Wits & Weights | Fat Loss, Nutrition, & Strength Training for Lifters
Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert
For skeptics of the fitness industry who want to work smarter and more efficiently to build muscle and lose fat. Wits & Weights is one of the best fitness podcasts for evidence-based nutrition and fitness strategies. We cut through the noise and deconstruct health and fitness with an engineering mindset to help you develop a strong, lean physique without wasting time.Evidence-based nutrition coach Philip Pape explores efficient strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to optimize your body recomp and metabolism. Whether you're focused on weight loss, muscle building, or both, you'll get simple, science-based, and sustainable info from an engineer turned lifter (that's why they call him the Physique Engineer). This show serves both women's fitness and men's health goals, with special attention to strength training over 40 and hormone health.From restrictive fad diets to ineffective workouts and hyped-up supplements, there's no shortage of confusing information out there. Getting in the best shape of your life doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming! By using your WITS (mindset and systems!) and lifting weights efficiently, you can build muscle, lose stubborn fat, and achieve and maintain a lean physique through sustainable body recomp.We bring you smart and efficient strategies for movement, metabolism, muscle, and mindset. You'll learn:- Why fat loss is more important than weight loss for health and physique- Why all the macros (protein, fats, and yes even carbs) are critical to body composition- Why you don't need to spend more than 3 hours in the gym each week to get incredible results with proper hypertrophy training- Why muscle (not weight loss) is the key to medicine, obesity, and longevity- Why age and hormones (even in menopause) don't matter with the right lifestyle- How the "hidden" psychology of your mind can unlock more personal (and physical) growth than you ever thought possible, and how to tap into that mindsetIf you're ready to separate fact from fiction, learn what actually works with evidence-based training and nutrition, and put in the intelligent work, hit that "follow" button and let's engineer your best physique ever!Popular Guests Include: Mike Matthews (author of Bigger Leaner Stronger), Greg Nuckols (Stronger by Science), Alan Aragon (nutrition researcher), Eric Helms (3D Muscle Journey), Dr. Spencer Nadolsky (Doc Who Lifts), Eric Trexler (Stronger by Science), Bill Campbell (exercise science researcher), Jordan Feigenbaum (Barbell Medicine), Andy Morgan (Ripped Body), Karen Martel (hormone optimization expert), Steph Gaudreau (women's strength and nutrition), Bryan Boorstein (hypertrophy coach)Popular Topics Include: hormone health, metabolism optimization, hypertrophy training, longevity and healthy aging, body positivity, best protein powder selection, strength training over 40, women's fitness, men's health, muscle building, body recomp, macros and nutrition tracking
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 21, 2024 • 14min
How Your Spaces Are Sabotaging Your Fat Loss (The 6S Method) | Ep 207
Are your personal spaces getting in the way of consistency with your nutrition or training?Learn about how the 6S method from engineering can make it much easier to achieve your goals. You can transform your kitchen and gym into powerful allies by reducing friction. It's about making small yet impactful changes.What is 6S?SortSet in orderShineStandardizeSustainSafetyListen to the episode for a definition and some examples for each!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:Your environment plays a crucial role in your fat loss success, often more than willpower alone.The 6S method (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety) can be applied to optimize your spaces for fat loss, making healthy choices easier and more consistent.Small, strategic changes to your environment can lead to big improvements in consistency and results by reducing decision fatigue.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
Aug 19, 2024 • 29min
Eat These 5 Foods and Lose 20 Pounds By Next Week | Ep 206
Eat these five superfoods and lose 20 pounds by next week! Grabs your attention, doesn't it?It's the kind of promise that floods our social media feeds, beckoning us with the allure of quick, effortless weight loss or other results. Are you tired of falling for these? Why do they never deliver and are you ready to do what actually works?Philip (@witsandweights) debunks the biggest myths in the fitness industry and reveals how to achieve real, lasting results with a sustainable approach. He discusses why these magic bullet approaches fall short and can be harmful. He shares strategies for navigating the misinformation that clutters our social media feeds, from focusing on fundamental principles to understanding the importance of personalization in fitness and nutrition. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to become a more discerning consumer of fitness content, ensuring that you stay on the path to real, lasting results.📨To learn more about the silly claims in the fitness industry that just aren’t true and what to do instead, join my FREE mailing list at https://witsandweights.com/email.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:57 The appeal of quick fixes5:50 The truth about detox teas and quick weight loss6:56 Debunking the 10-minute ab workout myth8:26 The keto craze and other diet fads11:30 Recognizing oversimplified, unrealistic promises15:54 Five strategies for navigating fitness misinformation23:24 The evolving nature of fitness26:34 Final thoughts on sustainable fitness approaches27:19 OutroEpisode resources:Download Boostcamp for free and access 70+ evidence-based workout programs.Related episodes:7 Biggest Fitness & Nutrition Myths Busted After 200 Episodes (According to Listeners) | Ep 200The Perfect Meal Plan | Ep 112Mike Matthews on Energy Balance, Training Volume, and Priorities for Novice and Intermediate Lifters | Ep 94Support 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
Aug 17, 2024 • 21min
Bonus Q&A - Recovery from Overtraining, Calories Burned from Wearables, Binging After Weight Loss
If you're feeling stuck with your training, overwhelmed by conflicting data from your wearable, or worried about regaining weight after a big cut, in today's bonus Q&A you'll get the answers you're looking for.Philip answers 3 questions about optimizing nutrition to combat overtraining, using the right food logging tools (it's not just about tracking), why Apple Watch and other wearables are terribly inaccurate for calories burned, and how to avoid binging after a cut when you're back at maintenance.These questions were asked and answers in the (free) Wits & Weights Facebook group on a live Q&A:John is dealing with overtraining and wants to know how to recover, especially with limited sleep and high stress. He’s also curious about how to adjust his nutrition for optimal recovery.Kim is concerned about the discrepancy between her husband’s Apple Watch calorie burn estimates and what MacroFactor is showing, and she’s looking for clarity on which data to trust.Josh is nearing the end of a big cut and is worried about post-cut binges and rapid fat gain. He’s seeking strategies to transition smoothly to maintenance and avoid regaining the weight he’s lost.📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS. The only food logging app that adjusts to your metabolism!Main takeaways:How to recover from overtraining when sleep is limited and stress is high.Why relying on wearable devices for calorie tracking might be misleading.The secret to avoiding post-cut binges and maintaining your progress.Resources mentioned:Get real-time answers to your questions and connect with like-minded individuals in our free Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/witsandweightsSupport 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
Aug 16, 2024 • 52min
The Hidden Brain in Your Gut Might Be Controlling Your Cravings with Dr. William Ferro | Ep 205
Are you struggling to lose weight despite trying every diet? Could your gut be secretly driving your cravings, mood, and performance? Are you ready to unlock the power of your "second brain"?Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the fascinating gut-brain connection with Dr. William Ferro, founder and CEO of Betr Health. They explore how your gut—the "second brain"—might be the secret to transforming your health, conquering cravings, and achieving your fitness goals. Dr. Ferro shares practical strategies to reset your gut, reduce inflammation, and take control of your food choices through personalized nutrition. He also highlights why it's not your fault if you're struggling with weight loss and how understanding your body's unique needs can make all the difference. Join Philip and Dr. Ferro for an in-depth discussion that could change your perspective on your diet, health, and fitness journey.📱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:1:30 The role of the gut microbiome in genetic expression4:18 The enteric nervous system and its significance6:32 The bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain9:27 How gut health impacts metabolism and performance15:31 Personalized nutrition and elimination diets28:04 Dr. Ferro’s approach to reducing inflammation30:44 The benefits of fermented foods and fiber for gut health36:20 Sugar and artificial sweeteners in your diet40:24 Gut health and autoimmune conditions42:35 The role of strength training in gut health and overall fitness44:47 How pets can positively (or negatively) affect your gut47:06 The question Dr. Ferro wanted Philip to ask him49:50 Where to find Dr. Ferro50:28 OutroEpisode resources:Dr. Ferro's website: betrhealth.comQuacks and Hypochondriacs PodcastRelated episode:The Dark Side of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound) with Amy Wilson| Ep 183Support 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
