Passion Struck with John R. Miles – Episode 526: Eric Edmeades on How to Gain Control of Our Food Habits
In Episode 526 of Passion Struck® with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles welcomes back health and behavioral science expert Eric Edmeades for an in-depth discussion on mastering food habits to achieve lasting health transformations. Building upon their previous conversation in Episode 433, where they explored the concept of being "post diabetic," this episode delves deeper into the behavioral science behind health changes, the evolution gap, and practical strategies for aligning daily habits with our biological needs.
1. The Impact of "Post Diabetic" and Shifting Medical Narratives [09:46 – 11:56]
Eric Edmeades begins by reflecting on the reception of his book, Post Diabetic, co-authored with Dr. Ruben Ruiz. He shares that while the concept of reversing type 2 diabetes has resonated with many, it has also faced challenges in gaining acceptance within traditional medical platforms. Eric states:
"The idea that type 2 diabetes is largely optional for the vast majority of people has really been a shock to many in the medical community." [11:33]
He highlights the growing support from doctors who are beginning to embrace lifestyle-focused approaches over solely pharmaceutical solutions, signaling a gradual shift in medical perspectives.
2. Understanding the Evolution Gap [29:06 – 30:16]
One of the central themes of the episode is Eric's upcoming book, Evolution Gap. He introduces the concept as a disparity between the slow pace of our biological evolution and the rapid rate of environmental and technological innovations. Eric explains:
"The evolution gap is a gap that exists between our slow biological evolution and our accelerated capacity for innovation. This gap amplifies much of the pain and suffering we experience today." [29:06]
This gap, he argues, is a fundamental reason behind the rise in chronic diseases, as our bodies struggle to adapt to modern lifestyles that diverge significantly from what our ancestors experienced.
3. The Perfect Human Diet: Aligning with Our Biology [30:16 – 35:51]
Eric delves into the concept of the "perfect human diet," emphasizing that diet, in its true sense, refers to the way of life tailored to a species' biological needs. Drawing parallels with how elephants thrive in their natural habitats, he explains the consequences of deviating from evolved dietary patterns:
"Every species on Earth has an evolved diet. The more you veer away from that, the more likely you are to suffer from disease and its consequences." [30:44]
He underscores the importance of consuming seasonally available, nutrient-dense foods that align with our evolutionary biology to prevent the onset of modern chronic diseases.
4. The Six Hungries: Decoding Our Eating Drivers [35:51 – 43:54]
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the six primary "hungers" that drive eating behaviors. Eric introduces this framework to help listeners understand and control their eating habits:
- Nutritional Hunger: A genuine need for nutrients, often masked by overeating low-nutrient foods.
- Thirst: Misinterpreted as hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.
- Empty Stomach Hunger: The body's natural state for repair and healing, often confused with true hunger.
- Low Blood Sugar Hunger: Spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels trigger cravings.
- Variety Hunger: The craving for different flavors and textures, leading to inconsistent eating patterns.
- Emotional Hunger: Using food to cope with emotional states.
Eric emphasizes that most eating decisions are influenced by a combination of these hungers rather than a single driver. By recognizing and addressing each hunger, individuals can make more conscious and intentional food choices.
"Out of the six hungers, only one of them actually relates to nutrition." [36:23]
5. Behavioral Psychology and Habit Formation [43:54 – 59:03]
The conversation shifts to the role of habits and behavioral psychology in maintaining healthy eating patterns. Eric challenges the traditional notion that habits are formed simply through repetition, introducing the idea that emotional intensity plays a crucial role:
"It's not about the number of days for repetition. It's about the level of emotional intensity." [45:12]
He illustrates this with anecdotes, explaining how emotionally charged experiences can solidify habits more effectively than mundane repetition. Eric also discusses the detrimental effects of shame-based accountability prevalent in the diet industry, advocating for functional accountability that fosters responsibility without damaging self-esteem.
6. The WildFit Program: A Path to Lasting Change [59:03 – 71:39]
Eric introduces his WildFit program, which boasts an impressive 80-90% success rate in achieving sustained behavioral change. He attributes this success to several key components:
- Engaging Content Delivery: Utilizing multimedia and emotional storytelling to ensure high completion rates.
- Transformative Techniques: Combining solid nutritional principles with incremental psychological shifts.
- Identity Change: Helping participants reframe their self-identity to support healthier choices.
"If you want to eat ice cream, you're going to eat it. But what if we could reduce your want sufficiently that it truly becomes an annual event rather than a weekly one?" [59:25]
Eric explains that the program focuses on rewarding positive behaviors rather than punishing negative ones, thereby reinforcing healthy habits without reliance on willpower alone.
7. Overcoming Challenges and Driving Motivation [71:05 – 68:18]
Towards the end of the episode, Eric shares his ongoing motivations and the challenges that keep him passionate about his work. He highlights the staggering economic and health burdens of chronic diseases like diabetes, emphasizing the need for widespread health transformations to address larger societal issues.
"Solving this health problem for them is, to me, the only way we even solve the problems in the environment." [67:24]
He concludes by encouraging listeners to take small, intentional steps towards aligning their habits with their biological needs, reinforcing the episode's central message of intentional and informed behavior change.
Key Takeaways
- Recognize and Address the Six Hungries: Understanding the different drivers behind eating can empower individuals to make healthier choices.
- Align Diet with Evolutionary Biology: Consuming nutrient-dense, seasonally available foods supports long-term health and prevents chronic diseases.
- Focus on Functional Accountability: Building responsibility without inducing shame fosters a healthier relationship with food.
- Engage with Proven Programs: Programs like WildFit offer structured, emotionally engaging pathways to lasting health transformations.
"True health transformation begins with small, intentional actions. Whether you're setting healthier routines, rethinking your diet, or building a better mindset, each of us has the power to steer our lives towards a healthier, more intentional future."
Reflect on the insights shared by Eric Edmeades and consider implementing one specific change today that aligns with a healthier, more vibrant life. Remember, consistent small actions can lead to incredible transformations over time.
Connect with Eric Edmeades:
- Website: getwildfit.com
- Instagram: @ericedmeades
Join the Passion Struck Movement:
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- Show Notes: Visit passionstruck.com for links to resources discussed in this episode, including Eric's books and additional support materials.
Next up on Passion Struck®, John R. Miles will be joined by Jason Silver, a multi-time founder, startup advisor, and author of "Use What You Have, Get What You Want at Work and in Life," offering strategies to find purpose and fulfillment in your current endeavors.