Laird Hamilton Reviews Best Longevity Diets & Lifestyles in the World

Intro (0s)

• Laird Hamilton has surfed all over the world and prioritizes taking care of his body by being mindful of what he puts into it, focusing on output and performance (11s).
• He has observed different diets in various areas of the world and immersed himself in the local culture (14s).
• The discussion aims to explore various diets from around the world that Laird Hamilton has experienced during his travels (23s).

Free Sample Flavors Pack of LMNT (26s)

• Element electrolytes are available in a free sample variety pack with any purchase, which can be accessed through a specific link, offering a range of flavors to try (37s).
• The free sample variety pack is exclusively available with the purchase of Element electrolytes, including their sparkling or stick packs, using the provided link (42s).
• Element electrolytes contain 1,000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium, and are not sweetened with sugar (31s).
• The link to access the free sample variety pack and purchase Element electrolytes is drinkLMNT.com (52s).
• Element electrolytes have been found to curb appetite entirely and can be consumed in a fasted state or during fasted workouts to replenish the body and satisfy cravings (1m0s).

Diet Cultures (1m13s)

• Growing up in Hawaii exposed one to a diverse range of cultures, including Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Hawaiian, and Western, which influenced the variety of diets and foods available, allowing for a unique and interesting eating experience (1m19s).
• This diverse upbringing enabled one to be more open to trying different and unusual foods when traveling to places like Indonesia, Tahiti, and Europe (2m7s).
• Traveling to various countries and experiencing different cultures has allowed one to test and eat foods that others might not normally eat, such as fermented chicken embryo, cow's stomach, and pig intestine (2m22s).
• In Europe, specifically in the Basque Country between Spain and France, the seafood and meat consumption were notable, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods (3m0s).
• In some places, the influence of Western culture has led to the adoption of unhealthy cooking practices, such as using Crisco oil instead of traditional options like coconut oil (3m21s).
• Personal preferences play a role in dietary choices, with some people preferring simpler, less complicated foods, and others enjoying spicy or heavy foods (3m37s).
• The Basque Country and French cuisine are notable for their high-quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and emphasis on local farming and raw dairy products (4m20s).
• The French take great pride in their farming and food production, with each town often having its own specialty, such as cheese, and a focus on high-quality ingredients (4m44s).
• Diets in Asia are considered lighter and more environmentally friendly, with a focus on vegetables and unique, lesser-known foods, which is attributed to the tropical environment and its abundance of fruits and vegetables (5m23s).
• The environment and geographical location play a significant role in shaping the local diet, with tropical regions having more fruits and vegetables, and colder, denser places relying more on fats and fermented foods (5m41s).
• The demand of the environment on the body influences the type of food consumed, with harsher environments allowing for diets that might be less healthy in other contexts (6m8s).
• The speaker loves food and views it as a source of energy and power, with a focus on consuming foods that provide strength and vitality (6m52s).
• Growing up in Hawaii taught the importance of food as fuel, with certain foods providing energy and strength, while others can leave one feeling incapacitated (7m8s).
• Tropical regions are ideal for exotic fruits and vegetables, while colder places have developed techniques like fermentation to preserve food for year-round consumption (7m32s).
• The speaker aims to be versatile in their eating habits, able to consume a wide range of foods without being shocked by their system (8m20s).
• A high-performance lifestyle can be compared to a high-performance vehicle, where being too tight or strict can make one vulnerable to small setbacks, whereas a more balanced approach is more resilient (8m36s).
• The idea of a single optimal diet or lifestyle may not be applicable universally, as different environments and cultures have their unique approaches to longevity and well-being (8m59s).
• The example of the Tahitian "pan cure" dish, made with coconut milk and lemon, is given as a diet that works well in a specific environment, but may not be suitable for other environments, such as cold climates (9m1s).
• The concept of "energetic value" of food is mentioned, suggesting that the energy obtained from food is influenced by the environment in which it is consumed (9m34s).
• The importance of matching one's diet and lifestyle to their environment is emphasized, highlighting the need for a mix-and-match approach to find what works best for each individual (9m30s).

