The Consistency Project

EC Synkowski
undefined
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.
undefined
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!
undefined
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 Learn a more intuitive method that relies on actual weight trends and food intake instead of outdated equations.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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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
undefined
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.
undefined
10 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 21min

Does Fasting Really Decrease Inflammation? What the Research Actually Shows

Discover the myths surrounding fasting and inflammation. Explore how inflammation can actually be beneficial and learn about autophagy, the body's cleanup process. Recent research reveals that prolonged fasting may even raise inflammatory markers. Contrary to popular belief, fasting doesn't uniquely reduce inflammation compared to a balanced diet. Instead of viewing it as a quick fix for health, consider using fasting strategically for weight management or hunger. Insightful takeaways await as hosts break down the science and practical implications!
undefined
Nov 12, 2025 • 35min

What is the Three Pillars Method (& Why Does it Work When Gimmicky Diets Fail)?

Discover the Three Pillars Method, focusing on food quality, adequate protein, and caloric balance for sustainable nutrition. Learn how it evolved from simple principles into a practical guide. Who is this method for? It’s catered to individuals seeking realistic dietary changes. Explore mindset shifts that foster long-term success, starting with the 800-gram challenge of fruits and vegetables. Unlike fad diets, this evidence-based approach prioritizes sustainability. Get actionable steps to begin your journey towards better health.
undefined
Nov 5, 2025 • 22min

Stop Obsessing Over Micronutrients: The Truth About Eating the Same Foods Most Days

Discover the practicality of eating the same foods daily and how it can simplify nutrition without compromising on health. Explore the limitations of food-tracking apps and the importance of whole foods over obsessing over micronutrient counts. Learn about a study suggesting that specific daily quantities of fruit and vegetables can meet nutrient needs. Plus, find out who should worry about potential nutrient gaps and how much variety is truly necessary for a balanced diet.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app