Struggling with energy during workouts while trying to lose weight? You're not alone. This deep dive into the science of training while in a calorie deficit reveals why so many athletes feel sluggish when cutting calories—and offers practical solutions to maintain performance while still achieving weight loss goals.

The conversation tackles a crucial nutritional dilemma faced by dedicated fitness enthusiasts: how to preserve workout intensity while creating the calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. While conventional wisdom often pushes low-carb approaches for shedding pounds, this strategy can severely undermine performance for those engaged in high-intensity training. We explore why your anaerobic energy systems demand glycogen (stored carbs) and why fat, despite being an excellent fuel source during low-intensity activities, simply cannot be mobilized quickly enough to power through heavy lifts or HIIT sessions.

Rather than following the standard "cut carbs to lose weight" advice, active individuals often benefit from a counterintuitive approach—maintaining adequate carbohydrate intake while creating a deficit primarily by reducing dietary fat. This strategy provides your muscles with the glycogen they need for powerful training sessions while still achieving the overall calorie reduction necessary for weight loss. You'll discover practical nutrition timing strategies, specific pre-workout meal suggestions, and even natural carbohydrate sources that can help fuel morning workouts without digestive discomfort. Whether you're struggling with morning workouts or trying to balance your fitness and physique goals, these evidence-based recommendations will help you train hard while getting lean. Ready to stop sacrificing performance for weight loss? This episode shows you don't have to choose between the two.

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When a question about low-protein diets for kidney health arrived, what seemed like a straightforward topic quickly revealed fascinating nuances about protein consumption, kidney function, and dietary management. The conventional wisdom of simply reducing protein intake only scratches the surface of proper kidney care.

The real villain for struggling kidneys? Phosphorus. Those with kidney concerns should limit phosphorus-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, dairy products, processed meats with preservatives, shellfish, and most nuts and seeds. For example, just one ounce of almonds contains a significant 137 milligrams of phosphorus, potentially stressing compromised kidneys.

Instead, focus on phosphorus-light protein sources. Egg whites emerge as the champion, containing excellent protein with virtually no phosphorus when the yolk is removed. Lean poultry (chicken and turkey breast), white fish varieties, and plant-based options like quinoa, certain soy products, and buckwheat provide complete proteins without excessive phosphorus. This strategic approach allows maintaining adequate protein intake while protecting kidney function.

Importantly, before making dietary changes, ensure your kidney function tests are accurate. Intense exercise before blood work can dramatically skew results, falsely suggesting kidney problems where none exist. For active individuals, requesting the more specialized Cystatin C test provides more reliable kidney function assessment, as it's less influenced by workout-related markers. Unlike the resilient liver, kidney damage is irreversible, making accurate diagnosis crucial.

Whether you're managing diagnosed kidney issues or simply want to maintain kidney health, understanding these distinctions could make all the difference. Have questions about kidney-friendly nutrition or other health concerns? Keep them coming—I'll keep fighting to provide meaningful, evidence-based answers.

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What if your body was sending warning signals years before disease struck—and you could actually see them? That's exactly what comprehensive blood testing offers, yet most people avoid or minimize the importance of regular lab work until symptoms appear. In this eye-opening conversation, fitness coach Derrick Wellock and his wife Cassie, a physician assistant who recently opened Vertical Primary Care within Double Edge Fitness, share their expertise on using blood work as your body's early warning system.

Cassie explains how standard lab ranges reflect the average population rather than optimal health, and why "normal" results might still warrant attention, especially for those seeking longevity and peak performance. The couple dives deep into cholesterol testing, revealing why an advanced NMR panel that measures particle size offers far more valuable information than standard lipid profiles. Derrick transparently shares his personal journey with high cholesterol and how coconut oil—touted as healthy in fitness circles—sent his numbers "bonkers" virtually overnight.

The discussion challenges common misconceptions about carbohydrates and insulin sensitivity, with both hosts explaining how strategically incorporating quality carbs actually improved Derrick's blood glucose levels. They also tackle hormone optimization for both men and women, providing a nuanced view of testosterone replacement therapy beyond the oversimplified approaches offered by many hormone clinics.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast who assumes external health equals internal health, someone avoiding medical care, or simply curious about preventative medicine, this episode offers practical guidance for using blood work as a powerful tool in your health journey. As Derrick aptly puts it: "Blood work is like your car's dashboard—it tells you when to act before the engine fails."

Ready to take control of your health journey? Schedule those labs, establish your baseline, and discover what's really happening beneath the surface. The insights could add years of quality life to your future.

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Finding your anchor might be the most important health discovery you'll ever make. In this deeply personal episode, I reveal the critical insight I've gained after two decades in the fitness industry about who succeeds and who doesn't in their health journey.

While most people begin fitness focused on aesthetics and weight loss, I've observed that these motivations rarely sustain long-term commitment. The transformation we seek moves painfully slow, and we're often never satisfied with our appearance regardless of improvements. This creates a psychological trap that leads many to abandon healthy habits when visible results don't materialize quickly enough.

The solution? Finding a deeper anchor that connects your daily fitness decisions to something more meaningful than appearance. For me, this anchor solidified after reading Peter Attia's book "Outlive" and facing my daughter's Crohn's disease diagnosis. I realized that maintaining optimal muscle mass and healthy body fat levels dramatically reduces the risk of chronic diseases, with exercise being the most powerful tool against insulin resistance—the silent precursor to our major killers.

