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

Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert
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May 25, 2024 • 52min

Bonus Episode: Why Diets Fail, Food Logging Hacks, and Additive Nutrition

This conversation is from my appearance on Sue Bush’s Physique Development Podcast.Sue invited me on HER podcast to talk about why diets fail, flexible dieting, misunderstood fitness terms, and more. I shared my best tips for making food logging easier, how tracking your food and lifting weights are forms of self-care, what metabolic adapation really is vs. what it’s not, and the MOST important thing for your health.Enjoy my conversation with Sue Bush on the Physique Development Podcast!Episode ResourcesPhysique Development Podcast with Sue Bush Ep 171: Big Butts, Strong Butts, We Love Them All! How to Train Your Glutes with Sue BushSupport 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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May 24, 2024 • 56min

Ep 175: The "Big Is Beautiful" Movement, Obesity, and Heart Health with Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro

Is big really beautiful? What's the connection between LDL and coronary disease? How can someone who looks healthy have high cholesterol? What's the key to optimal heart health?In this episode, Philip's (@witsandweights) special guest is Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro, a triple board-certified cardiologist, internal medicine specialist, and nuclear cardiologist. Dr. Di Pietro discusses the "Big Is Beautiful" movement, obesity, and heart health. She also discusses various topics, including monitoring health markers, understanding LDL and saturated fats, mental health, high cholesterol, weight loss, and more. She also shares best practices for nutrition and exercise.Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro graduated from Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology at 19. She became the youngest graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Di Pietro is passionate about educating the public about health, nutrition, and disease prevention. Her approach to healthcare is infectious positivity, and the rule she lives by is: BE NICE. Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro3:03 Debunking heart disease myths and the importance of preventative measures6:07 What health markers should be monitored7:32 The importance of understanding LDL in preventing coronary disease12:36 Threshold for saturated fats, and measuring inflammatory markers17:57 The significance of calcium scores and fiber21:56 Resistance training for heart health, especially for women23:41 How much walking affects cardiovascular health26:37 The impact of mental health on cardiovascular well-being29:01 Typical causes of high cholesterol in people who appear to be healthy30:26 Is big beautiful and/or healthy?36:06 Advice for someone struggling to lose weight41:54 Dr. Di Pietro’s "be nice" philosophy 44:18 Does genetically elevated LDL in perimenopause predispose you to higher cardiovascular risk?45:41 Testosterone and cardiovascular health concerns49:52 What question did Dr. Di Pietro wish Philip had asked54:29 Where to find Dr. Di Pietro55:01 OutroEpisode resources:Dr. Di Pietro's IG:  @drtiffanydipietro and @dipietrohealth/ Website: DiPietroHealth.com 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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May 23, 2024 • 9min

Quick Wits: My Favorite Macro and Metabolism Calculator

Today, I want to introduce you to my favorite tool for dialing in my nutrition and reaching my physique goals: MacroFactor.This app is a total game-changer when it comes to tracking your macros, monitoring your progress, and getting personalized recommendations to help you lose fat, build muscle, or maintain your results.I explain all the features and what separates MacroFactor from others like MyFitnessPal, Chronometer, RP, and Carbon. It's on a completely different playing field in its ability to adapt to you and your metabolism.Here's the FREE video mentioned in the episode:📺 How to Setup MacroFactor the First Time--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.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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May 21, 2024 • 34min

Ep 174: Q&A - Partial Reps for More Muscle, Too Much Cardio for Fat Loss, Lose Weight Not Muscle

Do you feel stuck in a weight loss rut? Do you want to maximize fat loss without sacrificing muscle gains? Are you confused about whether partial reps are worth it or just a waste of time? Today, Philip (@witsandweights) answers questions from Jonathan and Matt sent to the Fanlist voice message inbox. They were curious about optimizing training and nutrition for fat loss and muscle growth. You’ll discover whether incorporating partial reps can effectively build more muscle mass and how to do so intelligently in your training routine. Additionally, Philip dives into the ideal amount and type of cardio to maximize fat loss without compromising your hard-earned gains. Plus, you’ll learn proven strategies for overcoming weight loss plateaus while preserving lean muscle tissue. If you’d like to have your question answered on a future episode and receive a shout-out, you can either leave a voice message in the Fanlist inbox or send a text message.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:28 What should I do to break through a weight loss plateau after losing 40 lbs since January?  I'm 5'8", currently 220 lbs, lifting 4-5x/week and jogging 3-4x/week. Should I ditch cardio to have more time/energy for lifting? How much more weight is realistic to lose by August without losing muscle?18:22 What's your opinion on partial reps? Are they beneficial for muscle growth or a waste of time?31:43 OutroEpisode resources:Submit a voice message for the next Q&ARelated Episodes:Ep 170: How Fast Should You Lose Weight for Fat Loss?Ep 145: Bryan Boorstein on Failure Training, Intensity, Home Gyms, Specialization, and CardioSupport 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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May 20, 2024 • 7min

