Dr Pankaj Vij is the author of Turbo Metabolism. In this interview, I speak with Dr Vij about the global obesity crisis and shares thoughts about how we could tackle it and reduce the associated risks.

We speak about the human psychological condition as it relates to unhealthy habits. The idea that to change certain behaviours we need to clean up our psychological and physical environments. We talk about lifestyle choices and the impact of societal influences. We discuss the idea of medication as a solution yet ultimately prevention is the best solution. Dr Vij wraps up the discussion with practices that we could all likely benefit from.

Make sure you leave your comments below. Be sure to reach out to either Dr Vij or me with any follow-up thoughts or questions. And pick up a copy of Dr Vij’s book using the links below. Enjoy!

Guest bio 

Pankaj Vij, MD, FACP, is the author of Turbo Metabolism. As a doctor of internal medicine, he has helped thousands of patients lose weight, manage chronic health conditions, and improve their physical fitness. Board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine, Dr Vij has been practising medicine since 1997. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit him online at  http://www.doctorvij.com.

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Topics of discussion 

• Obesity and the major causes.
• Prevention vs medication.
• Feet, fork, fingers. Sleep, stress, and love.
• Changing our psychological and Physicaenvironmentsts.
• Practice for prevention. Awareness, diet, information, challenge and time.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Walking after dinner. Dim the lights in the evening and no tech 2 hours before bed.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Accept others as they are.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Filling all your buckets in life.

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Breaking things into small pieces.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Start where you are.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Mediterranean food, salad, olive oil, nice bread or sushi.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Being outdoors. Music and plaing

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Man’s Search for Meaning Viktor Frankl

Turbo Metabolism: 8 Weeks to a New You: Preventing and Reversing Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease, and Other Metabolic Diseases by Treating the Causes  by Dr Pankij Vij

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Be here now.”

“The purpose of life is to discover your gift and the meaning of life is giving it away.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, we do. We have to find it and when we do it is a magical experience.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

When what I think, say and do are in alignment. Living with integrity.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

Contribution.

How to connect with Dr Vij. 

Visit him online at  http://www.doctorvij.com

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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