Planet Health

Happy new year! Enjoy a quick and highly unscripted podcast update from Chris, who runs through the current state of the Planet Health podcast as well as some other news. Here's the Dad Bod Downsize book Chris discusses in the episode This is the YouTube video Chris mentions in the episode Visit ChrisCarra.com to contact Chris Connect with him on Twitter and Bluesky

Sitting is the new smoking. In this episode, Chris explores the dangers of sedentarism (living a sedentary lifestyle) and its consequences. As the name suggests, sedentarism is simply living a sedentary lifestyle. In other words, one based around low levels of movement and activity. He also takes a look why formal exercise such as running, cycling and swimming isn't enough - and what we can do...

Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode, Chris discusses the American and Canadian traditions of Thanksgiving, which leads into an exploration of the health benefits of gratitude – one of the most underrated things in the world of mental health. He shares some tips on how to practice gratitude each day in a simple way. Read this podcast as an article: The Mental Health Benefits of Gratitude (and How t...

Buongiorno! In this episode, the healthy traditions of Italy are once again the focus, as Chris explores ‘la cucina povera’ – one of the healthiest ways to eat. He looks at the foods and dishes of this rustic culinary tradition, while giving his own personal insight, having grown up with an Italian father. Of course, the episode features his favourite royalty-free Italian music! Read this episode...

BOO! 👻 It’s the Halloween special episode of the Planet Health podcast! In this episode, Chris explores the topic of being scared and whether or not it’s good for you. We also welcome culture and ghost journalist Mark Rees back to the podcast – where he offers some insight into the traditions of Halloween – and briefly discuss some of the best calorie-burning horror films! Visit the Planet Health...

In today's episode, Chris dives deeper into one of the habits from the blue zone of Okinawa, called hara hachi bu. He explores the art of eating to 80% full and how it can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. He also offers some tips on how to practice it yourself. The podcast also includes some insight from Japanese health author, Kaki Okumura (taken from a previous episode). Re...

Heard about the five Blue Zones? These incredible areas of health are exactly what Chris explores in this episode! It’s inspired by the release of a new Netflix series called ‘Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones’ with Dan Buettner. In this episode, Chris looks at Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (USA). He then explores some of the...

In this brief update, Chris explains his plans for Season 2 and the future of Planet Health podcast! Visit the Planet Health website for more: https://planethealth.online/   For social, newsletter and contact details, visit: https://linktr.ee/chriscarra

Is red wine healthy? What about red wine being good for your heart? That’s what avid red wine drinker Chris explores in this fun episode! He chats about his recent visit to Bordeaux in France (specifically Saint-Émilion) – home to some of the best vineyards in the world – as well as the nutritional values of red wine, the potential health benefits of red wine, and its limitations. Read this podcas...

Italy is the world’s healthiest country! Well, at least it is in 2023... In this episode, Chris takes a look at why the land of pasta, pizza and ice cream made the top spot as the healthiest nation. We look at who has given them this title, what Italians do differently, and – most importantly – what we can learn from it all. Visit the new Planet Health website for more: https://planethealth.online...

Feeling low? In this episode, Chris explores the best exercise for anxiety and depression. Five of them, in fact! He chats about running, dancing, yoga, walking and lifting weights to ease depression and anxiety symptoms. He also discusses the general benefits of exercise for mental health, as well as how to get out of bed and get moving when you are feeling down. If you are struggling with depres...

Buon giorno ! Is a 10 minute walk after dinner good? You bet! In today’s fun episode, Chris heads to Italy to discuss the Italian tradition of la passeggiata , which is a slow after dinner walk. We discuss the benefits of walking after eating on your digestion, as well as its ability to regulate blood sugar – making it a must for people with diabetes. Visit the new Planet Health website for more:...

There is nothing wrong with the occasional snack! However, snacking can become a big issue when it impacts your health. This is why many people wonder how to stop snacking for good – and that’s exactly what Chris explains in this episode! Whether you have a problem with compulsive snacking or mindless eating, this tried and tested technique is guaranteed to help you reduce snacking, providing you...

