They’re talking about using food and exercise as medicine.
Hey, ever feel like the healthcare system is just a giant pill-dispensing machine? Like, you go in with a problem, and boom—here’s a statin, there’s an SSRI, see ya later! Well, hold onto your kale smoothie, because Calley Means and Casey Menas dropped some serious wisdom on the Joe Rogan podcast that might flip your whole view on health. They’re talking about using food and exercise as medicine. Yep, not drugs, but real stuff—like broccoli and burpees. And get this: you can even use tax-free dollars to pay for it. Sound crazy? Let’s break it down together.
The Healthcare System’s Dirty Little Secret
Picture this: you’re at the doctor’s office, hoping for a fix to your creaky knees or that pesky fatigue. What do you get? A prescription pad waved at you faster than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. But here’s the kicker, nobody’s talking about food and exercise as medicine.
Why? Because the system’s rigged, my friend.
A study from the American Journal of Medicine found only 12% of doctor visits even mention nutrition. Twelve percent! That’s like saying, “Hey, let’s fix your car but ignore the engine.” Chronic diseases are through the roof. And we’re still stuck in this pill-popping cycle. It’s time to flip the script.
Why Food and Exercise Matter More Than You Think
Food and exercise as medicine isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s the future of true healthcare.
Calley Means, a former Pfizer insider (yep, the belly of the beast), figured this out when helping his sister Casey. He realized medicine should include:
- Whole food
- Exercise
- Lifestyle upgrades
And here’s the wild part, with a simple letter of medical necessity, you can legally use HSA / FSA dollars for things like gym memberships and organic produce.
Proof? Study from JAMA, dietary changes slash chronic disease risk.
Food isn’t just fuel. It’s medicine.
How I Asked My Doctor (And You Can Too)
Next time your doc reaches for that prescription pad, stop ’em:
“Hold up, Doc. Can you write me a letter of medical necessity for food and exercise instead?” If they blink at you like you just asked for a unicorn, stay cool.
Tell them:
- It’s legal
- you want to heal, not patch things up
If they’re clueless? Mention that Calley’s company walked Congress through it. It’s legit.
Once you get that letter → boom → tax-free gym, yoga, nutrition goodies.
Pills? They’re duct tape. Food and exercise fix the damn pipe.
Why This Hack Changes the Game
We’ve been brainwashed to think medicine = pills.
Spoiler: it doesn’t.
The IRS tax code literally allows this.
So why are we subsidizing junk with food stamps… but not real food? Calley’s helping flip the script, and even Congress is catching on.
If they didn’t know this → you think your doc will? It’s on us to educate and lead.
Your Move: Take Charge of Your Health
Look, the healthcare system won’t fix this for you.
But you can take charge.
- Talk to your doc
- Get that letter
- Start using food and exercise as medicine
- Feel the difference
Need inspo? Check out our post on holistic living for tips to level up.
And, subscribe to our newsletter at www.be1ness.com for more game-changing insights & savings.
Because your health? It deserves better than a pill.



