Nutrition Prescription: Wellness vs Medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course Your doctor just put you on a statin and told you it will "lower your bad cholesterol." But is that the whole story? In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down what statins actually do in your body, why LDL cholesterol has been oversimplified, and how your everyday food choices—not a "statin deficiency"—drive dangerous cholesterol changes, inflammation, and blood vessel damage. He also shares simple, low-carb, whole‑food steps you can take to lower triglycerides, raise HDL, protect your blood vessels, and support your energy and long‑term health without relying on more and more medications.​ In this episode, Dr. Steve explains what statins are, how they work, and why simply chasing a lower LDL number can backfire on your health. He unpacks the difference between large, buoyant LDL (the kind your body normally makes and uses) and small, dense LDL (the kind that gets glycated, inflamed, oxidized, and stuck in your artery walls). He then connects the dots between high fructose and glucose intake, ultra‑processed "laboratory food," and the overproduction of triglycerides that leads to those small, dense LDL particles in the first place.​ You'll learn why cholesterol itself is vital for life, how every cell makes it through the mevalonate pathway, and why blocking that pathway with statins doesn't just lower cholesterol—it also lowers other crucial compounds like vitamin K, CoQ10, dolichols, and more. Dr. Steve explains how this can damage cells all over the body and why statins have dozens of documented harmful effects while mainly "helping" one lab number your doctor is trained to focus on.​ Instead of obsessing over LDL alone, Dr. Steve shows you how to read your own cholesterol panel using simple ratios: triglycerides divided by HDL, and total cholesterol divided by HDL. He shares what healthy ranges look like, what they suggest about your LDL particle type, and how to improve those ratios with low‑carb, whole‑food eating, more healthy fats, and resistance training—not another prescription.​ You'll also hear practical guidance on which fats support better HDL and lower inflammation (like animal fats and fruit oils) and which industrial seed oils to avoid because they drive inflammation and poor metabolic health. If your goal is to lose weight, tame inflammation, protect your heart and brain, and decrease medications over time, this episode will give you a clear, hope‑filled roadmap to start taking back control of your health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Statins work by blocking HMG‑CoA reductase, which shuts down the cell's mevalonate pathway and reduces not only cholesterol, but also vitamin K, CoQ10, dolichols, and other survival‑critical compounds.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The real danger is not "all LDL," but small, dense LDL particles that form when you eat a lot of glucose and fructose from processed foods and sugary drinks, leading to glycation, inflammation, oxidation, and artery damage.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You can quickly gauge your LDL particle pattern by checking two ratios: triglycerides ÷ HDL (aim for under 2, closer to 1) and total cholesterol ÷ HDL (aim for under 5, ideally under 3.5).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Lowering triglycerides and raising HDL comes from eating fewer carbs and ultra‑processed foods and more healthy fats like animal fats, extra‑virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil, plus doing resistance training.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Statins may lower LDL numbers on paper, but they do so at the cost of your cells' ability to heal and thrive, which is why Dr. Steve argues that fixing diet and lifestyle is a far better long‑term strategy than relying on statins.​ Ready to lose weight, lower inflammation, and get off medications the natural way? If you'd like help applying these principles to your own life, click the link below to schedule your free 15‑minute Wellness Solutions Chat with Dr. Steve and learn which of our one‑on‑one or online programs is the best fit for you. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down why the old "eat less and exercise more" message fails most people and actually makes fat loss harder, especially if you're already overweight and exhausted. He explains what metabolism really is, how your body makes and uses energy (ATP), and why fat is a vital, healthy fuel source while glucose is optional.​ You'll learn how your total energy expenditure works, why exercise is a tiny slice of it, and how your body can dial your metabolism up or down by about 30% to defend your current "body weight set point." Dr. Steve shows how cutting calories and adding hard workouts at the same time your body is slowing metabolism and ramping up hunger is a recipe for misery and failure.​ Instead, he walks you through a simple, realistic plan: lower insulin by cutting glucose and processed, lab-made foods in boxes, bottles, bags, and cans, and focus on animal-based foods and low-glucose veggies so you feel full while burning fat. You'll also hear why stalls in weight loss often mean your body is resetting its set point, why that's actually good news, and why walking daily is the one form of movement everyone should do at every size.​ If you're tired of being told to just "try harder" with the same old advice, this episode will help you finally understand what's going on in your body and how to work with it instead of against it.​ Call to action: If you want personal help to reverse diabetes, get off medications, or finally lose fat without living in the gym, click the link in the show notes to schedule a 30‑minute one‑on‑one call with Dr. Steve, or visit drstevehughlett.com and click "Work With Us."​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why "eat less, move more" fights your biology and almost guarantees rebound weight gain.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How insulin—not calories—is the main switch that decides whether you store fat or burn fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What "body weight set point" means and why stalls in weight loss usually mean your set point is resetting.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The simple food rule: mostly animal-based foods, avoid lab-made boxed/bagged foods, and be careful with high-glucose plants (especially those grown underground).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why most people should delay intense workouts until after fat loss starts, but should walk daily at every size for health and energy. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

*:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0"> Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Course ​ Most people think high blood sugar is what causes type 2 diabetes, but the real problem starts years earlier with high insulin while your blood sugar still looks "normal." In this episode, Dr. Steve explains the 7-step path from eating too much glucose to full-blown type 2 diabetes, and why focusing only on A1C and glucose tests keeps so many people sick. You'll learn how insulin forces your body to store fat, what "pre-diabetes" really is, and why lowering insulin—by changing what's on your plate—can help you lose weight, reverse type 2 diabetes, and get off medications.​ Dr. Steve also breaks down carbs, sugar, and fructose in simple terms so you can finally understand food labels and see how boxed, bagged, and bottled foods are secretly driving weight gain and fatigue. He shares practical steps to keep insulin low using low-carb, whole foods, and explains why animal-based foods and above-ground vegetables are usually a better choice if you struggle with blood sugar or weight.​ If you're tired of feeling overweight, exhausted, and confused by your lab work—this episode will show you how to spot the silent danger of high insulin and what to do about it.​ 5 Key Takeaways​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High insulin with "normal" blood sugar is pre-diabetes, and it can silently damage your body for 10–40 years before glucose ever shows high on labs.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Type 2 diabetes is driven by eating too much glucose (carbs), which raises blood glucose, then insulin, then packs fat into your cells until they become insulin resistant.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When insulin is high, you force your body to store fat; when insulin is low, you force your body to burn its own fat for energy.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Packaged foods, grains, sugars, and high-fructose ingredients flood your body with glucose and fructose, driving weight gain, fatty liver, and inflammation.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You can start reversing type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin: stop eating lab-made, high-carb foods, focus on animal-based foods and seasonal, whole fruits and vegetables (especially above-ground veggies p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

*:first-child]:mt-0 [&_>*:last-child]:mb-0"> Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this episode of Nutrition Prescription, Dr. Steve Hughlett, a Doctor of Pharmacy for over 35 years, breaks down the confusing world of over-the-counter (OTC) medications so you can stop feeling overwhelmed in the pharmacy aisle and start feeling confident about what you buy for your family. He explains why there are only a few main active ingredients behind most of the colorful boxes, and how to read the "Active Ingredients" section so you're not tricked by marketing and combination products you don't really need.​ You'll learn the smart way to choose pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and acetaminophen, when to use anti-inflammatories versus Tylenol, and the serious side effects that can come from taking NSAIDs every day, like stomach ulcers, bleeding, and kidney issues. Dr. Steve also walks through common problems with your eyes, nose, sinuses, and lungs—red, itchy, or dry eyes, runny or stuffy nose, dry nose in winter, and chest congestion—and how to match the right OTC product to the exact symptom instead of grabbing a "do-it-all" combo.​ He explains why symptoms like pain, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are your body's way of talking to you, and why you don't always want to completely shut them down—especially chest coughs that are helping clear mucus out of your lungs. You'll also hear practical home strategies like using saline sprays, humidifiers, boiling water for steam, and simple nasal sprays instead of heavy-duty pills that affect your whole body and can raise blood pressure.​ Dr. Steve finishes by reminding you that most medications—OTC and prescription—treat symptoms, not the root cause, and that real long-term change comes back to better nutrition, lowering toxins, and taking care of your body daily. If you're tired of being on too many meds, frustrated with your weight, and want more energy and control over your health, you can click the link in the show notes to book a one-on-one call with him to review your medications, labs, habits, and goals together.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Most OTC products are built from just a few main active ingredients; learning to read the "Active Ingredients" box helps you avoid confusion and unnecessary combination meds.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> For pain, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin reduce inflammation but carry more risks (bleeding, kidney damage, stomach ulcers), while acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer if not overdosed.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Eye products should never be used past their expiration date, and you should match the product to the problem: redness (vasoconstrictor), watery/itchy (antihistamine), or dry eyes (lubricant drops).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> For nasal and sinus issues, decide if it's runny, dry, or congested, use topical options (saline, nasal steroids, limited Afrin) when possible, and be very careful with oral decongestants if you have high blood pressure.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Coughing from the chest is your body's way of clearing mucus from the lungs; you usually want to manage it (especially at night for sleep), not completely shut it down, and always remember that fixing your nutrition and lifestyle is key to reducing long-term medication use.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course Clutter isn't just stressing you out—it's quietly stealing your sleep, your energy, and even expanding your waistline. In this episode, Dr. Steve and Theresa break down how clearing both mental and kitchen clutter can make low-carb, whole-food choices almost automatic, so you can finally lose weight, cut meds, and feel energized again without living at the gym.​ You'll learn how to shift your thoughts from "I have to" to "I get to," use the CTFAR model to get unstuck, and build a simple "health-first" home that makes it easier to follow through than to fall off. Then they walk you step-by-step through cleaning out your cabinets and refrigerator, what ingredients to toss, what real foods to bring back in, and how to set up easy, low-carb meals and snacks that actually keep you full. They also share one small, non-overwhelming action you can take this week to get started.