Cold Climates (9m40s)

• In colder environments, such as the Baltic or Nordic regions, diets may include more tubers and warm stews with potatoes, which seem more appealing in cold conditions, unlike tropical fruits like pineapple (9m40s).
• Cold environments are the most demanding for the body, and being in such conditions can make one's appetite unquenchable, especially when exposed outside without proper clothing (10m23s).
• The perception of cold can vary, and it's possible to feel colder in certain situations, such as being in shorts in a valley at altitude, than in colder climates like Alaska (10m48s).
• Growing up in cold environments, such as cold rivers, can make one more accustomed to the cold, but it still has a significant impact on appetite (11m10s).
• Engaging in activities in cold water, such as surfing, can lead to an out-of-control appetite after getting out of the water, possibly due to brown fat activation or the gradient between outside and body temperature (12m7s).
• In extremely cold environments like Antarctica, where both the ambient temperature and water are cold, the hunger experienced after cold water activities can be even more intense (12m38s).
• Factors like wind and other environmental stressors can further increase hunger after engaging in cold water activities (12m52s).
• After experiencing extreme cold, the body's appetite increases significantly, leading to an insatiable hunger that cannot be satisfied, even after consuming large amounts of food (12m59s).
• This increased appetite does not necessarily result in weight gain, and it seems that the body's input of food does not match its output, suggesting a possible feedback mechanism that upregulates thermogenesis to warm the body (13m44s).
• The thermic effect of food, which is normally negligible, may be increased in cold environments, causing the body's metabolism to rise significantly, similar to an "inner fire" that helps to warm the body (14m10s).
• In cold environments, people tend to crave warm, high-fat foods, which are often readily available in those environments, such as the Eskimos' diet of blubber (14m39s).
• The availability of certain foods in specific environments may be related to the body's needs in those environments, as people in cold climates tend to eat foods that help to warm them up, whereas people in warmer climates may not have the same desire for those foods (14m51s).

Diet Changes in Hawaii (15m13s)

• Growing up in Hawaii 50 years ago, obesity was not prevalent, but the situation has changed significantly, with obesity now being more common in the state (15m13s).
• In ancient Hawaii, there was no obesity, and it only appeared when sugar and bread were introduced to the islands (15m43s).
• The traditional Hawaiian diet included foods such as poi, fish, and wild pork, which were nutritious and did not lead to obesity (16m45s).
• The introduction of sugar, bad oils, and other unhealthy foods has contributed to the rise in obesity in Hawaii (17m20s).
• Certain cultures may not be suited to other people's diets, and some populations may be more susceptible to the negative effects of sugar and other unhealthy foods due to their genetic makeup and metabolism (17m34s).
• The abundance and convenience of food in modern times have also contributed to overeating and a lack of nutrients, leading to health problems (18m0s).
• Indigenous people may be better at absorbing nutrients from their diet due to their traditional way of eating and limited access to food (18m32s).
• When indigenous people are suddenly exposed to a large amount of food, their systems may not be able to handle it, leading to negative health consequences (18m44s).
• The traditional Hawaiian diet, which included foods such as poi, was nutritious and did not lead to obesity, and it is possible that Gerber considered poi to be one of the most nutritious substances for babies (16m47s).
• The Japanese culture brought rice to Hawaii, which has contributed to the rise in obesity, as large amounts of rice can be detrimental to health (16m2s).
• The lack of nutrients in modern food and the convenience of unhealthy options have led to a situation where people are not getting the nutrients they need, leading to overeating and health problems (18m12s).

Epigenetic Changes (19m3s)

• The concept of epigenetic changes and their potential to occur rapidly is discussed, with the example of an overweight grandmother and an overweight grandchild being used to illustrate this point (19m33s).
• The idea that populations in areas that industrialized later, such as Hawaii, may be more susceptible to rapid epigenetic changes due to their "operating system" still being in a state of conservation is explored (19m59s).
• The work of Weston Price is mentioned, specifically his research on how the teeth and jaw can change in just one generation, providing an example of rapid epigenetic changes (20m18s).
• The introduction of refined sugar to a population that has only experienced natural sugars is cited as an example of a potent factor that can lead to rapid epigenetic changes (20m40s).
• The concept of purity and innocence in systems, particularly in relation to their connection to nature, is discussed as a potential factor in the susceptibility of populations to rapid epigenetic changes (21m56s).
• The example of Hawaii is used to illustrate how the introduction of outside influences, such as fast food chains, can have a significant impact on a population that was previously isolated and connected to nature (22m10s).
• Native Hawaiians, at the peak of their civilization, were the largest humans on earth, with powerful 7-foot women who could easily overpower most men, due to their pure environment and high-quality diet (22m37s).
• The Polynesians, including those from Samoa, retained their physical power and size due to their environment and diet, which included high-quality fats such as coconut oil (22m56s).
• The traditional Polynesian environment was optimal, with no negative influences, allowing them to thrive and grow with ease (23m22s).
• However, the introduction of industrialization and seed oils has led to a decline in their traditional diet and lifestyle, resulting in negative health effects such as obesity (23m50s).
• The combination of bad influences and the elimination of beneficial traditional practices has created a "perfect storm" of negative health effects in Polynesian communities (24m11s).
• Returning to their traditional diet, including the use of coconut oil, could potentially alleviate half of the obesity issues in these communities (24m24s).

Energetic Value of Food (24m41s)

• People living close to the equator tend to be more attuned to the energetic value of their food, which is something that can be applied to daily life, especially for athletes who need to fuel their bodies for optimal performance (24m41s).
• Professional athletes often have a very matter-of-fact approach to fueling their bodies, focusing on consuming specific amounts of nutrients rather than listening to their bodies' needs (25m17s).
• In contrast, some athletes prioritize how food makes them feel and may choose not to engage in certain activities if they don't feel right after eating something (25m37s).
• To set himself up for success, Laird Hamilton follows a consistent daily routine that includes a specific diet and rituals, such as drinking coffee with fats, taking a shower, and using incense, to control the variables that he can (25m57s).
• Hamilton also listens to his body and may adjust his plans if he's not feeling right, and he values the intuition of those around him, such as his wife Gabby (27m20s).
• While Hamilton tries to maintain a consistent diet and routine, he is aware that some days may not be suitable for certain activities and is willing to listen to his body and the conditions (27m43s).
• A day is set up to perform at a high level, with training and preparation being key, and the goal is to put in a big day, whether it's training or riding big waves (27m54s).
• Performance is usually best in the morning, as the body is well-rested, and cortisol levels are high, making it ideal for physical activity (28m5s).
• Consistency in preparation is crucial, so when the opportunity arises, there are no adjustments needed, and no regrets about previous actions (28m31s).
• It's essential to maintain a consistent routine, especially after years of pursuing a particular goal or activity, to avoid compromising performance (28m49s).
• Blame can only be placed on oneself for not being prepared, not for external factors like equipment failure or weather conditions (29m1s).
• When not feeling well, it's essential to be cautious and move slower, rather than taking unnecessary risks (29m20s).
• A long-term approach to training and preparation is necessary, with sayings like "ride to ride another day" and being referred to as "shoulder soldiers" (29m36s).
• The approach to big wave riding is military-like, with a focus on safety and strategy, starting with the safest spot on the wave and gradually moving into more dangerous areas (29m43s).
• This approach is similar to how veterans of combat might respond to situations, with a focus on being prepared and responding to situations in a predictable way (30m14s).
• The key to success is not to change the routine or try to rise to the occasion, but to default to the lowest level of training, which is the consistent and well-practiced routine (30m49s).
• Consistency in daily habits and diet is key to achieving a high baseline level of performance and overall well-being, regardless of the specific activity or challenge being undertaken (31m7s).
• Eating well every day is essential, and it's about lifting the default level of one's diet and lifestyle as high as possible to achieve miraculous results (31m14s).
• The idea is to control the things that can be controlled, and consistency is crucial in achieving this, whether it's in preparation for a small or large task (31m57s).
• Consistency also applies to smaller habits, such as tying knots or wearing the same gear, and even enjoying everyday activities like drinking coffee, which can have an energetic effect when appreciated more (32m2s).
• Being more methodical and deliberate in daily activities, including enjoying and appreciating the small things, can have a positive impact on overall performance and well-being (32m46s).

Where to Find More of Laird (32m55s)

• Laird Hamilton can be found on social media and at laredhamilton.com for more information (32m57s).
• He can also be found on platforms related to surfing, as Laird Hamilton is a surfer (32m59s).
• Additionally, Laird Hamilton is associated with LED superfood, where content on nutrition and philosophy is shared (33m4s).
• The content on LED superfood includes good information on their approach to nutrition and philosophy (33m7s).
• Laird Hamilton spends a lot of time in the ocean (33m16s).