

The Consistency Project
EC Synkowski
Simplifying nutrition, health, and wellbeing by breaking down the concepts and actions we can all take to live fuller, more functional lives. From EC Synkowski, founder of the #800gChallenge® and OptimizeMe Nutrition.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 13, 2024 • 28min
in the Media: Inflammation, Expiration Dates, & the Dirt Diet
We're discussing the impact of diet on inflammation and the confusion surrounding food labeling. You'll gain insights into how maintaining a healthy weight can be more effective for reducing inflammation than focusing on specific foods. You'll also learn about the bizarre new trend of eating dirt and why it may not be the solution to your health goals (shocking, we know).
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ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
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Nov 6, 2024 • 15min
on CNS Fatigue & Heavy Lifting: A Look at the Science
We explore central nervous system (CNS) fatigue, focusing on its role in heavy lifting and strength training.
Inspired by a listener's question, we delve into the nature of CNS fatigue, its common misinterpretations in gym culture, and what scientific research reveals about it.
We clarify the distinctions between CNS fatigue, peripheral nervous system (PNS) fatigue, and mental fatigue, debunking prevalent myths and highlighting the true factors affecting gym performance.
00:00 Welcome to the Consistency Project Podcast
01:02 Listener Question on CNS Fatigue
04:19 Research Insights on CNS Fatigue
06:51 Understanding Muscle and Mental Fatigue
12:20 Takeaways and Final Thoughts
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🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
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Oct 30, 2024 • 19min
on Having More Energy: Why the #800gChallenge® Might be Your Unlock
We’re exploring the connection between nutrition and energy levels, particularly focusing on physiologic fatigue and athletic performance.
We discuss the science behind the #800gChallenge®, which emphasizes the consumption of fruits and vegetables to enhance micronutrient intake.
By delving into studies that correlate high-quality nutrition with improved performance in both daily life and demanding environments like Special Forces selection, we uncover the benefits of a varied, nutrient-dense diet.
00:00 Welcome to the Consistency Project Podcast
00:40 The #800gChallenge® and Its Benefits
02:39 Understanding Different Types of Fatigue
05:23 Role of Micronutrients in Energy Production
07:36 Impact of Processed Foods on Micronutrient Intake
09:36 Nutritional Breakdown of Popular Fruits and Vegetables
10:17 Micronutrient Contributions and Daily Allowance
11:55 Impact of Diet on Performance
12:45 Special Forces Study on Diet and Fitness
14:57 The Role of Nitrates and Other Compounds
16:23 Challenges in Nutritional Research
17:30 Broad Guidelines vs. Specific Nutrients
🔗 Get full show notes
🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
Full Disclaimer

Oct 23, 2024 • 44min
on Personalized Diets & Processed Foods (Two Peas in a Podcast Rebroadcast)
We share a conversation EC had recently with the folks at the Two Peas in a Podcast. They discuss the true essence of a diet and the distinction between attention-driven and accuracy-driven nutrition information.
Key topics include the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients, healthy body fat percentages, portion sizes, the pitfalls of processed foods, the significance of whole foods, and much more.
00:00 Welcome to the Consistency Project Podcast
00:59 Defining Diet and Nutrition
04:14 The Attention Economy vs. Accuracy in Nutrition
05:30 Understanding Macronutrients and Micronutrients
10:15 The #800gChallenge®
17:07 Portion Sizes and Restaurant Meals
18:45 The Role of Profit in Nutrition and Diets
22:00 Making Healthy Choices Easy
22:41 Challenges with Processed Foods
24:27 Strategies for Sustainable Eating
26:53 Rethinking Elimination Diets
28:28 Balancing Nutrition and Mental Health
33:50 Identifying Ideal Body Weight
37:24 The Role of Supplements
40:35 Bridging the Gap Between Doctors and Nutritionists
🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
Full Disclaimer