​ If you're tired, overwhelmed, scrolling on your phone, and grabbing sugar and energy drinks just to get through the day, this episode will help you create a home and mindset that finally support the healthy life you want.​ You'll hear about:​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The CTFAR framework (Circumstance, Thoughts, Feelings, Actions, Results) and how changing your thoughts changes your health results. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why man-made, processed foods (boxes, bottles, bags, cans) keep you hungry, inflamed, and overweight—and what to eat instead. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to shop the perimeter, focus on single-ingredient, low-carb, God-made foods, and stop being fooled by front-of-package marketing. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Simple snack ideas (like boiled eggs, burger patties, wings, cheese, olives, beef sticks, pork rinds, Greek yogurt) that fit a low-carb, whole-food lifestyle. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to involve your kids so you break the cycle of poor health for the next generation.​ They also mention their Thrive Naturally Transformation (TNT) course if you want deeper help with your thoughts, environment, and step-by-step change.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How mental clutter and negative self-talk ("I have to," "I should have…") keep you stuck, tired, and overwhelmed—and how to flip them to future-focused, energizing thoughts.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The CTFAR method to go from "overweight and on meds" to "empowered and taking action" without starting in the gym.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Step-by-step kitchen declutter: what to remove from your cabinets and fridge (sugars, seed oils, dyes, "natural flavors," maltodextrin, long ingredient lists) and what to bring in instead.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What a simple, low-carb, whole-food kitchen looks like: meat, eggs, dairy, seasonal fruits and veggies, and easy grab-and-go protein-based snacks.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> One small, doable action you can take this week to clear the clutter, lower temptation, and set up a health-first home for you and your family. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course Why does sourdough bread matter for your health and your life?​ It's not just about nutrition; food also feeds your feelings, family traditions, and even faith or culture.​ You don't need bread to live, but if you love bread, real sourdough can be the kindest choice for your body.​ Long‑fermented sourdough can lower the "sugar impact" of bread on your blood, help calm inflammation, and support people with blood sugar issues like diabetes.​ Many people with gluten troubles feel better on true sourdough, and some celiac patients can even tolerate carefully made sourdough from the right bakery.​ How is real sourdough bread different from store bread? Real sourdough uses just three simple ingredients: flour, water, and salt, plus wild yeast and bacteria that grow naturally.​ Store "sourdough" often starts as cheap yeast bread, then has acids (like vinegar, citric acid, or lactic acid) added just to make it taste sour.​ True sourdough takes time to ferment, so it's slower and harder to mass‑produce; fake sourdough is fast and easy for big companies.​ A quick label check helps: if you see added acids, it's almost surely not real sourdough, and if you see added yeast, it's a red flag.​ What happens during the sourdough process inside the dough? Tiny wild yeasts eat sugars in the dough and make gas, which helps the bread rise and feel light.​ Friendly bacteria eat sugars too and make lactic acid, which slowly makes the dough more acidic (a lower pH).​ As the pH drops below about 4.6, special enzymes switch on and start breaking down gluten into smaller amino acids that are gentler on the gut.​ The long, slow fermentation also helps "detox" grains by reducing lectins and phytates and lowering the glycemic index from around 71 (high) to about 54 (low). How can families pick or make healthier sourdough at home? First, choose organic flour, because non‑organic flour is often heavily sprayed and "fortified" with things like folic acid that can be problematic.​ If possible, use sprouted grains, then grind them into flour; sprouting naturally lowers some of the grain's built‑in toxins before baking.​ Learn to make your own sourdough so every bit of flour ferments long enough to get the pH below about 4.6 at some point.​ If you buy bread, try to talk to the baker, look for simple ingredients, and consider slicing and freezing the loaf to lower the glycemic impact even more and make toast easy. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course *:first-child]:mt-0"> In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down exactly where you need to focus if you want real weight loss, more energy, and to reverse type 2 diabetes—without starving yourself or living at the gym. You'll learn why man-made, ultra-processed foods are toxic to your body, what your body is actually made of, and how to nourish it with real, low-carb, whole foods so it can grow, heal, thrive, and survive. Dr. Steve explains why glucose (sugar and flour) is the real problem, why fat and protein are your friends, and how eating animal-based meals in a tight eating window can lower insulin, burn fat, and keep you full for hours. He also shares why diabetes drugs often make insulin resistance worse, why focus must shift from glucose levels to insulin levels, and why walking and building muscle are critical as you age. If you're tired of being confused by diets and ready for a clear, simple path to better health, this episode will give you a step-by-step focus that can transform your life.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What your body is actually made of (protein, fat, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, water) and why your food should match that.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why man-made foods (box, bottle, bag, can) are toxic and drive obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The difference between man-made food, plant-based "God-made" food, and animal-based "God-made" food.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why glucose is a toxin in excess, how carbs turn into glucose, and why "eating healthy" salads can still leave you hungry and undernourished.