Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast

Learn how to build and maintain a lean body year-round by prioritizing muscle through resistance training. Discover the lesser-known importance of NEAT as a metabolism booster and how to incorporate cardio effectively for long-term results. Explore sustainable strategies that avoid extreme diets while allowing you to enjoy food. Uncover the concept of high energy flux, which helps you eat more without gaining weight. This podcast dives into practical tools and techniques for achieving a healthy physique.

Lyle McDonald, a renowned nutrition researcher and author specializing in body recomposition, shares invaluable insights on aggressive fat loss. He stresses the importance of progressive resistance training and high protein intake for muscle retention during caloric deficits. Discover practical tools for managing hunger and cravings, from food selection to innovative low-calorie snacks. Lyle debunks myths about aerobic exercise effectiveness and emphasizes a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition for sustainable results.

This conversation delves into practical nutrition strategies for achieving and maintaining a lean physique. It emphasizes the importance of calories, macros, and the power of protein for satiety and muscle retention. The discussion highlights how nutrient-dense foods can help manage hunger and enhance overall health, while cautioning against processed options. Listeners learn about the benefits of fiber and energy density in their diets, making it clear that a balanced, quality-focused approach is key to lasting results and sustainable living.

MOST PEOPLE HAVE HEARD OF “RAPID FAT LOSS” DIETS…BUT FEW UNDERSTAND THE SCIENCE BEHIND THEM.On this week’s episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I’m joined by none other than Lyle McDonald, author of The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook and one of the greatest thought leaders in evidence-based nutrition.Together, we dig into the origins, evolution, and practical application of Protein-Sparing Modified Fasts (PSMFs) and Lyle’s updated insights on RFL. HERE’S WHAT WE COVER:WHAT IS A PROTEIN-SPARING MODIFIED FAST (PSMF) & HOW DOES IT WORK?THE HISTORY OF VERY-LOW-CALORIE DIETS (VLCD) & THE ORIGINS OF PSMFWHAT INSPIRED LYLE MCDONALD TO WRITE THE RAPID FAT LOSS HANDBOOK?HOW RFL IMPROVES UPON THE CLASSIC PSMF MODELWHY PROTEIN NEEDS TO SCALE UP DURING A CALORIE DEFICITHOW A DEFICIT IMPACTS MUSCLE PROTEIN BALANCE (MPS VS. MPB)HOW TO SET PROTEIN INTAKE ON RFL BASED ON BODY FAT % & ACTIVITY LEVELESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS ON RFL- WHY EPA & DHA ARE NON-NEGOTIABLEFOOD SOURCES VS SUPPLEMENTATION FOR OMEGA-3S DURING RAPID FAT LOSSWHY VEGETABLES MATTER ON RFLWHOLE FOODS VS LIQUID DIETS IN RAPID FAT LOSS PROTOCOLSHOW TO SCALE THE DEFICIT SIZE BASED ON BODY FAT PERCENTAGE & ACTIVITYWHO SHOULD NOT USE A RAPID FAT LOSS APPROACH (CONTRAINDICATIONS)This is an updated look at a topic Lyle originally wrote about in 2005 and last published on in 2008 so after more than 20 years of digging into Rapid Fat Loss, I’m excited to share what he has and hasn’t changed about this approach.Tune in now and get clarity on the most misunderstood fat loss method in the industry.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

On this week’s episode of the CHASING CLARITY: HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sat down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple one of the top researchers in the field of female physiology to dismantle some of the most pervasive and misleading fragility narratives being pushed onto women in today’s fitness space.From the hype around cycle syncing…To the claim that women can’t build muscle without lifting heavy…To the myth that menopause kills your metabolism or that calorie deficits “don’t work” for women…We cover what the actual human evidence says and why many of these popular beliefs are built on fear, fragility narratives, and misapplied rodent research.Whether you’re a woman who wants to train hard, get strong, and feel empowered or a coach working with women, this conversation gives you the clarity, confidence, and context to move forward with a truly evidence-based approach.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:• THE ORIGIN & LIMITATIONS OF CYCLE SYNCING• HOW MOST WOMEN DON’T HAVE A 28-DAY TEXTBOOK CYCLE• HOW HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS ACTUALLY AFFECT STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE• DO WOMEN NEED TO LIFT HEAVY TO GROW MUSCLE?• THE RESEARCH ON LOW LOAD VS. HIGH LOAD TRAINING FOR WOMEN • WHY SHORTER REST INTERVALS AREN’T BETTER FOR STRENGTH• DO WOMEN STRUGGLE MORE IN A DEFICIT THAN MEN OR IS IT DUE TO A TDEE DIFFERENCE?• KISSPEPTIN, ENERGY BALANCE & THE “CICO DOESN’T WORK FOR WOMEN” MYTH• DOES MENOPAUSE REALLY LOWER METABOLIC RATE?• THE REAL REASONS FAT LOSS FEELS HARDER DURING PERIMENOPAUSE & POSTMENOPAUSE• WHY COACHING WOMEN SHOULD START WITH EVIDENCE, NOT FEARWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Lyle McDonald, a renowned author and expert in nutrition and metabolism, discusses the often-overlooked phase of fat loss maintenance. He emphasizes the distinction between weight loss and fat loss maintenance, highlighting the psychological and physiological challenges involved. Lyle shares his personal rules for staying lean, including daily weigh-ins and proactive strategies to prevent weight regain. The conversation also covers the importance of diet breaks and the necessity of building sustainable habits for long-term success in maintaining results.

