to a sense of harmony with oneself.

• Real self-love involves engaging in behaviors that truly benefit one's well-being.

• Framing healthy behaviors as gifts rather than chores enhances motivation and enjoyment.

• Taking small steps, building self-identity, and celebrating small wins are key to sustainable behavior change.

• A new system that focuses on holistic wellness is needed, and the public plays a crucial role in driving this change. The current healthcare system needs to change to prioritize prevention and lifestyle medicine.

• Health coaches can play a crucial role in making behavior changes and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.

• Lifestyle medicine emphasizes self-harmony and well-being, which is often overlooked in traditional healthcare.

• The shift towards lifestyle medicine requires patient participation and the normalization of guidance and support.

Timestamps: 00:00 Teaser Clip 00:01:02 Dr. Rak’s Intro 00:03:50 Meet Jason Gutman: The Good Kind of Troublemaker 00:06:26 The Philosophy of Salutogenesis vs. Pathogenesis 00:09:31 Jason's Personal Wellness Journey: From Overweight Teen to Wellness Coach 00:17:34 The Power of Self-Love and Lifestyle Medicine 00:24:51 Navigating the Complexities of Self-Care and Emotional Eating 00:32:00 Finding Joy in Healthy Behaviors: The Shift from Chore to Gift 00:37:58 Unlocking Motivation for Exercise 00:39:18 The Power of Small Steps in Lifestyle Change 00:40:18 Building a Positive Self-Identity Through Incremental Wins 00:40:47 The Role of Awareness and Identity in Wellness 00:41:23 Transformative Anecdotes: Personal and Family Wellness Journeys 00:42:47 Challenging Extreme Diet and Exercise Cultures 00:45:53 Creating a New System for Health and Wellness 00:52:20 The Importance of Personal Effort in Wellness Coaching 00:56:42 The Ripple Effect of Lifestyle Changes 01:00:05 Normalizing Support and Guidance in Wellness 01:01:57 Envisioning a Healthier Society Through Individual Change 01:09:31 Closing Thoughts and the Future of Wellness