Dr. Monica Aggarwal is the perfect example of what can happen when you don’t take care of your body … she’s also the perfect example of what can happen when you do take care of your body. Living under the constant pressure of defined gender norms in a subspecialty medical profession, Dr. Aggarwal strived to be perfect. After finishing school and experiencing several miscarriages, she had three children in four years and tried to be Super Mom along with her full-time job as a cardiologist. Ultimately, her body broke down and she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Months passed until she took control of her health—not with medicine, but with lifestyle. When she prioritized sleep, plant-based eating, and more gentle forms of exercise, she put her disease in remission. This is part one of our two-part interview with the fabulous and knowledgeable Dr. Aggarwal. We just couldn’t cover everything in one short hour. Buckle up and get ready to learn. What we discuss in this episode:   - Expectations placed on women in the medical field   - Gender roles   - Dr. Aggarwal’s story of healing   - Rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disorders   - Understanding inflammation and disease   - Inflammatory foods and triggers   - Understanding heart disease and risk   - Preventative measures to decreasing risk of illness   - Dr. Aggarwal’s book: Body on Fire: How Inflammation Triggers Chronic Illness   - Follow Dr. Aggarwal on Instagram @drmonicaaggarwal    - Use code SWITCH at maxinesheavenly.com/switch for 25% off your cookie order!    Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

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148 - Part 1 : Body on Fire: How to Fight Inflammation with Cardiologist Dr. Monica Aggarwal

When dieting doesn’t work, it’s time to stop dabbling in healthy eating. Dr. Joel Fuhruman is a highly respected physician who has made his mark by focusing on nutrition. He is the founder of the Nutritarian Diet which is based on whole, plant-based foods that have been scientifically shown to reduce cancer risk and extend longevity. In his seven bestselling books, you won’t find “cheat days” or “moderation,” and he explains why in this riveting episode. Fuhrman educates us on the fundamentals of health, nutrition, and disease prevention with a fiery energy is instantly motivating. What we discuss in this episode:   - The benefits of GBOMBS    - The connection between nutrition and immunity   - The Nutritarian Diet and battling cancer   - Food addiction   - Understanding how metabolism is affected by food   - The End of Dieting book  Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Great Health on the Nutritarian Diet with Dr. Joel Fuhrman

For someone who had no idea what to do with their life after graduating high school, 25-year-old Calen Otto has more purpose and passion than most people twice their age. What started out as a year in Chile as a foreign exchange student led to a ravenous travel bug. At 19, Calen crossed the US on a bike and supported themself by working as they went. They've been to 25 countries, mastered the art of vegan traveling on a budget, and do whatever they can to be an advocate for the animals—whether that’s rescuing pigs from abusive CAFOs to working for Mothers Against Dairy. In this episode, Calen elucidates on their adventures, explains what it means to be queer, and offers their perspective on what it means to be a person (animals included). We hope this conversation brightens your day as much as it did ours. What we discuss in this episode:   - Catching the travel bug and making the leap    - Crossing the country on their bicycle   - The WWOOF program   - How to travel as a vegan on a budget   - Defining gender versus sex   - Calen’s The Unruly Traveler Podcast   - Calen's farm animal rescuing experiences and animal activism   - Calen’s travel guide, or DM her if you have an Indy bookstore   - Calen’s website, The Unruly Traveler   - Mothers Against Dairy   - Follow Calen on Instagram @unruly_traveller   - Email us at info@switch4good.org for a chance to win Calen’s book!   - Use code SWITCH at maxinesheavenly.com/switch for 25% off your cookie order!    Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

147 - Free & Queer with Vegan Travel Writer Calen Otto

How do you know if a product is cruelty-free if you can’t trust the label? According to Kim Paschen—Program Manager for Leaping Bunny—there is no regulated definition for cruelty-free. That means companies who use this label are not held accountable and may very well include ingredients that have been tested on animals. When it comes to compassionate cosmetics that are truly animal-free, things get complicated, but that’s where Leaping Bunny comes in. The certification organization upholds companies to rigorous standards to ensure every last ingredient is free from animal testing. Kim walks us through all the nuances of cosmetic testing, what’s going on with China, and shares a few of her favorite Leaping Bunny-approved products. Listen in before your next trip to the cosmetics counter. What we discuss in this episode:   - Leaping Bunny standards   - Alternatives to animal cosmetic testing   - New testing regulations in China   - The difference between “cruelty-free” and “vegan” labeling   - Countries that have banned cosmetic animal testing   - What kinds of tests are required for specific cosmetic ingredients   - The nuances of cosmetic labeling   - Leaping Bunny favorite products   - Leaping Bunning app click here    - Leaping Bunny website: https://www.leapingbunny.org/   - Follow the Leaping Bunny on Instagram @leapingbunnyprogram   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