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How to eat: mainly animal-based meals, 1–3 times a day, in a 6–8 hour window, with no snacking, to keep insulin low and burn fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why eating fat does not make you fat, but eating glucose does, and why fat is a cleaner, more powerful fuel than carbohydrates.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How type 2 diabetes medications often make insulin resistance worse and why the real solution is changing nutrition, not adding more drugs.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Your body is built from protein, fat, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, and water—so that's what you must feed it.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Man-made foods from a box, bottle, bag, or can are toxic and slowly damage your organs over decades.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> All plant foods contain carbohydrates (glucose), but animal foods give you the dense protein and healthy fat your body really needs.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Glucose spikes insulin, stores fat, blocks your fullness hormones, and keeps you hungry and gaining weight.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Eating mainly animal-based meals, 1–3 times a day in a 6–8 hour window, lowers insulin and lets your body burn stored fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Diabetes and weight-loss drugs often lower blood sugar while driving insulin higher, making insulin resistance and long-term health worse.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When you stop eating sugar and flour and focus on real food, walking daily, and building muscle, you can reverse type 2 diabetes and reclaim your energy and life.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making

*:first-child]:mt-0"> Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this episode, Dr. Steve talks with Hilda Labrada Gore, better known as Holistic Hilda, a world‑traveling health explorer and host of the Wise Traditions podcast from the Weston A. Price Foundation. Hilda shares what she has learned from traditional cultures in places like Mongolia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cuba about food, joy, and real health.​ They discuss how moving away from processed "Franken foods" and back to simple, God‑made foods (meat, eggs, butter, seasonal produce) can lower inflammation, improve energy, and help prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes. You'll hear practical examples from indigenous diets, why getting off the blood‑sugar roller coaster matters, and how healthy fats help you feel full so you naturally stop snacking.​ Hilda and Dr. Steve also dive into lifestyle "medicine": grounding, sunlight, stress, and sleep. Hilda explains why she thinks of humans as "little batteries" that charge from the earth below and the sun above, and how morning sunlight and going barefoot can calm your nervous system and support better hormones and sleep.​ If you're stuck in the cycle of stress‑eating, ultra‑processed food, and more medications, this conversation will show you how simple, low‑carb, whole‑food changes (plus sun and grounding) can move you toward real energy and a longer health span, not just a longer lifespan.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What Dr. Weston A. Price discovered about traditional diets and why the Weston A. Price Foundation was created.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why indigenous groups eating local, organic, seasonal, traditional foods have almost no type 2 diabetes or obesity.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How refined foods (sugar, white flour, seed oils, additives) drive cavities, crowded teeth, inflammation, and chronic disease over generations.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why ultra‑processed foods are engineered to be addictive (the "bliss point," crunch, hand‑to‑mouth pattern) and keep you overeating.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How swapping to nutrient‑dense animal foods and healthy fats can reduce cravings and help natural weight loss.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The difference between "God‑made" and "man‑made" food, and why long shelf life often means it shortens your life.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How Hilda's husband lost weight and lowered inflammation by ditching gluten and dairy for a time and focusing on meat and simple whole foods.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why healthy animal fats like butter, tallow, and lard (plus olive and coconut oil) are more supportive than industrial seed oils.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How grounding (bare feet on the earth) and sunlight act like natural anti‑inflammatories and help your body "charge" properly.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A simple morning routine (barefoot outside + early sunlight) that can help reset cortisol, improve sleep, and support energy all day.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How Holistic Hilda went from curious health coach to "Dora the Explorer 2.0," visiting traditional cultures around the world to learn their secrets for energy and longevity.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What Dr. Weston A. Price found when he studied isolated people groups and compared their teeth, posture, and overall health to those eating modern, refined foods.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why indigenous communities eating "the lost diet" of local, organic, seasonal, traditional foods almost never develop type 2 diabetes.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How refined grains, sugar, and vegetable oils change facial structure, increase cavities, and set kids up for poorer health in future generations.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The reason you can't stop at one bag of chips or cookies: food companies engineer products to hit your brain's pleasure centers and keep you hooked.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why real fats like butter, tallow, lard, and quality animal products are deeply satisfying and can naturally crowd out late‑night junk food.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Hilda's story of Mongolian families thriving on animal foods (meat, milk, fat, even organs) and what that says about nutrient density and strength.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The true cost of "cheap" food: more inflammation, pain, medications, doctor visits, and a poor quality of life as you age.