The Dan Buettner Podcast Andrew Zimmern on Addiction, Recovery, and the "Cheat Code" for Life
Jan 8, 2026
Andrew Zimmern, an Emmy-winning chef and advocate for sustainable food, shares his inspiring journey from addiction and homelessness to 32 years of sobriety. He reveals how simple cooking changes can add years to your life and highlights the benefits of small silver fish in a sustainable diet. Andrew emphasizes the transformative power of helping others and the importance of daily service as a path to happiness. His practical cooking tips and heartfelt reflections on recovery make this a compelling discussion on resilience and joy.
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Prefer Small Sustainable Seafood
- If you eat seafood, choose small silverfish (sardines, anchovies, mackerel) and bivalves for better nutrition and lower contaminant risk.
- Verify seafood comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries before buying.
Prep Once, Eat Healthy All Week
- Do a five-minute weekly meal plan and prep (dressings, chopped vegetables) to remove time barriers to cooking.
- Store prepped ingredients in containers so healthy meals assemble in minutes and beat processed convenience.
Make Blended Salads For Fast Nutrition
- Try a blended salad: pulse leftover salad ingredients with oil, vinegar, salt, and lemon for an instant cold gazpacho-style meal.
- Use the blender to rescue wilting produce and create quick, nutritious snacks or lunches.