146 - Cruelty Free Shopping with Kim Paschen

How does a 12-year-old start a non-profit? Haile Thomas will tell you. Now 20, Haile is accomplished beyond her years. Extraordinarily articulate and composed, Haile has been featured on The Food Network, Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, the Drew Barrymore Show, and a dozen other talk shows. She’s the founder of The Happy Organization—a non-profit that empowers kids to embrace self-care and plant-based nutrition. She’s also the author of Living Lively—a cookbook with 80 plant-based recipes and a full outline of her 7 Points of Power to obtain a balanced, grounded, and actualized state of being. Haile has a quiet power that is magnetic in force. You’ll be drawn in the minute she starts to speak.  What we discuss in this episode:   - Why she went vegan to save her dad from type 2 diabetes   - Honoring cultural roots while adhering to a plant-based diet Haile’s 7 points of power   - Leaning into authenticity in the face of pressure   - Knowing oneself and establishing self-care   - Haile’s book, Living Lively   - Follow Haile on Instagram @hailethomas   - Follow Haile’s non-profit, The Happy Org, @thehappyorg   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

145 - Living Lively with Wunderkind Haile Thomas

There are doctors who like to point out your problems and use medication as a bandaid, and there are doctors like Melissa Sundermann. A double board-certified DO in internal and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Sundermann combines Western medicine with a holistic approach to help her patients heal. She’s friendly, empathetic, and empowering. Join in on our delightful conversation with this Michigan-based doc to learn more about lifestyle medicine, tips to implement it into your routine, and how to help loved ones embrace a more holistic lifestyle.  What we discuss in this episode:   - 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine   - How to navigate challenges when it comes to nutrition and exercise   - Dr. Sundermann’s transition from a peanut M&M lover to a plant-based diet   - How to make the switch to WFPB with a positive mindset   - How to fine-tune sleep health   - Follow Dr. Sundermann on Instagram @motivatormelissa   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

144 - Find Your Pillars of Health with Dr. Melissa Sundermann

Camille Martin, RD, was caught in the vicious cycle of binging, restricting, and dieting for years. Her weight would fluctuate, but she was never happy, until she decided to quit dieting and let herself eat. To her surprise, she didn’t gain weight—she lost it. Now a registered dietitian and very new vegan, Camille shares her story and helpful tips to change your eating habits. We also dive into misleading labels on animal products, raising girls to grow up with high self-esteem, and more. This conversation is casual, friendly, and practical. Join in the camaraderie and give it a listen. What we discuss in this episode:   - Camille’s experience as a one-month vegan   - Managing binge/restrict eating habits and breaking the cycle   - How diet culture destroys self-esteem   - Defending carbs   - Veganism as a lifestyle, not a diet   - Debunking labels like “grass-fed, organic”   - How to raise strong, daughters    - How to change your environment to change your habits   - Camille’s website: https://camillemartinrd.com/   - Follow Camille on Instagram @camille_martin_rd   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

143 - No More Chronic Dieting with New Vegan Camille Martin

Dr. Goldner was resigned to live out her life in the clutches of lupus—she expected to become disabled by her forties, deal with chronic pain, and never have children. Her perspective changed after meeting her husband and attempting to get trim for a Maui honeymoon. She shocked herself by healing her disease simply by eating a high-raw, whole-food, plant-based diet. For Goldner—and the hundreds of seriously ill patients she has treated since then—it really is that simple. Food can heal. This episode is for anyone who struggles (or knows someone who is struggling) with a health issue doctors say they can’t cure, only manage. The message is eye-opening, inspiring, and attainable. It might just save a life.     What we discuss in this episode:   - Autoimmune disease basics   - Dr. Goldner’s self-healing from lupus   - What foods to eat to heal disease   - How to build a healing smoothie   - How to find your “whypower”   - Defining hypernourishment   - Dr. Goldner’s best-selling book, “Goodbye Lupus”   - Smoothie recipes at smoothieshred.com   Connect with Switch4Good   - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter: https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website: switch4good.org

