The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show with Ben Brown

When you think of high-level athletes like Olympic weightlifters, NBA players, or NFL players, you probably assume that they eat a large amount of meat or other animal products to fuel their workout. But more and more athletes are trading in steak for tofu and tempeh. If you're curious why or are simply interested in learning more about becoming vegan, then definitely check out my podcast with vegan fitness coach, author, and speaker Karina Inkster.   A vegan for 15+ years, Karina is your go-to, no-BS professional fitness nut who is passionate about both the moral and physical benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. She refers to herself as providing a friendly kick in the butt that inspires people to live their best, healthiest, most plant-strong life.   Karina is the founder of Healthy Living Academy, an online training program that offers vegan fitness and nutrition coaching to clients all around the world. She is also the author of two books: Vegan Vitality: Your Complete Guide to an Active, Healthy, Plant-Based Lifestyle and Foam Rolling: 50 Exercises for Massage, Injury Prevention, and Core Strength.   Additionally, Karina is the founder of  The Vancouver Women's Weight Lifting Group. She also holds a Master's degree in gerontology, specializing in health and aging.   In this week's podcast, Karina and I really dive deep into nutrition and the benefits of eating a vegan diet, not just for athletes and fitness buffs, but for the general population as a whole. We talk a lot about the importance of mindset, what it takes to be a "good" vegan, tips for people interested in becoming vegan, quick fix vegan recipes and more.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - The importance of making sure your nutrition fuels your fitness [2:33]   - Steps you can take to level out your nutrition and the idea of the "junk food vegan"[4:25]   - Why you have to think of veganism in terms of abundance as opposed to deprivation [7:00]   - Simple tips for making the transition to a vegan diet [11:37]   - How to determine your protein needs and how to fuel them on a vegan diet [13:32]   - The best way to structure your meals throughout the day to reach protein goals [20:27]   - Why having a designated food prep day is extremely helpful [21:54]   - Quick fix breakfast meals you can whip up before a workout [24:38]   Follow Karina Inkster Here: Healthy Living Academy Online Coaching Program   Click here if you'd like to watch Karina's video for how to make overnight oats.   You can also click here for Karina's Tofu Scramble recipe and here for her FREE list of 350 vegan grocery items.

You don't have to go on a restrictive diet in order to get leaner, stronger or perform better. According to Matt Walrath, the real key to sustainable nutrition and incredible results revolves around macros.   Matt Walrath is a CrossFit athlete and owner of Beyond Macros, a nutrition coaching company aimed at helping CrossFitters, triathletes and weightlifters improve performance through macronutrient-based nutrition coaching.   Through Matt's unique approach to fitness that focuses on realistic and sustainable lifestyle changes, he's been able to crack the code on how to help clients lose weight and keep it off.   During my awesome podcast with Matt, we talk about the importance of macronutrients, how to best utilize macros to get the fitness and body composition results you want, his favorite pre- and post-workout meals and much more. You're going to learn a ton of great nutrition tips from this interview. I hope you enjoy!   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - Why macro counting is better and more sustainable than meal plans [2:35]   - The best entry-level place to start in determining your macros [6:53]   - Why Matt doesn't recommend a particular amount of meals per day [7:57]   - How much protein you should aim to get each day [10:07]   - Carbohydrates and how too few carbs leads to "Mom Brain" [13:33]   - Why low-carb isn't always a good option and how to best incorporate carbs when working out [16:02]   - The benefits of eating before and after you train [18:45]   - Matt's favorite pre- and post-workout meals/snacks [21:46]    How Matt views fats [26:11]   - The most frequent problems Matt sees with clients and how to fix them [33:27]   - Nutrition tips for people who travel [36:11]   - How to get your grocery bill down to $6 a day [38:38]   - Matt's macro coaching program [44:08]   Follow Matt Walrath Here: Beyond Macros Beyond Macros Group Coaching Program Facebook Instagram   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already.   While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

