on his #1 piece of advice, why he hires health coaches and the next big thing in wellness
“ In my opinion, we can gain so much freedom from letting go of the pressures and expectations we put on things that we can’t always control.”
I first heard of Dr. Frank Lipman because his PR firm was educating me about a cleanse he created. Years later, after reading his two books and familiarizing myself with his mission, I'm even a bigger fan than I was before. As an internist, Dr. Lipman practices what he calls "good medicine" by incorporating an Eastern approach to holistic healing with modern Western medicine at Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in NYC. As a health coach, he is someone I greatly admire.
If you were to start every morning off with a daily intention, what would it be?
I begin every morning with a meditation to center my mind, helping me feel grounded and present throughout the day.
I highly respect how you practice “Good Medicine” by blending contemporary medicine and science with the wisdom of ancient healing traditions. With more awareness around wellness, do you think this is the way of the future? Why or why not?
Yes, young people are getting educated and fired up about the harmful effects of genetically modified foods, prescription drugs, and a system that supports big business more than it supports their health. Young people are learning that they need to take responsibility for their health, instead of relying on the government and conventional medicine to protect their best interests. I believe this is leading to the younger generation being more open-minded about alternative healing, rather than prescription drugs. A lot of the younger patients I see in my practice, found me by taking their health into their own hands and doing research on holistic alternatives as a path to better health.
Besides through your work, how do you personally practice living beautifully?
I enjoy spending time in nature.
In your most recent book, The New Health Rules, you discuss tips for healthy living. What’s your number one piece of advice that we can all relate to?
One of my favorite pieces of advice, that I think we can all benefit in hearing from time to time, is to stop taking yourself so seriously. In my opinion, we can gain so much freedom from letting go of the pressures and expectations we put on things that we can’t always control.
Who or what inspires you?
I am continuously inspired by the children of the Ubuntu Education Fund. They truly radiate with gratitude and joy even though they come from so little.
What do you think the next big trend in wellness will be?
The next big trend in wellness will simply be, wellness! I believe that more and more doctors and health advisors will encourage patience to practice preventative techniques and keep the body well rather than the current approach, which is waiting for disease to occur before taking action.
Can you tell me about the most rewarding experience in your career so far?
The most rewarding experience of my career occurs all of the time, and this is watching patients heal their bodies, regain their vitality and transform their health. Most people that come to me have been told that they will have a chronic illness, chronic pain or a disease, forever. They feel overwhelmed and disempowered, yet thankfully they know there must be another way. With my guidance and the help of my Health Coaches getting them to implement the changes we recommend, I get to witness tremendous transformation and healing. They no longer have to identify with their pain, symptoms or the name of their illness, but they instead have their life back, along with the knowledge and tools to continuously take care of themselves.
You rely on Health Coaches at your wellness center. Why Health Coaches?
When I hired my first health coach, I began noticing that more and more patients were sticking to the diet, supplement and lifestyle recommendations that I was prescribing. Over the years, I have seen this trend continue, and I believe it is because of the additional support that health coaches provide, helping patients feel more clear in how to incorporate the necessary changes to help them heal their bodies and increase their health. They work to empower my patients, giving them everything they need to feel confident and inspired in creating lifelong changes.
Favorite winter recipe?
My favorite recipe, not just for Fall but all year round is my morning smoothie. It's a perfect balance of protein and healthy fats which set me up for a high energy day.
1 scoop Be Well Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
1/4 cup brewed organic coffee or Teecino caffeine free herbal coffee
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon Be Well Probiotic Powder
1/4 avocado
1 heaped Tablespoon almond butter
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 – 8 ice cubes
What’s next for you?
I'm excited for the launch of my new book " 10 Reasons You Feel Old And Get Fat ... And How You Can Stay Young, Slim and Happy!", which will hit stores in February 2016. Based on the latest research and my clinical experience, I break through the common myths and misconceptions surrounding aging and dieting, and I zero in on what you need to do in order to feel your very best.
Beauty is _______.
In my opinion, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so because the idea of beauty can change from person to person, I believe it is more important to take time and recognize beauty in all forms, whatever that means to an individual, rather than try to identify WHAT beauty is.
