How Not To Diet With Michael Greger, MD

When it comes to reliable nutrition information, the internet is a warn-torn, metastasizing mushroom cloud of toxic half-truths and misinformation.

How do we sort through the tribal wars? How do we separate fact from fiction?

Let’s start with seeking out the experts. And the best, most objective science available.

This is the life’s work of today’s guest and my friend, Dr. Michael Greger.

Long time listeners are well acquainted with Dr. Greger, one of my very first guests back in 2012 (RRP #007). But it’s been almost five years since his second appearance in 2015 (RRP #199). So let’s put matters to rights.

A graduate of Cornell and Tufts University School of Medicine as well as a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is a nutrition science wizard with a library of scientific journal publications to his name. He has testified before Congress; lectured at countless symposiums and institutions; and was an expert witness in the infamous Oprah Winfrey meat defamation lawsuit.

Appearing everywhere from the Dr. Oz show to The Colbert Report, his books: How Not to Die, the How Not To Die Cookbook, and How Not To Diet— the focus of today’s conversation — all became instant New York Times Best Sellers.

When Dr. Greger isn’t speaking, crafting high-level policy initiatives or penning bestsellers, he scours thousands of medical journals in search of the world’s best, most objective nutrition research to bring you free videos and articles every single day at NutritionFacts.org — the world’s most authoritative, non-profit, science-based public service destination for all things nutrition, health and disease prevention.

Finally, it’s worth noting that 100% of all fees and proceeds he receives from speaking and book sales are donated to charity — his effort to avoid all conflicts of interest.

Today’s conversation pivots on the optimal criteria to enable weight loss — and the actionable steps required to create and sustain healthy lifestyle practices.

In addition, we explore how commercial influence corrodes nutrition science. How to parse the incredibly conflicting information we are spoon-fed daily by the media and celebrities alike.

And finally, it’s about separating evidence-based science from confirmation bias.

Audio Note: This podcast was recorded remotely. My first since the earliest days of the podcast, I admit a severe allergy to this dynamic. Being physically present with my guest is crucial to providing an optimal listening experience. However, sequestration demands I adapt. So this is my fairly reluctant attempt to do just that. Therefore, please excuse the audio quality, a somewhat eroded version of what you’ve come to expect. Sub-par bandwidth and latency issues impeded our ability to converse as naturally as I would have preferred — more staccato back and forth than my hallmark organic flow.

Zach has a knack for landing our podcasts with unmatched profundity. And today he delivers a master class in thinking both deeply and broadly about this unique situation we are collectively experiencing.

I love this man. I’m grateful for his wisdom. And I’m proud to share it with you today.

May you find it equal parts instructive, enlightening and moving — especially the end.

Peace + Plants,