Quick Wits: Rethinking Exercise and Energy Expenditure for Fat Loss (Herman Pontzer's Constrained Model)

Today, we're diving into a topic that has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about weight loss and energy balance: the constrained model of energy expenditure, as proposed by evolutionary anthropologist Herman Pontzer.If you're like most people, you've probably heard the old adage that weight loss is simply a matter of "calories in, calories out." This idea, known as the additive model, suggests that our bodies burn energy in a linear fashion, and that by either reducing our calorie intake or increasing our energy expenditure through exercise, we can create a calorie deficit and lose weight.But what if this model is overly simplistic and doesn't actually reflect the complex realities of human physiology?This episode peels back the layers of metabolism and physical activity, as we examine the startling notion that our bodies aim to maintain THE SAME LEVEL of energy output, no matter how much we move.We'll explore why an uptick in exercise doesn't always translate to the expected calorie deficit and how our bodies compensate in surprising ways. Learn how to navigate this intricate dance of calories and master your physiological responses to achieve physical self-mastery.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.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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May 18, 2024 • 20min

Weekend Q&A: Whey vs. Plant Protein, Essential Amino Acids, Too Much Protein Myth

Today we're answering a question about protein intake and supplementation. We'll cover the differences between protein sources, optimal timing, and what happens if you exceed your target intake.Veronica asked 5 sub-questions:Does every Whey Protein Isolate contain all essential amino acids?Are Essential Amino Acids supplements needed if one meets the daily protein intake from animal protein?Would plant protein have the same effect?Would it matter or would it be better if I take most my protein in my breakfast and dinner and not so high at lunch?What happens in the body if I go above the target protein intake? Will my body use it or store it? Can glycogen be converted to glucose?Get the answers in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode.---This is a special Weekend Q&A edition of the Wits & Weights podcast, where we supercharge your Saturdays with an answer to one burning question so YOU can put it into action this weekend.These questions are taken from the Friday LIVE #AskPhilip thread in our free Wits & Weights Facebook community. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless amount of information and, let’s be honest, MISinformation online and just want a straight up answer without the jargon, that’s what this free service is for.With the LIVE Friday #AskPhilip thread, you can post a specific question relevant to your unique, individual situation that week and have it answered live by me on Friday. If you’d like to experience it yourself, I invite you to use the link in the show notes to join the Wits & Weights Facebook group. It’s totally free and you’ll quickly find out what a positive and supportive community it is.Join our FREE community here to get access to the #AskPhilip thread!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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May 17, 2024 • 55min

Ep 173: Why Mindset Alone Won't Solve Your Food and Hormone Struggles with Tanja Shaw

Are you feeling overwhelmed with dieting struggles? Do you think you have the right mindset, but it doesn't seem to be working? Discover when mindset isn’t enough and the secret to supercharging it for your health goals.Today, Philip (@witsandweights) brings on Tanja Shaw, a seasoned Functional Health Coach, Kinesiologist, and weight loss expert dedicated to helping women overcome their struggles with food and achieve a healthy weight without obsession. Tanja owns Ascend Fitness + Lifestyle in Chilliwack, BC, and is the voice behind the popular Fit + Vibrant You Podcast. Philip invited Tanja to share a unique perspective on mindset: the idea that mindset is NOT everything. This challenges the popular belief that mindset is everything. They explore the limitations of the “mind over matter” approach and advocate for a balanced strategy that integrates mental and physical health. You’ll learn how thoughts and emotions impact hormonal balance and discover practical techniques to shift your mindset. Tanja brings a wealth of knowledge from her hands-on experience with functional lab testing, personalized wellness protocols, and mindset coaching. She helps her clients thrive by addressing not just what they do but how they think and what they believe about themselves and the world.Find out why mindset isn’t everything and how combining it with an understanding of body science is key to not just achieving but LOVING your health results.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:44 Definition and relevance of "mind over matter" in health and fitness7:19 Practical techniques for mindset shifts22:58 Impact of thoughts and emotions on hormonal balance33:27 Mindset strategies to change and improve stress39:17 The benefits and disadvantages of having an optimism bias44:05 Where is mindset alone insufficient47:28 Predictive biomarkers in functional lab testing and their impact on mindset coaching49:07 The role of outdoor activities in promoting mental and physical well-being52:38 The question Tanja wished Philip had asked53:18 Where to reach Tanja53:45 OutroEpisode resources:Podcast: Fit + Vibrant You Website: tanjashaw.com/Instagram: @tanja_shaw Facebook: www.fb.com/tanjashaw 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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May 16, 2024 • 7min

