In this episode of Prescibing Lifestyle Podcast, I chat with Alex McDonald, founder of Keto Marathons. Alex shares his incredible journey of running five marathons in five days while fasting and adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle. He discusses the power of fat adaptation, how he trained for such a unique challenge, and the inspiring lessons he learned along the way.

1. About Alex McDonald:
   • Founder of Keto Marathons and a long-term advocate of the ketogenic lifestyle.
   • Over 15 years of low-carb and keto living, unlocking extraordinary energy and endurance.
   • Completed five marathons in five days, completely fasted, as a demonstration of the power of fat adaptation.
2. Journey to Keto:
   • Inspired by longevity and the health outcomes of others thriving in their twilight years.
   • Transitioned to keto through simple changes like eliminating grains and processed foods, eating whole foods, and focusing on fat and protein.
   • Experienced life-changing energy and mental clarity within just one month of starting keto.
3. The Five Marathons Challenge:
   • Ran five marathons in five consecutive days, ending with the Sydney Marathon.
   • Consumed only water and electrolytes throughout the five days.
   • Dealt with extreme heat, physical pain (sprained ankles, knee and hip discomfort), and no sleep, but never ran out of energy thanks to being fat-adapted.
4. Training and Preparation:
   • Trained for a year, starting with short runs and gradually increasing to 60–100 km per week.
   • Worked with expert advisors like Dr Ian Lake, Dr Paul Mason, and dietitian Dr Jessica Turton to fine-tune his approach.
   • Prioritised low-intensity, heart-rate-focused runs to minimise injury risks.
5. Lessons Learned from the Challenge:
   • Energy and endurance are accessible to everyone through fat adaptation.
   • Completing a marathon—or any big challenge—builds resilience and shifts your perspective on what’s truly difficult in life.
6. Backyard Ultra Adventure:
   • Participated in a Backyard Ultra, completing 15 loops (100 km) in 15 hours.
   • Enjoyed the unique format and camaraderie of the event.
7. What’s Next for Alex:
   • Training for the Ultra-Trail Australia 100K event in May 2025.
   • Plans to complete the race fasted, capturing data to further demonstrate the benefits of keto and fat adaptation.

1. Fat Adaptation Unlocks Boundless Energy:
   • Keto isn’t just for endurance athletes—it’s for anyone looking to boost energy and performance in their everyday lives.
2. Resilience and Mindset Matter:
   • Achieving big challenges, like marathons, strengthens your ability to handle life’s difficulties.
3. The Power of Simplicity:
   • Small lifestyle changes, like eliminating processed foods and focusing on nutrient-dense meals, can have profound impacts on health and wellbeing.

• Website: Keto Marathons
• Instagram: @ketomarathons
• X (formerly Twitter): @keto_marathons

• Instagram: @prescribing_lifestyle_podcast
• Facebook: Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast
• YouTube: @prescribinglifestyle

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of lifestyle-driven health transformations!

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast I share highlights from the recent Holistic Wellness Retreat in Mansfield, co-hosted with Julie Bristow from Rejuvenate Health Retreats. This retreat combined intermittent fasting, low-carb living, and mindfulness to help participants pause, reflect, and rejuvenate.

1. About the Retreat:

   • Held over two nights (Friday–Sunday) in Mansfield.
   • Attended by five participants from diverse backgrounds, along with hosts Julie, Mary, and myself.
   • Focused on healthy eating, bushwalking, breathwork, mindfulness, and connection.

2. Day-by-Day Highlights:

   • Friday:
     • Arrival, welcome dinner (coconut-dressed fish and salad), and introductions.
     • Participants shared personal stories and set intentions for the weekend.
   • Saturday:
     • Morning breathwork session, bushwalk to Mount Buller’s stunning waterfall, and lunch (chia pudding with berries).
     • Free time by the pool, sauna, and spa for relaxation and mindfulness.
     • Knowledge-sharing sessions on low-carb living and mindset.
     • Yin Yoga session led by Julie, followed by a hearty dinner (slow-cooked beef brisket with cauliflower mash and salad).
   • Sunday:
     • Early morning solo walk by me, followed by a group walk in the rain.
     • Brunch at a local café in Yea.
     • Despite challenges like a power outage, the retreat concluded on a high note.

