In this episode, I am joined by my friend, Shawn Stevenson, author of the USA Today national bestseller, Eat Smarter, and the international bestselling book, Sleep Smarter. He is also the creator of The Model Health Show, which has been ranked as the #1 health podcast in the US. His health expertise has been recognized by major media outlets such as Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, and ABC News, among others. During our conversation, we go beyond the surface and delve into the fascinating world of fat loss and metabolism. Shawn challenges the accuracy of the traditional calories-in, calories-out model for weight loss, arguing that it oversimplifies the complexities of food and its role in the body. We explore its origins in physics and engineering and reveal its limitations when applied to nutrition. This thought-provoking discussion challenges the validity and practicality of the widely accepted model. One of the highlights of Shawn's insights is the significant impact of the type of food consumed on calorie burning. He sheds light on compelling studies that demonstrate how processed foods, such as white bread and cheese products, can result in a 50% reduction in calorie burn compared to whole foods. Shawn emphasizes the importance of consuming higher-quality food, which not only resonates better with the body but also enhances metabolic functioning. We also discuss the influence of factors like the gut microbiome on caloric intake and expenditure, the role of neuroinflammation, and the three things people can do right now to upgrade their metabolism. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/modelhealthshow Eat Smarter: https://eatsmarterbook.com/ Sleep Smarter: https://themodelhealthshow.com/resources/ Diet and Health: with Key to the Calories by Dr. Lulu Hunt Peters: https://www.amazon.ca/Diet-Health-Lulu-Hunt-Peters/dp/0982719604 Food and Nutrition Research Journal: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/zfnr20/current Study: COVID-19 patients and the impacts of chronic anxiety and stress: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0123.htm Listen to Shawn Stevenson’s #1 Health and Fitness Podcast: https://themodelhealthshow.com/podcasts/ Explore meditations by Dr. Joe Dispenza: https://drjoedispenza.com/?rfsn=6914154.37386a&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a Follow JJ Virgin’s podcast: subscribetojj.com