100% Real With Ruby; nutrition, strength, fat loss, muscle, macros - without the fluff

in review:carbs vs fat loss: why “less” isn’t lean and how to fix ittraining hard but not changing? how to fix thissweat ≠ stimulus: why your “hard” workouts don’t change your bodyplateau or poor programming + approach? the switch that unlocks gains next weekperma-cutting keeps you stuck: the 6–9 month build → 6–10 week cut plancarbs protect your look: pre/post templates for stronger sessionsprogressive overload for women: rep ranges, rest times, and what to trackthe simple system that actually changes your physiquecarbs protect your lookthe improvement season: the boring zone where growth happensstronger, not smaller: how performance creates a leaner lookhow much volume do you need? keep 8–12 sets that countthe truth about “bulky”: pumps, glycogen, and what you’re really seeingyou can’t reveal what you haven’t built: the body recomposition trapFIND YOUR CHEAT SHEET BELOW Dm me for guides to anything youve heard in here and ill also shoot you wnat you need mostwant the look you actually want? here’s the hard truth: you can’t reveal what you haven’t built. in this ep with steve hall (revive stronger), we tear down the myths that keep you stuck in permanent diet mode: sweating isn’t stimulus, flat isn’t lean, and plateaus are usually fatigue in disguise. this is the improvement season conversation nobody clicks… until they’re tired of starting over.you’ll hear: how to train near failure without wrecking your form, why carbs protect your look (and sanity), the 6–9 month build → 6–10 week cut rhythm, and how to deload on purpose so progress comes back. if your legs feel “bulky” after leg day, if the scale jumps when you eat real food, if you’re certain you’re “overtraining” — this one is for you.we’re getting brutally honest about why your “hard” training isn’t changing your body. sweat is cheap. stimulus is rare. with steve hall, we go deep on the reps that count (and the noise that doesn’t): near‑failure tension, long enough rests, stable lifts, carbs that keep your sessions alive, and the deload that turns a plateau into +1 rep next week.comment your biggest “aha” or tell me where you’re stuck. want to come on the show for a hot‑seat about your journey? dm me.we also talk• why plateaus happen - the simple reset that fixes it• how to build muscle without getting bulky: the natural timeline for women 30+• maintenance phase explained: start your cut from strength, not exhaustion• what no one tells you about getting “bulky” (and why “lean” isn’t happening)• most women start over every month in training without realising they don’t have a plan for continual progression… which is why you never see the shape you want• carbs keep your muscle. muscle keeps your shape.• stronger is the identity. leaner is the receipt.• the surprising truth about “toning” (and why muscle is the point)• what no one tells you about carbs, water weight, and looking tighter• what nobody tells you about “bulky” legs (and why they look bigger – never leaner)• progress for women over 30• why you gain easily… but can’t lean outtwo mini wins to take into the week• pick 4–6 main lifts and keep them for 12–16 weeks. progress inside the rep range before you add load• cap to 8–12 hard sets per muscle/week. quality beats junk volume.And if that isnt enough, i always like to deliver • film the last set of one lift and check if the last 3 reps visibly slow. if not, you weren’t close enough.• anchor 30–60g carbs + 20–30g protein 60–90 min pre‑training, then repeat post.• match the log book or beat one tiny thing• set a 2–5 minute  rest timer between hard sets. let bar speed recover.• carbs keep your muscle. muscle keeps your shapefind me @transformxruby on instagram@revivestronger for steve hallrevivestronger.comyoutubeapply for a free consult:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqaxMDfbPYPYVui3BgSClnDXTj4BWjRvPkbBHuK5CP7SQsIw/viewform?usp=sf_linkDirect link to DM me on IG:https://ig.me/m/transformxruby

if you’re stuck in that loop of "i want to be leaner, but nothing's changing"... this one’s for you.. you DO already work hard. BUT what used to work no longer does but we never realise that bc its all we know. plus, it DID get you results before right? most women don't struggle with fat loss. they struggle with what comes after.when you're no longer chasing the next drop on the scale... and instead, you're stuck wondering: "is this even working? why do i still feel soft?"in this episode i talk about what it really takes to build the shape you want, and why emotional discomfort in the building phase is a sign you're doing it right.we chat about the real reason fat loss feels easier than building musclewhy its so easy to get caught in the cycle of the wrong type of training, chasing deficits that don’t deliver.the reason yourre stuck has nothing to do with food? what if it's because the things youve been doing.. the beliefs you adopted from your old approaches to fat loss became your comfort zone…change? building... by eating MORE, doing LESS? what???on top of that... it feels too slow, too scary, too uncertain?this episode is a reality check for anyone who:• keeps circling back to deficits• is scared to commit to a real building phase • wonders why results are stalling despite consistent effortyou’ll hear:• why training more or harder doesn’t always = results• the identity crisis of not constantly shrinking• how "feeling stuck" is actually a sign you're ready to level uptakeaways:you're not doing it wrong just because it feels hardgrowth looks boring, slow, and unglamorous... but it's also what makes change finally stick.3 mini wins to take away:you're not doing it wrong just because it feels hardgrowth looks boring, slow, and unglamorous... but it's also what makes change finally stick. the difference between emotional urgency vs physical needhow to know if you're truly in a building phase or just afraid to slow downthis episode might just change how you view the "next step."if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but not seeing results… this one's going to land hard.find me @transformxruby on instagrambrandon: @trainingfromthegroundupDM me directly:https://ig.me/m/transformxruby

TakeawaysPeople often quit at the first sign of adversity in their fitness journey.Social media can skew perceptions of progress and body image.Mindset is crucial in achieving fitness goals and maintaining a healthy relationship with food.Experiencing life is more important than focusing solely on body image.Facing resistance is essential for personal growth and overcoming fears.Setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation and progress.Building confidence through strength training translates to other areas of life.Self-efficacy is a key predictor of success in weight loss and fitness.Fad diets often lead to feelings of failure and decreased self-efficacy.Prioritizing self-care is essential for long-term health and happiness.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jordan Syatt and His Philosophy02:34 The Importance of Mindset in Fitness05:43 Perception of Time and Progress in Fitness08:26 The Reality of Social Media and Body Image11:01 Facing Resistance and Overcoming Fear16:43 The Role of Self-Efficacy in Achieving Goals21:46 The Impact of Identity on Fitness and Weight Loss28:41 Setting Realistic Goals and Bright Lines30:34 The Limits of Coaching: Accepting Reality35:22 Understanding Readiness for Change38:37 The Importance of Self-Prioritization41:53 Building Healthy Relationships with Food49:06 The Fallacy of Perfectionism53:40 The Journey of Sustainable ChangeSound Bites"You need to lean into the fear.""Maintenance is progress.""Perfection doesn't exist."

what nobody told you about glutes and abs. the myth oftoned: why women stay stuckyour impatience is ruining your body goals, this dietingapproach is not only killing your glute gains.. but your ability to lean outyour midsection and melt the belly fat too soabs or ass?most women think they know how to diet for bothyou panic when your jeans feel tight.you obsess when the scale goes up.and you wonder why your body looks the same year after year.this episode rips apart the myths that keep women stuck indiet culture:the truth? you don’t need more dieting. you don’t need asmaller number. you need more muscle, more patience, and a better way tomeasure progress.mini wins you’ll walk away with: this isn’t about chasing “toned” or shrinking to fit oldclothes. it’s about building the shape you’ve been chasing for years — andlearning how to finally commit to the long game.want to come on and chat about your own journey orstruggles? reach out, i’d love to have that conversation.find me @transformxruby on instagram and brandon @trainingfromthegroundup

