That hunky guy I told you guys I would be interviewing today?
That would be Dr. Travis Stork, co-host of the popular television show The Doctors!
Heeey, hunky.
A couple of weeks ago, I received a press release from a public relations company, offering me the opportunity to speak with Dr. Stork thanks to General Mills. I pretty much freaked out and immediately emailed them back saying, “DUH, I’d LOVE to talk to Dr. Stud,” in much more professional words, naturally.
I was given 15 minutes to ask him questions about healthy living and asked you guys what you’d like for me to ask him via the PBF Facebook page. I used your questions as well as a few questions I came up with on my own to interview him this afternoon.
I typed my little heart out as he answered the questions, so the answers below are his answers, captured to the best of my ability.
And for those of you who were hoping that I’d ask him about his time on The Bachelor and his current relationship status (pretty sure he’s engaged), believe me I wanted to, but I tried to maintain some level of professionalism between my giggles and stuck with healthy living questions. I’m sorry I’ve failed you. 
Interview with Dr. Travis Stork
- With such a crazy schedule, what tips to you have for staying healthy while living such a hectic, busy life?
I’ve learned that preparation and planning are key. If you’re traveling a lot and don’t think ahead and don’t have healthy snacks in your carryon luggage, you’re in trouble. If I don’t pack mixed nuts, a whole grain snack or fruit, I’ll be starving and tempted to make poor food choices. I try to always think ahead and come prepared. I don’t have as much time to do formal workouts when I’m traveling, but I try to be on my feet a lot. What I’ve been teaching people is that 30 minutes of walking a day can add three years to your life! Walk around the airport and make life a playground.
- What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
I eat five to six smaller meals. First thing in the morning I will typically eat whole grain cereal or oatmeal. My midmorning snack is often an apple or a banana with almond butter. For lunch, I’ll have something revolving around whole grains. A sandwich with tomatoes, lettuce and avocado. I try to focus on lean proteins, healthy fats and good carbs. Not overeating and listening to my body is key. My afternoon snack is almost always mixed nuts. My dinner typically revolves around beans – high in fiber and high in protein!
- I see you mentioned eating a lot of beans. Do you eat meat very often?
I am not a vegetarian and eat meat about one to two times a week. If I’m going to eat a burger, it will be a buffalo burger or grass-fed meat. I eat a vegetable-based diet, but one that is very hearty. If you don’t enjoy the food you’re eating, it will be much harder to maintain a healthy diet.
- What is something many people in their 20s likely don’t do but should do with regard to healthy living?
People in their 20s need to realize that chronic illness starts its progression in your younger years. Heart disease doesn’t start in your 50s. That’s why making healthy switches – like eating whole grains in place of refined carbohydrates – when you’re young is so important. Switch to whole grains early on. Eat nuts in place of candy bars. You may think you’re immortal in your 20s, but now that I’m about to be 40, I know that the things you do in your 20s impact your heath in your 40s and beyond.
- How do you feel about artificial sweeteners like Splenda and stevia?
I’m not a big fan mainly because once you grow accustomed to artificial sweetness levels, it’s hard to appreciate natural sweetness found in whole foods like fruits. Just because something is processed doesn’t mean it’s bad for you – it depends on what’s in it. Whatever you’re eating, just read the ingredients. If you read ingredients and understand them, then you know what you’re putting in your body. For example, make sure whole grains are number one, not refined carbohydrates.
- As a doctor, what is a condition or disease you see repeatedly that is largely preventable? What is something you see frequently that makes you think, “Wow, this could’ve been prevented if only they…”
Type 2 diabetes. Eighty percent of type 2 diabetes cases are related to obesity. One in 10 people have type two diabetes, a statistic that is predicted to grow to one in three in the future. In many cases it’s a preventable condition. Many people don’t realize it can lead to serious conditions, including blindness and kidney failure. We can work to prevent type two diabetes by staying closer to our ideal weight. We CAN reverse a lot of the negative effects of type two diabetes by living a healthier lifestyle. We drink 450 calories a day in sugary beverages – if we cut back on that, the results would be tremendous.