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down the biggest myths about weight-loss and type 2 diabetes and explains why focusing on insulin, not calories or exercise, is the real key to lasting fat loss, more energy, and reversing disease. You'll learn why our modern food system, high sugar intake, and the wrong medical focus have left so many people overweight, tired, and sick—and what mindset shift has to happen first before true change starts.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> It's not about losing "weight"; it's about losing fat while protecting your muscle so you stay strong and independent as you age.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Exercise is not the main driver of fat loss—you can't outwork a high-carb, high-insulin lifestyle.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The real problem is not "too many calories" but the source of those calories, especially constant glucose from carbs that keeps insulin high.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High insulin is the root cause of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and many chronic diseases—not just high blood sugar.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Most diabetes medications work by raising insulin or making you more sensitive to it, which can actually worsen the root problem of insulin resistance.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Our sugar intake has exploded from about 2 teaspoons a day in the 1960s to roughly 65 teaspoons a day, driving obesity and type 2 diabetes in adults and even children.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Chronic stress and the mindset of "escaping the old you" keep you stuck; real change comes from focusing on building the "new you" with less fat and more energy.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When you lower insulin by cutting excess carbs and processed foods, your body can burn stored fat for fuel, improve energy, and move toward reversing type 2 diabetes If you're ready to reverse type 2 diabetes, reduce medications, and finally feel energetic and confident in your health, schedule a free Wellness Solutions Chat using the link in the show notes. You can also visit DrSteveHughlett.com and click the "Work With Us" tab to learn more about one‑on‑one coaching and online programs. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications

*:first-child]:mt-0"> Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course In this eye‑opening episode, Dr. Steve breaks down how constant glucose intake silently destroys your health and drives obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, and brain decline. You will learn why man‑made, ultra‑processed foods and a high‑carb diet keep you in "glucose toxicity" and how lowering glucose and insulin with animal‑based, low‑carb whole foods can help reverse disease and get you off medications. Dr. Steve also explains the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, why current medical guidelines often make things worse, and the simple (but not easy) steps you can start today to protect your body from the inside out.​ If you're tired of low energy, weight gain, and endless prescriptions, this episode will show you how to fuel your body with real nutrition so it can finally heal, thrive, and stay well.​ 10 Key Takeaways p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> We are living in "glucose toxicity" because most people eat man‑made, ultra‑processed food made almost entirely of carbohydrates and sugar.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Glucose damages proteins all over the body (glycation), which leads to inflammation, organ damage, and diseases like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Type 1 diabetes is a problem of no insulin, leading to very high blood sugar and extreme fat loss, while type 2 diabetes is a problem of too much insulin and constantly stored fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Many type 2 diabetics are made worse by drugs that force the body to make even more insulin instead of addressing the real problem: eating too much glucose.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Man‑made foods in boxes, bottles, bags, and cans are filled with ultra‑processed carbs, seed oils, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and chemicals that drive inflammation and disease.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> All plant foods contain carbohydrates (glucose), while animal foods provide protein and fat with minimal impact on insulin and blood sugar.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Root vegetables, grains, flour products, breads, pastas, and baked goods act like powdered glucose in the body and rapidly raise blood sugar and insulin.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Fructose from sugar and large amounts of fruit is quickly turned into fat in the liver, similar to how bears fatten up on berries for hibernation.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The three pillars of modern disease are high glucose, high insulin, and chronic inflammation from chemical‑laden, ultra‑processed foods.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Shifting toward animal‑based, low‑carb, whole foods and cutting sugar‑sweetened drinks and flour products is the fastest way to lower glucose and insulin, reduce medications, and allow the body to heal.​ If you're ready to reverse type 2 diabetes, reduce medications, and finally feel energetic and confident in your health, schedule a free Wellness Solutions Chat using the link in the show notes. You can also visit DrSteveHughlett.com and click the "Work With Us" tab to learn more about one‑on‑one coaching and online programs. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Check out our Thrive Naturally Transformation course at drstevehughlett.com under the "Work With Us" tab to help reverse type 2 diabetes, get off medications, and regain energy and confidence in their health.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you'd like even more information on this topic, you can go to Amazon or Audible and pick up my book, Your Plate Is Your Fate. Check out our website: drstevehughlett.com You can also check us out on Youtube. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute Wellness Solutions Chat to help you decide if you would like our help on your weight-loss journey. For more in-depth answers on how to lose weight the healthy way, how to decrease the need for medications, and how to eliminate diseases like type 2 diabetes, sign up for our FREE weekly Thrive Naturally Newsletter released every Thursday p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel/podcast/publication is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medications. ​

Hey Podcast Friends! If you could use some help with weight loss, inflammation and getting off medications.. Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. This is my Basic Essentials Course and it will help you to get started. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course *:first-child]:mt-0"> In this episode of The Prescription Nutrition Podcast, Dr. Steve continues last week's discussion on type 2 diabetes and explains how everyday food choices either push you toward disease or back toward health. He breaks down why type 2 diabetes is really a problem of insulin and not just "high blood sugar," and why most diabetes drugs actually drive insulin even higher over time.​ You'll learn the three pillars that drive almost every chronic disease—high insulin, high glucose, and inflammation—and how going back to simple, God-made foods can calm all three. Dr. Steve explains why low-carb, whole-food eating helps your body burn stored fat, lower blood sugar quickly, and open the door to safely reducing medications with your doctor's guidance.​ He also shares practical tips: which foods raise blood sugar the most, which vegetables are safer if you're diabetic, and why man-made, boxed foods keep you sick, hungry, and inflamed. You'll hear how to check your own fasting insulin and glucose without a doctor visit, and what numbers to aim for if you want to avoid prediabetes and full-blown diabetes.​ If you're tired of being told diabetes only gets worse and you'll "always" need meds, this episode gives you hope, a clear path forward, and an invitation to get personal help through the Wellness Solutions Chat and the Thrive Naturally Transformation course.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Type 2 diabetes is a disease of insulin resistance, not just "high blood sugar," and it develops over decades as fat cells become overfilled.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High blood sugar is a symptom of the real problem: years of high insulin from constantly eating glucose and carbs.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The three pillars driving diabetes and most chronic disease are high insulin, high inflammation, and high glucose, all heavily influenced by what you eat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Glucose mainly comes from plant-based carbs and man-made processed foods, while meat, eggs, healthy fats, and above-ground vegetables keep glucose much lower.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When insulin is high, your body is forced to store fat and cannot burn its own fat, no matter how much you exercise.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Exercise alone rarely reaches your fat stores because your body burns stored glucose first; nutrition and insulin control are the real key to fat loss.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You can order your own fasting insulin and glucose through services like OwnYourLabs, and true healthy fasting insulin is closer to under 5, not just "under 20."​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Type 2 diabetes can start as "normal" blood sugar with high insulin (true prediabetes), long before an A1C of 5.7–6.4 ever shows up.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The fastest way to start reversing type 2 diabetes is to stop eating sugars, starches, and man-made foods, and focus on protein, healthy fats, and low-glucose veggies.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Never change your diabetes medications on your own; as your glucose drops from better nutrition, work with your doctor to safely lower or stop meds.​

Want to lose weight, get off medications, and finally feel great again? Check out my Essential step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. Get signed up here before the price increase! Thrive Naturally Essentials Course p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> In this episode, Dr. Steve breaks down type 2 diabetes in simple language and explains why almost everything we've been taught about it is backwards. He shares why insulin resistance—not "high blood sugar"—is the true root cause, how our modern food choices drive the problem, and why medications and "eat less, move more" usually make things worse instead of better. You'll learn the four key truths about insulin, glucose, and fat that can help you start reversing type 2 diabetes naturally with food and lifestyle.​ Big picture & why this matters p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why Dr. Steve went into medicine—and why he left the hospital system after 29 years—because of the misinformation around type 2 diabetes.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How type 2 diabetes rates have exploded worldwide and why this is tragic when the condition is preventable, reversible, and often medication-free within weeks.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Type 2 diabetes as an "umbrella disease" driving kidney problems, liver disease, heart disease, dementia, and more.​ Key #1 – The true root cause p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The root cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, not high blood sugar.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High blood sugar is a symptom that shows up decades after insulin resistance begins.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What insulin is: a hormone your body releases whenever you eat or taste something sweet to tell your body what to do with glucose.​ What insulin does with glucose p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Four main jobs of insulin with the glucose you eat: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Uses a tiny bit for immediate activity right after eating.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Refills limited glycogen "storage tanks" in the liver (about 10 percent) and muscles (about 1 percent each).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Dumps extra glucose into the urine once blood sugar is too high.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Turns most of the extra glucose into fat (triglycerides) and stores it in fat cells.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why "eating fat makes you fat" is a myth; high insulin from glucose is what forces fat into fat cells.​ Key #2 – Insulin decides fat storage or fat burning p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High insulin = your body stores fat and cannot burn fat out of fat cells.