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Healing Autoimmune Diseases with Dr. Brooke Goldner

If you move your body, this episode is for you. TJ Waterfall is a UK-based sports nutritionist who takes a practical approach to fueling with a plant-based diet. In this episode, we cover highlights from his book, “The Plant-Based Power Plan,” and dive into so much more in relation to diet and fitness. Questions about salt, protein, or antioxidants? TJ has the answers. Stay tuned through the end to hear TJ’s answers to our speed round questions. One of his responses will melt your heart.  What we discuss in this episode:   - How to calculate your protein needs   - How exercise nurtures a healthy gut microbiome   - Troubleshooting overeating   - Understanding complete vs incomplete protein   - Nutrition timing   - The importance of salt and exercise    - Sample meals to fuel   - TJ’s book The Plant-Based Power Plan   - Follow TJ on Instagram @tj_waterfall   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

142 - Plant Based Power with Sports Nutritionist TJ Waterfall

If you don’t already know about the Very Good Butchers, you will soon. While not the most dominant plant-based meat company, it’s certainly the cleanest. We were shocked (pleasantly so) that we could find every single ingredient listed for the Smokin’ Burgers and Very Good Pepperoni in our local grocery store. Co-founder and CEO Mitchell Scott sits down with us to discuss the rising trend of vegan meat, going public, and how The Very Good Butchers make meat out of beans. He also discloses a super simple cooking tip that will take any vegan meat to the next level. Our minds were blown—apparently, we’ve been cooking veggie burgers the wrong way for years! Plus, we introduce a new rapid-fire Q&A segment. Part practical and all fun, this new segment puts our guests on their toes!  What we discuss in this episode:   - How the company got started   - How to make meat from ingredients you can pronounce   - The pros and cons of becoming an IPO   - Consumer behavior trends of vegan meat   - Cooking tips and tricks   - The Very Good Food website   - Follow Very Good Food on Instagram @theverygoodbutchers   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

141 - Very Good Food with Vegan Butcher Mitchell Scott

Dr. Arti Thangudu is a triple board-certified MD specializing in endocrinology, thyroid, and diabetes. She’s also a mom to two adorable young kids and runs her own private practice in San Antonio—Complete Medicine. But she didn’t stop there. Arti is determined to prevail over the rampant diabetes epidemic in her city. With a diabetes rate 6 percent higher than the national average, Dr. Thangudu’s integrative practice is helping patients battle the disease and preventing new patients from developing it. In this episode, we cover a range of ailments including diabetes, thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, and the rampant mistreatment of these diseases from non-specialized practitioners. Dr. Thangudu’s wisdom and advice are relevant and practical. We all have so much to gain from her insights. What we discuss in this episode:   - Evidence-based lifestyle techniques for treating diabetes   - How different foods affect our hormones   - The sugar versus fat debate surrounding diabetes   - The importance of seeing an endocrinologist    - Adrenal fatigue, thyroid disease, and low testosterone    - Why she went plant-based   - Dr. Thangudu’s website: Complete Medicine   - Follow Dr. Thangudu on Instagram @drartithangudu    Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

Prevent Diabetes and other Diseases with Endocrinologist Dr. Arti Thangudu

Agriculture subsidies have robbed Americans of their right to vote with their dollars. Millions of consumers make conscious choices to not purchase animal products, believing their purchasing decisions are making a small but definitive statement about demand. Unfortunately, the colossal government subsidies that are pumped into the animal agriculture industry keep it alive regardless of demand. When Laura Reese realized this fact, she was angry, and she took action. Laura is the co-founder of the Agriculture Fairness Alliance and Liberation 360—two organizations that allow her to lobby and create lasting, effective change within the agriculture industry. Currently, she is working on legislation to incorporate into the next Farm Bill that will help animal farmers transition to plant-based farmers. In this episode, Laura delivers on subsidy 101 and elucidates on the problems and actions we all can take to make our dollars count. What we discuss in this episode:   - Understanding agriculture subsidies   - Lobbying 101   - Revising the upcoming Farm Bill   - The consolidation of dairy farming   - Roadblocks of farm transitions   - Action items anyone can do   - For the People Act   - Liberation 360   - Agriculture Fairness Alliance   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

