Dr. Laurie Marbas Podcast

Good morning, everyone! In today's episode, I delved into the profound topic of finding one's purpose in life. This subject struck me during my morning run, where I had a moment of clarity about why I push myself to achieve challenging goals, like running a half marathon under two hours. I began by exploring the concept of purpose and how many of us might lose track of it or adopt someone else's idea of purpose, leading to unfulfillment. I shared my personal journey of becoming a doctor, a dream ignited by a childhood experience and pursued despite numerous challenges, including raising three kids and caring for my grandmother during medical school. I emphasized the importance of having a clear purpose, which provides resilience and strength to overcome life's difficulties. For me, the clarity of purpose was about helping people through medicine, and this unwavering mission kept me going despite the hardships. I also discussed the process of self-discovery to find one's purpose. This involves reflecting on passions, values, strengths, and desires. I encouraged listeners to journal, seek mentorship, and surround themselves with like-minded individuals to gain clarity on their purpose. Moreover, I touched on the importance of setting goals aligned with one's values and passions. Using my running goal as an example, I illustrated how breaking down goals into achievable steps can lead to significant accomplishments. I highlighted the need to seek inspiration from various sources, experiment with new activities, and regularly reflect on one's progress. Engaging with trusted mentors and friends for feedback can also be invaluable. Finally, I acknowledged that discovering and pursuing one's purpose might require making tough decisions, such as changing jobs or lifestyles. However, the reward is a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I concluded by inviting listeners to share their purposes and assured them of my support in their journeys. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you have a blessed and wonderful day! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

In today's episode, I shared an intriguing story that I recently came across, titled "An Autobiography in Five Short Chapters" by Portia Nelson. This story, written in 1977, uses a metaphor of a hole in the sidewalk to illustrate the repetitive patterns and choices we make in life. The story is divided into five chapters, each depicting a different stage of awareness and action regarding the hole in the sidewalk. Initially, the protagonist falls into the hole unknowingly and feels helpless. Gradually, they become aware of the hole, recognize their responsibility, and eventually choose to walk around it or take a different street altogether. I reflected on how this metaphor applies to our lives, especially in the context of adopting healthy habits and making positive changes. Often, we find ourselves repeatedly falling into the same "holes" or bad habits, despite knowing the consequences. The key takeaway is that we have the power to make different choices and align our actions with our values. I also mentioned my recent interview with Dr. Stephen Hayes, author of "A Liberated Mind," who emphasizes the importance of aligning decisions with personal values. This alignment acts as a compass guiding us towards a more fulfilling life. In conclusion, I encouraged listeners to reflect on their own lives, recognize the "holes" they keep falling into, and consider making different choices to walk down a new path. Change is challenging and scary, but it is essential for achieving different outcomes and personal growth. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope this story inspires you to take control of your journey and make empowering decisions. Have a wonderful and blessed day, and I'll see you tomorrow! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

Hello everyone! In today's episode, I shared some of my favorite plant-based food products that I regularly use at home. Here are some highlights: Whole Harvest Whole Harvest: My top recommendation for delicious, plant-based meals delivered to your door. Sauces and Dressings Truemade Ketchup and Barbecue Sauces: Made from vegetables and available on Amazon. Ingredients include tomato puree, apple, vegetable puree, vinegar, salt, onion powder, and allspice. Plant Strong Products Plant Strong: Founded by Robesleston, offers oil-free and healthy options like cornbread and muffin mix, spiced lentil, and granola. Available at plantstrong.com and some grocery stores. Nuts and Seeds Nuts.com: Great for organic and non-organic beans, nuts, seeds, grains, and more. They deliver quickly and have fun packaging. Chickpea Products Banza: Chickpea-based pasta, a healthier alternative to regular pasta. Ingredients include chickpea, pea starch, tapioca, and xanthan gum. Bob's Red Mill: Offers ground flaxseed and chickpea flour, often with recipes to try. Marinara and Soy Products 365 Marinara: A low-fat option for pasta dishes. Butler's Soy Curls: Made from non-GMO soybeans, perfect for adding to various dishes. Available on Amazon. Bread Ezekiel Bread: Sprouted grain bread found in the freezer section, available in various flavors like cinnamon raisin and whole wheat. Additional Tips Pre-cut vegetables like cabbage and broccoli slaw, baby greens for smoothies, bell peppers, and oil-free hummus are great for quick and healthy meals. To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

