The Rubin Report: Dave Rubin Shares the Diet & Health Secrets That Turned His Life Around

Host: Dave Rubin
Release Date: February 20, 2025

In this enlightening episode of The Rubin Report, host Dave Rubin delves into his personal journey of transforming his diet and health, offering listeners an intimate look at the strategies that significantly improved his well-being. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Dave’s discussions, insights, and the conclusions he draws from his experiences.

1. Introduction: From Political Commentary to Personal Wellness

Dave Rubin opens the episode by highlighting a shift in the questions he receives from fans. While he is primarily known for his discussions on politics and culture, there has been a growing interest in his personal lifestyle choices, particularly concerning diet, fitness, and wellness.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “When we do Q and A's, I hear the same thing. People are asking me about either my new dietary habits or my fitness routine or wellness or some of that stuff.”

2. Struggles with Diet and Finances During Stand-Up Days

Reflecting on his earlier years as a stand-up comedian in New York City, Dave recounts the financial hardships that forced him into unhealthy eating habits. Living on a tight budget, he often resorted to inexpensive and nutritionally poor foods.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “I was for years living off of industrial sized cans of tuna and packs of soup… eating a lot of pizza and a lot of Chinese takeout.”

3. Facing Health Challenges: Alopecia Areata

As Dave’s show gained popularity, the increased online presence brought about significant stress, leading to the development of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing substantial hair loss. Despite extensive medical testing, the exact cause remained elusive, prompting Dave to seek alternative solutions.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “I developed something called alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disease… I was losing huge, huge chunks of hair, probably about 40% of my hair.”

4. Influence of Jordan Peterson and the Carnivore Diet

During a tour with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Dave was inspired by Peterson’s success with the carnivore diet—a regimen primarily consisting of red meat. Witnessing Peterson’s improved health, Dave decided to experiment with similar dietary changes, which began to yield positive results for him.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “Jordan was talking about the carnivore diet… I was like, well I'm going to kind of try that too.”

5. Dave Rubin’s Current Dietary Regimen

Dave outlines his modified approach to the carnivore diet, emphasizing quality over strict adherence. His daily meals focus on organic and grass-fed products, minimizing processed foods and sugars.

• Breakfast:
  • Organic eggs from regenerative farms
  • Grass-fed butter
  • Occasionally black coffee or coffee with a splash of grass-fed whole milk
  • Sometimes he skips breakfast altogether.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “A couple organic eggs in the morning with grass fed butter, that's pretty much it.”

• Lunch:
  • Organic strip steak baked at 450°F with salt and pepper
  • Side of riced broccoli or occasionally chicken thighs
  • Simple, protein-rich meals that are easy to prepare.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “Bake this thing at 450… little salt and pepper. 15 minutes you are ready to eat and it's not that expensive.”

• Dinner:
  • Steak, salmon, or chicken with vegetables
  • Minimal carbohydrates and sugars.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “Very little of that kind of stuff. More than anything else, I think the important thing has been cutting the sugar.”

6. Reducing Sugar and Moderating Alcohol Intake

Dave emphasizes the critical role of reducing sugar in his diet, almost eliminating desserts and high-sugar beverages. He transitioned from wine to tequila, noting the lower sugar content and better personal effects on sleep and morning energy levels.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “I basically don't do dessert anymore… have a bowl of cereal, something like that. But literally, I mean it once a month.”

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “If you're going to drink, make sure you're drinking some water in between. You have some tequila or whatever you like. Have a glass of water in between, you will feel way better.”

7. Fitness Routine: Embracing Basketball and Gym Workouts

Reigniting his love for basketball, Dave describes how returning to the sport has invigorated his fitness regimen. Playing regularly with a diverse group of individuals has not only improved his physical health but also inspired him to maintain his fitness for longevity.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “I stopped playing for about eight years because I had torn my left ACL… Now, I'm playing with a great group of guys who are in their late 20s, into their early 60s.”

His gym routine includes the use of an infrared sauna, cardio machines, and light weights. Dave stresses listening to his body and adapting workouts based on daily needs.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “I try to get in there for 20 minutes every day. … I kind of feel what my body's doing on that given day, and that's what I work on.”

8. Advanced Wellness Practices: Peptides and PRP Treatments

To further enhance his health and extend his physical capabilities, Dave has incorporated advanced treatments such as peptides and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. These interventions aim to reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration, ensuring sustained functionality and vitality.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “We're doing peptides in this shoulder and PRP in this knee… there are things you can do to keep extending your ability to be as good as you can be for as long as you can be.”

9. Balancing Life and Wellness

Dave concludes by advocating for a balanced life where one can enjoy personal passions while maintaining physical health. He encourages listeners to find what works best for their individual lifestyles, emphasizing that taking proactive steps in diet and fitness can lead to long-term benefits.

Dave Rubin [00:00]: “Figure out what works for you in your life. But I guarantee you, if you start taking your diet a little more seriously… you can do it now and get ahead of the game.”

Key Takeaways

• Dietary Adjustments: Transitioning to a diet rich in organic, grass-fed proteins while minimizing sugar and processed foods can significantly improve health.
• Fitness Commitment: Regular physical activity, such as playing basketball, coupled with mindful gym workouts, supports long-term functional fitness.
• Advanced Treatments: Incorporating modern wellness treatments like peptides and PRP can aid in maintaining and enhancing physical health.
• Balanced Lifestyle: Combining personal passions with health-conscious decisions fosters a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Dave Rubin's candid discussion provides valuable insights into the intersection of diet, fitness, and overall wellness. His personal experiences underscore the importance of adaptability and dedication in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether grappling with financial constraints or health challenges, Dave’s journey illustrates that informed choices and persistent effort can lead to transformative results.