When trying to get healthy, often times movement or physical activity is the lowest barrier to entry and where most people find comfort getting started. However, beginning a training program is still a challenge. What should you be focusing on? What exercises are best for you? How can you prevent injury? You'll get those answers and more in this week's podcast with Charlie Weingroff.   Charlie is one of the top performance experts in the world. He is a doctor of physical therapy, certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Charlie is also a member of the Nike executive performance council and serves as the physical performance lead and head strength and conditioning coach for the Canadian Men's National Basketball team.   Additionally, Charlie is the former strength coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and the former lead physical therapist for Marine Corps Special Operations Command.   Currently, works as a physical therapist and strength coach at Drive 495 in Manhattan and Fit For Life in New Jersey. Although, he often travels to consult and treat people around the globe.   Charlie's Training=Rehab DVDs and seminar series are recognized as selling close to 2,000 copies thus far. In addition to his DVD set, Charlie is a former powerlifter and has experience working with both the general population as well as elite professionals and Olympic athletes.   I'm super excited to have Charlie on the show. We talked about training and rehab and the synergy between the two. We also discuss if you should start with weight training or cardio and how intense that training should be. If you're planning to start a new training program this is going to be particularly beneficial for you. And if you're a trainer you will definitely learn some really great approaches to help your clients improve their strength while also preventing injury.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - Charlie's 6 buckets of rehab techniques [9:12]   -  The disconnect between ending physical therapy and ongoing conditioning [12:32]   - The most efficient way to approach exercise in order to prevent injury [18:59]   - How to determine your readiness for exercise [21:40]   - The "Easy Effort Method" and why training until failure isn't always best [27:33]   - Why rest is so critically important in the healing process [43:25]   - Charlie's T=R programs and his latest DVD T=R3 [45:42]   Follow Charlie Weingroff Here: CharlieWeingroff.com Instagram Twitter Facebook   You can also purchase Charlie's T=R DVDs by clicking here.   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already.   While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

If you've ever been curious about the benefits of medical marijuana or Cannabidiol (CBD) and what it can do for you, check out my podcast with Bryan Hardy.   Bryan is a holistic nutritionist and wellness coach who specializes in helping busy professions revitalize their gut and hormones in order to help combat anxiety and depression, experience joy and improve performance. He is also an avid biohacker and host of the Redefining Reality Podcast.   Using what many would say are "unconventional" methods of treatment, Bryan is able to help clients -- both in person and online -- address the root cause of their health challenges and create sustainable lifestyle changes.   Bryan's journey into health began when his appendix ruptured, leading to widespread infection, including candida overgrowth, parasites, and bowel obstructions. Additionally, Bryan suffered from bouts of anxiety, depression, adrenal fatigue and low testosterone. It's from these things he learned from his own challenges that motivated him to educate, coach and empower others to take control of their health, body, and mind.   During our podcast, Bryan and I talk a lot about cannabinoids and other natural plants that have therapeutic healing powers. We also dive deep into alternative treatments for inflammation and anxiety and the importance of deep tissue massage and fascial stretch therapy. It's a really fascinating interview that you won't want to miss.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids/CBD [6:03]   - What Bryan tells people who are apprehensive about trying CBD [12:05]   - The optimal form of CBD and most beneficial dosage depending on your needs [14:06]   - The importance of having a balanced ratio of THC and CBD  [16:16]   - Why CBD is particularly beneficial for those suffering from anxiety [19:57]   - The importance of fascia and how it affects both our mental and physical health [25:21]   - Why you should consider getting a deep tissue massage [30:16]   - Bryan's biggest nutrition needle movers [34:43]   - The meal Bryan would eat if he could only eat one meal for the rest of his life [45:32]   Follow Bryan Hardy Here: BryanHardy.ca Facebook Instagram   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already.   While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