In this episode, I wanted to delve into the topic of gratitude and its profound impact on both mental and physical well-being. Gratitude, the act of being thankful and appreciative, can significantly promote healing in various aspects of our lives. Here are the five key reasons I discussed: Enhances Psychological Health: Gratitude increases mental strength and resilience, reducing stress and anxiety, and fostering a more optimistic outlook. This is especially helpful during difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one. Improves Physical Health: People who practice gratitude report feeling healthier and have fewer physical complaints. Gratitude encourages healthier behaviors and self-care, leading to better health outcomes, improved sleep quality, regular exercise, and a willingness to seek help for health concerns. Strengthens Relationships: Gratitude helps build and maintain strong relationships, which are crucial for emotional support during healing. Expressing gratitude to others can improve the quality of your relationships and create a positive ripple effect. Reduces Toxic Emotions: Regularly practicing gratitude can reduce episodes of envy, resentment, frustration, shame, and regret. It shifts the focus from what is lacking to what is present and valuable in your life, reducing stress and aiding the healing process. Promotes a Positive Feedback Loop: Gratitude creates a positive feedback loop in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with happiness and well-being. This self-sustaining cycle makes it easier to feel grateful and positive. I also shared a personal story about my grandmother, who lived with us during a challenging time in my life. Her gratitude and positive outlook, even during her battle with breast cancer, left a lasting impact on me. Her story exemplifies how gratitude can manifest positive outcomes, even in the toughest situations. To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

In today's episode, I shared five essential tips to help you lose weight and rebuild your relationship with food through mindful eating. Drawing from my seven years of podcast interviews and personal experiences, I emphasized the importance of savoring every bite and engaging all five senses while eating. I introduced the concept of mindful eating using the raisin experiment but with a delectable truffle from Whole Harvest instead. I discussed the significance of practicing gratitude for the food we consume, understanding its journey from farm to table, and appreciating the effort involved in its production. I also highlighted the need to limit distractions during meals, such as avoiding social media, TV, or reading, to fully focus on the eating experience. Additionally, I encouraged chewing slowly and thoroughly to aid digestion and allow the body to signal fullness, which can help in reducing calorie intake and promoting weight loss. By incorporating these mindful eating practices, you can better understand your hunger cues, improve your mood, and find joy and contentment in everyday life. Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you found these tips helpful. Have a beautiful rest of your day! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

Good morning, everyone! In today's episode, I wanted to delve into the significance of two very powerful words: "I am." As many of you know, I enjoy taking daily walks, and during today's walk, I had some thoughts that I felt compelled to share with you. I began by recounting a personal story from my childhood that shaped my career path. At the age of 10, I witnessed a family member's transformation through medical intervention, which inspired me to become a doctor. Despite numerous challenges, including being a mother of three while pursuing an MD and MBA, I held onto the belief that "I am a doctor." This affirmation guided me through the toughest times. The core message of today's episode revolves around the power of "I am" statements. These words are foundational to our sense of self and identity. When you say "I am," you are affirming something about yourself, which can shape your self-image, boost your confidence, and set the tone for your mindset and attitude. Positive affirmations like "I am strong" or "I am capable" can significantly impact how you approach life's challenges. I also touched on the concept of manifestation, where affirming something can help bring it into reality. This idea is deeply philosophical, echoing Descartes' famous statement, "I think, therefore I am." In the context of health, "I am" statements can be transformative. Saying "I am healthy" or "I am becoming healthier" can align your daily choices with a health-centric self-view. These affirmations can foster a positive mindset, crucial for managing health conditions and adhering to treatment plans. I emphasized the importance of believing in your capabilities. Just because someone else says you can or can't do something doesn't matter as much as what you believe inside. Your psychological well-being, including mental and emotional health, is deeply intertwined with your physical health. Affirmations like "I am at peace" or "I am content" can promote overall well-being. Lastly, I discussed how "I am" statements can aid in behavior change and habit formation. For example, someone who says "I am a non-smoker" is more likely to remain a non-smoker compared to someone who says "I am trying to stop smoking." In summary, the words "I am" are incredibly powerful and can significantly impact your life and health. I encourage you to reflect on what "I am" means for you and how it can help you achieve your goals. Thank you for listening, and I look forward to sharing more thoughts with you tomorrow. Stay blessed and have a wonderful day! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

I'm excited to share insights on essential lab tests for those following a plant-based diet. In this episode, I discuss the importance of various tests and what they reveal about your health. Key Lab Tests to Monitor Complete Blood Count (CBC): White Blood Cells: Low levels can indicate low inflammation, common in strict whole food plant-based diets. Red Blood Cells: Size variations can indicate deficiencies (small for iron, large for B12). Platelets: Important for clotting; levels can vary with inflammation. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Fasting Blood Sugar: Checks glucose levels. Kidney and Liver Function: Important for those with a history of related diseases. Electrolytes: Includes sodium and potassium. Iron and Ferritin: Iron: Essential for hemoglobin and overall health. Ferritin: Indicates iron storage; low levels can cause fatigue and other issues. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Important for thyroid health, especially for those on a strict plant-based diet that may lack iodine. Lipid Panels: Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Should improve on a whole food plant-based diet. High levels may indicate the need to reduce processed foods. Vitamin D: Essential for bone health and immunity. Many need supplementation, especially in winter. Vitamin B12: Non-negotiable supplement for plant-based eaters. Check B12, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid levels to ensure proper absorption. 24-Hour Urine Iodine: Important for those on a very strict diet without iodine sources. To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

