Episode 55: Ketogenic Diets, MCT Oil, Why a Plant-Based Diet, Foods to Increase Endurance and Much More with Dr. Jim Loomis

Today we welcome to the show Dr. James Loomis, a St. Louis based physician who is an outspoken advocate of a plant-based diet and was featured in the popular documentary The Game Changers. Dr. Loomis firmly believes in the adage "We are what we eat" and encourages his patients, as well as listeners of this interview, to be aware of how what is ingested affects our mood, our well-being and overall quality of life.There is little room for moderation in Dr. Loomis' world; you're either committed to living a healthy life or you're not. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and know you will enjoy listening to it as well!In this episode, you'll learn:-Dr. Loomis' journey into the world of plant-based diet...06:09-How we unnecessarily overcomplicate healthy living and eating...12:02-How moderation kills momentum in our diet...16:14-Is MCT oil essential for brain health?...20:00-Dr. Loomis' take on the ketogenic diet...23:45-Lectins: to consume, or not to consume...28:30-How beets may increase endurance performance...32:27-The connection between food and stress...38:45-How to use a plant-based diet to gain weight...42:03-Something about Dr. Loomis most people don't know...45:04About the guest:James F. Loomis Jr., M.D., M.B.A received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and graduated with honors. He subsequently completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis, MO. In addition, Dr. Loomis received an M.B.A. from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. He is board certified in internal medicine, is a diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and has also completed the certification program in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Loomis is also a Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Loomis has served as team internist for the St. Louis Rams football team and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, as well as tour physician for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He is currently the medical director at the Barnard Medical Center in Washington DC. Before coming to the Barnard Medical Center, he practiced internal medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, where he was also the director of prevention and wellness. He is on the clinical faculty of the department of internal medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC and the department of preventive medicine and biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. He speaks internationally on the health benefits of a whole-food plant-based diet and is featured in the documentary “The Game Changers”. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Loomis enjoys reading, cooking, and teaching plant-based cooking classes. He also enjoys hiking, running, biking, and swimming, and has completed numerous half marathons, marathons, and triathlons, including an Ironman triathlon. Resources mentioned:To learn more and for free resources go to www.wendiepett.com. If you haven't listened to the Introduction and the first 5 episodes of the Visibly Fit Podcast make sure you do. You will be encouraged that becoming Visibly Fit is actually within REACH. You can download the worksheets at www.wendiepett.com/visiblyfitpodcastBlue Zones by Dan BuettnerGame Changers documentary