Living With Intention and Building Plant-Based Muscle After 50 with Dr. Rich Rosenfeld

What if your best body, clearest mind, and strongest sense of purpose were still ahead of you?

That’s the question I explore in this episode with Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA. He’s a board-certified ENT, Director of Guidelines and Quality at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and one of the most published ENT researchers in the world—with nearly 400 peer-reviewed articles to his name.

But what really sets Rich apart is his personal story.

In his mid-50s, he hit a turning point—and decided to change course. He adopted a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. Picked up strength training again after decades off. Started running. Now, in his 60s, he’s finished 10 marathons, lifts consistently, and says he feels sharper and more alive than ever.

In This Episode, We Dive Into:

• What sparked Rich’s midlife transformation

• How he fuels, trains, and recovers today

• Strength training after 50 and the role of protein and creatine

• His honest take on GLP-1 meds (like Wegovy and Zepbound) for weight loss

• And how mindset, curiosity, and purpose fuel long-term change

We also talk about the culture of medicine—and what it’ll take to build a system that actually supports health, not just disease management.

This conversation is full of science-backed insight and lived experience. And it’s a story that reminds you what’s possible—no matter your starting point.

Live well and RAK ON, Dr. Rak 👊🏽 —- If you enjoyed the episode, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review on Apple Podcasts. It helps others find the show—and keeps this Feast growing. 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM Dr. Rak on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife or here on the Substack.

Guest Bio

Dr. Richard Rosenfeld is a board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and a distinguished academic with nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to clinical guideline development and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Rosenfeld currently serves as the Director of Guidelines and Quality at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

In recent years, he has become a passionate advocate for lifestyle change—not only professionally, but personally. After adopting a whole food, plant-based lifestyle in his mid-50s, he returned to strength training, took up distance running, and has since completed 10 marathons. His work bridges rigorous clinical science with a deep personal commitment to preventive and lifestyle-based care. Online links 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richrosenfeld/ 🔗 Professional Website: https://www.downstate.edu/faculty/otolaryngology/rosenfeld.html

Timestamps:

Chapters

00:00 Teaser and Episode Intro 04:55 Dr. Rich Rosenfeld's Health Journey 09:57 The Role of Nutrition in Health 15:05 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine 20:10 Understanding GLP-1 Agonists and Weight Loss 24:46 The Impact of Exercise on Aging 29:48 The Future of Healthcare and Lifestyle Medicine 33:44 - Weight Loss Strategies and Strength Training 37:32 - Maintaining Fitness and Mental Health 44:23 - Fueling and Training for Injury Prevention 58:24 - Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Lifestyle Medicine 01:07:18 - Shifting Medical Perspectives and Lifestyle Tips

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Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.