Reclaiming Health through Food and Rhythm with Dr. Colin Zhu, Physician and Chef

What if the advice you’ve been following is part of the problem?

In this episode of The Health Feast, I’m joined by Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, FACLM, Chef, aka The Chef Doc — a physician, chef, and board member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine — to explore why so many people feel lost, even when they’re trying to do everything “right.”

Dr. Zhu’s unique background in both culinary arts and clinical medicine brings a fresh perspective to what real healing requires — and why food is more than just fuel. It’s identity. It’s connection. It’s power.

Key Topics We Cover:

• Why our healthcare system focuses on managing disease, not creating health

• The food–body–community connection, and why it matters more than ever

• How Colin’s journey through culinary school changed his approach to medicine

• Reframing food from restriction and fear to creativity and joy

• The ripple effect of our daily choices — personally and planetarily

• How to reclaim agency and start building health on your terms

We also talk about his passion for blending creativity and health — including his recent appearance in the lifestyle medicine anthem, We Living Healthy, a joyful music video celebrating movement, community, and taking charge of your well-being.

Whether you’re plant-based, curious about lifestyle medicine, or just looking for a more grounded path to wellness — this episode will give you both inspiration and tools to move forward. Resources + Links:

• Learn more about Dr. Colin Zhu: https://www.thechefdoc.co/

• Follow Colin on Instagram: @thechefdoc

• Listen to Colin’s podcast Thrive Bites: wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.thechefdoc.co/thrive-bites-podcast

• Preorder Colin’s new book (coming in 2026) Empowered Kitchen: https://publishizer.com/empowered-kitchen/

And if you found this valuable — share it with a friend, subscribe, or leave a review.

Live well and RAK ON,

Dr. Rak 👊🏽 — 💬 Got thoughts, questions, or topic ideas? DM on Instagram @thehealthfeast or @rakyourlife or here on the Substack.

Guest Bio

Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, FACLM, Chef is a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician, professionally trained chef, and the founder of The Chef Doc, an online platform bridging the healing power of food with evidence-based medicine. He completed his culinary training at the Natural Gourmet Institute and holds certifications from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, combining clinical wisdom with a deep understanding of food as a tool for transformation.

Colin is also a board member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the host of Thrive Bites, a podcast where he explores the intersection of health, purpose, and mindful living. His mission is to help individuals and communities reconnect with the root of health — through food, joy, and intentional living.

Whether he’s in the kitchen or the clinic, Dr. Zhu is known for making wellness both practical and inspiring. His upcoming collaborative cookbook, Empowered Kitchen (set for 2026), invites readers to reclaim their health through accessible, nourishing meals rooted in cultural connection and culinary creativity.

👊🏽 Join the RAK ON Tribe for live sessions (strength training, breathwork, cook-alongs) + giveaways. Start for free at https://community.rakyourlife.com/

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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.