you’ve been taught to believe that fat loss is simple: eat less, move more, repeat until smaller.but if that actually worked the way you think—why are you still starting over? why are you still white-knuckling through another “reset” that feels exactly like the last one?this episode breaks down the truth about why most women get trapped in the same loop:chasing quick fixes and shrinking instead of training to actually build somethingconfusing dieting for results with dieting for controlmistaking effort for progress (and why the scale lies to you every single time)sabotaging yourself with the exact “solutions” you think will save you (like cutting carbs, adding HIIT, or flip-flopping between deficit and maintenance)clinging to comfort, timelines, and old metrics that don’t match the body you actually wantwe talk about what real progress looks like when the goal isn’t just smaller—but stronger, tighter, and leaner. and why the thing you keep avoiding (slowing down, fueling properly, pushing harder in the gym, sitting in maintenance longer than you think you “should”) is exactly what’s holding you back from breaking free.if you’ve ever thought: “i know what to do, i just can’t stick to it”—this episode will call BS on that belief and show you why sticking to “it” has never been the problem. your problem isn’t willpower. it’s the wrong game plan.so if you’re sick of starting over, this is the wake-up call. it’s time to stop chasing smaller and start building different.• instagram: @transformxruby@nutritioncoachingbydal• book a consult: transformxruby.com• dm me your thoughts or questions after listening

most women think getting leaner means eating less forever. that’s the lie that keeps you stuck. the truth? you can’t diet your way to the body you want – you have to build it first. and that means fueling, training, and surviving the slow phase no one tells you about.And not, its not reverse dieting. That won’t make you shredded. eating more won’t automatically build muscle. and no – you can’t just train harder and expect to wake up with the body you want. the missing piece? the phase of training no one wants to talk about – the slow grind that actually creates shape, strength, and a metabolism that works for you.in this episode, i share:• why chasing quick results is killing your long-term progress• where most women go wrong with reverse dieting and “eating more”• the mindset shift that finally lets you build the muscle you need to get leaner later• how to know if you’re truly building muscle – or just spinning your wheels• what makes THIS ONE PHASE the real key to lasting fat lossthis is the truth nobody else will tell you. it’s not sexy, it’s not fast, but it works.we’ll call out the patterns that have kept you stuck for years – and give you a clear path out of the yo-yo cycle.5 things you can start TODAY1. stop flipping between deficit and maintenance. commit to one phase long enough to see it through.2. use your training performance as the progress marker – not just the scale.3. fuel like you mean it – carbs aren’t the enemy, they’re the building blocks.4. fall in love with the basics – boring training done with intent builds the body you want.5. When you feel discomfort… learn to pause VS react and sabotage. And be patient with yourself heregetting leaner isn’t about chasing the scale. it’s about building the body underneath – and that means doing the thing nobody talks about: sitting in the slow, uncomfortable phase where muscle is built, not just dieting harder.if you’re ready to stop sabotaging yourself and finally see progress that sticks, hit play. and if you’ve got questions, dm me – or come on the podcast to talk through your journey.direct link to dm me on ig: https://ig.me/m/transformxrubyfind me @transformxruby on instagram@trainingfromthegroundup • mention glycogen/water weight early to ease fear of scale jumps• touch on why fat loss phases should be short, building phases long• highlight why diet culture/anti-diet extremes both fail• reinforce that consistency > perfection, boring > flashy• include that eating more works only when paired with intent in training• plug next episode on anti-diet culture vs. diet cultureBuilding ass AND abs - hownoted for follow-up