3. Key Takeaways from the Retreat:

   • Connection: Building bonds with like-minded participants.
   • Mindfulness: Stepping away from everyday responsibilities to recharge.
   • Success: Seamlessly integrating healthy living practices with relaxation and self-care.

4. Upcoming Retreats & Events:

   • March 2025 Retreat: Another holistic wellness retreat during the Labour Day long weekend in Mansfield.

   For more information on upcoming retreats and events, visit Rejuvenate Health Retreats.

   • December 8, 2024 – Breathwork in the Bush:
     • A 3-hour session in Karawong Bush Park, Doncaster.
     • Focus on functional breathing to manage stress and anxiety during the holiday season.
     • Limited to 8 participants.
     • Cost: $99 (bulk-billed with a mental health plan available).

For more information: https://mlcclinic.com.au/events/breathe-in-health-half-day-retreat/

• Instagram: @prescribing_lifestyle_podcast
• Facebook: Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast
• YouTube: @prescribinglifestyle

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay tuned for more insights into lifestyle-driven health transformations!

In this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast, I sit down with Despina Kolivas, a PhD student from La Trobe University, to discuss her groundbreaking research using the Defeat Diabetes app. From the science behind low-carb diets to real-world success stories, this episode offers valuable insights into how nutrition can empower individuals to take control of their health and manage type 2 diabetes effectively.

1. Despina’s Journey into Nutrition Research:
   • Transitioning from engineering and economics to nutrition.
   • Personal inspiration: her father’s health struggles and her desire to better understand metabolic health.
2. Introduction to the Defeat Diabetes App:
   • A comprehensive program designed to support type 2 diabetes management through low-carb education, recipes, and resources.
   • Collaboration between La Trobe University and Defeat Diabetes to assess the app’s impact on clinical outcomes.
3. Study Results So Far:
   • Clinical Improvements:
     • Average HbA1c reduction of 1% in 3 months.
     • 85% of participants saw improvements in blood sugar levels.
     • Significant weight loss, reduced blood pressure, and better lipid profiles.
   • Medication Reduction:
     • 21 participants reduced or discontinued their diabetes medications.
   • Quality of Life:
     • Participants reported reduced diabetes distress and improved self-efficacy.
4. Success Stories:
   • Highlighting Robert, a participant who significantly improved his HbA1c, reduced medications, and transformed his health using the app.
5. Challenges in Lifestyle Research:
   • Stress and life circumstances as barriers to sustained change.
   • The importance of GP support in ensuring participant safety and success.
6. Next Steps for the Research:
   • Ongoing data analysis for 6-month and 12-month outcomes.
   • Upcoming presentations at the International Diabetes Federation World Congress in Bangkok (April 2025).

Explore the foundational research behind the Defeat Diabetes program:

• Effectiveness of a Digitally Delivered Continuous Care Intervention (Defeat Diabetes) on Type 2 Diabetes Outcomes: A 12-Month Single-Arm, Pre-Post Intervention Study
  • PubMed
  • MDPI

Take control of your health with the Defeat Diabetes program!

Affiliate Link: Defeat Diabetes Program

Use code DDGJB15 for 15% off your order.

• Instagram: @prescribing_lifestyle_podcast
• Facebook: Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast
• YouTube: @prescribinglifestyle

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay tuned for more insights into lifestyle-driven health transformations!

In this episode, I delve into the world of mindfulness—what it is, how to incorporate it into your daily life, and the profound benefits it can bring. From informal practices like brushing your teeth to formal techniques like body scans and breathwork, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you cultivate mindfulness.

