How to: Fitness

In this episode of the How To Fitness Podcast, we delve into smartwatch reliability and usage, with a special focus on whether these popular devices can be trusted for fitness tracking.We cover smartwatch features like step counts, sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and calorie burn estimations, dispelling myths and setting realistic expectations for users. We offer insights into the varied accuracy of different brands and stresses the importance of using smartwatches as a guide rather than an absolute measure for health and fitness.5:25 We explore the world of smartwatches, from different brands and preferences to current market trends. You may be surprised by which country has the most smartwatch users in the world!https://www.demandsage.com/smartwatch-statistics/10:56 The accuracy of step counts from smartwatches varies greatly between brands and how we wear our watches. A fun fact: a smartphone in our pocket is more accurate at counting steps than a watch on your wrist!17:11 We can’t substitute data for critical thinking. It’s best to use our watches as a barometer to measure general movement, rather than as an accurate measure of step count.17:52 How reliable is sleep tracking on smart watches? There is extreme variability between brands and most overestimate sleep by misrepresenting periods of wakefulness. Typically, smartwatches are better at recording deep sleep.22:02 There is a psychological impact of sleep tracking, and it could be more hurtful than helpful at times. We talk through how we can make the most of the data these various smartwatches provide.26:58 Smartwatches are getting much better at monitoring heart rate, with new abilities to even monitor heart rate irregularities. Fitness trackers become less accurate as the intensity of our exercise increases.35:00 Where smartwatches tend to let us down: in estimating accurate calorie burn. Smartwatches typically don’t have enough data to provide calorie burn information that reflects our true caloric needs, though we can utilize that information as a barometer.38:38 Smartwatch usage can be a part of a healthy relationship with food and movement, as long as we navigate the data in a way that includes nuance and doesn’t leave us hyper-fixated on the numbers. Our watches can inform our movement, but shouldn’t dictate how weDue to limited space in show notes, email for references: kate@katelymannutrition.com💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Emotional eating isn’t about weakness, it’s about wiring.In this episode “The Physiology & Psychology of Emotional Eating” of the How to Fitness Podcast, we’re unpacking why stress makes some people overeat, while others lose their appetite completely, and why neither response means something is “wrong” with you.We explore what’s really going on in your brain and body during moments of emotional eating. We break down the science behind cortisol, dopamine, and cravings, how childhood conditioning and diet culture shape your food habits, and what it means to have a “normal” stress response.We also get into practical, shame-free tools to help you recognise emotional hunger, create buffers between feelings and food, and rebuild a healthier relationship with eating even on the most chaotic days.If you’ve ever felt out of control around food, judged yourself for eating (or not eating) when stressed, or just want to understand why this keeps happening, this episode will help you feel more in control, less alone, and better equipped.Resources Mentioned:Episode 12: Exploring Hyperpalatable Foods & Their Impact [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171581/episodes/13308774]Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers [https://amzn.to/4bDUsU8]Kummerspeck [https://germanyinusa.com/2021/10/19/word-of-the-week-kummerspeck/]Emotional Eating [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7663318/]Negative Social Comparisons [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10525161/#:~:text=Additionally%2C a significant positive correlation,frequent episodes of emotional eating](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10525161/#:~:text=Additionally%2C%20a%20significant%20positive%20correlation,frequent%20episodes%20of%20emotional%20eating)]Emotional Eating [[https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047342#:~:text=You may turn to food,calorie%2C sweet and fatty foods](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047342#:~:text=You%20may%20turn%20to%20food,calorie%2C%20sweet%20and%20fatty%20foods)]Stress and Eating [[https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/eating#:~:text=Thirty-three percent of adults,helps distract them from stress](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/eating#:~:text=Thirty%2Dthree%20percent%20of%20adults,helps%20distract%20them%20from%20stress).]Dopamine in Binge Eating [https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-022-00531-y]Why Stress Causes People to Overeat [https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-stress-causes-people-to-overeat]Managing Stress Eating [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1DpU3JrJY]Physical vs. Emotional Hunger [https://www.katelymannutrition.com/blog/physical-emotional-hunger]Allostatic Load [https://karger.com/pps/article-abstract/90/1/11/294736/Allostatic-Load-and-Its-Impact-on-Health-A?redirectedFrom=fulltext]💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