Fitness and delicious food don't need to be mutually exclusive. If you're curious about how you can lose weight, build muscle or get healthier while still enjoying satisfying, yummy food, then definitely check out my podcast with self-proclaimed food lover Ben Johnson.   Ben is a writer, fitness coach, entrepreneur and founder of BenTrained.com. As a coach, Ben uses science-based strategies to help his clients enjoy great food while also experiencing better fitness results.   In addition to his coaching, Ben is a published cookbook author. His book For the Health of It: The Beginner's Guide to Recipe Creation provides readers with the tools to create healthy versions of their favorite foods.    Ben's interest in the fitness and nutrition industry stems from being a "former chubster" as a child, and he's not ashamed of it. Thanks to his own experiences battling weight problems and his passion for food, Ben has been able to help others fight the chub and start the journey towards better health.   Ben is extremely wise for his age and just doing great things in the fitness industry. During our awesome interview, we talk about the fundamentals of good nutrition and how food doesn't have to be painfully tasteless and bland in order for you to be fit or lose weight. We also dive deep into the impact of social media in the fitness industry and how it affects our perception of ourselves. It's a really great interview that I think will resonate with everyone.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - How he designs his coaching programs to get the BEST results [10:33]   - What macros are and why they are incredibly important [13:36]   - The biggest misconception people have about identifying macros [17:24]   - Why you should track your food and how to make food tracking fun [20:15]   - Ben's recommended ratios of protein, carbs and fat [24:06]   - How you can be fit and still eat delicious food [26:42]   - Why flexibility in your diet is NECESSARY for success [30:11]   - The need to cut yourself some slack when it comes to nutrition [31:10]   - How to spice up your protein so that it tastes DELICIOUS [33:38]   - The 80/20 rule of nutrition [38:23]   - Ben's take on social media and the importance of embracing authenticity and vulnerability [44:40]   Follow Ben Johnson Here: BenTrained.com Instagram Facebook   You can download Ben's free macronutrient cheat sheet here.   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already.   While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

The power of doing the work and loving yourself is far more important for weight loss and body change than the foods we put in our mouths, according to Krista Scott-Dixon, Ph.D. If you've experienced trouble losing weight, improving body composition or just generally are interested in discovering tips for boosting your health and happiness, then definitely check out my podcast with Krista.   Krista is the Director of Curriculum at Precision Nutrition, one of the top online nutrition coaching and coach certification programs in the world. She is also the creator of the PN Coaching Program and it's offshoot ProCoach and co-author of the PN Level 1 certification textbook The Essentials of Sport and Exercise Nutrition Certification Manual. In her 20+ year career teaching a coaching, she's helped thousands of students and clients change their lives for the better.   Additionally, Krista is published widely in both academic and popular presses and is a sought-after speaker on the topics of nutrition, emotional well-being and behavioral change. Her latest book, Why Me Want Eat: Fixing Your Food F*ckedupitude, tackles the subject of disordered eating in an informal, simple and humorous way.   Krista's journey into the world of fitness is an unconventional one. A self-proclaimed unathletic person, Krista was often picked last for teams and used to hide out in the locker room to avoid gym class. Then, in college, she had her 'aha' moment when she gained 50 pounds. It was then that she realized she had to do something different and began educating herself about nutrition and weight training.   Prior to joining Precision Nutrition, Krista was a researcher and faculty member at York University in Toronto.   As if that's not enough, Krista is also the creator of the groundbreaking women's weight training website, Stumptuous.com.   This is an incredibly uplifting conversation chalk full of amazing information. We talk about the coaching process, establishing awareness with those looking to create change in their life, the power of action and the importance of loving your body. I guarantee you will come out of this podcast with a new understanding of what it truly takes to accomplish your goals, whether it's weight loss, improved health or something else.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - The best predictor of success in any program [4:28]   - Why compassion is so vitally important for the process of change [6:54]   - 3 simple changes you can make TODAY to lose weight [12:36]   - The main drivers for people to want to lose weight [19:27]   - Why the weight-loss process is more important than the end goal [23:39]   - Tools to measure self-love [26:56]   - The most important question every coach should ask his/her clients [29:57]   - The power of community [39:16]   - Why every gym should consider having a dog [41:27]   - Krista's latest book and how being f*cked up doesn't determine you [45:11]   Follow Krista Scott-Dixon Here: Precision Nutrition Facebook Instagram Twitter Stumptuous.com   Click here to get your copy of Krista's newest book Why Me Want Eat: Fixing Your Food F*ckedupitude.   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already.   While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

