10 Comments
User's avatar
Elissa Altman's avatar

“Don’t be a schmuck” is a brilliant piece of advice that more people need to listen to when it comes to their health (and pretty much everything else). My version of it is the quiet grumble “Don’t be an asshole,” which is the same thing, or intends to be.

Gail Jennings's avatar

The South African version: Don’t be a D—-, Be Lekker.

Mindful Unraveling's avatar

This reminds me of something I say frequently to my diet-conscious 90 year-old mother about my 92 year-old father..."Let Dad eat the damn pie!" Their secret to longevity is being proven by the science. No drinking or smoking, ever. Stay intellectually engaged. Surround yourself with community and activities that give you purpose. Be physically active, even if that's just riding the tractor around or cleaning the house at their age. Eat whole foods. And yes, on occasion, it's totally fine to eat a piece of pie. They've made it this far afterall!!

Sonia's avatar

This is a great piece. As they say, everything in moderation including moderation! Gratitude, mindful cooking and mindful eating can also play such a huge role. Energy is everywhere including in the food we eat and this can affect our how we feel.

Melissa's avatar

Very much enjoyed this interview and added the audiobook to my Libby!

Alchemist of Life's avatar

Moderation may be the least marketable discipline in wellness. No purity ritual, no heroic stack—just enough judgment to enjoy the ice cream without making it either medicine or a moral failure. Sanity is underrated.

Tui Hill's avatar

...and yet, this newsletter is sponsored by Big Wellness Grift 😢

Ruth Ann's avatar

The two ads that were part of this email ironically illustrate the problem. Looking forward to listening to the podcast.

Natacha Pierre, MD's avatar

Wonderful piece.

I completely agree with the author about the fiber bit. Some Americans actually over eat protein to the detriment of their kidney and undertrained their muscles that need the protein for repair in the first place.

But, yes, moderation, connection and gratitude are the soft skills of longevity that I’m glad many bio hackers like myself are now embracing.

jude's avatar

love your three take aways from the book, dan. thank you for sharing them with us.

minutes before i read this, my partner and i were talking about eating ice cream more regularly and how not to make it a big f-ing deal about it.

what a relief to shed the self righteousness of living a healthy life.