In this episode of 'How to Fitness Podcast,' Michael and I share a rare in-person discussion from Valencia, Spain. We delve into our current travels, touch on Michael’s missed Ironman event, and discuss the significance of adjusting fitness goals and business strategies based on personal life changes.The episode transitions into a Q&A, tackling questions on fitness journeys, macro tracking, online business presence, and social media's role in coaching. We both share personal anecdotes, our evolutions in fitness and nutrition coaching, and advice for others in the fitness industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and consistency for online success.This episode not only offers insight into the our lives but also provides valuable lessons on navigating your personal and professional goals in nutrition, fitness, and your overall health.3:08: What’s one mistake you’ve made in your own personal fitness journey?8:31: What’s one mistake you’ve made in your fitness/nutrition coaching business?18:42: What's one piece of advice you have for someone who is just getting started on their own fitness journey?24:18: What's one piece of advice you have for anyone working on their nutrition or fitness business?💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

In today’s episode we explore the question of ‘do we need to exercise?’. We take a deep dive into the extent to which we can control our own health outcomes. Does exercise really benefit health? What is the minimal effective dose? Can we hack our genetics to improve our health markers? Also within this episode we take a look at the 10,000 step goal and find out why we are all so obsessed with hitting this cemented goal. We finish up the episode with some takeaway points for you to improve your health without focussing on exercise.4:30 Our health is controlled by so many factors, but how much does exercise play a role. Here we list the benefits of regularly doing exercise.9:25 What is the minimal effective dose of exercise? For those who are busy, how can we get the most ‘bang for buck’ with our exercise schedule?14:20 Is more exercise always better? Is there a maximum amount of exercise that is good for the human body?17:23 Can we ‘hack’ our health and bypass genetic and environmental factors?22:35 How much does genetics play a role in the way our body looks? Will working out and eating exactly like your favourite influencer give you a body just like theirs?27:35 Muscle building and genetics. How much does our ability to grow muscle come down to genetic factors?30:30 Here we explore the social determinants of health - these are the economic and social conditions that influence differences in health status.34:40 What is the deal with 10,000 steps. Is this the benchmark of ‘good health’ and why are we all so obsessed with achieving this goal?39:40 We discuss the strong correlation between grip strength and mortality risk.42:00 How can we improve our health without exercising? Here we list some top tips to get started with!Due to limited space in the show notes, email michaelulloapt@gmail.com for references.💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

In this deep dive episode “Are Nutrition and Food Labels Helpful or Harmful?“ of the How to Fitness Podcast, we explore whether nutrition labels actually help us make better choices or just leave us more confused. From the surprising (and sometimes sketchy) history of food labeling, to the science behind how these labels shape behavior, we break down what really matters when it comes to the numbers printed on our food.We unpack how different countries approach food labeling, why calorie counts may not be as accurate as we think, and what the research says about how labels influence our eating habits. Plus, we share our personal perspectives and client stories on how nutrition labels can either support or harm a healthy relationship with food.If you've ever felt overwhelmed at the grocery store or guilty ordering off a menu, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Banter02:07 Diving into Nutrition Labels03:59 Personal Experiences with Nutrition Labels10:03 History of Food Labeling17:54 Global Perspectives on Food Labeling21:56 Debating the Effectiveness of Nutrition Labels25:26 The Absurdity of Serving Sizes26:36 Accuracy of Nutrition Labels28:18 Restaurant vs Packaged Food Labels31:22 Impact of Food Preparation on Caloric Content33:06 The Role of Nutrition Labels in Dieting42:09 Calorie Information on Menus45:18 Government Policies and Food Labeling49:24 Final Thoughts on Nutrition LabelsYou can check out the resources & references in our youtube video or you can email me at kate@katelymannutrition.com.💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

In this episode of the 'How to Fitness Podcast', we bust common myths about food and products. We tackle misinformation about aspartame, oatmeal, Himalayan sea salt, seed oils, and sunscreen (not a food, we know!). From debunking aspartame's carcinogenic risks to clarifying the benefits of Himalayan sea salt, we advocate for knowledge and critical thinking around our food choices rather than giving in to fear mongering from the internet. Join us for a fact-based discussion that promotes critical thinking and reliance on scientific evidence.01:28 Aspartame: We talk about the carcinogenic properties of aspartame, how aspartame is qualified as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and the actual dosage of aspartame needed to warrant concern (it’s a lot!).06:04 Oatmeal: Oatmeal is having a moment on social media being demonized for countless reasons. Claims demonizing oatmeal are unfounded, especially around claims of inflammatory effects of oats or oats having negative impact on GI health. We talk through specific research that promotes the health of oatmeal and how we can consume oatmeal in a way that promotes more satiety.10:14 Himalayan Salt: We’re not just talking about the baseless claims promoting Himalayan salt as superior, but also dispelling hate for typical table salt. Himalayan salt is touted as a better option due to containing trace minerals, of which amounts are very little. Himalayan salt, however, does contain fewer microplastics.16:02 Seed Oils: Few foods are talked about with as much fear mongering as seed oils, with a lot of the internet demonizing seed oils for being inflammatory, because they’re refined, due to low smoke point, and more. Seed oils are aren’t our nutritional downfall, but foods high in seed oils are often also less healthful foods like ultra processed foods. We talk through studies that discuss the impact of seed oils on inflammatory markers and also discuss nuance around the topic of smoke point.Video from Food Science Babe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJzJVHhKV2825:05 Sunscreen: While this isn’t a food, sunscreen made it into this episode because of the similar fear mongering around the topic of sunscreen. A lot of potential harm around sunscreen is exclusive to animal studies, and statements around the danger of sunscreen due to ingredients are often unfounded. We talk through the different types of sunscreen (physical blockers and chemical blockers). Some ingredients in chemical blockers (commonly oxybenzone) have raised concerns as being hormone disrupters, but this has only been seen in rats eating oxybenzone.30:35 We receive a lot of fear mongering messaging on a daily basis, and it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in all we read and hear. We can all utilize a bit more critical thinking in the way we approach fear around food (and products) in a way taht supports our health rather than leaving us constantly scared.Due to limited space in show notes, email for references: kate@katelymannutrition.com💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Does what we eat really impact our mental health? The answer isn’t as simple as social media might suggest.In this episode of the How to Fitness Podcast, we explore the connection between nutrition and mental well-being. We break down the science behind how food influences brain function, mood, and cognitive performance—covering topics like the gut-brain connection, the role of omega-3s, and the impact of ultra-processed foods.Tune in as we discuss how simple dietary changes could support better mental health while also debunking the myths surrounding “food as medicine.”Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Nutrition & Mental Health02:06 – How Food Fuels the Brain07:52 – The Gut-Brain Connection Explained10:12 – The Role of Omega-3s in Mental Health15:00 – Processed Foods & Psychological Well-Being20:34 – Can Diet Help With Depression & Anxiety?25:01 – The Mediterranean Diet & Mental Health Benefits29:58 – The Dangers of Overpromising Diet Trends34:22 – Practical Ways to Eat for Brain Health39:33 – Final Thoughts & TakeawaysResources Mentioned:📚 Books & Studies- Fearing the Black Body – Dr. Sabrina Strings- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study on fruit & vegetable intake and psychological well-being- The Mediterranean Diet & Depression Study🔗 Further Reading & Research- How the Gut Impacts Mental Health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/)- The Science Behind Omega-3s & Brain Function (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267176/)Listen to our How to Fitness podcast on your favorite platform! https://howtofitness.buzzsprout.com/2171581/episodesWe’d love to hear your thoughts!Share your feedback or questions in the comments below! And while you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode.💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

In this episode of How To: Fitness we are discussing the impact of diet talk and “Fat Talk” received by our families and how that may have shaped our eating behaviors and relationships with foods. We discuss the role parents and siblings play in self-image, body dissatisfaction, and unsupportive dietary habits. We talk about how to foster a better relationship with food as we work to interrupt old cycles and disrupt negative diet messaging.Note: In this episode there is talk of eating disorders and weight. If those subjects are triggering to you, it may be best to skip this episode and tune in to the next episode.01:00 Today we’re talking about “Fat Talk” in reference to communication characterized by comments or conversations that focus on body weight, size, shape, or appearance in a critical manner. "Fat talk" can contribute to the perpetuation of societal body ideals, body shaming, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes related to weight and appearance. This term comes from the “Family Fat Talk Questionnaire.”5:19 This type of talk often involves expressing dissatisfaction with one's own body or making negative comments about the bodies of oneself or others. "Fat talk" can contribute to the perpetuation of societal body ideals, body shaming, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes related to weight and appearance.8:30 When looking at the literature, there is a correlation between family criticism and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.12:49 Although both parents are influential in the development of a kid’s self-esteem, mothers are particularly impactful on their daughters body image.16:50 If we think about how children learn — through observation, modeling, and imitation — we can recognize our responsibility to model positive behaviors and a positive relationship with food.21:27 Sibling relationships are unique in the family structure because siblings are both family and peers.Since siblings are raised with the same family values, a sister can be a vehicle to reinforce negative attitudes towards body image. Fathers also play a large role — in both their comments and their engagement in the family.24:09 The 'Almond Mom' is a stereotypical caricature of thin ideals that is often representative of the message we grew up with. We can acknowledge that these messages may have been made with good intentions, and are also learned behaviors and messages from previous generations.30:00 Family is not the only place we receive negative messaging about our bodies. Dieting talk through TV, social media, and celebrities impacts youth of all ages.32:00 With a greater awareness of the “fat talk” issue comes a greater opportunity to reject diet culture. Are boundaries worth it? Is the goal to change our family talk, or just protect ourselves from it? Our priority is breaking this cycle of family fat talk, and the way we go about it can start with removing labels of “good” or “bad” from food and not making body comments of any kind.37:10 We cannot model new behaviors if we haven’t focused on our own relationship with food first. The way our body looks is a poor barometer of our health and wellbeing, and if we can shift our focused fro💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Today’s episode is a quick-fire Q&A answering questions from listeners. We discuss carb cycling, whether you should workout when tired, calorie tracking, and more.0:45 Is carb cycling necessary?2:07 Is it okay to still do a workout if I am tired? (i.e. didn’t sleep well/enough)4:07 If I burn off 250 calories exercising, can I eat back 250 calories?Note: This was the article I was thinking about in terms of measuring inaccuracy of smart watches: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/05/fitness-trackers-accurately-measure-heart-rate-but-not-calories-burned.html?microsite=news&tab=news. It is quite outdated now and I could find various more recent studies with a wide range of reported error for several different common smart watches.Here is an article you may find helpful on this topic: https://physiqonomics.com/please-stop-eating-back-exercise-calories/7:06 Do you need to modify workout styles/choices as you age?9:28 How to start weight training? I do and then stop every time.Have more questions about any other topic related to your nutrition and fitness? Send them our way!💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

In this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Alyssa Olenick, an expert in exercise physiology. Dr. Alyssa delves into her research on sex differences and metabolic response to exercise and shares her knowledge on menstrual cycle importance and its impact on training and nutrition. Alyssa also addresses misconceptions about 'cycle syncing' and offers practical advice for fitness and nutrition based on individual needs, urging against a 'one size fits all' approach.2:10 Dr. Alyssa Olenick shares her background, research experience, and her history as an athlete. She has incredible experience as a research scientist as well as in her training as a hybrid athlete.5:40 There are major gaps in sex differences in the world of exercise physiology and Alyssa’s research focuses on those differences and improving health outcomes of females across the entire lifespan.10:45 Alyssa gives a rundown of the menstrual cycle — how our hormones change across various phases of a cycle and what the implications are. There is a lot of variability in every individual’s cycle and these phases are never one size fits all.16:24 We discuss the confusion, controversy, and misinformation around cycle-specific workouts and cycle syncing. Not only does the idea of cycle syncing not have support from the research, but it doesn’t help us listen in to our own bodies or own needs.19:56 What we can watch out for when trying to identify misinformation: absolutisms, assumptions that we all have a 28-day cycle, suggestions to avoid any high intensity exercise, or messaging talking only about cortisol. None of these suggestions are evidence based and the idea of a one size fits all blanket solution doesn’t teach us how to manage our own intensity, volume, or exertion.24:05 Our education should feel empowering. We are not frail, and it’s not helpful to create unnecessary barriers to movement. We talk about the problematic fitness industry messaging and how it overlooks our need for rest or doesn’t factor in individual needs.30:00 What can we actually do to support ourselves, our hormones, and our training across our cycle? Alyssa talks about the impacts of our cycle on our performance across different phases and how it may be related to our motivation, performance, and mood. We talk about rest, carbohydrates, caffeine, and sleep alongside changing hormones.38:18 Our energy needs may be higher during our luteal phase and the need to be accurately fed at all times can have a huge impact on our energy, performance, recovery, and how we feel in general. Alyssa dives into our nutritional needs across the menstrual cycle and even touches oncertain supplements.44:41 The “solutions” that help us feel better and more supported through our menstrual cycles are often simpler than we want them to be: adequate energy availability, rest days, hydration, prioritizing sleep, etc. The skills and tools we can gain around our cycle gives us permission to be more in tune with our bodies.48:19 How can male trainers and coaches support their clients who menstruate? Alyssa gives us her opinions on this topic.Where to find Dr. Alyssa Olenick: Instagram @doclyssfitnessYouTube: 💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. 🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod 🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt 🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram: @klnutrition Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!