What's Holding South Asians Back from Optimal HEALTH?The Man In The Arena and Pratik Patel explore the journey of personal growth through podcasting, cultural identity, and the importance of health and wellness, particularly within the South Asian community. Pratik shares his experiences in professional sports, his transformative health journey, and the need for individualized health assessments to combat the rising rates of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases in the South Asian population. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, cultural understanding, and actionable health strategies. In this conversation, Pratik Patel discusses various aspects of health and wellness, focusing on the importance of understanding biotrauma, the role of protein in nutrition, the significance of fiber, and the necessity of resistance training. He emphasizes the need for proper sleep hygiene and the use of supplements, while also addressing cultural dietary habits and the unique challenges faced by South Asians in maintaining health. The conversation provides practical advice on meal frequency, activity levels, and the importance of personalized nutrition and fitness strategies.Pratik Patel is a health and performance coach dedicated to transforming the wellness and fitness of South Asian professionals and athletes. Drawing on his extensive experience in elite sports, including a tenure with the NFL's New York Giants, Pratik offers a unique approach to health and performance that combines internal and external health strategies with stress adaptation frameworks. His methods empower clients to implement sustainable, long-term health improvement strategies tailored to their individual needs.With over 20 years of expertise in health, nutrition, fitness, and recovery, Pratik has honed his strategies through work with elite college teams and professional athletes. During his time with the New York Giants, the team achieved a historic milestone of the fewest games lost to injury. Recognized as a leader in his field, Pratik has shared his insights with other elite college and NFL teams, delivered presentations to Fortune 500 companies, and been featured in prominent outlets such as USA Today, Outside Magazine, and ESPN. He has also appeared on over 75 podcasts and authored four peer-reviewed scientific publications.Pratik is a Registered Dietitian (RD) through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). His credentials underscore his commitment to evidence-based practices and his ability to bridge the gap between science and real-world application.TakeawaysThe podcast journey began as a way to connect with unique individuals.Cultural identity plays a significant role in personal struggles and health.Health and wellness are often neglected in the pursuit of career success.Transformative health journeys require introspection and commitment.The South Asian community faces unique health challenges that need addressing.Building a supportive health community is essential for change.Realization of personal health issues can lead to significant life changes.Individualized health assessments are crucial for effective health management.Metabolic syndrome is a widespread issue affecting many Americans.Cultural attitudes towards health can hinder progress in personal wellness. Biotrauma is a significant health concern affecting many individuals.Protein is essential for muscle mass preservation and overall health.Increasing protein intake is crucial for South Asians due to dietary habits.Meal frequency should be adjusted to enhance satiety and manage hunger.South Asians may need to engage in more physical activity for health benefits.Resistance training can be adapted to suit individual comfort levels.Sleep hygiene practices are essential for recovery and overall well-being.