Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert, IFMCP, DNM, DC, and author of the health and wellness books, 'Ketotarian', 'The Inflammation Spectrum', and the upcoming, 'Intuitive Fasting'. He specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing health programs for issues including hormonal dysfunctions and digestive disorders, and he’s also our go-to when discussing the fundamental role good health has on the function of the skin. Read on to find out what Dr. Cole’s typical daily diet looks like, his favorite meals and his fondness for a good cup of tea.

When do you usually wake up in the morning? Can you tell us a little bit about your routine? What’s the first thing you do?

I typically wake up around 6am and do a quick workout - either riding my Peloton bike or HIIT training – before getting ready to leave for work. I’ll also take time to look after my skin - I use Dr. Barbara Sturm’s CLEANSER every morning and the ENZYME CLEANSER a few times a week and then the HYALURONIC SERUM and ANTI-POLLUTION DROPS every day at my functional medicine telehealth clinic. I’ve been consulting people all day long online for the past decade, so I want to make sure I’m protecting my skin from the blue light digital devices can omit. And I always make sure to give myself at least 10 minutes to enjoy a cup of tea in silence before rushing out the door. Practicing mindfulness brings me back to the present moment and gives me a foundation for the rest of my busy day consulting my patients online at my telehealth functional medicine clinic.

ANTI-POLLUTION DROPS

Do you eat breakfast?

I usually intermittent fast every morning since I find that I feel the best when I don't eat breakfast. I do have a cup of Earl Grey tea with bergamot every day since it helps enhance the benefits of fasting like autophagy. I am a fan of flexible intermittent fasting and that's something I discuss in my new book Intuitive Fasting. There should be a grace and lightness to wellness, that's something I teach my patients and how I live my life as well.

Do you take any supplements?

I take all of the supplements in my line The Collection. I specifically designed these eight supplements to work synergistically together to optimize your overall health. They have some of the highest quality ingredients and include the most foundational supplements anyone should be taking for their health including a probiotic and a Vitamin D supplement.

Are you a coffee or tea drinker?

I love both but I am definitely more of a tea aficionado. I drink at least three cups of tea a day but I often drink more than that. They are not all caffeinated though and I have a lot of herbal teas that I enjoy. My favorite brand is Pique Tea since they are so convenient if I am home or traveling.

Do you snack in between breakfast and lunch?

Since I don't usually eat breakfast, I don't snack either since I wait until lunch before I break my fast.

How much water will you drink a day?

I try to get at least 64oz in a day of just plain filtered water.

What's your go-to lunch?

I love the pesto zoodle bowls from my plant-based keto book, Ketotarian. I also have a veggie frittata recipe in my new book Intuitive Fasting which is freaking amazing. It's the perfect choice to bring to work and quickly heat up during my lunch break.

If you go out for lunch or get takeout, what’s your go-to restaurant?

My all time favorite restaurant is True Food Kitchen. I don't have one where I live in Pittsburgh so whenever I travel I make sure to go there as much as possible. I typically get their Panang Curry with grass-fed steak and added avocado. I'm also obsessed with Picnik in Austin, TX. They have the best fish tacos I've ever had.

Do you snack in the afternoon for a pick-me-up?

If I am not doing OMAD (one meal a day where I only eat dinner) I usually don't snack since I try to make sure my lunch has enough healthy fats from avocados or wild-caught fish to sustain me until dinner.

What’s your ideal dinner? Are you a good cook?

While I can definitely make my way around the kitchen, I leave it up to my wife to cook the more elaborate meals as she's an amazing cook! My ideal dinner is any sort of taco, whether that is wild-caught fish or roasted cauliflower, usually in a lettuce wrap and always with extra guac.

What about dessert? Do you have a sweet tooth?

I do like dessert but my weakness is definitely peanut butter. If I am going to indulge, I love taking a Siete Tortilla and filling it with sugar-free jelly and peanut butter and then heating it over the stove for a treat.

Do you have a favorite cocktail?

I am not a huge fan of how alcohol makes me feel so I typically avoid it but I do enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner a few times a year. Dry Farm Wines is my go-to for paleo, keto-friendly wine.

How about before you go to bed? Do you have a favorite bedtime tea?

I always end my day with my friend Elle Macpherson's brand Welleco, Sleep Welle Calming Tea to help promote calm and ready my body and mind for sleep.

A live chat with Dr. Barbara Sturm and Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine practitioner, on inflammation. Together, they discuss how inflammation affects the body, health and skin as well as the methods and lifestyle changes you can put into practice to help combat its triggers.