TMGP Ep 32 with health coach and diabetes expert Ghamdan Al-Areeky
Ghamdan Al-Areeky is a dynamic leader in the field of holistic wellness, with a passionate focus on empowering individuals, particularly those living with Type 2 Diabetes. As the Founder and CEO of Wellness Impact and Evolve Catalyst, he specializes in guiding people towards healthier lifestyles through sustainable changes in nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep. His mission is not only to help individuals achieve remission from diabetes but also to enhance their overall quality of life, promoting long-term health and well-being.
In addition to his work in wellness coaching, Ghamdan is dedicated to supporting small charities through Evolve Catalyst, where he mentors organizations in developing operational strategies and maximizing their impact. His extensive background in digital marketing and education further enriches his approach to both wellness and charity work.
So, whether you’re a gym-goer looking to maximize your gains or a coach seeking evidence-based strategies for your clients, this episode promises to be both enlightening and engaging. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of muscle physiology with Daniel Plotkin!
In today’s episode, we dive into a wide range of insights: Some of the topics include:
Podcast Topics and Talking Points
1. Gawdan’s Journey to Becoming a Health Coach
2. Understanding Diabetes
What is diabetes, and how does it affect the body?
What is insulin, and what role does it play in regulating blood sugar levels?
How can building muscle and engaging in regular exercise help manage or prevent diabetes?
3. Factors and Causes of Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity.
Unhealthy food choices and poor nutrition.
Environmental and genetic factors.
The role of stress, sleep deprivation, and weight management.
4. Types of Diabetes
Differentiate between Type 1, Type 2, and prediabetes.
Discuss gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
How lifestyle adjustments can help manage each type.
5. Cortisol and Blood Sugar
The relationship between cortisol (stress hormone) and blood sugar levels.
Potential factors that elevate blood sugar, such as coffee, heat, and lack of sleep.
6. Preventing and Reversing Diabetes
Sustainable strategies for managing or reversing diabetes.
The importance of exercise, diet, and stress management.
7. Building Sustainable Health Habits
Avoiding heavily processed foods and reducing sugar intake.
Switching to natural, raw options, such as raw honey instead of processed honey.
Adding fiber-rich foods to the diet and focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Minimally processed foods and reading food labels.
Reducing reliance on eating out and prioritizing home-cooked meals.
8. Food as Fuel
Using food to fuel the body for optimal performance and recovery.
Nutrient-dense choices contributing to long-term health.
9. Exercise and Training
Progressive overload and how the body adapts to challenges. Examples of progressive overload such as by increasing weight, intensity, or duration over time.
Incorporating daily walking, aiming for at least 30 minutes, and adding one longer walk weekly.
Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for maintaining health and building muscle.
10. Muscle Growth and Health
The connection between building muscle and overall health, including its role in blood sugar management.
The wide scope of fitness knowledge and the importance of focusing on foundational areas before specializing.
Avoiding imitating professional athletes without considering personal circumstances and goals.
11. Sleep for Recovery
The necessity of sleep for physical recovery and cognitive function.
The importance of sleep quality alongside quantity for overall health and longevity.
Tips to improve sleep hygiene and create better rest habits.
12. Managing Stress and Mental Health
How stress impacts physical and mental health.
Practical tips for stress management,
and so much more.
South Africa