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

Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert

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Sep 9, 2024 • 22min

Why Weight Loss Always Fails (But Don't Ditch the Scale Yet) | Ep 215

What if weight loss is NOT the answer? Or even “maintaining” your weight loss?If you’re tired of obsessing over the number on the scale, you feel stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and frustration, or have ever been told that weight loss is the key to health and happiness…And yet it’s just not working… this episode is for you. Philip (@witsandweights)  exposes the weight loss myth that has plagued the fitness industry for years. He reveals why focusing on the scale sets you up for failure and how to shift your mindset toward body composition for lasting success. Learn how to use the scale as just one of many tools to track progress, and discover the freedom that comes with focusing on getting stronger, healthier, and more confident—without obsessing over weight.⏬ Download my free Body Composition Nutrition Guide to help you set up your nutrition for losing fat (not just weight!), building muscle, and looking and feeling your best at: https://www.witsandweights.com/freeToday, you’ll learn all about:2:14 Why the scale obsession is harmful4:56 Muscle loss and weight loss drugs7:53 Using the scale as an objective tool9:24 Tracking progress with multiple metrics12:08 The liberating shift to focusing on body composition14:00 What you should be doing for lasting success16:20 Client story: Body recomposition without weight loss20:47 The dangers of focusing solely on weight loss21:07 OutroEpisode resources:Fat Loss vs. Weight LossHow Fast Should You Lose Weight for Fat Loss?How to Lose 1,000 Pounds👊 Shout out to Carl Berryman of the MENtal Muscle-Up Podcast for the question that inspired this episodeSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Sep 7, 2024 • 34min

Bonus - Behind the Scenes of a Top 1% Health & Fitness Podcast

Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of the Wits & Weights podcast, where I share my insights on the Mics to Millions podcast with Sam Brake Guia.Learn how I apply the engineering mindset to streamline podcast production AND provide the most targeted information for YOU, the listener, putting in the reps over the last 3 years to grow the show into a top 1% overall podcast and top 100 on the Nutrition charts. Do you want to hear more episodes like this? Or maybe you weren't a fan? Either way, reach out on IG @witsandweights or send me a text message!From testing and iterating with evidence-based content and being very selective in the guests we invite to always (and continuously) incorporating YOUR feedback, learn how we've built a high-quality, no-nonsense podcast for skeptics of the fitness industry who want to get results more efficiently.I also dive into the challenges of maintaining patience and avoiding burnout, and the rewarding moments when listeners share how the show changed their life!You'll learn how Wits & Weights started as a passion project and is growing into (one day soon) a health and fitness powerhouse, including how we reach more potential listeners like you to grow the community.Learn why knowing your numbers is crucial (whether in podcasting or fitness) and how collaboration, networking, and word-of-mouth have helped us grow a supportive network.Hear about our approach to monetization (without ads!) through coaching and organic growth, and the equilibrium between quality and quantity. Remember when I used to have 5 shows a week? There's a reason it's only 3 now.Listener feedback is our compass, and you'll learn how surveys, reviews, and direct engagement shape my content, whether you are passionate about fitness, podcasting, or both.Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Sep 6, 2024 • 56min

Why Some People Stay Lean Without Trying (The Genetics of Fat Loss) with Dr. Stephan Guyenet | Ep 214

Are you frustrated by the stubborn body fat that won't come off despite all your efforts? Do you ever wonder if it's all due to lack of discipline, or could there be a deeper reason? And how much do your genetics actually play a role in your fat loss journey?Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the fascinating world of neuroscience and body composition with special guest Dr. Stephan Guyenet, a neuroscientist, obesity researcher, and author of The Hungry Brain. They explore the science behind why some people struggle more than others to lose weight and how genetics might be the hidden force shaping your body fat levels. Dr. Guyenet also breaks down how the brain’s reward system influences your cravings and reveals how minor tweaks to your environment and habits can make a huge difference in your fat loss efforts.Dr. Stephan Guyenet has spent over a decade studying the neuroscience of obesity. With a PhD in neuroscience, his work focuses on the brain's role in regulating body fat and how our modern environment contributes to weight gain. He is also the founder of Red Pen Reviews, which provides scientific accuracy scores for popular health and nutrition books.📱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-minute call.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:07 Genetics vs. environment: What really causes differences in body fat?3:48 When do genetic predispositions for body fat develop?7:56 Why we care about body fat: Individual health and misinformation11:58 Muscle mass and body fat: How energy overload impacts health17:24 How your brain regulates hunger and satiety29:53 Metabolic adaptation during fat loss32:42 The carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity debunked44:05 Making body composition changes easier and frictionless51:54 Insights from studying naturally lean people54:33 Where to find Stephan54:49 OutroEpisode resources:Dr. Stephan Guyenet’s Website: stephanguyenet.org Twitter: @sguyenet Red Pen Reviews: redpenreviews.orgSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Sep 4, 2024 • 19min

The Proven Formula for an Amazing Physique Transformation (Iterative Design) | Ep 213

Ask yourself a very honest question: is what I'm doing working?Is my training, my nutrition, all the things actually giving me the physique that I want, whether that's being lean and muscular or big and strong?If you're like most people, you start with initial excitement and motivation, followed by hitting one roadblock after another, not quite getting what you want, eventually giving up and then hopping to the next thing.Learn about the engineering concept of iterative design and how it can help you constantly improve and overcome the plateaus and roadblocks common to physique development.Learn how to apply this systematic, data-driven method to your fitness journey to set realistic, measurable goals for your physique, create and refine your training and nutrition plans, use data to make informed decisions about your progress, and overcome plateaus and setbacks.We walk through a real-world example of how to apply iterative design to lose fat and gain muscle.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. Main Takeaways:Iterative design is a powerful tool for long-term physique transformation that transforms setbacks into valuable data points for continuous improvementThe six phases: design, implement, test, evaluate, refine, and repeatThis approach leads to sustainable results by adapting to your body's changing needsSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Sep 2, 2024 • 25min

The TRUTH About Strength and Muscle Loss During a Cut | Ep 212

Are you ready to get lean but worried about losing your hard-earned strength and muscle? Are you concerned that cutting calories might set back your progress in the gym? Do you want to know the real impact of a cut on your body and how to avoid the pitfalls? Philip (@witsandweights) breaks down the science behind strength and muscle loss during a calorie deficit, revealing how to maintain your gains while shedding fat. He answers a listener's question on how strength loss during a cut might not always be due to muscle loss. He outlines strategies for preserving muscle and strength, from maintaining training intensity to optimizing protein intake, and explains why most strength loss is temporary. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting your fat-loss journey, you'll walk away with actionable insights to cut effectively without sacrificing your long-term goals.💬 Leave a 5-star rating (and if you’re feeling generous, a review) with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the app you're using right now!Today, you’ll learn all about:1:24 What happens to strength during a cut?2:46 Key factors affecting muscle and strength during a calorie deficit10:12 Importance of maintaining training intensity during a cut11:23 Why you should eat sufficient amounts of protein13:40 Why cutting too aggressively can lead to muscle loss14:53 Reset your expectations15:23 Prioritize recovery and listen to your body16:13 Using auto-regulated training to manage strength loss20:45 RecapEpisode resources:Your Very First Cut (Lose 10-30 Pounds of Fat)Bigger Isn't Always Better for Strength or Metabolism (Scaling Laws)Even an Earthquake Didn’t Stop This Wife and Mother from TrainingSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Aug 31, 2024 • 20min

Bonus Q&A - Metabolism Myths, 1200 Calories, Chronic Disease, and How Long to Cut for Fat Loss

We're answering 4 questions from the Wits & Weights Facebook group:What to do when TDEE calculators recommend 1200 calories—but that's just not sustainable. The best training and nutrition strategies to reduce your risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. When to use a mini cut vs. a traditional cut for fat loss. Is it possible to "ruin" your metabolism, or is it just a myth?Join our Facebook group and get YOUR question answered for free in our Friday #AskPhilip live Q&A!Learn about post-menopausal weight loss challenges, the limitations of TDEE calculators, and how to accurately measure your metabolism. We also dig into the sustainability of nonlinear dieting and the necessity of consistent tracking to truly understand your calorie needs.Also learn about the profound impact of strength training and balanced nutrition on overall health, particularly as we age. Discover how building muscle can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose management, and why heavy lifting and compound exercises are crucial for bone density and functional strength.We even get into optimizing balanced macros, fiber intake, and managing saturated fats to maintain blood pressure, lipid levels, and inflammation.Finally, we discuss mini cuts versus traditional cuts and offer strategies to align fitness goals with life's many seasons, enhancing motivation and long-term success. Join our Facebook group and get YOUR question answered for free in our Friday #AskPhilip live Q&A! Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Aug 30, 2024 • 1h

Flexible Dieting vs. Intuitive Eating (Which Is Better for Fat Loss?) with Dr. Joe Klemczewski | Ep 211

Dr. Joe Klemczewski, known as the godfather of flexible dieting, brings his extensive nutrition expertise to the discussion. He highlights the balance between macro tracking and intuitive eating, stressing that flexibility can lead to better long-term success. The conversation addresses overcoming rigid dietary habits and the psychological aspects of dieting. Joe explains how personalized coaching is crucial for achieving health goals while recognizing individual challenges. Listeners will also learn about strategies for hard gainers and the significance of effective science communication in today's diet discussions.
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Aug 28, 2024 • 20min

Add THIS To Your Diet to Optimize Fat Loss, Energy, and More (Buffer Systems) | Ep 210

Does fat loss feel harder than it needs to be? Do you experience energy crashes throughout the day, maybe even constant hunger? What if I told you there's a simple addition to your diet that could solve most of these problems?No, it's not protein... it's a nutrient that often overlooked yet found in many delicious foods.Today, we're taking a concept from chemical engineering called buffer systems and showing you why this nutrient works the same way in your body. By adding this in, you can optimize your fat loss, stabilize your energy, and improve your overall health. In this episode, you'll learn:The five key ways THIS nutrient acts as a nutritional "buffer" in your dietWhy increasing its intake could accelerate your fat loss effortsPractical tips for incorporating more of it into your mealsTo get your free copy of the guide mentioned in the episode (with full lists of foods sorted by how much of this nutrient they contain)... join my FREE mailing list at https://witsandweights.com/emailMain Takeaways:One nutrient acts as a "buffer" to help maintain stability in nutrient absorption, energy levels, and digestionThis nutrient stabilizes optimizes fat loss by mitigating hunger and spikes in blood sugar, thus avoiding late day energy crashes!You can set targets and track your intake of this nutrient using MacroFactor (try it for free with code WITSANDWEIGHT).Related Episodes:Ep 177: How Anatomy Impacts Your Gut, Muscle Mass, Hormones, and Health with Justin CottleThe Hidden Brain in Your Gut Might Be Controlling Your Cravings with Dr. William Ferro | Ep 205Ep 151: The Surprising Link Between Gut Health, Fat Loss, and Body Composition with Josh DechSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Aug 26, 2024 • 29min

How to Eat Healthy When Your Family Doesn't Have the Same Fitness Goals | Ep 209

Are you trying to eat healthy, but your family’s eating habits are making it difficult? Are you constantly torn between reaching your fitness goals and keeping your loved ones happy? If navigating mealtime feels like a struggle between your ambitions and their preferences, you’re not alone. Philip (@witsandweights) explores the common dilemma of trying to eat healthy when your family doesn’t share the same goals. Inspired by a listener question from Colton Y., Philip shares practical strategies for staying on track with your nutrition while maintaining harmony at home. Whether you’re dealing with a spouse who loves junk food, picky kids, or traditional calorie-laden family recipes, he offers three powerful strategies to help you. You’ll walk away with actionable tips that empower you to pursue your health goals without feeling isolated or causing friction at home.🤝To get support and ideas from like-minded people who DO want to be healthier and more fit, join my free Wits & Weights Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/witsandweights Today, you’ll learn all about:2:49 The importance of a supportive community4:06 Defining “healthy eating” and the personal nature of health journeys6:52 Strategy 110:37 Strategy 2 14:55 Strategy 317:13 Revisiting strategies with specific examples for real-life situations25:02 The ripple effect of your healthy choices on your family’s behavior27:49 OutroSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
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Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 3min

The Surprising Truth About Diet Soda and Fat Loss (Can It Be GOOD for You?) | Ep 208

Have you heard that diet soda is harmful or causes weight gain? What if we told you it might actually help in your fat loss journey? Philip (@witsandweights) dives deep into the controversial world of diet soda with his friends Dustin Lambert and Dwayne Ulrich from the Working Weights LLC podcast. They’ll explore how these fizzy, zero-calorie drinks can fit into a smart nutrition plan, debunk myths about artificial sweeteners, and examine the surprising health benefits of diet soda. Dustin Lambert is a seasoned strength and nutrition coach with over a decade of experience. Dustin specializes in helping clients with metabolic syndrome. As a co-host of the Working Weights LLC podcast, he translates complex nutrition research into practical advice, breaking down health and fitness trends with clarity and humor.Dwayne Ulrich is the “everyman” co-host of the Working Weights LLC podcast. Dwayne offers a relatable perspective on health and fitness. His diverse background includes roles as an educator, coach, firefighter, police officer, and x-ray technician, making him a valuable voice in the fitness community.📨To learn more about flexible dieting so you can enjoy whatever you want (including diet soda), join my FREE mailing list at https://witsandweights.com/email Today, you’ll learn all about:2:30 The scary things about diet soda6:14 The benefits of diet soda9:23 Is diet soda cancerous?13:02 The composition and differences of sweeteners17:43 Myths about diet soda and weight gain27:53 Drinking diet soda for enjoyment32:19 Diet soda and blood sugar47:48 Diet soda and cardiovascular health52:28 Caffeine in diet soda1:00:54 How to connect with Dustin and Dwayne1:01:40 OutroCheck out these related episodes on the Working Weights LLC podcast:Sweet Talk: Decoding the World of Artificial SweetenersThe Artificial Dye DebateIs coffee bad for your health? Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

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