Oct 16, 2024 • 26min
Quick Bites: Running Speed, Heart Rate Training, & Fat Spot Reduction
Your fitness questions are back! This week, we explore weight loss strategies for active individuals, particularly focusing on balancing caloric intake with training for optimal performance. We discuss techniques to improve running speed and examine the benefits and limitations of heart rate zone training in achieving fitness goals.
Lastly, we delve into recent research on fat spot reduction and its practical implications, highlighting the significance of a caloric deficit in achieving desired body composition.
00:00 Welcome to the Consistency Project Podcast
01:08 Weight Loss Strategies for Active Individuals
05:36 Improving Running Speed: Tips and Techniques
09:32 Understanding Heart Rate Zone Training
13:15 VO2 Max: Accuracy and Training Methods
18:24 The Truth About Fat Spot Reduction
24:45 How to Submit Your Questions
🔗 Get full show notes
🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
Full Disclaimer

Oct 9, 2024 • 27min
Quick Bites: Weightlifting Progression, Fitness for Mid-40s Women, & Electrolyte Supplementation
This week, we’re jumping back into your fitness-focused questions.
We cover balancing exercise types (strength, cardio, HIIT) in weekly routines and sprint interval training benefits. We discuss progressive overload in weightlifting for mid-life women, optimal workouts for women in their 40s, and practical considerations for electrolyte supplementation.
00:00 Welcome to the Consistency Project Podcast
01:33 Balancing Exercise Types
08:46 Weightlifting Progression Tips
15:11 Exercise Adjustments for Perimenopause and Menopause
18:52 Best Exercise Forms for Mid-Forties Women
21:30 Electrolyte Supplementation Necessity
🔗 Get full show notes
🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
Full Disclaimer

Oct 2, 2024 • 29min
In the Media: New Effective Diet, Faulty Blue Zone Data, & Superior Protein Bar
The guest, an Ig Nobel Prize winner, brings a humorous twist to serious topics in nutrition and longevity. They dive into a sensational diet study, unearthing the science behind its flashy claims while comparing it to Lazy Macros®. The discussion critiques the reliability of Blue Zone data for a long life, revealing how wealth and genetics play a role. Lastly, they scrutinize the marketing hype surrounding the David protein bar, questioning its nutritional integrity and the necessity of having a chief science officer in the food industry.

Sep 25, 2024 • 25min
Research Review: Challenging the 1g/lb Protein Prescription
Three compelling studies are unpacked, challenging traditional views on protein intake. One research review reveals that resistance-trained men may not benefit significantly from high protein consumption. Another study finds that older adults' muscle mass isn’t as affected by protein timing as once thought. Discussions shift towards the critical role of resistance training, especially during caloric deficits. The podcast empowers listeners to rethink their protein needs and embrace a more practical approach to nutrition.

Sep 18, 2024 • 29min
on Getting Away from the Metronome of Dieting (SimplyFit Rebroadcast)
We’re sharing a conversation EC had recently with Dr Doriana of the Simply Fit Podcast. They cover a range of topics, including the #800gChallenge®, the importance of exercise, nutrition myths, and the impact of sleep on health.
They emphasize practical, sustainable approaches to nutrition and fitness, providing actionable advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle without restrictive diets.
00:00 Welcome to the Consistency Project Podcast
00:40 Introduction to Dr. Doriana and Simply Fit Podcast
01:39 The 800 Gram Challenge Explained
03:33 Changing Mindsets Around Food and Dieting
07:34 Dealing with Food Boredom and Simple Eating
12:02 Healthy Eating on the Go
16:58 Debunking Nutrition and Fitness Myths
20:31 Creatine and Protein: What You Need to Know
25:42 Simple and Effective Health Tips
28:02 Closing Remarks and How to Stay Connected
🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
Full Disclaimer

Sep 11, 2024 • 20min
on Exercise as Medicine: Beyond Weight Loss & Muscle Gain
We’re talking about the profound impact of exercise on our overall health, extending beyond mere weight loss and muscle gain.
We explore the science behind myokines, the molecules released by contracting muscles, and their role in promoting well-being across various organs, including the brain and heart.
We also discuss the CDC's exercise guidelines and the nuanced idea of 'exercise as medicine,' weighing the potential benefits and limitations of this concept.
00:00 Welcome to The Consistency Project
00:27 The Profound Impact of Exercise on Health
03:51 Understanding Myokines and Their Role
10:22 Exercise Recommendations and Guidelines
14:34 Is Exercise Really Medicine?
🔗 Get full show notes
🔗 Sign up for EC’s weekly bonus email
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 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, writer, and podcaster. Find him on social media.
Full Disclaimer