In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rupy Aujla, NHS GP and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, and one of the most passionate voices in culinary medicine. We talk about how nutrition fits into healthcare, why doctors are still being undertrained in this space, and how we can shift the way we think about food.
Rupy also opens up about his own story, including the heart condition that changed the course of his medical career, and shares how simple, evidence-based food principles can help us prevent chronic disease and support mental health. Whether you’re a health professional or just trying to make sense of conflicting nutrition advice, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why food should be part of every healthcare conversation
- Rupy’s personal journey and what led him to start The Doctor’s Kitchen
- How the medical system still overlooks nutrition
- Using lifestyle medicine to prevent chronic disease
- Making sense of conflicting dietary advice
- The cultural and emotional side of eating
- Building a sustainable, joyful approach to food
- Why mindset and mindfulness matter more than we think
- Tips for doctors and practitioners feeling stuck or burnt out
Intro (00:00:00)
Simplifying Nutrition Without Losing the Science (00:05:31)
The Health Scare That Sparked a New Direction (00:12:57)
How Nutrition Impacts Healing (00:20:19)
Why Protein Matters More Than You Think (00:27:46)
How Much Protein You Need & Why Some Say Less Is Better (00:33:44)
Low Protein Signs (00:44:06)
Why Plant Sources Gets Underrated (00:48:56)
What Makes a Protein Source “High Quality” (00:57:28)
Calorie Counting vs. Food Quality (01:03:28)
How to Eat More Plant Protein Without Overthinking It (01:09:47)
Should You Use Protein Powders? (01:21:28)
Final Takeaway: BBGS and Protein Needs (01:28:33)
Resources and Links:
- The Doctor’s Kitchen
- Follow Dr. Rupy on Instagram
- The Doctor’s Kitchen: 3-2-1
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More About Dr. Rupy Aujla
Dr Rupy, MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, MSc is a London-based doctor, specialising in General Practice and Emergency Medicine, a nutritionist and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen. He hosts The Doctor’s Kitchen podcast with over 20m downloads, YouTube channel and Doctor’s Kitchen recipe app that helps over 10,000 people each week use evidence-based food and lifestyle medicine to live healthier happier lives.
Dr Rupy’s life was changed after suffering a significant heart condition in 2009. After learning about nutritional medicine he was able to reverse his condition using a food and lifestyle approach. Influenced by the teachings of both ancient and modern medicine, underpinned by his own clinical experience, Dr Rupy creates recipes that optimise health. He is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has 5 cookbooks to his name as well as a Masters in Nutritional Medicine.
Dr Rupy founded Europe’s first non-profit Culinary Medicine programme for medical schools in 2017 that teaches undergraduates the foundations of nutritional medicine and how to cook.
Known for his BBC shows “Cooking in the Doctor’s Kitchen” as well as Channel 4’s Secrets of the Glucose Goddess with Jessie Inchauspé and Cook Clever Waste Less with Dame Prue Leith, Dr Rupy inspires audiences with easy, budget-friendly recipes that promote wellbeing. Regularly appearing on programs like This Morning and Saturday Kitchen, Dr. Rupy is on a mission to make healthy cooking accessible and enjoyable for all.