1. What is Mindfulness?
   • Mindfulness is about being present with non-judgemental awareness. It’s not about having a blank mind but noticing what’s happening without attachment or judgement.
2. Informal Mindfulness Practices:
   • Brushing Your Teeth: Notice your sensations and thoughts while brushing.
   • Eating Mindfully: Focus on the taste, texture, and smell of your food.
   • Five Senses Exercise: Tune into your surroundings by noticing one sense at a time—what you see, hear, touch, smell, or taste.
3. Formal Mindfulness Practices:
   • Breathwork: Practice Coherent Breathing (5 counts in, 5 counts out) to calm your mind and body.
   • Body Scan: Use guided meditations to notice physical sensations from head to toe.
   • Mindful Walking: Connect with nature by observing your steps, sounds, and surroundings.
4. Real-Life Applications:
   • A patient avoided a panic attack using Coherent Breathing while driving.
   • Another found relief from work stress through the Five Senses Exercise.
5. Gratitude as Mindfulness:
   • Writing down three things you’re grateful for at the end of each day can enhance your mindfulness practice.
6. Mindfulness in Challenging Times:
   • Use mindfulness techniques to manage stress, regulate emotions, and stay present during difficult periods.

• Apps: Insight Timer, Headspace, Calm
• My Program: Breathe Together program on the Breathe in Health website
• Podcast Episode: Check out Episode 26 for a guided 5-minute Coherent Breathing exercise

• Instagram: @prescribing_lifestyle_podcast
• Facebook: Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast
• YouTube: @prescribinglifestyle

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay tuned for more practical tips and tools to enhance your lifestyle!

n this episode, we dive into an incredible transformation story, as our guest Christo shares his journey of managing and improving his type 2 diabetes through a ketogenic lifestyle. Christo talks about his initial diagnosis, struggles with medication, and the inspiring moment a nurse introduced him to keto, which ultimately changed his life.

Key Points Covered:

1. Christo’s Diabetes Diagnosis and Struggles:
   • Christo discusses his diabetes diagnosis in 2008 and the challenges he faced following standard diabetic guidelines, leading to increased insulin doses and worsening symptoms.
2. Turning Point – A Nurse’s Advice:
   • During his recovery from vascular surgery, a nurse whispered to him about the ketogenic diet. This simple tip motivated Christo to research and commit to a keto lifestyle.
3. Adopting the Keto Lifestyle:
   • Christo shares how he started his keto journey, his diet changes, and how he transitioned from a fast-food-heavy diet to whole foods. He reveals his strategies, including eating one meal a day and focusing on high-quality meats and vegetables.
4. Incredible Health Improvements:
   • Within three months, Christo saw a drastic reduction in his HbA1c, lost 30 kg, and eventually eliminated all medications, including insulin, achieving stable blood sugar and overall health.
5. Advice for Beginners:
   • Christo’s top advice for those starting keto is to stick to foods without nutritional labels – think fresh, whole foods from local butchers and produce markets.

Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @prescribing_lifestyle_podcast
• Facebook: Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast
• YouTube: @prescribinglifestyle

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes on Prescribing Lifestyle!

Welcome to this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle, where I share a series of exciting updates and announcements about upcoming events and some personal developments. Here’s what we’ll cover today:

Key Points Covered:

