The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show with Ben Brown

You can train six days a week and still not lose fat and it’s not your fault.For decades, we’ve been told to “move more and eat less,” but that advice doesn’t hold up anymore. Our food system has completely changed, and so has the way our metabolism responds to it. Ultra-processed foods are everywhere; cheap, convenient, and biologically addictive and they are undoing the work we put in at the gym. Once you understand that fat loss is driven by what you eat, not how hard you work out, you can finally start working with your body instead of against it.Stick around, this one might change how you think about fat loss forever.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:39 – Podcast Intro02:30 – The Global Study Explained04:10 – Why “Move More, Eat Less” Fails06:00 – The Body Rebalances Energy Use07:30 – Processed Foods: The Real Culprit09:50 – How Processed Foods Trick the Brain11:50 – “Healthy” Snacks That Sabotage Progress13:40 – What Processed Foods Do to Digestion15:30 – Metabolism Breakdown in Modern Diets18:00 – The Real Value of Exercise19:40 – Why Muscle Changes Everything22:10 – Fat Loss Isn’t About Calorie Burn24:30 – 3 Pillars: Food, Movement, Recovery26:50 – When Training Less Helps More28:40 – Aligning Habits With Your Biology29:44 – Final Thoughts & Free ResourcesLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

Everyone wants results, but few people are empowered with tools to build the habits that get them there.Kylie’s story is one I think a lot of people will see themselves in. She tracked every calorie, followed every diet, nailed her cardio, and still found herself stuck in the same loop—losing weight, gaining it back, feeling guilty, starting over.In this conversation, we chat about what helped Kylie move past the yo-yo cycle of tracking, restricting, and starting over. We also unpacked the mindset shifts that allowed her to shed the guilt and make confident “adult” choices in everyday life and in the gym. Having the permission to live, enjoy the cookie, and know she was still moving forward is what finally set her free.If that’s something you’ve been struggling to find, tune into this episode. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about learning to trust yourself again.Episode Timeline: 0:18 – Why Kylie reached out for coaching1:29 – Post-COVID struggles and weight gain2:13 – Tracking food and early habits5:46 – First impressions of the coaching program6:46 – Shifting from tracking to building tools10:12 – Viewing tracking as liberation, not control11:34 – Learning adult ownership and flexibility14:56 – Falling in love with the gym18:46 – 60 pounds lost and sustained for good21:48 – How her mindset and body transformed22:38 – How health changed her family dynamic25:57 – Shared values and partnership in health27:56 – What would’ve happened without coaching30:16 – Learning to live in the gray31:31 – Integration as a personal operating system32:15 – Why investing in yourself is non-negotiable34:39 – Closing gratitude and final reflectionsLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/ 

You’re not failing because you lack discipline. You’re failing because your approach isn’t sustainable.This solo conversation is about one of the biggest mindset traps that keeps people stuck: the all-or-nothing mentality. We talk about why extreme restriction always leads to burnout, how guilt and shame keep you in the yo-yo dieting cycle, and what it really means to live in the gray. I share lessons from my own experience with rigid eating, the patterns I see in clients every day, and how learning to take ownership (instead of chasing perfection) creates real, lasting change.If you’re tired of the highs and lows of dieting, this one’s going to hit close to home.Episode Timeline: 0:00 – Episode Preview1:31 – Podcast Intro 2:31 –  What the all-or-nothing mindset is3:42 – The client stuck in a yo-yo diet cycle7:05 – Why restrictive diets always backfire9:40 – My personal struggle with rigid eating13:15 – The real reason we bounce between extremes15:45 – Why it’s not about food, it’s about mindset18:50 – Learning to take ownership and eat like an adult21:35 – Building systems that work in real life24:15 – How to live in the gray without guilt26:30 – Podcast Outro and invitation to take actionLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/ 

What do you do when your body forces you to hit pause?In this episode, I share my recent battle with back pain that quite literally knocked me off my feet. From the frustration of not being able to move, to sitting with a spinal specialist and hearing words like ‘bulging discs’, it’s been a humbling reminder that none of us are invincible.I’ll talk about the treatments I’ve considered, the mental rollercoaster of dealing with injury, and the gratitude I’ve found through support from family, friends, and my community. More than anything, this experience has shown me that setbacks can become powerful opportunities to learn, adapt, and move forward in a smarter way.If you’ve ever felt stuck by injury or just life, I think this conversation will give you some perspective you can carry into your own journey.Episode Timeline:0:00 – Episode Preview 1:32 – Podcast Intro2:43 – Back pain knocks me down3:25 – How it happened (ego lifting + deadlifts)5:10 – Living with pain and frustration7:15 – Overwhelmed by too many treatment options9:40 – “Even professionals get confused”11:30 – Nobody has it all together13:55 – MRI results explained simply16:20 – Considering regenerative medicine18:40 – Lessons in gratitude and ego22:30 – Training smarter with core stability26:00 – Injuries as opportunities to pivot28:45 – Learning to be vulnerable and ask for help30:45 – Community support and closing thoughts30:45 – Podcast OutroLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call - https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