If you're interested in learning how to build and maintain muscle while simultaneously losing fat, then definitely check out my podcast with Jim Brown.   Jim is an elite athlete and former bodybuilder who's been in the industry for more than 20 years. Over the course of his career, Jim has developed an expertise in every aspect of body transformation, including hormone optimization, nutrition and resistance training.   Jim is the co-author of The Metabolic Blowtorch Diet and Testosterone Therapy Bible. He is also the creator of Forged Training and Co-Owner of Optimized Life Nutrition with Jay Campbell (who I interviewed a few months ago on the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show) and Joshua Smith.   During this podcast, Jim and I really dive deep into his nutritional journey as both a natural and regular bodybuilder. We also talk about ways to clean out our nutrition, how to tailor your diet based on your body type and simple tricks to help people stay on track with a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're a bodybuilder or average gym-goer, you will learn some amazing information from this interview. In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - How Jim got into the fitness industry [3:39]   - Jim's biggest tip for minimizing muscle loss while getting lean [6:42]   - How not to sacrifice your lifestyle to maintain a certain body fat level [11:22]   - The number one way to know if you're burning more body fat [14:14]   - How everyone can benefit from trying intermittent fasting [17:41]   - Why Jim is a big proponent of a whole foods diet [20:03]   - One of the biggest weight-loss saboteurs that many of us are eating [22:33]   - The concept of an insulin controlled lifestyle and how you can benefit from it [24:30]   - The best way to structure your peri-workout nutrition to maximize results [29:33]   - General nutritional recommendations for different body types [32:29]   - Why Jim doesn't leave the house without a cooler full of snacks [34:27]   - When drinking alcohol becomes an issue [38:42]   - How you can become more proactive in your healthcare [44:03]   Follow Jim Brown Here:   Forged Training TOT Revolution GSD Mode Podcast Optimized Life Nutrition Facebook YouTube   Click here to get your free copy of The Metabolic Blowtorch Diet Join our waitlist for the Testosterone Optimization Therapy Bible by clicking here.   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already.   While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

Are you living a life of purpose? It's a difficult question to answer, and one that takes a significant amount of introspection. If your answer isn't a resounding yes or if you're interested in discovering the secrets to lifelong happiness and well-being, then definitely check out my podcast with Dai Manuel.   Dai is a certified lifestyle mentor, executive performance coach, motivational speaker, former COO of Fitness Town Inc., award-winning blogger and author of the Whole Life Fitness Manifesto. He is also the proud dad of two daughters and a devoted husband.   After personally struggling with childhood obesity, Dai has made it his life's mission to live a healthier, more active lifestyle and help others do the same. Through his coaching programs, Dai blends mindfulness, personal development, and purposeful workouts to empower individuals to create a life of awesomeness.   Dai is truly the epitome of health, fitness, passion, and purpose. During our uplifting interview, we really dive deep into empowerment and leading a FUN-ctionally fit life through education, encouragement, and community. We also talk about his daily struggles of being a dad with young kids. I think this podcast will really resonate with everyone and I hope that it motivates you to make whatever changes are necessary to optimize your health and happiness.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - Dai's life by design moment that prompted him to live out of a suitcase with his family for more than 2 years [2:05]   - Why Dai decided to move his family to Bali [6:31]   - How you can leverage 2% of each day to improve your body, mind, and spirit [8:38]   - Dai's pillars for finding a life of purpose [10:23]   - How Dai leads by example for his children [15:25]   - Dai's 3 coaching programs, one of which is completely free [16:37]   - The importance of cultivating a sense of community and positive interaction [18:57]   - Struggles and transformative experiences Dai had that shaped him into the coach and mentor he is today [22:34]   - How Dai's daughters are handling their nomad lifestyle [30:50]   Follow Dai Manuel Here: Dai Manuel  Whole Life Fitness Manifesto 28-Day Challenge (FREE) RBT Shred Bootcamp Facebook Instagram The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto Tribe   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already. While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