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Low insulin = your body burns fat out of fat cells for energy and cannot store new fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why the real key to weight loss, energy, and diabetes reversal is keeping insulin low, not counting calories.​ What insulin resistance really is p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Insulin resistance explained as "stuffed fat cells" that can't take any more triglycerides.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> As more fat cells fill up all over the body, the body must pump out more insulin to force fat in, which is pre-diabetes and insulin resistance.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> After 10–40 years of this, fat starts getting stored around organs (liver, heart, etc.), and that's when major damage begins.​ Healthy, pre-diabetes, and diabetes (the progression) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Healthy: low insulin, low glucose.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Early pre-diabetes: high insulin, normal glucose—usually missed because insulin is almost never tested.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Full diabetes: high insulin and high glucose after years of stuffed fat cells.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why common medical definitions of "pre-diabetes" (using A1C only) are late and driven by marketing, not true root cause.​ Key #3 – It's not about lowering sugar, it's about not raising it p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The only meaningful way blood glucose rises is by eating it (carbohydrates and sugars).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You have very little stored glucose in the body (about two teaspoons in the blood, roughly 2,400 calories max in glycogen).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Stress and cortisol can temporarily raise blood sugar by releasing stored glycogen, but glucose is meant only for short "fight or flight," not all-day energy.​ Why "eat less and exercise more" fails p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Exercise burns some calories but rarely reaches the stored fat in fat cells because glucose stores are usually full.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Exercise often makes people hungrier when they are running on glucose as their main fuel.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The real

*:first-child]:mt-0"> Want to lose weight, get off medications, and finally feel great again? Check out my Basic step-by-step course that helps you get started to take control of your health using real food — not pills, not crash diets, and definitely not tons of time in the gym. You'll learn how to eat low-carb, boost your energy, and build a healthier lifestyle that actually lasts. Get signed up here: Thrive Naturally Basic Course In this episode, Dr. Steve explains why losing fat and getting healthy is driven far more by the food you eat than by time in the gym. He breaks down how insulin controls whether your body stores fat or burns it, and why keeping insulin low is the real key to weight loss, more energy, and reversing type 2 diabetes. You'll learn why sugar, flour, and man‑made processed foods are wrecking your health, and how simple low‑carb, whole‑food swaps can help you finally tap into your fat stores for fuel.​ Dr. Steve also talks about why most "eat less and exercise more" advice fails, what insulin resistance really is, and how to know if you're drifting toward prediabetes and organ damage. He gives practical, realistic first steps so overwhelmed men and women can start changing their health without restrictive diets or long workouts, just by changing what's on their plate.​ Main Talking Points p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Getting healthy and losing weight has very little to do with exercise and almost everything to do with the food you eat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If you are obese and not already working out, intense exercise is the last place to start; focus on food first.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Exercise is good for the body, but it has strict limits for fat loss because you rarely burn through stored glucose to reach your fat stores.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The "eat less calories and exercise more" message fails because fat loss is not about calories; it is about the source of those calories.​ How Your Body Burns Energy p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The body can run on two main fuels: glucose and fat, and it always uses what is already in the blood first.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Glucose in the blood triggers insulin, which lowers blood sugar but also decides whether you store fat or burn it.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> You have about 2,400 calories of stored glucose but 4,000 calories in just 1 pound of fat, showing that fat is meant to be your primary fuel.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> One pound of extra fat is like a huge "battery" you never reach if insulin stays high from constant carbohydrate intake.​ Insulin, Fat Storage, and Diabetes p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> There is only one thing that puts fat into your fat cells and one thing that lets it out, and that is insulin.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> High insulin levels force your liver to turn glucose into triglycerides and store them as fat, making you gain weight.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When insulin levels are low, your body is forced to burn fat out of your fat cells for energy and cannot store fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Insulin resistance is not "broken insulin"; it is fat cells so full of triglycerides that they cannot store any more.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Pre-diabetes is a long phase where insulin is high but glucose is still normal because you still have fat cells left to fill.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> True type 2 diabetes appears when insulin has been high for years, all fat cells are full, and blood glucose finally climbs.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Focusing only on lowering glucose with medications often makes diabetes worse by pushing more fat into already full cells.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The real root cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance from years of excess glucose intake, not a simple "glucose problem."​ Warning Signs You're in Trouble p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> On a cholesterol panel, high triglycerides and low HDL are the real red flags for cardiovascular disease risk.