140 - Lobbying for Animals with Laura Reese

Most people have a favorite hairdresser or perhaps even a favorite barista … we have a favorite gastroenterologist. This is Dr. Angie Sadeghi’s second time on the podcast—she just has so much knowledge to share! Circle back and listen to Episode 3 for her full backstory, then give this show a listen to learn all about the gut microbiome, how to feed your “good” bacteria, the brain/gut connection, hidden causes of anemia, her opinion on probiotics, and more. Your gut will thank you.      What we discuss in this episode:   - Check out Dr. Angie’s first appearance on the show, Episode 3   - The dangers of lactose intolerance   - Understanding the microbiome and how to feed your good bacteria    - The brain/gut connection    - How much fiber do you need?   - Do probiotic pills work?   - Hidden causes of anemia    - Institute of Plant-Based Medicine   - Follow Dr. Angie @Angie.Sadeghi   Connect with Switch4Good   - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwitchForGood   - Website: switch4good.org   - Support Our Cause: https://switch4good.org/support-us/

FLASHBACK FRIDAY - Heal Leaky Gut with Dr. Angie Sadeghi

The wave of conscious consumerism is growing stronger day by day, but sometimes, it’s a challenge to discern how the products we buy affect our health, the environment, and those used to make it (both laborers and animals included). Adriane Marie has devised a solution to help us all shop smarter and more efficiently. The HEALabel app is the ultimate guide to making conscious consumer choices at the grocer, drug store, and retail shop. The extremely comprehensive tool includes thousands of entries for ingredients and textiles used in virtually anything you can buy—be that food, household products, cosmetics, or clothing. Adriane educated us about what is wrong with the system, what to look for to shop consciously, and how to avoid the misleading marketing scheme of greenwashing. If you want to shop with compassion and confidence, this is an episode you need to hear.  What we discuss in this episode:   - What is the Healable app   - Recognizing all four aspects of conscious consumerism   - Defining “greenwashing”   - What’s wrong with palm oil   - Hidden animal ingredients in non-animal products   - Issues with fast fashion and animal textiles   - Best practices of conscious consumerism   - Follow Adrianne on Instagram @the_unbridled_spirit   - Get the Healable App   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

139 - How to be a Conscious Consumer with Healabel app creator Adriane Marie

Why are good people not vegan? Many people show tremendous empathy and compassion; they love animals; they deeply care about the planet; they perform selfless acts for others; and yet, they continue to support a system of routine abuse and cruelty. Animal law attorney and former Director of the iconic Vegan Action certification—David Blatte—wrote a book to explain this extreme juxtaposition and how to overcome it. Titled “The Vegan Imperative,” Blatte walks us through the psychological and societal factors of why people eat animals. He also dives into some of his high-profile legal cases, such as banning foie gras in California. This conversation will definitely leave you marinating in thought. What we discuss in this episode:   - What it’s like to be vegan in the 90s.    - How to effectively advocate   - Why good people continue to eat meat   - Levels of compassion   - Making the legal case against foie gras and other animal rights cases   - The Vegan Action certification   - David’s book, The Vegan Imperative   - How to Win Friends and Influence People   - Diet for a Small Planet   Connect with Switch4Good - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2toqAmlQpwR1HDF_KKfGg   - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/   - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/switch4good/   - Twitter - https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg   - Website - https://switch4good.org/

138 - Why Kind People Eat Animals with David Blatte

Do you want to live a healthier and more robust life? The key to living a full, healthy, and joyous life lies within the foods we eat—and our relationship to them. Because health isn’t accurately measured by the circumference of your waist or how much you can bench press- true vitality is measured by how you feel, not just physically but deep within. Olympic medalist Dotsie Bausch alongside Baywatch actress and certified health coach, Alexandra Paul, take listeners of all ages on a journey to optimal health and stamina through plant based eating. Dotsie and Alexandra, who both fought back from severe food addictions in their twenties, interview expert nutritionists, pro athletes, innovative thought leaders, physicians and plant-based celebrities. Through their stories, you’ll learn how to optimize your health and pave a path for a more meaningful life. So get inspired and join the Switch4Good revolution.

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