Is it OK to eat kiwi before bed? Can kiwifruits help you sleep better? In our experience… maybe! Chris has done some experimenting with eating kiwifruits before bed and, in this episode, he reveals whether or not eating kiwis for sleep is a good idea. He also looks the possible reasons behind kiwi benefits for sleeping and possible drawbacks of eating kiwifruits (also known as Chinese gooseberries...

In my most dramatic episode to date, I offer you all you need to know about losing weight… in just one minute! That’s right, I set myself a ridiculous one-minute target in which to give you all the information about habit-based weight loss. Expect lots of fast talking and epic music. Do I succeed? Tune in to find out! Enjoy? Please subscribe and rate the podcast! Follow Chris on Twitter at: @Forza...

In this inspiring episode, Chris talks about a 100-year-old great grandma from Florida called Edith Murway-Traina who sealed her place in the Guinness Book of World Records, and how it is never too old to try strength training. Chris then discusses why you should lift weights at any age (yes, even if you are ‘old’) and how to resistance train in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Watch the video of Ed...

In this special 25th episode, Chris answers some of your questions! Topics include how to keep weight off after you have already lost it; the world’s healthiest dish; and fitness and eating disorders (so if you are triggered by this kind of thing, you may want to avoid the episode from minute 8.20!). There are also a few extra questions that discuss the future of Planet Health. Enjoy! For social,...

From plantains to supergrains, Nigeria is a country with many culinary delights – and many healthy ingredients. In this episode, Chris chats with respected Nigerian chef and cookbook author Tomi Makanjuola, originally from Lagos, known as The Vegan Nigerian. The pair discuss some of Western Africa’s most famous dishes, how to cook with plantains, as well as some delicious health-boosting ingredien...

In this episode, Chris tells his own weight loss story – and how it wasn't particularly planned! He didn’t set out to get in shape, but it happened. Learn why he gained weight in the first place (it involved pasta...), how he started losing fat naturally, and what he does now to continue the process. Chris also offers some actionable tips on how to lose weight without being on a diet as well a...

Winter is almost over and, on March 20, spring will begin! Winter can leave us feeling tired and unhealthy. So, in this episode Chris offers three of his favourite things to do to boost your health and happiness, and improve your wellness this springtime. He also offers a few actionable tips on how to do these things. For links to Chris’s newsletter, social media, website and to contact him, simpl...

Japan is one of healthiest countries on the planet, with so many wholesome habits. Japanese people are some of the slimmest and healthiest people in the world, and that can be attributed to traditions such as hara hachi bu and ichiju-sansai, which are two of the concepts Chris chats about today with his special guest, Kaki Okumura. Kaki is a top Japanese writer in food, health, travel and culture,...

In this episode, Chris takes a look at the global habit of salting fruits like watermelon, mango and strawberries, which is practiced in countries such as the USA, Mexico, Dominican Republic and the Philippines. After discussing this tradition, he then looks at the negatives of too much sodium and ways to reduce your salt intake for better health. PODCAST PAGE: http://www.chriscarra.com/planet-hea...

Guten tag ! In this delicious episode, Chris heads to Western Europe to talk about the delicious foods of Germany, including bratwurst sausages, pickles and breads. Chris talks about the negatives of processed meat, the benefits of fermented foods, and whether German food is any good for you. Read this podcast as an article on the new Planet Health website: https://planethealth.online/2023/04/09/i...

Whether you are very busy or stressed out, pressing the pause button on your health and fitness goals can seem like the most sensible option. But in today’s episode, Chris offers an alternative way of thinking about your life and wellbeing, that may help keep you on track when the going gets tough! You can get in touch with Chris via: http://www.chriscarra.com/contact-2/ Follow Chris on Twitter at...

It’s time for part two of our episode on silly and strange fad diets from around the world! In this episode, Chris discusses the Baby Food Diet (USA), the Ear Stapling Diet (China), and Japan’s Vision Diet. It’s another fun look at the world of weight loss and the extent that some people will go to as they try to lose fat. In the episode, Chris mentions an article about the Vision Diet – you can r...