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> If your triglycerides are more than twice your HDL, you are likely causing organ and blood vessel damage and sliding into prediabetes.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Measure your waist at the level of your belly button; if that number is more than half your height, you are likely storing dangerous organ fat.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> A large waist relative to height is a strong clue that you are already on the diabetes path and need to change quickly.​ The Role of Stress and Glucose p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Stress raises cortisol, which tells your liver to dump stored glucose into your blood for "fight or flight" energy.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> When stress ends, glucose and insulin should drop, and your body should go back to burning fat for fuel.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The other way blood glucose rises is by eating it, especially from carbohydrate-heavy,

Many people think they are "just fair-skinned" or that the sun is the enemy, but sometimes the problem is actually toxins in the food they just ate. Dr. Steve breaks down how compounds called furanocoumarins in certain plants can react with sunlight and damage your skin, causing redness, blisters, and dark spots, even if you are not allergic.​ He explains the difference between a normal sunburn and phytophotodermatitis, a reaction where plant chemicals on or in your skin are activated by UV light and create reactive oxygen species that damage your cells. You will learn why your overall diet, your antioxidant status, and the strength of your cell membranes matter so much for how your skin handles sunlight.​ Dr. Steve also talks about why a meat- and animal-fat-based, low-carb, whole-food way of eating can make your skin more resilient, improve your energy, and reduce inflammation, while ultra-processed foods, seed oils, sugar, and excess plant toxins can do the opposite. He gives practical tips on what to avoid before going out in the sun, how to build up your sun tolerance slowly, and how to support your mitochondria so your body can use sunlight the way it was designed to.​ If you feel like you burn easily, are confused about sunscreen, or are trying to move from tired and inflamed to strong and energized, this episode will help you connect the dots between your plate, your skin, and the sun.​ Key Talking Points (Bullet Points) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Quick recap of Part 1: how UV light penetrates the skin and why healthy cell membranes and antioxidants protect against damage.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Saturated fat and cholesterol as vital building blocks for strong, stable skin cell membranes rather than "bad fats" to fear.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> What furanocoumarins are and where they come from (certain plants and plant foods).​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How these compounds absorb UV light and create reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage DNA and proteins in skin cells.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Signs of damage: inflammation, blistering, hyperpigmentation, and why it may not be a normal sunburn.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Explanation of phytophotodermatitis: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> "Phyto" = plant, "photo" = light, "dermatitis" = skin inflammation.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why it is different from an allergic reaction and can happen the first time you are exposed.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Factors that affect how bad the reaction is: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How much of the plant toxin you ate or got on your skin.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Intensity of the sunlight and time of day.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How long you are in the sun and how healthy your skin cells are.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why this often shows up on vacations or trips to the beach, especially when people are less used to sun.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Common wellness trends that can backfire: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Celery juice cleanses, giant raw salads, heavy citrus use before sun exposure.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How they can secretly load you with furanocoumarins and set you up to "burn."​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Practical steps to reduce sun sensitivity from food: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Be aware of what you ate hours before going outside.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Avoid lots of raw celery, parsnips, and heavy citrus before sun.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Always wash hands well after preparing citrus (limes, lemons) or other suspect plants, especially if you will be in the sun.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Remember that even a few drops of lime juice on the skin can cause a painful reaction in the sun.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Strengthening your skin from the inside out: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Focus on animal-based, meat- and fat-rich foods: collagen-rich meats, organ meats, quality animal fats, and mineral-rich salts.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> How these foods support strong cell membranes, provide vitamin E, zinc, and other nutrients that improve sun tolerance.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why carnivore and animal-based eaters often notice better skin quality and better sun tolerance.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Hydration and electrolytes: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Drink about half your ideal body weight in pounds as ounces of water per day.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Increase water if you drink alcohol, sugar, or caffeine because they are dehydrating.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Make sure to include electrolytes, not just plain water.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Lifestyle pieces that support skin health: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Quality sleep as the time your body repairs and detoxes.​ p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Avoiding inflammatory seed oils and ultra-processed "Franken foods" in boxes, bottles, bags,