Today, I am blessed to have here with me Chef Michael Silverstein. Michael was just recently crowned Runner-up on the All-star season of MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay! After beating out tens of thousands of competitors on Season 10 of MasterChef on FOX, he returned to battle on MasterChef Season 12, proving once again that he is one of the best cooks in America! Michael’s bestselling cookbooks, “New Keto Cooking” & “New Comfort Cooking”, along with his upcoming third book, “New Keto: Dinner in 30!”, have been endorsed by Michelin-star celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Graham Elliot, and Aaron Sanchez. Michael has been featured in PEOPLE Magazine, E! News, Hallmark Channel, NPR, Good Morning America, New York Post, National Examiner, Closer Weekly, Allrecipes, Delish, Medium, FeedFeed, FoodBeast, Newsweek, Diply, Mashed, and more! As a three-time bestselling cookbook author, social media star, and TV personality, Michael is passionate about the power of cooking to improve one's life. After losing more than 80 pounds in one year on the Ketogenic diet, Michael enthusiastically believes that health starts in the kitchen. And hopes to continue helping others make incredible food at home while finding joy and empowerment through their cooking. His recipes prove that eating better does not mean giving up your favorite foods. Michael’s recipes are healthy, bold, and delicious - nothing like the “diet” food you may be used to. In this episode, Michael speaks about the importance of self-love in personal and professional success. Michael dives into his health transformation and all the physical, emotional, and mental benefits he felt after trying a ketogenic lifestyle. Plus, he explains how to listen to your body and give it what it needs. Tune in as we chat all about easy keto recipes, finding a variety in your cooking, and how a ketogenic diet can vastly improve your mental well-being. New Keto: Dinner in 30: Super Easy and Affordable Recipes for a Healthier Lifestyle: https://www.amazon.com/New-Keto-Affordable-Healthier-Lifestyle/dp/1645679004/benazadi-20 Message me on Instagram www.instagram.com/thebenazadi with the word ENERGY to learn more about coaching from me. / / E P I S O D E S P ON S O R S Paleo Valley beef sticks, apple cider vinegar complex, organ meat complex & more. Use the coupon code KETOKAMP15 over at https://paleovalley.com/ to receive 15% off your entire order. Upgraded Formulas Upgraded Magnesium & Charge Electrolyte Supplements: http://www.upgradedformulas.com Use KK15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list. [06:05] Why Self-Love Is The Key To Personal and Professional Success Before his health transformation, Michael never wanted to look in the mirror; he wanted to be invisible in a room. Michael found empowerment because losing weight unlocked strength and confidence inside of him. Michael has a newfound passion for honoring himself and being his best version. Finding love for yourself can play into your personal and professional life. [19:05] How a Keto Lifestyle Played a Role In Michael’s Health Transformation Michael wanted to find an approach to diet that still allowed him to love food. After learning about keto, Michael realized he could still have steak and butter. Michael started a keto diet by completely doubting himself. He didn’t even tell his fiancé that he was cutting out carbs. Michael didn’t want the shame of failing when trying the keto diet. Keto allowed Michael to feel empowerment, energy, strength, and health. Ten years of acid reflux were gone in two or three weeks of the keto diet. Michael’s body was telling him that keto was working within days. [25:15] How To Listen To What Your Body Is Telling You It took Michael thirty years to realize how much your body will talk to you. Michael lost 80 pounds in one year because he was really focused. On a weight loss journey, you become aware of how much your body communicates with you and how you feel. Before getting healthy, Michael never listened to what his body told him. Michael lost weight without even walking into a gym. [30:25] Finding A Variety and Diversity With a Ketogenic Lifestyle Diversity and a variety of food are essential to keep it exciting. Some people thrive on not having to think about what they eat daily. Michael loves to explore the world of food that is out there. Part of Michael’s personal journey was finding ways to make keto food sexy enough for him to want it every night. [39:40] Food Determines Your Mood: Health Starts and Ends In The Kitchen Your stomach is your second brain; the gut microbiome sends signals that affect every part of our body's systems mentally, physically, psychologically, and emotionally. It’s challenging to tell if your mood is better because of the food or if it is better because you decided to change your life. Michael says keto changed his mood right away. Health starts and ends in the kitchen; there is serious power in the food you eat. [44:00] Fitting The Keto Diet Into Your Lifestyle Is Quick and Simple Michael likes to teach people with his cooking books. Finding good recipes will help you enjoy cooking more. Michael’s keto recipes are 30 minutes or less. They are all delicious and easy! You need to find food that you enjoy cooking. Get the book New Keto: Dinner in 30: Super Easy and Affordable Recipes for a Healthier Lifestyle: https://www.amazon.com/New-Keto-Affordable-Healthier-Lifestyle/dp/1645679004/benazadi-20. AND MUCH MORE! Resources from this episode: Check out Chef Michael’s Website: https://www.chef-michael.com/ Follow Chef Michael TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chef.michael Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefmichael.keto/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6UC5NkLOA8YOIY0g0FMelw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefmichael.keto Twitter: https://twitter.com/chefmichael_ Listen to The Talk with Chef Michael: https://open.spotify.com/show/1tpOIHt5Jp8H2a85cuds2R New Keto: Dinner in 30: Super Easy and Affordable Recipes for a Healthier Lifestyle: https://www.amazon.com/New-Keto-Affordable-Healthier-Lifestyle/dp/1645679004/benazadi-20 Join the Keto Kamp Academy: https://ketokampacademy.com/7-day-trial-a Watch Keto Kamp on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUh_MOM621MvpW_HLtfkLyQ Message me on Instagram www.instagram.com/thebenazadi with the word ENERGY to learn more about coaching from me. / / E P I S O D E S P ON S O R S Paleo Valley beef sticks, apple cider vinegar complex, organ meat complex & more. Use the coupon code KETOKAMP15 over at https://paleovalley.com/ to receive 15% off your entire order. Upgraded Formulas Upgraded Magnesium & Charge Electrolyte Supplements: http://www.upgradedformulas.com Use KK15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list. *Some Links Are Affiliates* // F O L L O W ▸ instagram | @thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2B1NXKW ▸ facebook | /thebenazadi | http://bit.ly/2BVvvW6 ▸ twitter | @thebenazadi http://bit.ly/2USE0so ▸ tiktok | @thebenazadi https://www.tiktok.com/@thebenazadi Disclaimer: This podcast is for information purposes only. Statements and views expressed on this podcast are not medical advice. This podcast including Ben Azadi disclaim responsibility from any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. Opinions of guests are their own, and this podcast does not accept responsibility of statements made by guests. 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