

The Fit2Fat2Fit Experience
Drew Manning
The Fit2Fat2Fit Experience Podcast features Drew and Lynn Manning of www.fit2fat2fit.com and www.2fitathome.com. They bring their unique perspective on health and fitness to the podcasting world. Drew gained international media attention from his journey of gaining and losing 75 lbs. on purpose by blogging and writing a NY Times Best Selling book about it (Fit2Fat2Fit) and his wife, Lynn, is a women's fitness specialist, but is also an admitted "foodie". With this unique balance they dive into why diets don't work. People lose weight only to gain it back. Why does it seem so hard? Because focusing on just nutrition and exercise is missing the mark. Overall health and wellness is key to long-term success and often our industry neglects this. They answer your questions and interview leaders in the industry to share secrets about real transformation and long term success. Change comes from the inside out so join us on this journey!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 12, 2016 • 1h 7min
EP033: Thriving as a Whole Person by Embracing Physical and Mental Challenges
Aside from having amazingly cool stories, Mark Divine is a NY Times bestselling author, has a MBA in finance, created two of the most sought after workout routines and did yoga in Saddam Hussein's palace. His SEALFIT and Kokoro yoga workouts are designed for a gamut of fitness levels and encourage mental capacity as well as physical focus. He talks with Drew and Lynn about how he uses the 3 pillar rule to keep his clients’ body and mind in top shape. Look for his new book “Unbeatable Fuel” which will be out soon.
Key Takeaways:
[7:44] Mark was privileged to learn martial arts from an enlightened master who was a 10th degree black belt before he discovered yoga.
[17:27] Mark’s personal yoga practice includes box breathing, standing poses and high intensity exercises or fighting moves; then he finishes up with seated poses and visualizations.
[20:26] Mark’s personal mission is to dispel the idea of ‘yoga is a group sport’.
[23:56] SEALFIT started when Mark was training Navy SEALs, non-stop for 30-days. He wanted to develop their mental focus so he integrated yoga into the program.
[28:52] What is the difference between SEALFIT and Kokoro yoga?
[36:05] Mark recommends these programs for people of varying levels of fitness.
[37:50] A crucible is a significant challenge which gets you out of your comfort zone.
[52:54] The 3 pillars (breathing, hydration, and nutrition) are fueling rest, recovery (sleep) and integrated training.
[58:04] The Lightning Round.
[1:02:53] Contact information for Mark and how to find his book.
Sponsors:
Kegenix - get 15% off of any purchase with this Fit2Fat2Fit link
Dollar Workout Club
Mentioned in This Episode:
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit - Drew on Instagram
2FitatHome
@2fitathome - Lynn on Instagram
SEALFIT
8 Weeks to SEALFIT
Unbeatable Mind
Kokoro Yoga
Navy SEALFIT on Facebook
@MarkDivine on Twitter

Apr 5, 2016 • 47min
EP032: Working Towards Getting Stronger as a Fitness Goal
Natalie Jill is considered one of the 30 most influential people in the health and fitness industry. She is a social media sensation with over 1.5 million Facebook fans. People relate easily to her because her story is a story of inspiration. She was able to reinvent herself after hitting rock bottom, all the while going through a divorce and a radical weight gain following her pregnancy. The drastic change eventually led to her platinum fitness brand and her new book, Unprocess Your Diet. She shares with us how she uses her vision board to get what she wants and how she finds solutions for her followers.
Key Takeaways:
[5:16] Natalie took helping people to the next level by creating fitness solutions for those who came to her for help.
[10:46] How did Natalie Jill change her life and start the 7-day Jump Start fitness program?
[17:59] Why did Natalie pick a 7-day fitness program?
[22:09] What is the difference between a gluten-free diet and an unprocessed gluten-free diet?
[28:07] Feeling confident and living without pain is the main goal of Natalie’s life and fitness routine.
[31:13] Work towards getting stronger does not mean work towards masculinity.
[32:11] Supplements are popular in the fitness industry. Which supplements does Natalie take?
[36:27] Pre-order Natalie’s modified ebook, which is now in print. It includes seven 7-minute workouts.
[38:48] Contact information for Natalie Jill.
[39:46] The Lightning Round.
Sponsors:
Kegenix - get 15% off of any purchase with this Fit2Fat2Fit link
Dollar Workout Club
Mentioned in This Episode:
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit - Drew on Instagram
2FitatHome
@2fitathome - Lynn on Instagram
Dr. Dom D’Agostino on Fit2Fat2Fit Podcast
Natalie Jill Fitness
@NatalieJillFit on Twitter
Natalie Jill Fitness on Youtube

