
The Consistency Project
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.
Latest episodes

May 1, 2024 • 50min
on the Spectrum of Addictive Eating: From Occasional Overindulgence to Clinical Impairment
In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind food addiction and explore why certain foods can be as addictive as drugs like nicotine or alcohol.
Our guest, Ashley Gearhardt, is an expert in the field and shares fascinating insights into how the food industry has engineered products to hijack our brains' reward systems, leaving many people struggling with cravings and compulsive eating.
We also discuss the parallels between Big Tobacco and the modern food environment, and how recognizing food addiction could be a crucial step in addressing the obesity epidemic.
Expect to Learn:
✦ Why identifying a single addictive substance in food is not the whole story
✦ How the food industry has optimized products to be hyper-palatable and addictive
✦ The role of dopamine in driving compulsive eating behavior
✦ The striking similarities between Big Tobacco's tactics and the modern food industry
✦ Why acknowledging food addiction could be a game-changer for public health policy
🔗 Learn more about the Yale Food Addiction Scale
🔗 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

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 4min
on Balancing Principles & Personalization: A Nuanced Approach to Dietary Guidance (Medicine Redefined Replay)
We're diving into the complex and nuanced world of nutrition with the hosts of the Medicine Redefined podcast. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and explores the interplay between diet, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
Expect to Learn:
✦ Why EC's principles-driven approach to nutrition remains steadfast despite the ever-evolving landscape
✦ The intricate relationship between nutrition and chronic conditions like musculoskeletal pain and cognitive decline
✦ How to navigate the minefield of contradictory information and separate facts from gimmicks
✦ EC's unique perspective on personalized nutrition and the role of genomics
✦ Practical strategies for sustainable dietary changes that don't feel like a constant struggle
🔗 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

Apr 17, 2024 • 51min
Alan Aragon on Cutting Through the Noise, Bro Science, & Sex-Specific Nutrition Protocols
Renowned nutritionist Alan Aragon challenges bro science myths, debunks protein timing misconceptions, and discusses the role of carbs in maximizing performance. He explores muscle mass gains with age, debates sex-specific nutrition protocols, and emphasizes individualized nutrition for sustainable success.

Apr 10, 2024 • 26min
on Macro Myths: 5 Beliefs Keeping You Stuck
💥 MASTERCLASS WAITLIST: For individuals |For coaches
This week, we dive into the world of macros, a popular dietary approach that involves tracking and hitting specific targets for protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
While macros can be effective for some, we'll explore several common myths and misconceptions surrounding this method, shedding light on the potential pitfalls and limitations.
Expect to Learn:
The truth behind the idea of "hitting triple zeros" and why obsessive precision may lead to disordered eating habits.
Whether the "if it fits your macros" (IIFYM) mentality truly allows for unrestricted food choices, or if quality should still be a consideration.
Why constantly tweaking macronutrient ratios may not be the solution to achieving desired body composition goals.
The potential drawbacks of blindly adhering to the "one gram of protein per pound" rule, and how individual needs may vary.
The importance of listening to hunger cues and allowing for flexibility, rather than rigidly hitting macro targets every day.
🔗 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

Apr 3, 2024 • 22min
on Hacking Hunger: Understanding the Drivers of Appetite
The podcast delves into the differences between hunger and appetite, debunking myths about blood sugar and insulin. It explores the satiating power of foods like potatoes and offers practical tips for mindful eating. Strategies for addressing cravings and emotional triggers are discussed, along with the importance of creating a conducive environment for healthy eating habits.

Mar 27, 2024 • 28min
on the Stress Hormone: The Relationship Between Cortisol, HIIT, & Body Composition
Delving into cortisol's impact on weight gain, debunking myths about HIIT and cortisol, effects of fasting on body composition, and the importance of accountability in health choices. Learn how stress can actually improve resilience and body composition.

Mar 20, 2024 • 28min
on the 4 Ways to Optimize Your Diet: A Practical Plan
Explore ways to optimize your diet for weight, health, and performance by experimenting with protein intake, monitoring total calorie intake, and focusing on micronutrients and fiber. Learn practical strategies for achieving diet optimization and the challenges of tracking and adjusting diet components.

Mar 13, 2024 • 27min
on Dairy and Inflammation: Unraveling Common Misconceptions
Explore the impact of dairy on weight gain and gastrointestinal distress. Learn about lactose intolerance and delayed hypersensitivity. Unravel myths about food sensitivity tests and IgG antibodies. Debunk misconceptions about dairy and acne. Get insights from a personalized master class for setting caloric targets.

Mar 6, 2024 • 31min
Rapid Fire: on 6,000 Calories a Day, Hydration, Gram Targets for Kids, & More
This week, we're tackling a wide array of your questions, from the role of protein in muscle building to the science behind hydration and the effectiveness of popular products like Liquid IV.
Expect to Learn
✦ The realities and challenges of consuming a high protein diet for muscle building
✦ The effectiveness of plant-based diets in providing essential amino acids
✦ The science behind how our bodies absorb water and the role of products like Liquid IV
✦ The potential benefits and drawbacks of using supplements and multivitamins
✦ The impact of modern food supply on nutrient content and the importance of diet quality
🔗 Read the #800gChallenge® eBook
🔗 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

Feb 28, 2024 • 24min
Headlines vs. Reality: on Multivitamins, BMI, & Alzheimer’s Prevention
Exploring headlines vs. realities on multivitamins, BMI, and Alzheimer's prevention. Diving into the impact of multivitamins on cognitive decline, limitations of BMI, and bodybuilding supplements for Alzheimer's. Emphasizing the need for holistic health markers and critical analysis of health research studies.
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