The Consistency Project

EC Synkowski
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Jan 28, 2026 • 29min

Five Minute Answers: Willpower, Eating on Vacation, GLP-1s, & Orthorexia

Quick answers to five listener questions about when to seek mental health versus nutrition support. A clear look at orthorexia and how wellness culture feeds purity obsessions. Practical tips for staying sane on a 10-day vacation and handling post-trip guilt. A concise rundown on GLP-1s and why weight often returns after stopping them.
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Jan 21, 2026 • 37min

Five Minute Answers: Palm Cooling, Pre-Workout Honey, & ATP Supplements

In this informative discussion, the hosts explore the science behind palm cooling and its mixed results in enhancing athletic performance. They dive into a critique of a honey pre-workout claim, highlighting a small study's limitations. Additionally, the conversation covers the evidence supporting ATP supplements and practical strength training alternatives for those dealing with injuries. They emphasize the importance of training intensity for older adults and the value of consistency over trendy hacks in achieving fitness goals.
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10 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 32min

An Upside-Down Food Pyramid, "Emerging" Evidence, & What Would Really Make Us Healthier

Discover the newly updated USDA dietary guidelines and their real-world implications for your health. Delve into the eye-opening 'upside-down' food pyramid that highlights the role of whole foods. Hear critiques on how most Americans don't follow these guidelines and the criticism of their practical relevance. Explore the ongoing debates around saturated fat and the disconnect between recommendations and real-life applications. Finally, examine why mere updates won't transform the food environment or combat chronic diseases effectively.
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Jan 7, 2026 • 55min

Justice for Cortisol: The Real Science on Menopause, Exercise, & Weight Gain

EC Synkowski, a Certified Nutrition Specialist® and founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition, dives into the science of menopause, exercise, and weight gain. She clarifies menopause phases and dispels myths about training intensity for women. Synkowski reframes cortisol as a helpful hormone and discusses how hormonal changes influence symptoms more than weight directly. She highlights the need for flexible lifestyle adjustments, the importance of sleep hygiene, and practical nutrition tips to support health during this transition.
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Dec 31, 2025 • 27min

Three Absurd Nutrition Headlines (& One You Actually Need to Read)

Dive into the absurd world of nutrition headlines that mislead and confuse! Explore the real impact of oil on kale’s nutrients and why minor studies on peanuts shouldn't be overhyped. Discover how basic principles like exercise outweigh trendy diet fads. Uncover the pitfalls of overly specific fruit pairings and celebrate the benefits of practical nutrition advice. A guide to spotting nutrition nonsense is also shared, ensuring you focus on what truly matters for your health!
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Dec 24, 2025 • 29min

The Stupidly Simple Way to Find Your True Calorie Needs (No App, Calculator, or Wearable Required)

Dive into the world of calorie tracking and discover why many apps and calculators can mislead your nutrition journey. Learn a more intuitive method that relies on actual weight trends and food intake instead of outdated equations. EC Synkowski emphasizes the importance of a personalized approach, highlighting the role of daily fluctuations and metabolic adaptation. Say goodbye to shiny gadgets and hello to a better understanding of your true caloric needs by mapping out realistic habits.
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Dec 17, 2025 • 23min

Which Matters More: What You Eat or How You Exercise?

Dive into the classic debate of diet versus exercise! Discover how cardio fitness can be more crucial for longevity than a strict nutrition regimen. Learn about studies highlighting the significant role of fitness over processed foods and why fitness metrics like mile times are better health indicators than weight. EC emphasizes balancing essential nutrient intake with enjoyment in nutrition. The insightful discussion wraps up with actionable tips for combining fitness and straightforward eating habits for optimal health.
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Dec 10, 2025 • 25min

Animal-Based Takes Another Blow (The LDL Edition)

Explore the latest findings on how polyunsaturated and saturated fats impact cholesterol levels. Discover why LDL cholesterol matters in heart disease and the role of oxidation in atherosclerosis. Delve into the debate over saturated fat and review modern evidence showing that lower LDL reduces heart disease risk. Get practical tips on maintaining a balanced intake of saturated fats and effective dietary tools, like the 800g Challenge, to help lower cholesterol and improve health.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 49min

"Women Are Not Small Men" Is Accurate. The Advice That Follows? Not So Much.

Joined by Laurel and Sarah from Movement Logic, we're unpacking the claims made by Stacey Sims regarding women's exercise and nutrition, highlighting the importance of evidence-based practices. You'll gain insights into how these recommendations may not apply universally and why understanding your own body and context is crucial for effective training. THE THREE PILLARS METHOD APP📲 Ready to develop a personalized nutrition plan that lasts? Go to ThreePillarsMethod.com for your 5-day free trial.🥗 There are also options for gyms, corporate wellness programs, and to work 1:1 with EC. Learn more here.ABOUT THE SHOWThe Consistency Project aims to simplify nutrition, health, and well-being by breaking down the concepts and actions we can all take to live fuller, more functional lives.ABOUT US📍 EC Synkowski is a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS), a Licensed-Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), and Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach (CF-L4). She's the founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition and the creator of the #800gChallenge®. Find her on social media.📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, kid's book writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.Full Disclaimer
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12 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 53min

Breaking News: Woman Eats Two Bananas and Survives (Plus Other Nutrition Lies I Had to Unlearn)

EC Synkowski, a Certified Nutrition Specialist and founder of OptimizeMe Nutrition, joins Mike Axler to challenge common nutrition myths. They discuss the downsides of the one-gram-per-pound protein rule and how the 800g Challenge can promote healthier eating. EC shares her journey of unlearning diet dogma, using humor to debunk extreme beliefs, and emphasizes the importance of regulating the food environment. They also explore practical nutrition tips for home and travel, making healthy choices more accessible.

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