you’ve been dieting forever. eating less. cutting carbs. chasing that next plan that promises to finally “work.” and yet… your body still feels stuck.you’re training hard. you’re eating “healthy.” you’re in a deficit again. so why does nothing change?because you’ve been sold the lie that dieting is the answer.here’s the thing: dieting works the first time… maybe the second. after that, it’s just breaking down muscle, wrecking your metabolism, and making fat loss harder every single round. you’re not lazy. you’re not broken. you’re just stuck in a system designed to keep you small and stuck.in this episode, we dig into why your body won’t change no matter how much you diet… and how that’s actually killing your progress. we talk about:why endless deficits destroy the very muscle you need to look leanhow fear of carbs, lifting light, and “science-based” hacks keep you spinning your wheelswhat’s really happening with cortisol, hormones, and belly fat when you’re under-fuelingthe difference between losing weight vs actually changing your bodywhy building muscle (and fueling for it) is the only way forwardthis isn’t about another plan. it’s about shifting the way you think about progress entirely. if you’ve been chasing smaller, obsessing over the scale, or stuck in that “nothing works” frustration—this episode is going to hit hard.if you want to know: the truth about carbs, cortisol, and why you can’t “out-diet” stresshow science gets misused to validate bad approacheswhy building muscle is the thing diet culture never taught youwhat menopause, hormones, and belly fat actually have in commonhow to finally get off the fat-loss hamster wheel for good• a clear understanding of why your body isn’t responding (and how to change that)• a new way to see carbs and strength training as your best toolsthis isn’t just about changing your body. it’s about taking back control of your health, your energy, and your future.if this hits home, share it with someone who needs to hear it. and if you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels—let’s talk.listen in, reflect on what’s been keeping you stuck, and ask yourself: what’s the real rush? because if you keep rushing, you’ll stay here forever.if you want to chat about your own journey or struggles, reach out. i’d love to hear your story.find me @transformxruby on instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/transformxruby/https://www.instagram.com/sarahsl.fit/https://www.instagram.com/kenny.lipton/apply for a free consult:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqaxMDfbPYPYVui3BgSClnDXTj4BWjRvPkbBHuK5CP7SQsIw/viewform?usp=sf_linkdirect link to dm me on ig:https://ig.me/m/transformxruby

why does progress feel so hard? because you’ve been training hard but not training right. you’ve been scared of carbs, stuck in diet cycles, and chasing quick fixes that leave you burned out. in this episode, we dive into the training mistakes you don’t even know you’re making, the truth about carbs vs fat loss, and how building lean muscle—not avoiding it—is the secret to the shape you’ve been chasing. we’ll break down why underfueling keeps you stuck, why sloppy reps waste your effort, and how a mindset shift changes everything. “practice makespermanent – if you train sloppy, you stay sloppy.” if you’reexuding effort in the wrong places – working hard isn’t the same asprogressing.mini winsyou’ll get:fix one sloppytraining habit that’s secretly capping your results—film your next lift, reviewit, and pick one thing to improve.add carbs aroundtraining to fuel harder sessions and notice faster recovery.if this hitsyou, share it, leave a comment, or dm me to talk through your own journey. i’dlove to hear it. find me@transformxruby on instagram@trainingfromthegroundup direct link todm me on ig: https://ig.me/m/transformxruby

