How Fatherhood Changed My Life

Dr. Rak ("rock") here.

This week, I'm reflecting on the profound impact that becoming a father has had on my life. As we celebrated Father’s Day this past weekend, it brought back memories of my own journey into fatherhood and the profound transformation it triggered in me.

When my first child, my daughter, was born, I decided to leave academic medicine, something I’ve reflected on before. Her birth brought my priorities into focus, which often happens when one becomes a parent. In my work helping people make lifestyle changes, I frequently see this kind of shift in priorities among parents as they reassess their lives and make changes that align more closely with their values and responsibilities.

It was after the birth of my third child, my son, that I truly began to grasp the depth of change required in my life. At the time, I was a hospital doctor, fully immersed in caring for others but neglecting my own health. His impending birth was a powerful catalyst, prompting me to visit my own doctor for a comprehensive check-up. That visit was a wake-up call; I was diagnosed with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes.

Faced with these health challenges, I knew I could no longer continue eating and living the way I was. With kindness and the awareness cultivated from my meditation practice, I gradually shifted to a predominantly whole-food, plant-based diet and later started exercising regularly. I don’t think I would have even considered these changes had it not been for my desire to be there for my children and set a positive example.

As I embraced a new way of living and started experiencing numerous benefits, I realized that my personal journey could also help others. I began counseling my patients in the hospital on the power of lifestyle changes, integrating my experiences into my medical practice. Reflecting on this, I see how my kids not only led me to improve my health but also reshaped my career, aligning it more closely with my values and newfound passion for lifestyle medicine.

There are people and moments in our lives that profoundly impact us, compelling us to reflect on our values and reassess our choices. For me, becoming a father was that transformative experience, guiding me towards a healthier, more fulfilling life and career. These pivotal moments or influential people can catalyze change in anyone's life, bringing our priorities into focus and setting us on new paths.

So, this week let's RAK Our Week with the transformative power of reflection and action, inspired by the moments and people who push us towards better versions of ourselves.

Roots Reflection ??:

• Think about a moment or a person in your life that profoundly impacted you. Reflect on how this influence has shaped your values and the direction of your life.

Awareness Action ????:

• This week, take some time to assess your own health and lifestyle choices. Schedule a check-up with your doctor if needed, and consider making small, manageable changes that can lead to long-term benefits. Remember, your well-being is crucial not only for yourself but for those who rely on you.

Kindness Opportunity ??:

• Reach out to someone who has been a pivotal influence in your life and express your gratitude. Sometimes, knowing they’ve made a difference can be the greatest gift of all.

Join Us for the Next Mindful Meals with Dr. Rak: A Plant-Based Indian Snack Party!

??? Date: Saturday, June 30, 2024

?? Time: 1:30pm PST / 4:30pm EST (90 minutes)

?? Cost: $20 (included in RYL Membership)*

?? Location: Zoom, in the comfort of your home

?? Register Here

What’s on the Menu:

• ?? Baked Kale and Onion Pakoras – Crispy, savory bites without the deep-frying!
• ?? Papdi Chaat – A delightful combination of textures and tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors.
• ?? Mango Lime Lassi – A refreshing and tangy drink
• ?? Mint Cilantro Chutney – A zesty, herb-filled chutney to elevate your snacks.
• ?? Tamarind Date Chutney – A sweet and tangy chutney to elevate our dishes.

What to Expect:

• Guided Meditation: Begin with a guided meditation session to help you connect more deeply with your food and the present moment, enhancing the overall experience.
• Cooking Demonstration: Follow along as we prepare each dish step-by-step, with tips and insights into the health benefits of the ingredients.
• Interactive Q&A: Ask questions, share your experiences, and enjoy the communal aspect of cooking together.

?? Register Here

*Free spots are available for those with financial hardship. If interested, please email [email protected].

RAK ON Live! Dr. Rak’s Weekly Wellness Livestream Every Wednesday at 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode. Dive into the world of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Rak’s weekly livestream, which focuses on Lifestyle Medicine, behavior change, and mindfulness. Whether you're a seasoned wellness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these sessions offer valuable insights to enhance your well-being.

Can't join live? Catch up anytime with our post-stream recordings. Watch Live or Recorded on YouTube

Last week, Dr. Rak covered Common Mistakes People Make When Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet. You can sign up for Dr. Rak’s free 5-day email course on how to build a thriving plant-based mindset. He focused on Mistake #1 featured in the course, which is not knowing your WHY.

The Health Feast Corner ??

If you’ve been enjoying The Health Feast, please do us a favor by subscribing to the podcast on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify) and leaving a review. Your support is much appreciated!

Episode 31: James Wilks is on a Mission to Change the World. In this episode of The Health Feast, Dr. Rak welcomes James Wilks, former MMA fighter, elite Special Forces trainer, and the mastermind behind the groundbreaking documentary The Game Changers. James shares his incredible journey from overcoming severe knee injuries to revolutionizing the conversation around plant-based nutrition. The film, viewed by over 200 million people, challenges longstanding myths about meat and athletic performance, showcasing the powerful benefits of plant-based eating. In their conversation, Dr. Rak and James delve into the making of the documentary, the challenges faced, and the impact it has had on public perception. They also discuss the exciting sequel, The Game Changers 2, and James's ongoing mission to combat misinformation in the nutrition industry. James also shares the vision and mission of his innovative plant-based protein company, F?TA. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health, fitness, and the transformative power of a plant-based diet. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube

Episode 30: The High Achiever's Guide to Self-Compassion with Jordana Confino, Professional Coach. In this episode of The Health Feast podcast, Dr. Rak welcomes Jordana Confino, a Yale Law School graduate, certified professional coach, and expert in positive psychology and well-being. Jordana shares her compelling journey from experiencing severe burnout in her legal career to transforming her life through self-compassion and positive psychology. The conversation delves into the impact of perfectionism on mental and physical health, and Jordana offers practical strategies for overcoming it. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with daily actions and how small, actionable steps can lead to significant changes in overall well-being. Additionally, Jordana discusses the link between perfectionism and chronic pain, offering insights into mind-body medicine and how positive psychology principles can be applied to address physical health issues. Learn how self-compassion can lead to lasting success and well-being and discover transformative insights to help you thrive. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Substack | YouTube

Want to level up your health journey? Join Dr. Rak and the supportive community of RAK Your Life. Join a RYL Tribe, where community, support, and accountability are key to transformation in these weekly health education groups.

• Our Plant-Based Tribe meets on Monday evenings at 430pm PST/ 730pm EST (only 4 spots left!)
• Our Heart Health Tribe meets on Wednesdays at 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST (only 5 spots left!). More details can be found here.
• Our Mens Peak Tribe meets on Wednesdays at 6 pm PST/ 9 pm EST (there are only 3 spots left!). More details can be found here.

You can also work with Dr. Rak individually for 1:1 medical care and get a Lifestyle Medicine doctor on your side to help oversee your care, reverse chronic diseases, and optimize your health and longevity. You can attend a free session to see if the Tribe is the right fit for you. Sign up for a FREE discovery call with Dr. Rak here and learn more on the new and improved RAK Your Life website!

Thanks for walking this path with me. I always look forward to hearing your stories and insights, so feel free to comment or message me. Or pass this message along to someone who could use a boost of Reflection, Awareness, and Kindness in their life.

Live Well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak ????