Thriving Through Thanksgiving — Todd’s Guide to Enjoying the Holidays Without the Setback Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Thriving Through Thanksgiving — Todd’s Guide to Enjoying the Holidays Without the Setback

November 25, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Todd Vande Hei shares how to navigate the holiday season without derailing your health journey — and maybe even use it to get stronger.

From practical nutrition strategies to mindset shifts, Todd reframes Thanksgiving as a metabolic and emotional opportunity, not a threat. Whether you’re hosting the feast, traveling, or just trying not to “start over in January,” this episode will help you find balance between discipline and joy.

In this episode, Todd covers:

Why Thanksgiving is more than one meal — and how to manage the “four-day challenge.”
Training before the feast — using glycogen depletion to make carbs work for you.
Protein and hydration hacks — how to stay satiated and stable all day long.
Walking after meals — the easiest, most effective tool for blood sugar control.
Sleep and social connection — how to recover and still enjoy those late-night laughs.
Mindset mastery — gratitude journaling, presence, and emotional discipline at family gatherings.
Rebound strategy — what to do if you overeat and how to reset without guilt.

Todd’s approach blends performance science, psychology, and perspective — reminding us that health isn’t about perfection; it’s about rhythm, presence, and conscious choices.

⚡ Final Takeaway:
Your body isn’t fragile — it’s adaptive. With intention and gratitude, the holidays can make you stronger, not softer.

Connect with Stark
Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health

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🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔

Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being.

Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together!

DISCLOSURE

We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols.

Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...