Good evening, everyone! Today’s episode is a bit different as I’m recording later than usual due to a hectic day. I started my day on a high note, reminiscing about the joy an Asian pear brought me yesterday. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find another one today, but I remained optimistic. I’m currently in Denver for the ACLM conference, staying in a hotel. My plans to see patients and conduct podcast interviews fell through as all appointments were canceled. This unexpected free time allowed me to enjoy a sunny day and take a walk. However, I received a call about a leak in our rental condo in Boulder, which required my immediate attention. Despite the disruption, I tried to find the silver lining, thinking about what could be my "Asian pear" in this situation. I spent 90 minutes driving to and from the condo, using the time to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. One intriguing question I pondered was whether one plus one always equals two. In many contexts, such as merging businesses or combining efforts, the sum can be greater than its parts. I reflected on how small, consistent actions in lifestyle medicine—like diet, exercise, and sleep—add up to significant health benefits over time. I emphasized the importance of a whole food plant-based diet, daily exercise, and good sleep. Additionally, managing stress, fostering community, and avoiding alcohol and smoking are crucial for overall well-being. I shared insights from Ellen Langer’s book "Mindful," which discusses the mind-body connection and how our mindset can influence our physical health. For example, elderly men in a study showed remarkable improvements in health and vitality when placed in an environment reminiscent of their younger years. I also talked about my personal goal of running a half marathon in under two hours and how visualizing success can impact performance. I encouraged listeners to share their experiences on how thoughts have shaped their lives. Despite the challenges of the day, I chose to focus on the positives, like spending another day in Denver and having dinner with my son. I concluded by reiterating the power of a positive mindset and the synergistic effect of combining efforts. Thank you for joining me today. I’ll be traveling tomorrow and will try to share my experiences from the Denver airport. Have a beautiful evening and a great weekend! To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

In this episode, I delve into the challenges and physiological changes associated with menopause, particularly focusing on weight gain. As someone who has recently entered this phase of life, I have developed a deeper empathy for my menopausal and perimenopausal patients and have been exploring various research and strategies to alleviate symptoms. I explain how estrogen influences fat distribution and metabolism before menopause, promoting subcutaneous fat storage and higher basal metabolic rates. However, after menopause, the decline in estrogen leads to a shift in fat storage from subcutaneous to visceral fat, which is associated with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic changes. This shift can result in significant health risks, including heart disease and stroke. I also touch on the role of estrogen in regulating appetite hormones like ghrelin and leptin, and how its decline can disrupt hunger and satiety signals, potentially leading to increased caloric intake and weight gain. Additionally, I discuss the importance of maintaining muscle mass through resistance training to help mitigate some of these changes. Towards the end of the episode, I mention my upcoming glucose mastermind program, which will cover topics such as glucose monitoring, insulin resistance, and weight management, particularly for women. This program aims to provide tools and strategies to improve health and manage menopausal symptoms effectively. Finally, I share a personal project idea related to creating an inspirational artwork based on the concept of "I am" affirmations, and I invite listeners to contribute their ideas for this creative endeavor. To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen

Factors such as activity level, BMI, genetics, and diet play significant roles in blood sugar levels. For instance, oxidative stress from high blood sugars can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to complications like inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are invaluable for tracking these fluctuations in real-time. Interestingly, even plant-based diets can cause unexpected blood sugar spikes in some individuals. Our group discussions have revealed that starting meals with non-starchy vegetables can help manage blood sugar levels better. Elevated blood sugars can also impair the endothelium, leading to atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High blood sugars can cause glycation of proteins, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are harmful. This can lead to complications with eyes, kidneys, and mental health. Blood sugar fluctuations can also affect mood and cognitive function, making it essential to maintain stable levels. For non-diabetics, keeping blood sugar levels between 60 to 140 mg/dL is ideal. This range helps prevent inflammation, oxidation, and other complications. Using a CGM can provide the necessary data to make informed dietary choices and improve overall health. To work with me: https://www.drmarbas.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want to work with the best Whole Foods plant-based body recomposition coach, I highly recommend checking out what www.fitvegancoaching.com offers. I did their program and was able to lose 7% of body fat, build lean muscle, and improve my running time. As a loyal subscriber, you get $250 savings on their coaching services. To learn plant-based cooking and get your medical questions answered, join The Healing Kitchen, taught by Brittany Jaroudi and me! Click here to learn more: https://www.drmarbas.com/the-healing-kitchen