Supplements can either be a complete waste of money or the cutting-edge tool that takes your health and performance to the next level.In this conversation with Christian LaValle, co-founder of Metabolic Elite and son of James B. LaValle, an internationally recognized clinical pharmacist, board-certified clinical nutritionist, and leading authority in integrative medicine and human performance. We dig into the real science of supplementation and why delivery systems matter more than flashy labels.We cover the difference between traditional products and premium formulas, and how unconventional technology like liposomal delivery can radically improve absorption. Christian shares his journey immersed in foundational practices like good diet and performance health, and how growing up with his father shaped the vision behind Metabolic Elite. We also explore on-the-ground insights on recovery, cognitive support, immune health, and how to think strategically about supplements in the context of nutrition, training, and lifestyle.If you want to stop guessing and start using supplements with purpose, this is the episode that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really works.Timestamp00:00 – Episode Preview01:13 – Podcast Intro04:09 – Christian LaValle joins the conversation05:14 – Growing up in performance health08:17 – Graduate studies in kinesiology & research10:03 – DEXA vs. bioelectrical impedance for body comp15:08 – Body fat % isn’t everything15:58 – Launch of Metabolic Elite19:58 – Building an expert advisory team22:01 – Liposomal technology explained23:11 – Why capsules often fail & absorption challenges25:24 – Practitioner and consumer use of Metabolic Elite products27:43 – Recovery, inflammation, and immune support30:57 – Synapsin: from nasal spray to chewable35:02 – Supplements are a tool, not a fix40:06 – Balance between research and real-world health43:13 – Industry problems: gimmicks vs. biochemistry47:12 – How to think about premium supplementation52:16 – The real trade-offs in health investment55:05 – Ben’s offer for supplement audits55:41 – Where to find Christian & Metabolic Elite55:57 – Podcast OutroConnect with Christian LaValle:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianlavalle5/ Website: https://www.metabolicelite.co/ Jim LaValle’s Website: https://www.jimlavalle.com/Jim LaValle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjimlavalle/ Use code BodySystems for 10% off any order: Metabolic EliteLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching

What does it really take to build unshakable resilience in sport, in health, and in life?Lisa Tamati has lived a life defined by grit, from running ultramarathons across the world’s toughest terrains to facing her mum’s near-fatal aneurysm head-on. We dive into the mindset that carried her through seven-day desert treks, the years-long fight to bring her mum back from a coma, and how those experiences led her to explore hyperbaric oxygen therapy, genetic testing, and the science of longevity. She shares why gut health and the immune system sit at the core of healthy aging, and how she’s using her biotech work to give people tools to measure and improve their “immune age.” This conversation blends raw resilience with cutting-edge health insights. The kind of lessons you can actually use to live stronger, longer, and with more purpose.If you’re ready for a raw, inspiring look at how mindset, science, and self-belief can change your life, you don’t want to miss this episode.Timestamp00:01 – Podcast Preview01:14 – Podcast Intro02:25 – Meet Lisa Tamati05:03– Lisa’s Backstory and Grit08:37– Adventures Before Ultramarathons11:45 – Crossing the Libyan Desert20:06 – Building Entrepreneur Skills From Ultramarathons24:19 – Mum’s Collapse and Aneurysm28:54 – Doctors Predict Massive Brain Damage29:35 – Spotting Sleep Apnea Signs30:48 – Discovering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy33:39 – Early Recovery With Oxygen Therapy34:56 – Years to Full Recovery37:52 – Mum’s Cancer Diagnosis40:48 – Developing Cancer Expertise42:27 – Importance of Personalized Health44:22 – Immune System at the Core of Aging46:15 – Gut Health Drives Immunity47:12 – Environmental Toxins and Gut Health51:11 – Lisa’s Biotech Company57:08 – Why Genetic Testing Matters58:31 – Genetic Insights for Health1:00:20 – Exercise, Genetics, and Weight Struggles1:04:45 – How to Connect With Lisa1:06:00 – Podcast Outro  Connect with Lisa Tamati: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc5BfQispXYMxd4AaYXYL?si=97a6e75469cd45dbYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lisa_Tamati Instagram: @lisatamatiPersonal Website: https://www.lisatamati.com/ Company Website: https://aevumlabs.co.nz/  Links & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching

Dr. Jessica Foles, a naturopathic doctor and hormone specialist, delves into the pressing issues surrounding men's health, specifically testosterone and peptide therapy. She tackles the stigma of testosterone therapy and highlights the rising concerns of low T among younger men. The discussion covers how to recognize when testosterone replacement therapy is necessary and the importance of evaluating symptoms over standard lab ranges. Dr. Jess also explains how peptides can complement lifestyle changes and the impact of environmental toxins on hormone levels.

Most guys over 40 think building muscle and losing fat is just about training harder or eating cleaner. The reality is, that only gets you so far.True results come from optimizing the whole system: training, recovery, nutrition, hormones, and in some cases, leveraging tools like peptides. To dig deeper into this, I’m joined by Jeff Sakamoto. Jeff’s background in pro sports, bodybuilding, and now owner of a top peptide and hormone distribution company, gives him a unique perspective on what it really takes to move the needle.In this conversation, we break down what optimization really means, why most guys are leaving game-changing results on the table, and how to approach peptides safely so they actually work for you. The goal is simple: help you look, feel, and perform your best without grinding yourself into the ground.If you’re ready to move beyond outdated practices and start thinking like someone who values long-term health, energy, and performance, this is for you.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:05 – Welcome to the Show02:07 – Introducing Jeff Sakamoto04:36 – Jeff’s Journey Into Telemedicine05:42 – Dangers of self-sourcing peptides online08:52 – Ensuring quality & pharmacy standards11:02 – The pursuit of optimization12:15 – Early athletic background & low testosterone discovery17:25 – Stress, lifestyle, and body composition challenges19:39 – Misconceptions around sleep, food, and alcohol22:18 – Rationalizing habits vs. health goals23:52 – Micro-decisions and long-term progress25:06 – Ripple effects of daily choices25:24 – Shifting identity away from alcohol26:35 – Strength training after 4029:05 – Moving past CrossFit and high-intensity training29:55 – Training with intent, not annihilation30:36 – Breaking down peptides31:47 – Who should consider peptides33:49 – Hormones vs. Peptides: where to start35:26 – What “optimal” testosterone really means37:48 – The importance of free testosterone39:16 – Lifestyle factors before hormone therapy41:16 – Reframing GLP-1s as a powerful tool44:05 – Real-world results with GLP-1s45:28 – Advancements with retatrutide46:42 – Microdosing explained48:07 – Broader benefits of GLP-1s49:07 – Peptides that support healing & recovery51:36 – Popular anti-aging peptides (GHK-Cu)52:31 – Wrapping up & where to connect with Jeff53:24 – Guidance for finding good clinicians54:20 – Closing thoughtsConnect with Jeff Sakamoto: Jeff Sakamoto’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff.sakamoto/ Company Website:  https://www.scripts.co/ Links & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching programs: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching

Extreme weight loss isn’t about magic diets—it’s about science, psychology, and accountability.On today’s show, I interviewed Matt Hoodie, a coach who’s helped more than 30 people lose over 100 pounds and keep it off. We dig into his unique method of starting with calorie “budgets,” how he adapts plans for obese vs. leaner clients, and why focusing on macros or meal timing too soon sets people up to fail. Matt breaks down what happens to the body during massive weight loss, how to navigate metabolic adaptations, and the smartest way to reverse diet without regaining everything. This episode is a masterclass in the real art and science of sustainable weight loss.If you want the truth about what it actually takes to lose massive weight and keep it off, you won’t want to skip this one.Timestamp 00:00 – Episode Preview00:55 – Podcast Intro 01:47 – Introducing Matt Hoodie05:41 – Why Empathy Matters in Coaching Extreme Weight Loss07:04 – Matt’s Childhood, Medications, and Hitting 300+ lbs08:27 – Turning Point: Health Scare, Dietetics, and Self-Change12:48 – Starting Coaching: Early Clients and Realizing Nutrition > Training18:23 – Building His Own Calorie-Budgeting Algorithm20:41 – Specialized Coaching vs. Cookie-Cutter Formulas22:16 – Metabolic Adaptation in Long-Term Weight Loss24:05 – Using Carbs to Break Plateaus25:23 – Behavioral Curve: From Basics → Education → Maintenance27:05 – Empowering Clients with Education & Autonomy28:10 – Reverse Dieting: Restoring Metabolism After Weight Loss34:34 – How to Safely Ramp Up Calories Post-Diet36:25 – The Harder Part: Accountability in Maintenance37:34 – Accountability: 80% of Coaching Success39:32 – Coaching Beyond Macros: Habits, Empathy, & Behavior Change41:33 – The Coaching Industry’s Problems & Client Retention42:49 – Coaching as Both Science and Human Connection43:07 – The Realities of Coaching: Not a Get-Rich-Quick Path44:26 – Where to Follow Matt Hoodie45:04 – Closing Thoughts and Call to ActionConnect with Matt Hoodie: Matt Hoodie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthoodie/ Links & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching programs: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching

Want better results? Stop blaming your plan and start owning your commitments.Coaching isn’t about being handed the “perfect” diet or workout. It’s about the six core commitments that actually move the needle. In this episode, I break them down—why preparation matters, why consistency beats perfection, and how honesty, curiosity, engagement, and true investment separate the people who succeed from the ones who spin their wheels.This isn’t about hacks. It’s about raising your standard and taking responsibility for the outcomes you want.If you’re serious about building confidence and getting results that actually last—this is your wake-up call. Tune in nowEpisode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview00:38 –  Welcome & What We Really Do at Body Systems02:33 – Coaching Is a Two-Way Street03:22 – Why Ben Hired 2 Business Coaches05:10 – The Mirror Moment: Taking Radical Ownership06:44 – Commitment #1: Be Prepared08:45 – Commitment #2: Be Consistent09:54 – Commitment #3: Be Honest11:47 – Commitment #4: Be Curious13:06– Commitment #5: Be Engaged14:35 – Commitment #6: Be Invested16:07 – Ben’s Self-Check on His Own Commitments17:32 – Invitation to Work Together 17:58 –  Podcast OutroLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching programs: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching