The Mediterranean Diet Might Change Your Mood—Here’s How with Matt Durndak

2025-06-24

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by their favorite comedian and skeptic, Matt Durndak, to talk about the Mediterranean diet—and why it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health. They break down what the Mediterranean diet actually is (spoiler: it’s more than just olive oil and red wine) and why it’s considered the healthiest diet in the world. They cover how it supports brain health by reducing inflammation through folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants—and yes, they explain what antioxidants actuall...

In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by their favorite comedian and skeptic, Matt Durndak, to talk about the Mediterranean diet—and why it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health.

They break down what the Mediterranean diet actually is (spoiler: it’s more than just olive oil and red wine) and why it’s considered the healthiest diet in the world. They cover how it supports brain health by reducing inflammation through folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants—and yes, they explain what antioxidants actually are.

They discuss:

The SMILES trial and how diet can support depression treatment
How to get started with the Mediterranean diet (even if you're overwhelmed)
10 quick tips to make the switch more doable
Why gut health is so important—and how fiber and fermented foods play a role
What you should and shouldn’t eat (hint: whole wheat, not white bread)
If cheese and eggs are allowed (Matt eats six eggs for breakfast—so we get into it)
Whether you can lose weight on the diet
Why eating slowly, socially, and mindfully matters
Their favorite Mediterranean snacks

Also, plants should be at the center of your plate. And yes—red wine is okay in moderation.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.thedoctorskitchen.com/

Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!

Art by Zoe Zakson

Music by Raul Garcia

Edited by Katie Hettenbach

Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com

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