The act of sourcing ingredients and assimilating a nutritious meal is a tradition that dates back to the beginning of humankind. Unfortunately, today in the age of drive-thrus and delivery services, we’re largely disconnected from the sourcing and preparation of our meals. But what could we gain if we got back to our roots and spent more time nourishing our bodies with real whole foods, prepared in our own homes?  Bestselling author and science journalist Max Lugavere is back on the show to share how cooking can help us achieve a healthier weight, maximize our cognitive function, and prevent chronic diseases. In his new book, Genius Kitchen, Max offers recipes and science on the most accessible and nutrient-dense foods. No matter your current culinary skillset, Max provides realistic tips you can implement to eat healthier and strengthen your body and brain.  This interview contains insightful tips on healthy fats, eating for cognitive longevity, the importance of not allowing perfection to ruin your progress, plus nutrient-dense foods to incorporate into your diet. Max is also sharing his guide to sourcing your food (no matter your budget), and why learning to cook is an economical, health-promoting practice we can all benefit from. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Model Health Show!  In this episode you’ll discover: The multiple benefits of cooking your meals at home.  Why highly refined oils are harming our health.  Healthy fats you should be cooking with.  What culinary literacy is, and why we need to return to our roots. The connection between cooking at home and BMI.  Which oils are the most commonly consumed in the Standard American Diet.  Why trans fats are so harmful to human health.  The difference between an oil’s smoke point and the temperature it becomes toxic. How the fat we eat interacts with our brain.  A realistic way to control your intake of unhealthy fats.  The importance of sourcing when it comes to animal products and produce.  Why perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of good when it comes to nutrition.  An inconvenient truth that vegans need to understand about omega 3s. The protective role that vitamin E plays in brain health.  Why fatty fish has powerful health benefits.  The importance of DHA and EPA during pregnancy. Real food sources of vitamin D.  The brain protective molecules that dairy fat contains. Why eating 1-2 servings of blueberries per week is powerful for cognitive function. The number one source of dietary sodium in the American diet. Why learning to cook is an economical choice.  The advantages of cooking meat low and slow.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off! Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Save 15% on raw honey & other natural remedies! GeniusKitchenBook.com -- Preorder Genius Kitchen today to claim your bonuses!  Connect with Max Lugavere Website / Podcast / Instagram Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript