The Starting Gate

Send us a textThe holidays can be a whirlwind of stress and chaos, but what if the secret to staying sane is as simple as moving your body? In this episode, we’re joined by personal trainer and gym owner Matt Veigl to explore the transformative power of exercise for managing holiday stress and staying healthy. Whether you’re a fitness newbie or a seasoned gym-goer, Matt’s tips and insights will help you thrive during the busiest time of the year. VFit Gym@vfitgymsthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textThe holidays can be a magical time—but they can also feel overwhelming with endless to-do lists, family obligations, and the pressure to make everything perfect. In this episode, we unpack how to prioritize what truly matters during the holidays and let go of the rest. From setting realistic expectations to finding joy in small moments, we share practical strategies to help you create a season that feels meaningful and balanced.We also dive into tips for maintaining your health amidst the festivities, including smart approaches to eating, drinking, and self-care. Tune in for practical strategies to create a more joyful and meaningful holiday season—for yourself and your loved ones.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Lauren Marshall, a seasoned registered dietitian, to answer the burning questions about nutrition, weight loss, and realistic approaches to healthier living. Lauren shares the most common questions her patients ask, the obstacles they face on their wellness journeys, and her top tips for achieving sustainable weight loss. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode offers a refreshingly practical and honest perspective on building habits that last. Tune in for expert insights, actionable strategies, and a dose of inspiration to take the first step toward your health goals!Find Lauren: @LaurenPMarshallBodyfit NutritionThe Real Food Dieticiansthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gina Labovitz, a pediatrician dedicated to improving children’s health through better nutrition. We explore how food additives and dyes can impact kids, and why missing key micronutrients might contribute to behavioral changes. Dr. Labovitz offers simple, actionable ways to guide kids toward real, nourishing foods and reduce processed options.  Tune in for a fun, relatable discussion that will leave you inspired to make small, meaningful changes with big health benefits for your family.Dr. Gina Labovitz at Envision Pediatricsthestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this foundational episode of The Starting Gate, we’re simplifying good nutrition to help you confidently navigate the often-confusing world of food labels and ingredients. We kick things off by defining ultra-processed foods—what they are, why they’re so common, and how to cut back on them in favor of whole, nutrient-rich options. You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels like a pro, sidestep misleading marketing claims, and focus on essentials like boosting fiber, reducing added sugars, and understanding the difference between good and bad fats.By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to make informed choices at the grocery store, armed with practical tips for building a healthier, balanced plate. Tune in and take charge of your nutrition, one label at a time! This episode ended up being packed with valuable information, so we split it into two parts. In Part 1, we dive into what defines processed foods, how to interpret ingredient lists and daily values, and explore sodium in more detail than you ever thought you’d need. In Part 2, we take a closer look at added sugars and break down the macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this foundational episode of The Starting Gate, we’re simplifying good nutrition to help you confidently navigate the often-confusing world of food labels and ingredients. We kick things off by defining ultra-processed foods—what they are, why they’re so common, and how to cut back on them in favor of whole, nutrient-rich options. You’ll learn how to read nutrition labels like a pro, sidestep misleading marketing claims, and focus on essentials like boosting fiber, reducing added sugars, and understanding the difference between good and bad fats.By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to make informed choices at the grocery store, armed with practical tips for building a healthier, balanced plate. Tune in and take charge of your nutrition, one label at a time! This episode ended up being packed with valuable information, so we split it into two parts. In Part 1, we dive into what defines processed foods, how to interpret ingredient lists and daily values, and explore sodium in more detail than you ever thought you’d need. In Part 2, we take a closer look at added sugars and break down the macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Starting Gate, we dive into the science of habits and how the habit loop can be your secret weapon for better health. We’ll break down each of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, social connections, and avoiding risky substances—and offer small, easy-to-implement habit changes for each. Whether it’s adding more veggies to your diet or creating a bedtime routine, these tiny changes can add up to major health improvements over time. Start building healthier habits today—one step at a time!KygyHREmuAOoGyUPMP5athestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn our first episode of The Starting Gate, we share the story behind our careers as primary care physicians and why we made the shift from traditional internal medicine to lifestyle medicine. After years of prescribing medications, we realized that true, lasting health comes from addressing the root causes of chronic disease—nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, and social connections. In this episode, we explain why lifestyle medicine is so important for long-term wellness and how small, everyday changes can make a world of difference in your health journey. Join us as we dive into our experiences, explain why lifestyle medicine is the future of healthcare, and discuss why it’s never too late to take control of your health.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Starting Gate, we explore the foundation of lifestyle medicine—the six pillars that are essential to long-term health and well-being. From nutrition and fitness to managing stress and improving sleep, we break down each pillar and explain why it’s crucial for preventing and reversing chronic disease. We also guide you through a simple self-reflection exercise to assess how you’re doing in each area and where you might want to start making small changes. Whether you’re just beginning your health journey or looking to fine-tune your habits, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take that first step toward lasting wellness.thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Starting Gate, we tackle the common setbacks and roadblocks that often arise when trying to adopt new habits. From busy schedules to lack of motivation, we’ll discuss the barriers that can make change feel difficult—why setbacks are part of the process and how to overcome them. We’ll discuss the importance of being patient with yourself and focusing on progress, not perfection.  We’ll also explore the importance of taking an active role in your own health and share tips for making the most of your time with your doctor through effective, open conversations.Tune in to learn how to stay committed to your health goals, find motivation when things get tough, and take control of your wellness journey with confidence! thestartinggatepodcast.comEmail us with questions and topics you want us to cover at contact@thestartinggatepodcast.comFollow us on social media @thestartinggatepodcastThe content in this podcast is for general reference and educational purposes only. It is not meant to be complete or exhaustive, or to be applicable to anyspecific individual’s medical condition. No information provided in this podcast constitutes medical advice and is not an attempt to practice medicine or to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This podcast does not create a physician- patient relationship and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please do not rely on this podcast for emergency medical treatment. Remember that everyone is different so make sure you consult your own healthcare professional before seeking any new treatment and before you alter, suspend, or initiate a new change in your routine.