Unveiling the Secrets of Body Transformation with Brandon Da Cruz
Jan 23, 2024
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Brandon daCruz, a leading figure in physique and body transformation, discusses his interest in nutrition and exercise, persistent myths in the diet and fitness space, and common mistakes people make when trying to transform their physique. He also explores the concept of energy flux and the importance of stress management. Brandon's coaching model and the accuracy of sleep trackers are also discussed, along with strategies for navigating holiday stress and food environments. The impact of consistent overeating on weight gain is explored, as well as undulating calorie cycling and refeeding for optimal fat loss. Strategies for managing stress and optimizing sleep to support body transformation goals are highlighted.
Being open to trying new approaches and strategies is crucial for progress and results in body transformation.
Increasing energy flux through higher calorie intake and physical activity can be beneficial for fat loss and maintaining performance and muscle mass.
Tailoring fat loss approaches to individual needs, including considering gender differences and preparing the body and mind, can improve success and adherence.
Deep dives
Importance of avoiding restriction mindset and being open to change
One common mistake clients make is getting attached to a specific way of eating and being afraid to make changes. This can hinder progress and results. It's important to be open to trying new approaches and strategies, especially if previous methods were not effective. Adhering to a restriction mindset can lead to cycles of chronic dieting and ultimately make it harder to achieve long-term success.
The concept of energy flux and its role in fat loss
Energy flux refers to the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure in the body. Increasing energy flux through higher calorie intake and higher levels of physical activity can be beneficial for fat loss. It allows for dieting on higher calorie levels, which offsets decreases in energy expenditure that occur during a deficit. Additionally, a higher energy flux approach can help maintain better performance, muscle mass, and biofeedback during a fat loss phase.
Differences in fat loss approach between males and females
While fat loss approaches should be individualized, there are some general differences between males and females. Females may benefit from a lower rate of loss target and a smaller net deficit compared to males. This takes into account differences in body size, total daily energy expenditure, and potential history of chronic dieting or low energy availability. It's important to create a deficit that is specific to the individual's needs and preferences to promote better adherence and sustainable results.
The importance of a primer period before fat loss phase
Preparing the body and mind for a fat loss phase can improve overall success. A primer period involves optimizing nutrition, building healthy habits, and ensuring the individual is in a good physical and mental state to embark on a fat loss journey. Starting with a higher rate of loss target and gradually adjusting as progress is made can help with motivation, adherence, and minimizing muscle loss.
Importance of Pre-Diet Primer Phase
Many people jump into a diet before they are physically and mentally ready for fat loss. The speaker suggests starting with a pre-diet primer phase to optimize physiology, psychology, nutrition, training, habits, behaviors, and lifestyle. This sets clients up for more effective fat loss and increases the likelihood of long-term success and weight maintenance.
Approach to Calorie Deficit and Plateaus
The speaker focuses on creating a calorie deficit, not a nutrient deficit, when helping clients transition into a fat loss phase. They emphasize the importance of accurately tracking calories and monitoring body weight, while also considering factors like stress and sleep. Stress management techniques and diet breaks are utilized to address plateaus in weight loss, as stress can impact metabolism and hormone regulation. The speaker highlights the need for a holistic approach to achieve successful and sustainable fat loss.
This week on the podcast I speak to Brandon daCruz, one of the GOAT in the physique and body transformation space. We discuss what got Brandon interested in nutrition and exercise initially, what fuels his desire now to stay current and relevant in the space, where he feels there are persistent myths in the diet and fitness space and how he addresses these with evidence based information. We also discuss common mistakes people make when trying to transform their physique, what people can expect if they work with him, the concept of energy flux, stress and so much more. Brandon is a wealth of information, it is mindblowing the amount that he knows!
Brandon DaCruz is an online nutrition and physique coach and sports nutritionist. He’s also a National Level NPC physique competitor and an internationally published fitness model who’s written articles and filmed educational content for publications like Men’s Fitness Magazine and Bodybuilding.com.
Brandon has spent over 12 years working within the sports nutrition and fitness industries and has coached every type of client including Olympia Level professional men’s physique competitors, college athletes, MMA fighters, CrossFit competitors, and lifestyle clients.
He believes in blending what’s been proven in the research with his own anecdotal and first hand "in the trenches'' experience to improve body composition, optimise performance and enhance health in order to help his clients achieve their goals whether that be building muscle, losing body fat, increasing performance and/or optimising health and longevity. This is what he refers to as his health-centric coaching model as he believes that improving one's health is the cornerstone to optimising their physical goals.