Aug 14, 2024 • 17min
Eat More To Lose Weight? (The Iron Triangle of Fat Loss) | Ep 204
Just eat more food and you'll lose the weight!This advice has been floating around the fitness industry for years and it still persists. Today, we are going to use an engineering concept called the Iron Triangle to show why this idea doesn't hold up.What looks like "eating more" might actually be your first step toward effective fat loss, but not for the reasons you might expect.To learn more about losing fat sustainably, join my FREE mailing list at https://witsandweights.com/emailMain Takeaways:The Fat Loss Iron Triangle (Energy, Sustainability, Speed) reveals why "eat more to lose weight" advice often fails. You can't optimize all three factors at once.Accurate calorie tracking is crucial. Many who think they're undereating are actually consuming more than they realize, leading to stalled progress.Sustainable fat loss requires finding your personal balance within the Iron Triangle, prioritizing consistent, moderate progress over extreme measures.Episode Mentioned:Your Very First Cut (Lose 10-30 Pounds of Fat) | Ep 197Support 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
Aug 12, 2024 • 25min
Why Women Get Bigger, Leaner, and Sexier But Not "Bulky" From Lifting Heavy Weights | Ep 203
Is the fear of getting bulky holding you back from lifting heavy weights? Are you confused by all the mixed messages about how strength training affects a woman’s body? Do you wonder if strength training will give you that lean, toned look or make you bulk up?Philip (@witsandweights) shatters the myths and uncovers the truth about how lifting really impacts your physique. Whether you’re aiming for a lean, toned look or worried about bulking up, he sets the record straight and empowers you to lift with confidence.Philip breaks down the science of how lifting weights impacts women’s bodies. He explains how muscle growth, when combined with proper nutrition, actually contributes to a leaner, more defined look. Philip also addresses the role of cardio in your training regimen and offers tips for balancing it with strength training to optimize your results. If you're ready to transform your physique and boost your confidence, this is a must-listen!📩 To learn how to balance cardio and lifting, a weird little trick to burn more calories from cardio, and a sample weekly training plan to combine lifting and cardio for maximum results and recovery, join my FREE email list and ask for my “Cardio for Lifters” guide: https://witsandweights.com/email Today, you’ll learn all about:2:41 Listener question about lifting and body composition5:10 Muscle growth and body changes8:10 Eating for muscle gain without adding excessive fat11:38 Peri or post menopause and RED-S13:57 How to efficiently incorporate cardio into your routine20:36 Muscle as a fat-loss acceleratorRelated episodes:My Stair-Step Fat Loss Process to Get Lean and RippedHow to Get More Fitness Results for Less Effort (The Pareto Rule)Energy, Workout Nutrition, and Performance-Based Strength for Women Over 40Support 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
Aug 9, 2024 • 47min
Celebrity Fat Loss Secrets You Can Use (No Personal Chef Required) with Obi Obadike | Ep 202
Have you ever wondered how celebrities achieve jaw-dropping physical transformations for blockbuster roles? What if you could unlock their secrets and apply them to your own fitness journey? Imagine sculpting the body of your dreams with practical, totally doable strategies.Today, Philip (@witsandweights) chats with Obi Obadike, the powerhouse trainer behind A-listers like Steve Harvey and Morris Chestnut. He is a fitness industry icon, TV host, and best-selling author. He is one of the most influential fitness experts, and he's been featured on major talk shows like The Today Show. Obi shares his approach to rapid yet sustainable fat loss, emphasizing balanced nutrition and personalized training plans. He discusses the importance of health screenings, the impact of genetics, and practical methods everyday people can use to achieve their fitness goals. Whether you're aiming for quick, dramatic results or sustainable, long-term health, this is for you. 📱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:1:40 Creating training plans under tight deadlines2:52 The trade-offs of rapid transformations5:12 Real-life celebrity transformations8:29 Monitoring body composition12:01 Maintaining muscle mass during fat loss14:38 Sustainable fat loss for everyday people17:52 Balanced nutrition and macronutrient ratios20:12 The perfect diet for an individual24:02 Importance of recovery and listening to your body31:00 The role of sleep and recovery in fitness32:17 Lifting heavy and its impact on joints38:23 Maintaining long-term fitness results41:40 The impact of genetics on maintenance45:24 How to find Obi46:30 OutroEpisode resources:Obi's websites: obiobadike.com and ethicalinc.comInstagram: @obiobadike/Facebook: @obi.obadikeTwitter: @obi_obadikeSupport 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
Aug 7, 2024 • 17min
The Paris 2024 Olympics Strategy for More Muscle and Less Fat (Optimization Theory) | Ep 201
How do Olympic athletes achieve peak performance while optimizing their body composition? The 2024 Paris Olympics are in the final stretch this week, so we're celebrating with this special themed episode!Olympic athletes (and most athletes) strategically cycle their nutrition to achieve the targeted goal at the targeted time.We're applying this concept to YOUR goals (on YOUR schedule), using the engineering principle of Optimization Theory. You'll learn how to use nutritional periodization to build more muscle, lose fat, prevent plateaus, and make your diet more effective and sustainable—and then optimize it for your unique circumstances.If you're tired of yo-yo dieting or struggling to improve your body composition, this episode will show you how to engineer your nutrition like an Olympian preparing for Paris 2024.To learn more about optimizing your body composition using this approach, join my FREE mailing list at https://witsandweights.com/emailMain takeaways:Nutritional periodization, inspired by Olympic athletes, can be adapted for everyday body composition goals.The cycle includes Building, Maintenance, Leaning Out, and Recovery phases, each with specific nutritional focuses.Optimization Theory allows for continuous fine-tuning based on individual responses and data.This approach not only leads to physical changes but can transform your relationship with food and your body.Episodes mentioned:My 3 New Dieting Methods for Smarter, Easier Fat Loss in 2024 | Ep 186My Stair-Step Fat Loss Process to Get Lean and Ripped | Ep 191Support 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
Aug 5, 2024 • 37min
7 Biggest Fitness & Nutrition Myths Busted After 200 Episodes (According to Listeners) | Ep 200
Are you tired of hitting roadblocks in your fitness journey? Do you wonder if some of your fitness and nutrition beliefs might be holding you back?In this milestone 200th episode of Wits & Weights, host Philip (@witsandweights) pulls back the curtain on the biggest surprises that can transform your approach to health and fitness. Get ready to challenge what you think you know and discover powerful insights that can elevate your results!Throughout the episode, Philip shares insights from the Wits & Weights community, showing how these myth-busting lessons have led to real-world transformations. By the end of this episode, you'll have a fresh perspective on fitness and nutrition, armed with evidence-based strategies to achieve your best physique and live your healthiest life.📱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. Today, you’ll learn all about:3:22 Myth #1: You need to eat less to lose weight7:17 Myth #2: You need to avoid certain foods9:49 Myth #3: You need to obsess over numbers15:00 Myth #4: Fitness and nutrition are complicated18:52 Myth #5: Your current workout routine is optimal23:30 Myth #6: Failures are setbacks26:07 Myth #7: Fitness is solely focused on physical health29:05 Changes based on the community's feedback35:15 OutroEpisode resources:Reach out to Philip on IG @witsandweightsBonus: Share a screenshot of this episode on your story and tag Philip so he can re-share it!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
Aug 4, 2024 • 24min
Build Strength AND Lose Fat (Breaking the 300 Pound Barrier) | Ep 199
Have you ever felt like you're stuck between conflicting fitness goals? Maybe you're trying to drop fat while increasing strength or lean out while building muscle. What if you didn't have to choose? In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) jumps into a real conversation with Jazz, a powerlifter just eight weeks from competition struggling to break through a scale weight barrier without sacrificing performance. They discuss setting realistic goals, prioritizing what really matters, and crafting a plan that lets Jazz chase multiple objectives simultaneously. Learn how periodizing your nutrition could be the game-changer you didn't know you needed.Jazz Young, the guest on this episode, is a dedicated powerlifter preparing for his first competition. Facing the typical weight loss versus performance dilemma, Jazz sought Philip's expertise to navigate his nutrition and training. With Philip’s guidance, Jazz explores realistic and sustainable strategies to meet his dual goals, providing valuable insights for anyone in a similar situation. Don’t miss out on the actionable advice on handling conflicting fitness goals shared in this episode.📱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. Today, you’ll learn all about:2:21 Jazz shares his goals and challenges3:22 Discussing weight class expectations6:30 Nutrition, meals, and body composition10:30 Analyzing current nutrition and protein intake14:18 Planning weight loss before competition19:29 Conclusion and next steps for Jazz22:04 OutroEpisode resources:Join the Facebook group and ask Jazz about his powerlifting!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