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Thanks for sharing: love his approach to food in terms of eating real wholesome foods…exactly what good health is! No gimmicks needed!
ahhh..i can only imagine melting a little when he said “hello.” What a fun opportunity for you! more so cause youre a fan of the bachelor! 🙂
Hi Julie, this is my first time posting, just wanted to say hi!
thanks so much for commenting, lauren!
Hi!
Are you sore the next day after each time you do a strength training exercise routine?
it depends on the workout!
I think I’m the only anti-Stork out there. He always gets so angry on the show if anyone talks about any alternative medicine on his show. It’s as if he can’t be open to knew ideas and seems threatened. I can’t watch The Doctors despite his looks.
what an awesome opportunity! i loved the questions you asked and his answers! 🙂
love this Julie, i love his answers especially about how health complaints start inn our 20’s and how diabetes is preventable is many cases. Really good, simple motivational advice. thanks for sharing and good for u for getting this great opportunity 🙂
He is the ONLY reason I watch the doctors. Sooo hot and he looks like he practises what he preaches. It’s interesting that he only eats meat twice a week. I don’t really feel like my dinner is complete without meat!
I would totally worry about being on a show like the Bachelor ruining my professional credibility, wouldn’t you? But it doesn’t seem to have done him any harm… That said, it’s great that he’s spreading the message about how to live a healthy life to so many people!
i agree. it would worry me too! but then if you read his background, it’s pretty darn impressive!
Wow! That is awesome that you got to interview him! I’ve always liked him ever since his Bachelor days 🙂
So cool Julie!
What an amazing opportunity!
Wow, what an awesome opportunity! : ) Was there any chit chat going on at all? How did the conversation start and end? I mean, once the 15 minutes were up was he like…time’s up! Or did you just wrap it up? Sorry, I like knowing little details like that! lol : )
haha! i’m the same way. we talked a bit in the beginning – he said he liked the philosophy i mentioned on my blog about eating “mostly” healthy. 🙂 he was really nice! the call wrapped up pretty quickly b/c he had another interview right after.
Awesome! Thanks for replying. I think it’s awesome how you read all your comments. I feel like I just got a reply from a celebrity! lol I’m a major dork ; ) Love your blog!
I am so jealous right now!!!! Great questions
Wow, lucky!!! hubba hubba! 🙂 I love him on The Doctors (when I have a chance to watch it). You had some really great questions and I like his response to all of them!
Congratulations, Julie! You have been working really hard on your blog and writing, and it makes opportunities like THIS worth it, I am sure! I am new-ish to your blog and blogging, so I am so thankful of your openness and willingness to share. Thank you and GREAT interview!
PS – I found this answer about not being able to do a formal workout while on the road. Sometimes I feel SO guilty for not being able to have full workouts when traveling. He took the pressure off by simply staying sometimes it happens and just keep moving!!
Stevia isn’t artificial- splenda definitely, but stevia is a plant.
How cool! I think what he said about artificial sweeteners like Splenda was interesting… about it being hard to appreciate natural sweetness found in whole foods like fruits. I don’t think I ever really had that problem when I had a lot of Splenda. But I do have less sugar cravings!
I would highly recommend anyone to stop using Splenda/artificial sweeteners. I feel so much better ever since I did. Less headaches… less sugar craves… just better overall. It was hard to get used to things like coffee without the sweetness, but once I didn’t I don’t even think about it now 🙂
Awesome interview, thanks for sharing those great answers! Like Gabby mentioned, stevia is an all-natural sweetener made from stevia plant leaves. It definitely is not an artificial sweetener, and I just use less of it since it naturally is very sweet-tasting. Just like portion control with all foods, paying attention to the mount of stevia used is important. I use about 1-2 small packets to sweeten coffee and tea throughout the week. Some weeks I used half a packet if I’m not craving sweets, it’s crazy!
I liked his answer about artificial sweeteners like Splenda. Which is exactly why depending on what I’m making I’ll use regular sugar or Stevia, which isn’t artificial.
Wow your right he is a cutie! I like all the questions and the answers he gave back were very interesting! So cool that you got that opportunity!
that’s so awesome! Great questions and answers! I didn’t realize he’s almost 40. That’s all I needed to get over my dream man :). He still has a place in my heart regardless.
Love this! I love him and the show!
Doesn’t seem like he eats any fish. Regardless I really like the guy, he tells it like it is – no hiding anything! Plus, he’s a stud! 😛