Let’s cut to the chase – to lose fat, you need a calorie deficit coupled with an adequate protein intake. However, to boost your performance, the opposite is necessary – an adequate calorie intake. Lastly, longevity requires a mild calorie deficit with an emphasis on micronutrients and a reduced carbohydrate intake.
Ironically, the fitness industry presents these three as cooking ingredients wherein you can mix all that you like at the same time, and you will get your ideal dish. That’s just a beautiful illusion. The reality is that you end up sacrificing longevity for extreme fitness or vice versa. The industry thrives on “sex appeal” where a lean body, often shown eating a giant burger, is portrayed as the epitome of fitness. But as Jason states clearly, “everything’s marketing.”
The standout message from the episode is our emphasis on balance. Whether your goal is aesthetics, performance, or health, an extreme pursuit in any one direction can disrupt the others. Fat loss becomes harder each time, the same applies to improving performance.
Furthermore, the concept of periodization must be integrated into your fitness journey. It lets you focus on different aspects, namely gut health, hormones, stress control, and sleep, in specific phases or ‘seasons.’ It allows your body to adapt but also keeps the process interesting. Importantly, remember to set achievable short-term goals to keep your motivation high.
We also touched on the challenges of balancing aesthetics and performance, and their impact on mental well-being. One guest candidly shared their personal experience with anorexia, driving home the point of the struggle to accept one’s own appearance.
We also touched on the challenge of professional sports and how the lack of periodization could be dangerous for athletes. We discussed the importance of a life plan after sports, giving examples from real life where former athletes found new paths.
Lastly, coaching isn’t just about precision in routines or diets, it’s also about psychological and behavioral aspects. Understanding and addressing an individual’s mindset and motivations are critical.
Therefore, your fitness journey is a fine balance of resilience, awareness, and objectivity. Understanding this allows you to set realistic expectations and ensures a successful and fruitful journey towards your goal.
There’s no magic pill. You have to prioritize, phase appropriately, and most importantly, understand that extremes don’t work in the long term. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Go easy on yourself!
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