Afternoon Snack

Afternoon Snack

By Meredith Root and Alex ParkerHealth & FitnessNutritionMental Health
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Afternoon Snack episodes

  • The Calgary Marathon: How Alex Shaved 6 Minutes Off Her Marathon Time

    Meredith and Alex have discussed Alex's running journey, including her recent marathons. In her most recent race, the Los Angeles Marathon, she aimed for a sub-three-hour time but finished in 3:07:05. However, in the Calgary Marathon, Canada's longest running marathon, she improved her time by six minutes, finishing at 3:01:31. Alex shares her strategy for hitting a new personal best and the best ways to prepare for a race, including nutrition and training tips.


    —The "This is The Last Marathon, I Swear" Feeling

    — The Run Right After a Marathon

    — Marathon Mindset Shifts

    — Training Regimen

    — Focusing on the Effort vs. the Race

    — Allowing Yourself to be Disappointed

    — Showing Up Even When Things Are Out Of Your Control

    — What Changed from LA to Calgary

    — Elite Athletes

    — Aid Stations, Electrolytes, and Carbs

    — Sodium

    — Learning What Your Body Needs

    — Creatine Loading

    — Endurance Sports & Nutrition Basics


    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

    • The Calgary Marathon
    • Skratch Labs Super High Carb
    • LMNT Electrolyte
    • Salt Stick Electrolyte
    • Afternoon Snack "Pre-Marathon Mindset, Goal Setting, and Traveling to North Carolina and Back"
    • Afternoon Snack "Post-Marathon Reflection: Dealing with Fatigue, a Sub 3 Goal, and an Undulating Course"


    • ────────────────────────────

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      58 min
    • Opposite Action & What it Takes to Become a Coach at Tactic Nutrition

      We have a bit of different episode for you today; Alex and Meredith dive into the topic of opposite action when trying to establish new behavior patterns. But that's not all! They also share some insights into the hiring process at Tactic Nutrition and what they look for in a coach. From a strong work ethic to problem-solving skills and taking constructive criticism, coaches at Tactic work seamlessly with each other and their clients. It's all about great communication, thinking outside of the box, and, most importantly, helping clients transform their lives for the better.


      Want to work on the team? Email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]


      — The Cyclical Nature of Arguments & Relationship Patterns

      — Opposite Action

      — The Mental Response to Physical Actions like Smiling

      — Awareness of Behavior Patterns

      — How to Get Hired as a Coach at Tactic Nutrition

      — What It Takes to Be a Coach

      — What We Look For in Potential Team Members

      — Dealing with Feedback

      — Problem Solving

      — How Athleticism Plays a Factor

      — What Good Communication Means to Us

      — Good vs. Bad Work Ethic

      — Working in the Fitness, Life, and Nutrition Coaching Field

      — Nutrition Coaching Certification

      — Transition from CrossFit to Coaching

      — Trauma & Emotional Abuse

      — Our Job Hiring Process


      Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

      • Netflix's "The Ultimatum: Queer Love"
      • Smile Your Way Out of Stress
      • There’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery by Portia Nelson
      • "True crime is America’s guilty pleasure. Victims, families, and even killers have some words of warning" by The Independent

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        54 min
      • Lessons from the Gorge: Seeing Brandi Carlile on Tour

        Alex and Meredith recently made a trip down to The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington down in the United States to see one of their favorite musicians live. It was a transformative weekend watching as Brandi Carlile performed hit after hit, as well as seeing all of the guest performers who joined her on stage. They talk all about what life lessons they learned in the process, what being on a weekend musical experience while in an RV was like, and why we all should remember that once a wolf, always a wolf.


        Disclaimer: Shortly after Alex and Meredith were at The Gorge, a mass shooting event took place. This episode was recorded prior to that event, and to honor the families, they are releasing the episode and asking those who can to click here to support the GoFund Me for the funerals of the two engaged women who died, Josilyn Ruiz and Brandy Escamilla.