how to finally build the body you want withoutstarvingyou’ve been told to eat less, cut carbs, and do more cardio if you want to “tone up.” but here’s the truth: all that did waskeep you small, flat, and stuck spinning your wheels. this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.brandon da cruz and i go deep on why women over 30—especially those hitting their late 30s, 40s, and beyond—keep missing the one thing that actually changes their body: muscle. we cover why living on 1600 calories is tanking your progress, how chronic dieting wrecks your hormones and metabolism, and why fueling more (not less) is the key to building the shape you want.you’ll learn:• why dieting doesn’t build shape—it just reveals what’s (not) there• how to eat for muscle growth without “getting bulky”• why carbs are the missing link for performance, recovery, and hormones• what the high-energy flux model is and why eating more + moving more gets better resultseverywhere you look, women are being sold the same thing: eat less, move more, cut carbs, do HIIT. and yet here you are—smaller, flatter, exhausted, still not happy with how your body looks.this isn’t fluffy advice. it’s raw, science-backed truth that will make you rethink everything you’ve been sold. if you’ve been stuck chasing smaller and wondering why your body never changes—this will hit you hard.two mini wins you’ll take away:1. you can eat more, train smarter, and actually see your physique change.2. maintenance isn’t a pause—it’s the foundation of the body you want.if you’ve been stuck in diet mode, listen to this. and if it hits, share it with the friend who needs to hear it.want to chat about your own journey or struggles? dm me—I’d love to hear your story.past episodes with brandon https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transformxruby/episodes/295--WOMEN-ARE-NOT-SMALL-MEN-Get-off-the-merry-go-round--dont-diet-til-you-do-this-with-Brandon-DaCruz-e2bc3uu https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transformxruby/episodes/296--The-diet-after-the-diet-the-most-important-part-of-LONG-TERM-physique-transformation---w-Brandon-DaCruz-e2bc42a https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transformxruby/episodes/309-THE-SECRETS-OF-THE-LEAN--STRONG--HEALTHY-its-about-the-results-you-KEEP-with-Brandon-DaCruz-e2dvv3s https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transformxruby/episodes/311---OPTIMIZING-YOUR-BODY-COMPOSITION--boosting-your-metabolism-with-smart-nutrition---Brandon-DaCruz-e2eb0c1 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transformxruby/episodes/327-Do-you-want-to-be-skinny-OR-lean--To-look-softer-or-defined--WHAT-IT-TAKES-TO-BUILD-THE-LEAN-PHYSIQUE-YOU-WANT-Brandon-DaCruz-e2j6c0e https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/transformxruby/episodes/327-Do-you-want-to-be-skinny-OR-lean--To-look-softer-or-defined--WHAT-IT-TAKES-TO-BUILD-THE-LEAN-PHYSIQUE-YOU-WANT-Brandon-DaCruz-e2j6c0efind me @transformxruby on instagrambrandon : https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/apply for a free consult:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqaxMDfbPYPYVui3BgSClnDXTj4BWjRvPkbBHuK5CP7SQsIw/viewform?usp=sf_linkdirect link to dm me on ig: https://ig.me/m/transformxruby

glutes not growing? body shape not changing?all the effort and still not progressing how youshould?here’s why your body feels stuck even when you’redoing everything right & the mistake that makes women stay in fat loss modeforever (its why slashing cals stopped working even though it used to) what i mean wheni say: “your lifts should feel like work”? that’s in here. and your bracing hasa lot to do with it. without learning these 3 things, I would have stayed stuckwe also talk about an extra 4 traps (myths really)we see in the industry and break it down for you to be able to use this episode is why your body goals keep slippingawayyou cant build anything meaningful if you keepskipping the part that makes CONTINUAL progress possible..without niggles, injuries, pain… making sure you engage your glutes, the rightmuscles fire and that your SETS + WORKOUTS ACTUALLY COUNT (whoops ruby, you wereso guilty once) your nervous system mattersyour focus mattersstrength training women 40+ done well doesn’t lookmuch different from 30+ or 50+muscle growth + training plateaus stem from thesame foundationone’s built with intention, one had bricks missing so if youre asking   why am Inot building muscle even though I lift?  doesstress affect muscle growth?  why do myhamstrings always feel tight?  what do Ineed to eat before training? is it really essential? this is for youwe also talk about - the real reason your warm-up isn’t working- the myth of tight hamstrings—and what’sreally going on- ifyour lifts feel off, and what to do - where gripstrength plays into this and why what you do with your hands matters most- that is afteryour feet. without knowing about this, your glutes and hamstrings will alwaysplateau in this conversation, you’ll hear:·        why everything feels hard even when you’re“doing it right”·        the truth about tight hamstrings, glutesthat won’t grow, and why mobility isn’t just stretching·        how repetition (good or bad) shapes yourprogress·        what needs to change if you’re tired oflooping the same patternsmini wins you’ll take away:1.     how to warm up with intent so your firstrep actually builds something2.     how to spot when your nervous system—notyour program—is holding you backlisten if you’re ready to stop chasing quick fixesand start training in a way that finally moves the needle. and if any of thishits home, dm me. i want to hear your story. find me @transformxruby on instagramapply for a free consult:https://www.instagram.com/trainingfromthegroundupdirect link to dm me on ig: https://ig.me/m/transformxruby for women 35–50 stuck in deficit & plateaucycle