What if the real reason you’re gaining weight, feeling wired, or struggling to nourish your family isn’t about willpower—but the culture you live in?

On this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Shawn Stevenson—nutritionist, bestselling author, and host of The Model Health Show—to explore how our food environment, not personal discipline, is fueling the chronic disease crisis. If you’re raising kids, trying to eat better, or just feel overwhelmed by ultra-processed foods, this conversation cuts through the noise.

We unpack the science behind shared meals, how family dinner regulates your stress hormones, why many “healthy” foods aren’t, and what it takes to create a home culture that supports real health.

Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author, nutritionist, and the creator of The Model Health Show, which has ranked as the #1 health podcast in the U.S. He’s the author of Eat Smarter and The Eat Smarter Family Cookbook, blending nutrition science with practical strategies for home-cooked meals that heal.

We Also Discuss:

• This Isn’t About Food. It’s About Culture.

• One Meal That Lowers Disease Risk?

• Why You’re Craving What You Crave

• How Ultra-Processed Foods Hijack Your Brain

• Seed Oils, Satiety & the $1 Lie

• “Healthy” Labels Are Lying to You

• Calories Aren’t the Problem. This Is.

• The Longevity Hack No One Talks About: Dinner Together

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/
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Nexthealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/
Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Shawn Stevenson:

Website: themodelhealthshow.com

Instagram: @shawnmodel