        — The Gorge

        — Brandi Carlile's Beyond These Silent Days Tour & Echoes Through the Canyon

        — Renting an RV

        — Friday: Allison Russell & Marcus Mumford

        — Saturday: Joni Mitchell & the Joni Jam

        — Sunday: The Highwomen & Tanya Tucker

        — 3 Major Life Lessons from The Gorge

        — Love Wins

        — Personal Takeaways

        — Standing Up for Women & the LGBTQ+ Community


        Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

        • The Gorge Amphitheatre
        • Women & Songs
        • Catherine Carlile's Looking Out Foundation
        • The Heart Speaks in Whispers with Brandi Carlile and Corinne Bailey Rae
        • 1989 by Taylor Swift

        • ────────────────────────────

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          Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

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          56 min
        • Get the Hell out of the Gym: The Health Benefits of Bringing Your Fitness Outdoors

          Alex and Meredith discuss the benefits of getting outside for fitness and mental health. They share personal experiences of how starting their day with a morning walk has improved their overall well-being, creativity, and productivity. They also touch on the importance of Vitamin D and nature appreciation moments, and so they provide practical tips for incorporating outdoor routines into daily life and emphasize that even small steps can make a big impact. Tune in for some inspiration to get outside and enjoy the benefits of nature!


          — The Deal with Bathing Suits

          — How Being in the Gym All Day Harms You

          — Younger Athletes in CrossFit

          — The CrossFit Impact on Females

          — The Benefits of Getting Our Dog Rue

          — The Health Benefits of Morning Walks

          — Setting an Intention for the Day

          — Vitamin D, Bone Density, and Testosterone Production

          — Mental Health and Athletes

          — Tips for Starting a Walk Routine

          — Developing a Circadian Rhythm through Sunlight Exposure

          — Balancing the Gym & Outdoor Activity

          — Forming a Habit of Going Outside

          — Sunscreen, Moisturizer, and Other Essentials

          — Appreciating Nature


          Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

          • Huberman Lab Podcast: "Dr. Samer Hattar, Timing Your Light, Food, & Exercise for Optimal Sleep, Energy, & Mood"

          ────────────────────────────

          Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

          Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

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          41 min
        • Dismantling the "Summer Body", Social Media, and Unrealistic Beauty Standards

          Alex and Meredith are challenging the unrealistic beauty standard of the "summer body." They do this by exploring the history of the bikini body, explaining why timelines don't work for fitness goals, and emphasizing how healthy lifestyle habits are the only way to truly enjoy day-to-day life without shame. With social media and the constant bombardment of other people's "ideal" bodies, it has become increasingly difficult to appreciate your own body. Even professional ex-body builders can take years to rebuild a healthy mental image of themselves after starving themselves and pushing to get leaner. Alex and Meredith conclude the episode with the concept of a wellness body and share solutions to combat the increase in appearance-based, deadline-focused body goals.


          — Camping

          — Summer Body Trends

          — The History of the "Bikini Body"

          — Social Media & The Rise of Body Dysmorphia

          — Seasonal Changes in Mood & in Diet

          — The Downfall of Appearance-Based Goals

          — Creating Healthy Lifestyle Changes without a Timeline

          — Loving Your Body, or Being Neutral to It

          — Building Habits to Allow Enjoyment Instead of Shame

          — The Mental Health of Ex Body Builders

          — The Wellness Body

          — Why Dieting the First Time is Easier

          — Psychobiological Model of Motivation

          — Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

          — Living Up to Other People's Expectations of Your Body

          — Why You Should Never Comment On People's Bodies


          Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

          • “Spring is the best time to lose weight”: Evidence that dieting is seasonal and reaches peak intensity during Spring
          • The Original Airbedz
          • Brian Hyland - Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

