The Killer Food Culture That’s Controlling Your Health

Jul 28, 2025

Dr. Darshan Shah, acclaimed as the longevity doctor of the year, delves into the intricate relationship between culture and health choices. He discusses how our environment shapes dietary habits, highlighting the rise of ultra-processed foods and their impact on health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of shared meals for family connection and the benefits of personalized nutrition. Shah also explores cravings linked to nutrient deficiencies, advocating for healthier eating patterns tailored to individual backgrounds and health goals.

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INSIGHT

Culture Controls Health Choices

Culture is the invisible hand that controls our health choices unconsciously.
Changing culture leads to automatic improvements in health outcomes.

ANECDOTE

Shawn's Childhood Diet Struggles

Shawn grew up exposed to ultra-processed foods which became the norm in his family.
This environment led to widespread chronic health issues among his family members.

INSIGHT

Real Foods Support Longevity

Minimally processed real foods sustain better health, even if they're diverse.
Ultra-processed foods, like vegetable oils and synthetic additives, correlate with chronic disease.

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It’s human nature to reduce and simplify complex situations. We like to think that weight loss is as simple as a formula like “calories in, calories out,” or that making better health choices is as easy as harnessing your willpower. The truth is that our bodies, minds, and behaviors are much more nuanced. And when it comes to our health, we often overlook the vital role that our environment and culture play. On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear my interview with Dr. Darshan Shah on the Extend Podcast. In this conversation, you’re going to learn how your culture can influence your decisions and the fascinating science behind shared family meals. You’ll also learn about the uptick in ultra-processed food consumption, why so many folks struggle to lose weight today, and my best tips for creating a family culture of health, connection, and unity. This conversation is full of important insights we can all apply, from making steps toward a more connected family culture, eating more whole foods, and cultivating better health in your home. So just click play and enjoy the show!

In this episode you’ll discover:

How your environment influences your decisions. (12:20)
The definition of culture. (13:00)
Why our relationship with food is deeply intimate. (16:40)
How the rates of processed food consumption have risen in recent decades. (20:50)
Which food can reduce neuroinflammation. (25:51)
The benefits of personalized nutrition. (30:47)
A conversation on the FDA and red dye in the food supply. (32:49)
How to create a healthy microculture within your home. (35:23)
What post-ingestive feedback is. (49:41)
A surprising connection between nutrient deficiencies, hunger, and obesity. (51:07)
The problem with the idea of calories in, calories out. (56:10)
How having a shared meal can benefit your physical and mental health. (1:04:35)
Four tips to make family meals fun and engaging. (1:11:07)
The minimum amount of times per week to share a meal with your children. (1:14:15)

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Levels.link/model - Join today and get 2 FREE months with a one-year membership!
DrinkLMNT.com/model - Get a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any order!
Eat Smarter Family Cookbook - Transform the health, fitness, and connection of your entire family with the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook!
Extend Podcast - Listen to more of Dr. Darshan Shah’s interviews!

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Levels and LMNT. Learn how food affects your health with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) from Levels. Join today at levels.link/model and get 2 free months with a one-year membership! Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.