Today we welcome to the show Dr. James Loomis, a St. Louis-based physician who is an outspoken advocate of a plant-based diet. He was featured in the popular documentary The Game Changers.

Dr. Loomis firmly believes in the adage ‘We are what we eat.’ He encourages his patients, as well as listeners of this interview, to be aware of how what is ingested affects our mood, well-being, and overall quality of life.

In Dr. Loomis’ world, there is little room for moderation. You either commit to living a healthy life or you don’t. 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

-Exploring 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…45:04

About the guest:

James F. Loomis Jr., M.D., M.B.A., earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas, where he achieved election to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and graduated with honors. Afterward, he completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Barnes Hospital/Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Furthermore, Dr. Loomis obtained an M.B.A. from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. He holds board certification in internal medicine, is a diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and successfully completed the certification program in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University. Dr. Loomis also holds the title of Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

Diverse Professional Journey of Dr. Loomis

During his career, Dr. Loomis served as a team internist for the St. Louis Rams football team and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, in addition to being a tour physician for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Presently, he serves as the medical director at the Barnard Medical Center in Washington DC. Before joining the Barnard Medical Center, he practiced internal medicine at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, where he also held the position of director of prevention and wellness.

Currently, Dr. Loomis holds significant positions in academia. He serves on the clinical faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Additionally, he holds positions within the Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics at the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Loomis is recognized as an international speaker, advocating for the health benefits of a whole-food plant-based diet. Notably, he is also featured prominently in the documentary “The Game Changers.”

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Loomis finds enjoyment in reading, cooking, and teaching plant-based cooking classes. He also embraces outdoor activities such as hiking, running, biking, and swimming. He 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/visiblyfitpodcast

Blue Zones by Dan Buettner

Game Changers documentary

Barnard Medical

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Facebook

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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/visiblyfitpodcast