          • ────────────────────────────

            Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

            Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

            Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

            Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

            58 min
          • The Bigger Gayer Episode: Pride 2023 Edition

            Welcome to Afternoon Snack's bigger, gayer episode for 2023 Pride. Alex and Meredith discuss LGBTQ+ life and culture, offer dating advice, share their thoughts on the current sociopolitical climate, and discuss the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. They draw from their own experiences and external resources to provide insight into the current state of affairs, emphasizing the need to continue celebrating the triumphs of being gay while recognizing the work still to be done. They also answer listener questions taken from their Instagram account, @tacticnutrition, addressing topics such as dating as gay women, sexual scarcity, breakups, and pride events.


            — 2023 Pride

            — Lesbian Stereotypes

            — Gay Women in Sports

            — Trans Athletes

            — Anti-trans laws in the US

            — Coming Out

            — Rising LGBTQ+ and Gender Acceptance in Gen Z

            — Being Married

            — Dating Advice for Gay Women

            — Listener Q&A: Femininity, Pride Events, Gay Friends, Sexual Scarcity, Breakups, and More!


            Listen to Afternoon Snack: The Pride Episode!


            Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

            • Lesbian Stereotypes: The Worst (And Most Hilarious) Ideas Many Have About The Community by Mary Malia
            • Mayim Bialik's Breakdown Podcast
            • "Behind the visible queerness in women's sports – and why it matters" by Frankie de la Cruz
            • ACLU Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures
            • The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling
            • Victory: The Triumphant Gay Revolution by Linda Hirshman 

            • ────────────────────────────

              Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

              Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

              Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

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              1 hr 11 min
            • Tactic Coach Lynsey Martin on Individual Variation in People's Abilities to Reach Goals

              Alex and Meredith speak with Tactic Nutrition Coach Lynsey Martin about the importance of prioritizing fitness and nutrition basics over appearance and trendy methods. Many people complicate their routines by trying different diets and exercises without first mastering the fundamentals, which makes it harder to be consistent and disciplined. It's crucial to build healthy habits that fit your body's specific needs in order to achieve long-term success, especially as we age. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and what works for one person may not work for another. Alex, Meredith, and Lynsey explore the psychological, physiological, genetic, and environmental factors that make weight loss a highly individual journey rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.


              — Defining Fitness and Nutrition Basics

              — Individual Variation as Affected by Psychology, Physiology, Genetics, and Environmental Influences

              — Eating for Health vs. Eating for Performance

              — How Food Marketing Impacts the Brain

              — Food Deserts

              — Twin Studies and Genetics vs. Environmental Impacts

              — Overcomplicated Routines

              — Consistency & Discipline

              — Weight Loss Drugs

              — Menopausal Weight Gain

              — Preserving Muscle Mass

              — Weight Training Benefits for Overall Health and for Older Individuals

              — Misinformation in the Fitness and Nutrition Space

              — Looking Beyond Physical Appearance


              Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

              • The Minnesota Starvation Experiment
              • Deirdra Tobias
              • Joan MacDonald @trainwithjoan

              • ────────────────────────────

                Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

                Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

                Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

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                59 min
              • How to Take Your Nutrition on The Road for Traveling and Vacations

                Meredith and Alex share practical tips and personal stories about maintaining healthy eating habits while on vacation. They emphasize the importance of enjoying your vacation while still being mindful of your food choices and offer strategies for balancing indulgence with healthy options. From bringing your own snacks to deciding on utility eating or pleasure eating, they provide a 5-step comprehensive guide to managing your food intake while on the road so that you can honor the experience of your next vacation while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.


