Wits & Weights | Fat Loss, Nutrition, & Strength Training for Lifters

Join the Wits & Weights Facebook group where this question originated and connect with like-minded people who are focused on evidence-based nutrition and training. Click here to join--If you've been told that "a calorie is just a calorie" or that certain macros are "good" or "bad," you're missing the fascinating biological reality of how your body processes different foods.Learn the surprising truth about what happens to each macronutrient inside your body, including why carbs don't easily convert to body fat, how fats support crucial hormones, and what makes protein so special for body composition.Main Takeaways:Your body processes each macro through completely different pathways with unique effects on energy, hormones, and body compositionFears about carbs are completely misplaced once you understand what actually happens after digestionFat metabolism reveals why certain dietary recommendations of the past were fundamentally flawedUnderstanding protein's unique properties explains why it's so powerful for physique transformation beyond just building muscleThe concept of metabolic flexibility changes everything about how you should approach your nutrition strategyTimestamps:0:01 - Why simplified views of macros miss the biological reality 3:28 - Carbohydrates: from mouth to bloodstream and beyond 9:31 - Fats: the misunderstood macro and its critical functions 15:24 - Protein: the structural macro that burns calories during digestion 21:29 - Practical implications for meal composition and timing 27:40 - The surprising truth about metabolic flexibility 30:32 - Key takeaways and why balanced nutrition works bestSupport the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Need a plan + accountability to lose 10-30 lbs of fat? Get FREE access to your first challenge + 2 weeks free in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) along with a custom nutrition plan, live coaching calls, monthly workout programs and challenges, weekly check-ins, a supportive community, a resource vault, and courses on fat loss, physique development, and more!--I discuss the common pitfalls when people are considering fat loss coaching or joining a nutrition program, such as:Common misconceptions about hiring a coachCommitment vs. readinessMethodical approaches vs. instant gratificationThe urgency of starting now for long-term successWays to get in touch with me:IG - @witsandweightsAsk a question - witsandweights.com/questionSupport the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes.—Are you training hard and tracking macros but still not seeing the results you want? Do you wonder if your body is just “different” or if you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle?I talk with my client Cassandra, who successfully lost fat and built muscle at the same time after years of slow weight gain—all while eating plenty of carbs. You’ll discover the exact system we used to help her break through plateaus, achieve sustainable fat loss, and develop a balanced approach to nutrition without extreme restrictions.Today, you’ll learn all about:02:52 - Why "doing everything right" wasn't working04:44 - Small but critical nutrition mistakes07:05 - Starting with a maintenance phase11:11 - Simple lifestyle tweaks that helped11:59 - Meal timing strategies13:41 - The impact of walking and daily movement14:55 - Coaching and accountability17:29 - Cassandra’s results22:51 - Overcoming food fears28:55 - Mindset shift about weight trends31:42 - From fat loss to muscle building38:01 - OutroEpisode resources:Join our free Facebook group and say hello to Cassandra, plus get support, live Q&As, and accountability from others on their journey to strength, health, and fat lossSupport the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Submit a question for the podcast (and get a personal reply plus a shoutout). Just go to witsandweights.com/question--Confused about what those HRV numbers mean on your wearable device? Or if they even matter?Learn how Resonance Theory, the same science behind musical instruments and bridge collapses, reveals why focusing only on heart rate variability (HRV) numbers misses the bigger picture of what's happening in your body.Main Takeaways:Your absolute HRV number matters less than changes from your baseline3 key factors affect your baseline HRVDaily factors like sleep, alcohol, and stress can push you away from baselineLooking for patterns over 2-3 weeks is more valuable than daily numbersUnderstanding your body's natural frequencies helps optimize training and recoveryEpisode Mentioned:Make This ONE Change for Better Sleep, HRV, and Fat Loss (Dr. Peter Martone)Timestamps: 2:01 - What is resonance theory?4:08 - Interpreting HRV numbers and using data effectively10:43 - Tips to improve HRV Remember, to submit your question for a future episode, go to  witsandweights.com/question and you'll get a personal reply from me plus a shoutout on the show!Support the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Discover the unconventional strategy of gaining weight to build muscle while breaking through the struggle of losing those last stubborn pounds. Explore the shift from chasing scale weight to focusing on body composition for a healthier mindset. Hear a personal transformation story that emphasizes the benefits of weight training over cardio. Learn about optimizing your nutrition and training routine for long-term success, and get inspired to reframe your fitness goals with strength building in mind.

→ Follow Nutrition Science Daily in your favorite podcast app or go to https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/nutrition-science-daily--Enjoy this bonus episode from the Nutrition Science Daily podcast on a new trend being recommended for women navigating menopause, examining the science behind its effects on bone health, muscle strength, and daily activity.Support the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Brad Kearns, a former pro triathlete and co-author of 'Born to Walk,' explores the surprising benefits of walking over running for fat loss and longevity. He argues that chronic cardio can sabotage metabolism and lead to laziness. Kearns highlights that walking is anabolic while running is catabolic, challenging the belief that running is essential for fitness. He also discusses how most calorie burn calculations are inaccurate and offers insights into effective sprinting techniques. This conversation could change the way you approach your workouts!

Explore the intriguing concept of Muscle Gain Efficiency (MGE) and how it's measured through the bottleneck effect. Discover what factors limit your muscle-building potential, including training experience and individual body metrics. Learn how to interpret your MGE score for better progress tracking. The conversation also reveals the five key bottlenecks that might be holding you back and offers practical tools to optimize your nutrition and training strategies, helping you achieve sustainable results.

Get your free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint at witsandweights.com/muscle to optimize your nutrition for maximum muscle growth while minimizing fat gain.--Learn how your metabolism can fight back during an aggressive muscle-building phase by dramatically increasing energy expenditure, even when you're doing everything right. Discover the hidden factors driving this metabolic adaptation and how to overcome them.Main Takeaways:Your maintenance calories can increase significantly during a bulk due to metabolic adaptation (400+ calories)High-quality muscle gains are still possible even when facing metabolic resistanceThe 3 key factors that drive increased energy expenditure during a building phaseHow to successfully break through a hardgaining plateauEpisode Resources:Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTSDownload my Muscle-Building Nutrition BlueprintTimestamps:0:00 - The unexpected metabolic challenge 3:10 - Real data from my current bulk 8:33 - The hidden energy drain revealed 14:50 - 3 factors driving metabolic adaptation 16:48 - Strategic approach to overcoming plateaus 21:27 - Being realistic about timelines and goals 23:19 - Key lessons and broader applicationsSupport the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Download my free Progressive Overload Guide to maximize your progress in the gym and build strength and size.—What if sticking to just one squat style is actually limiting your gains? Struggling with joint pain or mobility issues from low bar squats but are afraid to switch?I’m joined by elite strength coach Andy Baker to break down the myth that low bar squatting is mandatory for gains. We dive deep into the world of squats, comparing different styles to see which ones are best for building muscle and strength. Andy and I will help you figure out the perfect squat for your body and what you want to achieve.Andy Baker is a highly sought-after strength coach, co-author of Practical Programming and The Barbell Prescription, and owner of Kingwood Strength & Conditioning. Through his Baker Barbell Club, he’s helped thousands of lifters get stronger by training smarter.Today, you’ll learn all about:05:59 – Why low bar squats aren’t as superior as you think09:40 – The origins of low bar squatting and why it became dominant16:40 – When and why you shouldn’t low bar squat22:05 – How to know if you should switch your squat29:20 – The real reason elbow and shoulder pain happens with low bar35:40 – Why strategic variation makes you stronger and healthier46:07 – The most underrated squat variation for quad growth55:49 – The #1 most common squat mistake lifters make1:09:05 – Best squat variations for quads—Andy’s top picks1:20:52 – How to cue yourself for a perfect squat1:25:00 – OutroEpisode resources:Baker Barbell Club: andybaker.com Ep 60: Strength and Programming for Maximum Gains at Any Age with Andy BakerEp 131: Andy Baker on Bodybuilding for Hypertrophy and an Aesthetic, Muscular PhysiqueSupport the show👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:https://witsandweights.com/free-call 🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod