68: Does Depression Lead to Bad Food Choices? | Josh Noland

The Primal Shift

Can changing your diet transform your mental health? In this episode, I explore the profound connection between nutrition and emotional well-being through the inspiring journey of health advocate and author Josh Noland. Overcoming depression and physical inactivity, Noland reclaimed his life by embracing mindful eating, meditation and strength training.

By making small, sustainable changes — like swapping processed snacks for whole fruits and prioritizing protein intake — he significantly improved both his mental and physical health. His story underscores the foundational role of mental health in overall wellness, influencing our motivation to make healthier choices and maintain beneficial habits. Simple practices such as walking after meals not only stabilize blood sugar but also enhance mood, demonstrating how accessible actions can lead to substantial benefits.

During our conversation, we also talk about the importance of home cooking for controlling ingredient quality and supporting optimal health, contrasting it with the pitfalls of processed foods and restaurant meals laden with unhealthy fats and additives.

With his upcoming cookbook, Noland aims to make nutritious eating both accessible and enjoyable. His journey serves as a compelling reminder that taking ownership of your health doesn’t have to begin with drastic overhauls — it can start with manageable steps that lead to lasting change.

In this episode:

00:00 - Intro

00:40 - Food, mood, and mental health

02:20 - Josh’s health journey and lifestyle changes

06:00 - Benefits of walking and small dietary changes

10:05 - Prioritizing protein for health

14:05 - Staying active and using resistance bands

16:50 - Mental health and the importance of therapy

21:00 - The value of cooking at home

25:37 - Josh’s books and final thoughts

36:30 - Outro and next episode preview

Learn more:

Download my free Animal Based Diet Food & Beverage List: https://michaelkummer.com/food-list/

18: What I eat in an animal-based diet + My go-to food choices and supplements: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/what-i-eat-in-an-animal-based-diet-my-go-to-food-choices-and-supplements/

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Peluva!

Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven’t worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury.

To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review and use code KUMMER to get 15% off your first pair.

Learn more from Josh:

Author of the Protein Lifestyle Series and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief.

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[Medical Disclaimer]

The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health.

[Affiliate Disclaimer]

I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code.

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