Quick Wits: Compound Lifts are the Foundation of Your Strength Training

Want to build serious strength and muscle mass in the most efficient way possible?Today, we're talking about the importance of compound lifts and why they should be the foundation of your strength training routine.Join me on today's Quick Wits as I explain what compound lifts are, why they should be the foundation of your strength training program, and how to prioritize them for maximum results.We walk through the essentials of squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and more, explaining how these multi-muscle group exercises provide the most bang for your workout buck. By engaging multiple joints and muscle groups, compound lifts maximize force and muscle overload, setting the stage for formidable gains in both strength and size. Discover how compound exercises improve your coordination, stability, mobility, and motor control, ensuring that your strength training has real-world applications. We're here to build a foundation for a robust and active life, ensuring that you remain strong and functional at any age. Tune in to fortify your workout routine and your day-to-day resilience with the power of compound lifts!--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.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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May 14, 2024 • 33min

Ep 172: The Top 15 Reasons NOT to Start a Diet Right Now (If You Want Sustainable Fat Loss)

Have you ever wondered what’s sabotaging your fat loss? Could it be one of these common scenarios? Should you start your fat-loss diet now?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) breaks down the roadblocks to achieving your fat loss goals. He explores the top 15 reasons why dieting may not be the best decision right now. He highlights a range of scenarios that can hinder your fat loss efforts, emphasizing the need to address these factors before starting a calorie deficit. From high stress levels and poor sleep quality to inadequate nutrition and inconsistent training, each reason is thoroughly dissected to guide you toward sustainable fat loss. Philip also emphasizes the importance of mental health, supportive environments, and life events that can influence your success in a dieting phase. He discusses considerations such as hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and significant life transitions, providing a holistic view of the potential challenges you may encounter on your weight loss journey. He encourages you to assess your current circumstances, manage stressors, and have contingency plans ready to navigate challenges effectively. Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro3:00 High stress levels4:00 Low sleep quality5:03 Poor nutrition8:58 Inconsistent training10:44 Injury or illness12:23 Pregnancy or breastfeeding13:45 Prioritizing mental health15:58 Unsupportive environments17:07 Underlying hormonal imbalances18:13 Nutrient deficiencies19:02 Upcoming major life event21:30 History of eating disorders23:13 Period of intense training25:14 Significant life transition27:20 Medication side effects cause weight gain31:28 OutroEpisode resources:Watch this FREE video on how to setup MacroFactor for body recomp and try MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTSRelated episode:Ep 170: How Fast Should You Lose Weight for Fat Loss?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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May 13, 2024 • 6min

Quick Wits: The 2500 Calorie Rule for Gaining Weight to Build Muscle

Want to pack on muscle mass but confused about how many extra calories you need?Today, we're diving into a crucial concept for anyone looking to gain weight and build muscle: the 2500 calorie rule. You might have heard of the 3500 calorie rule for fat loss, which states that a deficit of 3500 calories is needed to lose 1 pound of body fat.But when it comes to gaining weight and building muscle, the equation looks a bit different. You see, muscle tissue is much denser than fat tissue, which means that gaining one pound of muscle requires a different calorie surplus than gaining one pound of fat.===> Get the FREE Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint mentioned in the episodeJoin me on today's Quick Wits as I break down the science behind the 2500 calorie rule for gaining weight and building muscle effectively.Or go to witsandweights.com/free for all our free guides.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.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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