Are you experiencing joint pain, weight gain and/or lack of energy as you're getting older? Find out how to become a healthier, fitter, younger you by checking out my podcast with Erin Nielsen.   Erin is a licensed physical therapist, certified health coach and Pilates instructor who's made it her mission to find the fountain of youth. Erin believes that no matter your age you can naturally reset your body to burn fat, look youthful and get your energy back by tackling the root causes of deteriorating youth and health.   Through The Youth Method program, Erin empowers women, particularly those who are 40+, through nutrition, fitness, and mindset to defy aging and reclaim their health.   Today on the show Erin and I talk in depth about The Youth Method. We also chat about the 4Ps of nutrition, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Erin's 10/5/3/1 method of gratitude. This is a really inspirational interview that you won't want to miss.   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - How her sister's neck injury sparked her interest in physical therapy [1:57]   - The major health changes Erin noticed when she turned 40 [6:39]   - Why Erin started The Youth Method [8:10]   - The best way to eat in order to look younger and feel younger [10:34]   - Some of Erin's favorite meals, including her go-to healthy dessert recipes [12:44]   - Foods you should avoid, especially ones that are disguised as health foods [17:21]   - Erin's biggest exercise mistake and the best workouts to improve longevity [19:35]   - Examples of Erin's 10-30 minute HIIT workouts [22:05]   -  Why you should consider doing 1 random act of kindness a day [29:05]   Follow Erin Nielsen Here: The Youth Method Facebook Instagram YouTube   As a thank you to our listeners, Erin is offering everyone a free copy of her 72 Hour Flat Belly Detox. The detox includes three 10-minute workouts as well as recipes and meal plans. Also, check out this link for the Brownie Bites recipe that she mentions in the podcast.   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already. While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!

Being a dad is definitely tough. There's the pressure of needing to provide for your family while at the same time providing for yourself. If you're interested in learning how to become a better husband, father, mentor, business owner or really just a productive member of society, definitely check out my podcast with Curtis Jackson.   Curtis is the co-owner of Jackson Strength in Solana Beach, CA. Jackson Strength is a premier fitness facility specializing in helping youth volleyball and baseball athletes get strong, stay healthy and achieve their athletic dreams.   Additionally, Curtis is the founder of the Warrior Dad Coaching Program aimed at helping dads reclaim their health, vitality, and athleticism through nutrition, fitness, and mindset training. Curtis is also working on a hunting academy to teach newbie hunters how to kill, gut, skin, butcher, and cook their own meat. (You can find out more about this by contacting Curtis at office@jacksonstrength.com).   Curtis holds certifications from The National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), The Poliquin International Certification Program, USA Weightlifting and the CHEK Institute.   During our interview, Curtis and I chop it up about what it means to be a good dad, particularly when it comes to providing good food for his family. We also talk about the process of creating more "oneness" with our food, environment, community, and culture. I hope you enjoy!   In This Podcast We Also Discuss:   - Why hunting has become such a big part of Curtis' life [12:58]   - The importance of unplugging and getting out into the wilderness [18:04]   - Curtis' Warrior Dad Coaching Program [25:00]   - The most common struggles dads deal with on a daily basis [30:36]   - Why Curtis chooses to work with dads [32:13]   - Curtis' biggest strengths and weaknesses when it comes to parenting [40:08]   - The benefits of intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating [43:40]   Follow Curtis Jackson Here: office@jacksonstrength.com Jackson Strength Instagram Facebook   Want to learn more about Jackson Strenght? Check out my awesome interview with Curtis' wife Krystal Jackson. During our podcast, we talk about what it means to be a "forever athlete," the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and more.   If you enjoyed this episode, head on over to iTunes and subscribe to The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Podcast if you haven’t done so already. While you’re there, leave a rating and review.  It's the best way that we can help more people ultimately make Smart Nutrition SIMPLE!