Week 9: A Doctor's 52 Week Journey to an Unprocessed Life

Week 9 Summary: Dr. Brent Laartz's Unprocessed Journey – Paris Travel Edition

Summary by Speaker

Dr. Brent Laartz

*Travel Edition (Paris/France)**: Week 9 update; praises French culture, food (organic markets, berries, strawberries, chocolate), architecture; notes smoking culture among youth.

**5 Pillars Challenges/Adaptations**:
- **Diet**: Mostly vegan (3-5 days/week), antioxidants (berries, dark chocolate), local produce; avoids fake meats/cheeses; plans crepes/hot chocolate (dairy-free); less alcohol, zero-alc options.
- **Movement**: High activity (25k steps/12 miles walking, 4-mile run); preps with prior training to avoid injury; prefers walkable areas, run clubs, hiking; avoids Ubers.
- **Sleep**: Jet lag prep (dark room, morning light, advance clock, avoid caffeine/plane sleep); cooler room, weighted blanket.
- **Connection**: Meets locals/expats (college friend, run clubs, cafes, small tours, French classes like "French as You Like It"); avoids tourist traps/Americanized spots.
- **Plastics/Chemicals**: Organic shops for soaps/lotions; glass water bottles (Evian); avoids hotel plastics.

**9-Week Progress Recap**: Weight loss, better cholesterol/HbA1c (ex-pre-diabetic); berries daily, Oura ring, meal prep, supplements (Ca/D/B12/omega-3), vegan shifts, low-carb/no artificial sugars, psyllium/fiber, homemade dressings, run clubs, non-plastic home, mindfulness.

**Personal Insights**: Stay true to local culture; health for longevity; self-worth key.

Key Points and Decisions

**Diet Decisions**: 3-5 vegan days (incl. travel); prioritize antioxidants/local organic (berries, dark chocolate); homemade dressings; poultry/seafood only if non-vegan; no fake vegan products.

**Movement**: 6 days/week training (cardio/resistance); vacation exceeds routine; prep to prevent injury; join Paris run clubs (walkers welcome).

**Sleep/Travel Hacks**: Blackout rooms, morning sunlight, clock advance, no afternoon caffeine.

**Connection**: Local immersion (cafes, small tours/classes, expats); family cultural exposure.

**Avoidances**: Plastics/chemicals (glass/stainless, organic products); processed foods/oils; non-stick pans; red meat/dairy excess; Ubers when possible.

**Health Wins**: Improved metrics despite family diabetes risk; extended fasting.

Next Steps

Meet college friend in Paris (possible walk/Uber).

Join Paris run clubs (20+ options).

Take French class ("French as You Like It").

Continue 3-4 vegan days; eat crepes/dairy-free hot chocolate.

Weekly Zoom calls; follow/share on gonopro.com, social media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Substack, YouTube/Spotify/Apple video podcasts; Brent Williams Larson MD).

Sustain pillars for longevity; audience input welcome.