1. Mansfield Retreat Update:
   • An update on the upcoming Mansfield retreat organized with Julie Bristow, featuring intermittent fasting and a low carb lifestyle. Learn more about the activities planned, including bushwalking, yoga, and wellness sessions at the Arlzburg Resort in Mansfield. With only two spots left, time is running out to join us for a rejuvenating weekend. More Info & Booking
2. Breathe In Health Half-Day Retreat:
   • Details about the first-ever half-day breathwork workshop in the serene setting of Currawong Bush Park conference centre. Scheduled for December 8th, this event promises connection and relaxation amidst nature.
3. Pakenham Dinner Recap:
   • A recap of the delightful dinner with John Stewart from the Nutrition Science Collaboration, where discussions about low carb lifestyles and dietary choices took center stage.
4. Publications and Resources:
   • Announcement of the re-print of my book, "Low Carb Made Easy," available for purchase. This practical guide is ideal for anyone looking to understand and implement a low carb diet. Purchase the Book
5. AHPRA Notification Update:
   • An update on the ongoing situation with my AHPRA notification and how I am managing the associated stress.
6. Personal Health Insights:
   • Reflections on my experiences with the infrared sauna, which has significantly improved my neck pain and overall well-being.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 48: Reflections on the Rejuvenate Health Retreat
• Episode 50: When Life Throws a Curveball
• Episode 52: Benefits of Using a Sauna

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @dr_charlton_lifestyle_gp
• Facebook: Dr Charlton Lifestyle GP
• YouTube: @avicharlton
• Breathe In Health Instagram: @breathe_in_health
• Podcast IG: prescribing_lifestyle_podcast

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform to support us and stay tuned for more enriching episodes of Prescribing Lifestyle.

Welcome to this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle where I chat with Michelle Kolze, a coach, speaker, and a beacon of resilience. Michelle shares her journey of recovery from a life-altering accident that severely injured her leg and how she turned a personal crisis into a catalyst for personal development and helping others. Learn about her ARC model—Accept, Reflect, and Create—which has empowered both her and her clients to navigate life’s adversities with grace and strength.

Key Points Covered:

1. The Accident: Michelle recounts the freak accident during a dance workshop that changed her life, detailing the immediate aftermath and the extensive recovery process that followed.
2. The ARC Model: She introduces the Accept, Reflect, and Create model, a framework she developed to help herself and others effectively handle personal crises and envision a positive future.
3. Ongoing Recovery and Impact: Despite multiple surgeries and setbacks, Michelle discusses how she uses her NLP and hypnotherapy skills to maintain a positive outlook and continue her recovery.
4. Empowering Others: Michelle's work as a coach and speaker, sharing her story and tools like the ARC model to inspire and assist others in their own journeys of recovery and self-discovery.

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @dr_charlton_lifestyle_gp
• Facebook: Dr Charlton Lifestyle GP
• YouTube: @avicharlton
• Breathe In Health Instagram: @breathe_in_health
• Podcast IG: prescribing_lifestyle_podcast

Connect with Michelle:

• Download Michelle’s Meditation - Exclusive for our listeners!
• Michelle's Facebook
• Michelle’s Instagram

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform to support us and stay tuned for more enriching episodes of Prescribing Lifestyle.

Welcome to this episode of Prescribing Lifestyle where I have the pleasure of speaking with Paula Fenwick, a leadership and empowerment resilience advocate. Paula shares her extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, her journey into leadership and empowerment, and her passion for enhancing women's roles in leadership and resilience.

Key Points Covered:

• Journey into Leadership: Paula's transition from a corporate career to becoming a keynote speaker and author focusing on leadership and resilience.
• Empowerment in the Workplace: How Paula empowers women in the workplace and her approach to increasing leadership capacity among emerging women leaders.
• Resilience and Personal Growth: Insights into Paula's personal growth post-divorce and how she used her experiences to teach resilience and empowerment.
• Mindfulness and Mental Health: Paula discusses the importance of mindfulness and how it helps manage stress and anxiety, enhancing both personal and professional life.

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @dr_charlton_lifestyle_gp
• Facebook: Dr Charlton Lifestyle GP
• YouTube: @avicharlton
• Breathe In Health Instagram: @breathe_in_health
• Podcast IG: prescribing_lifestyle_podcast

Connect with Paula Fenwick:

• Website: Paula Fenwick
• YouTube: Paula Fenwick
• Book on Amazon: BOUNCE BACK FAST: Practical Resilience

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your preferred platform to support us and stay tuned for more enriching episodes of Prescribing Lifestyle.