                — Practical Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eating Habits on the Road

                — Balancing Indulgence with Healthy Options

                — Alex & Meredith's Experiences with Nutrition/Fitness on the Road

                — Forming Habits Now to Enjoy Time Off Later

                — Bringing Your Own Snacks

                — Using Placeholders

                — To Track or Not to Track

                — Utility vs. Pleasure

                — Setting and Maintaining Boundaries

                — Permission to Enjoy Your Vacation

                — Not Stressing Too Much About Food

                — The Impact of Travel on Body Weight

                — Managing Expectations

                — Relaxing and Having Fun While Still Being Mindful of Food Choices

                — Honoring the Moment


                Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

                • "Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization (Leadership for the Common Good)" by Lisa Laskow Lahey and Robert Kegan
                • Nobu


                • ────────────────────────────

                  Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

                  Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

                  Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

                  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                  1 hr 3 min
                • Four-Time Olympic Athlete Georgia Simmerling (Part 2): Disordered Eating, Relationships, and Athlete Identity

                  This is Part Two of Alex and Meredith's sit down discussion with Four-Time Olympic Athlete, Georgia Simmerling. In Part Two, Georgia shares her personal experience of transitioning from being a professional athlete to starting her own business. She also shares her experience with eating disorders and extreme exercising, and what her recovery journey was like, and how her fiancée Stephanie Labbé helped her. Georgia speaks on the importance of setting goals after retirement to avoid the identity crisis that many athletes face. She even takes us through the journey of reclaiming running, cycling, and soccer as hobbies. The end of an athletic career doesn't have to mean the end of pursuing your passions; it's only the start of all that's left to come.


                  TRIGGER WARNING: There is discussion of Georgia's eating disorder struggle from 02:30 - 15:45. Please skip if this topic is harmful to you in any way.


                  — Transitioning into Post-Retirement Life

                  — Disordered Eating (Bulimia)

                  — Body Dysmorphia & the Olympics

                  — Relationships

                  — Coming Out as Gay

                  — Mindset & Work Ethic

                  — Starting Your Own Business

                  — Finding and Making Goals

                  — Remaining Passionate

                  — Rediscovering Hobbies and Activities

                  — Advice to Younger Athletes


                  Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

                  • Follow Georgia Simmerling on IG @gsimmerling
                  • Follow AG Sports @teamagsports
                  • Learn about Georgia's Olympic Career
                  • Read About Georgia's Story
                  • AG Sports
                  • project8

                  • ────────────────────────────

                    Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

                    Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

                    Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

                    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                    47 min
                  • Four-Time Olympic Athlete Georgia Simmerling (Part 1): Injuries, Winning Bronze, and Work Ethic

                    Georgia Simmerling is a Bronze Olympic medalist and a 4-time Olympic Athlete. Georgia was the first Canadian athlete to ever compete in a different sport in three different Olympic Games; Alpine Skiing in Vancouver 2010, Ski Cross in Sochi 2014, and Team Pursuit Cycling in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. She remains Canada's only 3-time multi-sport Olympian, and she takes Alex and Meredith through her journey. She created a female-powered sports agency called AG Sports, where she aims to generate positive change and equity in the sports landscape. In Part 1, Georgia shares her story of injury, recovery, change, growth, loss, and unwavering determination.


                    — How Alex and Meredith met Georgia

                    — Georgia's Olympic Career

                    — Dealing with Injury: Broken Neck, Broken Back, Broken Legs, Concussions, Shattered Wrist, and a Nearly Torn Tongue

                    — Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics

                    — Support Systems & Healing: Fiancée Stephanie Labbé's Impact

                    — Exploring Different Sports

                    — Self-Determination and Athleticism

                    — Creating AG Sports

                    — Working with project8 as Director of Global Partnerships

                    — Female Representation in Sports


                    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

                    • Follow Georgia Simmerling on IG
                    • Learn about Georgia's Olympic Career
                    • Read About Georgia's Story


                    • ────────────────────────────

                      Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services

                      Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!

                      Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

                      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                      53 min

                    About Afternoon Snack

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Alex Parker and Meredith Root’s Afternoon Snack Podcast invites you to join in on conversations where science, culture, and philosophy meet practical personal advice and experience that everyone needs…

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