If you’re struggling with hunger, cravings, or diet adherence during a fat loss phase, this is the episode for you. I team up with Philip Pape of Wits & Weights to break down the most common fat loss questions I get from clients and listeners.We cover the most effective, research-backed strategies to manage hunger, crush cravings, and implement diet hacks that actually work in the real world. You’ll also learn the truth about appetite suppressants, the role of artificially sweetened drinks like diet soda, and where I draw the line with supplements and medications.If you’re looking to get leaner, feel fuller, and stay consistent with your nutrition, hit play and let’s get into it.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS Q&A EPISODE:PROVEN STRATEGIES TO MANAGE HUNGER DEEP INTO A DIETHOW TO CRUSH CRAVINGS USING RESEARCH-BACKED METHODSTHE REAL DEAL ON APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS ARE DIET SODAS & ARTIFICIALLY SWEETENED DRINKS ACTUALLY HELPFUL FOR FAT LOSS?CHECK OUT PART 2 TO THIS CONVERSATION ON THE WITS & WEIGHTS PODCAST:https://open.spotify.com/show/5qdeOoUWYJSGYtpNuG4WTf?si=Q0kQ561CRDmMaMjtU9QJUAWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Lyle McDonald, a renowned nutrition researcher and author, drops knowledge on cravings in this compelling chat. He tackles myths, explaining that cravings aren't necessarily linked to nutrient deficiencies or dietary restraint. Listeners learn about effective, evidence-based strategies like mindfulness and 'urge surfing' to manage cravings. Lyle also shares insights on structured eating during fat loss and the importance of a mindset shift for long-term control over eating. Prepare for actionable advice that can transform your relationship with food!

In this episode, I’m joined by Lyle McDonald for a no-fluff deep dive into the evolution of “flexible dieting” and why he now calls it “flexible eating.” We break down the psychological roots of eating behavior and explore how cognitive rigidity and emotional conditioning can sabotage even the most well-intentioned nutrition plans.This episode ties together the physiology and psychology behind eating to help you shift your approach and perspective to maximize your progress.If you’ve ever struggled with all-or-nothing thinking, emotional eating or perfectionism around eating, this conversation will reframe the way you think about restraint, flexibility, and long-term success.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:⁃ THE BIGGEST MISTAKES & MISINTERPRETATIONS OF FLEXIBLE DIETING⁃ THE EVOLUTION FROM FLEXIBLE DIETING TO FLEXIBLE EATING⁃ WHAT DIETARY RESTRAINT REALLY MEANS & WHY IT’S NOT INHERENTLY BAD⁃ RIGID VS. FLEXIBLE CONTROL — COGNITIVE, BEHAVIORAL, & OUTCOME DIFFERENCES⁃ THE MINDSETS THAT DRIVE BEHAVIOR⁃ FLEXIBLE EATING ATTITUDES: HOW THEY LEAD TO BETTER OUTCOMES & PROTECT LONG-TERM ADHERENCE⁃ DICHOTOMOUS THINKING: HOW BLACK-AND-WHITE BELIEFS DERAIL PROGRESS⁃ CUE-CONDITIONED EATING⁃ THE NEUROBIOLOGY BEHIND EATING: RESPONSES: THE ROLE OF DOPAMINE, GHRELIN, & INSULIN IN ANTICIPATORY EATING⁃ EMOTIONAL EATING AS A CONDITIONED BEHAVIOR LOOP⁃ ALTERNATIVE COPING STRATEGIES TO EMOTIONAL EATING⁃ STRATEGIES LYLE HAS SHIFTED HIS PERSPECTIVE ON SINCE RELEASING HIS BOOK “A GUIDE TO FLEXIBLE DIETING”WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Discover the transformative concept of High Energy Flux, a method that promotes eating more while moving more for sustainable fat loss. Learn how this approach contrasts with traditional low-calorie diets and why it leads to better metabolic health. Explore fascinating insights from the Amish community, whose active lifestyle keeps them lean, and hear about the significant improvements in energy levels, mood, and sleep quality linked to increased movement. This strategy could be the key to maintaining a healthier, leaner physique without sacrificing enjoyment.