Mar 29, 2016 • 1h 39min
EP031: Will Adapting to a Ketogenic Diet Help Athletes Workout More Efficiently? With Dr. Dom D'Agostino
Dr. Dominic “Dom” D'Agostino is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida. He joins Drew to discuss how athletes can obtain peak performance and resilience through nutrition and a ketogenic diet. As a Senior Research Scientist at the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, Dr. D'Agostino focuses on developing and testing metabolic therapies using a ketogenic diet and supplements. He enjoys working out and bodybuilding, so he knows first-hand how effective this therapy can be.
Key Takeaways:
[6:02] Dr. D'Agostino has always been interested in nutrition, but it was neuroscience that led him to ketosis.
[12:11] What is nutritional ketosis? How do you reach it? What are the benefits of being in a ketogenic state?
[20:56] A ketogenic diet can have very different results on men and women’s bodies.
[22:46] What are some industry myths about ketosis or other considerations Fit2Fat2Fit listeners should know about?
[29:14] Most people can benefit from a ketogenic diet, even if they do it intermittently to gain lean muscle mass.
[36:44] The field of nutrigenomics will have the capacity to predict deficiencies by analyzing a drop of blood.
[40:03] Dr. D'Agostino shares tips for a 3-week trial ketosis diet.
[42:57] What about a ketogenic diet for endurance athletes, CrossFit athletes and football players?
[58:10] Exogenous ketones - Why is everyone talking about them and how do they work?
[1:05:20] Your body could go into a state of stress when first starting a ketogenic diet.
[1:09:20] Our brains and cells are already hardwired to use ketones as an energy source.
[1:15:54] If a person does eat a ‘treat’ food, what can they do to minimize the impacts of glucose?
[1:21:20] Why aren’t you studying the microbiome?
[1:25:14] Dr. D’Agostino answers questions from Facebook.
[1:30:28] The Lightning Round!
Sponsors:
Kegenix - Use F2F2F for a free FitBit Flex with the purchase of a 30 day supply or 15% off of any purchase with this Fit2Fat2Fit link
Dollar Workout Club
Mentions:
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2FitatHome
@2fitathome
KetoNutrition
Metabolic Optimization
Ketogenic Diet Resource
IHMC
@DominicDAgosti2 on Twitter
Dominic D’Agostino on Facebook

Mar 23, 2016 • 1h 7min
EP030: Understanding the Mental and Physical Troubles an Overweight Person Goes Through with Tramell, Jason, Johnny and Monica
The trainer and clients of the 10th episode of A&E’s Fit to Fat to Fit TV show join Drew to discuss the most difficult parts of their journeys. Jason and Johnny said, if Tramell was willing to gain the weight just so he could better understand what they were dealing with, then they were going to see the experiment through, no matter how hard it was. Tramell has been the only trainer of the entire season to show a moment of weakness, by giving into the addiction and cravings when he ate a Pop-Tart during one of his “back to fit” days.
Key Takeaways:
[7:00] Monica is familiar with the health risks of gaining weight.
[9:49] Jason had a personal trainer and weight loss surgery in the past.
[11:25] We knew it was for real when Tramell gained the weight to better understand us.
[15:13] Being an overweight trainer at a new gym.
[18:33] We had to change everything in our kitchen from canned to fresh.
[24:13] Real life happened but the filming never stopped.
[30:26] The first workout after 4 months was horrible.
[36:26] The pressure of the Pop-Tart!
[42:18] Is Tramell disgusted by fat people, as the interview shot made it to seem like?
[47:20] Being more physically active than any other time in my life.
[50:37] The “per serving” trick of food labels.
[51:54] One ingredient food items and carbs after workouts.
[55:46] The Lightning Round.
[1:01:33] Social media contact information.
Sponsors:
Dollar Workout Club
Hylete Athletic Apparel
Mentions:
Fit to Fat to Fit on A&E
Fat2Fit Casting
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2FitatHome
@2fitathome
The Perimeter Challenge
@darkskint_clarkkent
Total Nutrition and Training
@tramellsmith
@vocalspart2
Johnny Collins ReverbNation

Mar 18, 2016 • 1h 25min
EP029a: The Ultimate Supplement is Vitamin “S”, Shawn Stevenson Wrote the Sleep Bible
The smartest guy (with the best voice) in fitness makes his second appearance on our show. Shawn Stevenson takes us on a journey through his new book “Sleep Smarter”, by highlighting important chapters and educating us on the way we sleep in general. He explains how meditation and breathing can calm our inner chatter allowing us to experience more efficient sleep, how exercising earlier in the day will make us feel more rested and how hormone supplements can ruin our natural sleep cycles. We encourage you to go out and get a copy of his well-researched and extremely well-written book.
Key Takeaways:
[5:10] Writing the book was the easy part
[9:05] How do you influence a teenager to follow the program?
[12:27] Sleep is more powerful than food and exercise
[17:36] The different categories of REM and non-REM sleep
[20:03] Exercise in the early part of the day for better sleep
[24:49] Fat loss is about your hormone function
[25:54] How supplements affect your body’s natural cycle
[32:04] Meditation is essential in today’s world and this is why it works
[45:33] The cause of and cure for Drew’s sleeping issue
[51:36] Overweight individuals can have a 50% increase in cortisol levels after eating
[58:46] Lifestyle factors that allow you to sleep well at night including a new mattress
[1:03:24] SIDS and illness in children based on mattresses treated with chemicals
[1:11:31] Becoming the best version of yourself through sleep
[1:14:21] The Lightning Round - Bieber Fever!
[1:22:02] Contact Shawn and GET HIS BOOK!
Show Sponsor:
Dollar Workout Club
Mentions:
The Model Health Show
Sleep Smarter
The Hormone Cure
The Hormone Reset Diet
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2FitatHome
@2fitathome
The Urban Monk

Mar 16, 2016 • 56min
EP029: The Fit to Fat to Fit Experiment Has Changed our Lives Forever with Seth & Dave
One of the most intriguing parts of the Fit to Fat to Fit show on A&E is watching the relationship between the trainer and the client unfold. The friendship, which spawned out of Seth Kaufmann and Dave O’Keefe’s episode, was profound and inspirational. They were able to motivate each other when it was difficult to make it through the initial workouts and held each other accountable for maintaining healthy lifestyles. The pair has made plans for the future and will be launching a workout program, which includes yoga and meditation techniques in addition to nutritious juicing.
Key Takeaways:
[3:56] Seth knew he could deal with gaining the weight but he wasn’t sure about not exercising.
[11:47] You can’t go outside, you’re fat!
[13:38] Dave had someone to work out with who had a glimpse of what he was going through.
[15:41] Seth didn’t feel authentic while he was gaining weight.
[21:43] The exercise was the easiest part of the journey for Dave.
[24:34] Juice ‘reboots’ were the most efficient way for us to get our nutrients.
[31:55] Dave has been able to maintain his weight but would like to lose more.
[36:14] My entire family eats healthier and is more active now.
[41:25] Having a yoga date every Wednesday helped me to re-align my body and mind.
[44:42] Contact information for Seth and Dave.
[46:46] The Lightning Round!
Sponsors:
Dollar Workout Club
Mentions:
Fit to Fat to Fit on A&E
Fat2Fit Casting
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2FitatHome
@2fitathome
IronLIFE Fitness
Rebellion Yoga
@rebel.lion
Your Computer Guy Inc.
@daveokeefe18

Mar 9, 2016 • 44min
EP028: You Have to Love Yourself No Matter What Size You Are with Fallon Mercedes
Even though the extra weight gave Trainer Fallon beautiful curves, the unhealthy eating left her hormone levels a mess. The producers made her wear a sports bra and tight shorts throughout the episode, which she says was uncomfortable in front of the cameras. The relationship between her and her client, JD, started out as fun and adventurous but after overhearing JD complain to the show’s producers about her training style she started to notice other cracks in their working relationship. Fallon says JD would say he couldn’t make the workouts and then would post pictures of burgers and beers. She felt let down since she was only there to help him. This is the first episode of the Fit to Fat to Fit show where the client left before the end of the experiment, will it be the last?
Key Takeaways:
[5:47] The reporter in me challenged me to gain the weight
[8:22] You are the only trainer unable to gain the weight on a consistent basis
[11:19] Weight gain can mess with your hormone levels and fertility
[15:14] You have to love yourself no matter what size you are
[16:52] Live a healthy life so you can enjoy the best things in life
[19:12] Fallon overheard JD bad mouthing her and noticed beer in his social media pictures
[23:16] Fallon felt like there was nothing more she could do for JD
[27:14] Did JD not respect Fallon because she wasn’t a male trainer?
[30:52] JD hasn’t contacted Fallon at all after the filming ended
[33:14] A food journal can be a powerful tool for losing weight
[36:15] High-intensity cardio and strength training got Fallon back in shape
[37:13] Gaining empathy and changing perceptions
[40:01] The Lightning Round
Sponsors:
Dollar Workout Club
Mentions:
Fit to Fat to Fit on A&E
Fat2Fit Casting
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2FitatHome
@2fitathome
Fit with Fallon
@fitwithfallon

Mar 2, 2016 • 57min
EP027: Working Out is Fun – If You Do it at the Playground! With Carrie & Kenlee
Simple movement can make all the difference. It feels good, it’s good for us and it gives us a chance to take a big breath of the fresh air outside. This week, trainers Carrie and Kenlee talk with Drew and Lynn about the side benefits of their Fit to Fat to Fit experiment. Kenlee now spends a longer time at the playground with her kids as part of her fitness routine. She says the non-structured workouts keep her motivated and she enjoys the extra family time. Carrie felt she was already empathetic towards the clients she trained at her fitness center, but after this experience she feels she has changed. She had not realized about the mental and emotional toll the unhealthy diet would have on her well-being. She also didn’t anticipate the slow transition back to her normal/healthy diet. Listen in as the ladies share their Fit to Fat to Fit stories.
Key Takeaways:
[4:55] Carrie thought she had empathy for her clients before her Fit2Fat2Fi journey
[8:37] Kenlee and Carrie bonded over a glance while working out on the mountain
[14:58] My new diet made me a different person, and I didn’t like it
[17:58] My entire family is eating healthier
[20:28] Carrie’s transition back to healthy food took longer than she thought it would
[24:50] A workout doesn’t have to be at the gym, playing is working out!
[30:20] MMA Fighters and Stay-at-home moms use the same strength training tools
[31:38] Eating healthy is about bringing nutrition into your body not what you take out of your diet
[35:07] My treat meals no longer feel good once they hit my stomach
[41:18] I needed my safety net of women to help keep me accountable
[44:26] The Lightning Round – The devil in spandex
[52:49] Where to find Carrie and Kenlee
Sponsor:
Dollar Workout Club
Mentions:
Fit to Fat to Fit TV
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2Fitathome
@2fitathome
Stroops - Python Striker
@coxyphotos
SLC Fit Collective
@kenleeaa

Feb 24, 2016 • 1h 21min
EP026: It’s Called ‘Working Out’, It’s Supposed to Be Tough with Katie & Mateo
While Mateo was transitioning from carnivore to “mostly” vegetarian in 0 to 60, Katie loathed herself every time she shoved a French fry into her mouth. This may be the first episode of A&E’s Fit to Fat to Fit reality TV show in which the fitness trainer had a more difficult time with the experiment than the client had with the weight loss program. Katie opens up to Drew about how much she hated every minute and every morsel. She says she doesn’t regret taking in the challenge but she will never, ever do it again. Mateo had his own set of challenges when his body broke down shortly after starting the program, because he hadn’t worked out in years. He also found his soda cravings unbearable. They both agree finding someone who understands what you are going through is the best motivation in the world.
Key Takeaways:
[6:30] When Mack and Mateo first met
[10:04] Perceptions of working with a personal trainer and a chef
[13:28] Katie hated the amount of food she had to eat for her Fit to Fat to Fit experiment
[21:51] Overeating took an emotional and physical toll on Katie
[31:58] Stress caused slowdowns in metabolism and weight loss
[41:31] Changing attitudes is what the experiment is really about
[45:10] Walking was the first step towards getting out of the gym
[46:54] You must create the time to get healthy
[51:55] Obese people endure a quiet suffering but keep doing what they have to do
[55:56] All diets don’t work for everyone, everyone is built differently
[1:00:51] The 50/50 diet regimen, low carbs and lots of protein
[1:06:27] The Lightning Round - Mateo’s cooking is the best in the world
Sponsors:
Dollar Workout Club
Hylete Performance Apparel
Mentions:
Fit to Fat to Fit TV
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2Fitathome
@2fitathome
@mackersnyc
Quest Bar
Pata Negra
chez@chefmateo

Feb 17, 2016 • 46min
EP025: Being Fit & Sculpting Your Body is Different from Starting with a Blank Canvas
Changing your diet requires more than willpower. We all have emotional connections with certain foods, which drive us to eat when we are not hungry or bored. Breaking the cycle was the toughest part for Raela. She felt angry and emotional as she was eliminating soda and other sugars from her life. She had not realized the addictive spell she was under. This week’s trainer, Corey Taylor, was struggling with the Fit to Fat to Fit experience until Drew visited to help him through the physical and emotional hits his body was taking. Corey feels it helped to have someone who understood what he was going through and after his Fit to Fat to Fit experience, he was able to be there mentally for Raela.
Key Takeaways:
[2:33] Adding 50-60 pounds over 4 months is scary
[5:37] Changing eating habits was one of the hardest things
[7:14] Raela’s friends were there for her as a support system
[8:37] Fat Corey was more social than Fit Corey is
[10:55] The pressure of a new lifestyle was overwhelming
[14:48] Having someone who knows what you are going through can change your perspective
[19:36] Eating real food and not eating junk was the biggest change for Raela
[20:53] Being fit and sculpting your body is different from starting with a blank canvas
[23:31] Use the earth as a tool to gain better health
[25:24] Raela got angry and emotional when she changed her diet
[29:09] Corey’s new workout programs based on his Fit to Fat to Fit experience
[31:47] How Raela embraced and maintains her fitness lifestyle
[33:41] Losing weight is a bi-product of a healthy, happy lifestyle
[36:59] The Lightning Round - A chubby trainer
Sponsor:
Dollar Workout Club
Mentions:
Fit to Fat to Fit TV
Fit2Fat2Fit
@fit2fat2fit
2Fitathome
@2fitathome
@iamcoreytaylor
Fitness as a Lifestyle
The Cage Atlanta