What transformed my approach was understanding that the fitter you are at 40, the fitter you'll be at 70. Your strength, VO2 max, and metabolic health today set the foundation for your quality of life decades later. This perspective makes each workout and healthy meal an investment in your future self rather than a sacrifice for short-term aesthetic gains.

Life will inevitably derail your momentum occasionally. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't is the ability to reconnect with their anchor and get back on track. Discover what deeply matters to you—whether it's being there for your family, maintaining independence as you age, or simply enjoying vibrant health—and let that drive your fitness decisions toward a sustainable lifestyle.

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Your approach to pre-workout nutrition, especially for early morning training, might need a personal overhaul. Drawing from 20 years of coaching experience, I've discovered that the conventional wisdom of what to eat before training deserves careful reconsideration.

The classic recommendation of 20 grams of protein and 20 grams of carbohydrates before training holds merit, but requires individual calibration. Your muscles store glycogen from meals throughout the day, which means your previous day's nutrition profoundly impacts your morning performance capability. For some, fasted training works beautifully; for others, it's a recipe for poor recovery and diminished results.

Gender differences add another critical layer to this conversation. Women typically experience greater hormonal disruption from high-intensity fasted training compared to men. Dr. Stacy Sims's research reveals that women benefit significantly from consuming both carbohydrates and protein before training sessions, while men—who generally have more muscle mass and glycogen storage capacity—might perform adequately without immediate pre-workout nutrition.

Experimentation is essential. I recommend testing a consistent morning protocol for 1-2 weeks, paying close attention to energy levels, recovery capacity, and daily well-being. Some people thrive with liquid supplements 30 minutes before training, while others need whole foods two hours prior. Equally important are your micronutrients and hydration status—electrolyte balance dramatically affects performance regardless of your macronutrient timing.

Ready to optimize your pre-workout approach? Listen now to discover how to design your perfect nutrition strategy that works with your body's unique needs rather than against them.

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Dive deep into the fundamentals of nutrition in this enlightening episode that aims to demystify the complexities surrounding healthy eating. With March being Nutrition Awareness Month, we focus on key elements that can enhance your understanding of food and its impact on your health. Through compelling personal stories and evidence-based discussions, we break down the essential components of nutrition and highlight the importance of individualized approaches.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, such as the role that genetics plays in how we respond to different diets. You’ll discover that nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, and what works for your friend may not be suitable for you. This understanding encourages listeners to experiment and explore what truly works for their unique needs. Further, we’ll delve into hydration’s crucial role, shedding light on effective strategies to ensure optimal fluid intake—which is vital for overall health and performance. 

We don't shy away from discussing the importance of calories and the calorie equation, emphasizing that balance and moderation are key. Throughout the conversation, we encourage you to see nutrition as a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix, and we aim to provide you with the tools to make sustainable health improvements. 

We invite you to embark on this journey with us! If you're ready to transform your eating habits and develop a healthier relationship with food, tune into this insightful episode and let’s redefine nutrition together. Don't forget to share your thoughts or questions—we’d love to engage with you and help along the way!

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Discover the transformative power of strategic fitness programming as we explore the core of Double-Edged Fitness's latest initiative. Ever wondered how a community can unite to achieve extraordinary physical transformations? Jacob and Chase are here to reveal their ambitious plan to collectively shed 1,000 pounds of body fat and build 300 pounds of muscle in just one year. With a focus on accountability through regular in-body scans and varied workout plans, they promise to keep the journey both effective and engaging. Find out how changing programming roles can spark new energy and why staying consistent is the real game changer.

Our latest episode also tackles the complex world of fitness testing and training for long-term health. How do you tailor workouts for people with varying strengths and endurance? We dissect this conundrum and discuss the critical importance of correcting neuromuscular imbalances with eccentric exercises. As the CrossFit Open looms, we emphasize preparing through a balanced approach that mixes high-intensity and endurance activities, ensuring not just performance but also overall health benefits. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of building capacity and strength for the future.

Finally, we dive deep into the elusive world of one-rep max progression and the patience it demands. Strength training is a marathon, not a sprint; early personal records are exhilarating but less frequent over time. We explore the journey of building dense muscle through maximal and submaximal training, highlighting the need for patience and trust in the process. Our experienced coaching team is dedicated to guiding you through these challenges, ensuring that each member focuses on becoming the healthiest version of themselves. Tune in to embrace the long haul to fitness success and discover how to keep pushing your limits effectively.

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What if your approach to health and fitness was all wrong? Join us as we unravel the power of setting realistic timelines over lofty, unattainable goals. Inspired by Alex Hermosi's insights, we discuss the pitfalls of rapid weight loss, the societal challenges that make a healthy lifestyle tough, and how our modern conveniences starkly contrast with the physical demands of the 1800s. It's a conversation that might just redefine your perspective on long-term health and encourage you to adopt a more balanced approach as we step into 2025.

Ever felt like your health goals fall to the wayside in your busy life? We explore how commitment, like that required by the Committed Club at Doubleged Fitness, can keep you on track. With benchmarks such as attending 12 workouts per month or achieving 200 visits a year, dedication gets celebrated amidst life's chaos. We shine a light on the inspiring stories of those who prioritize health within their packed schedules, proving that a healthy lifestyle is indeed achievable with the right mindset and commitment.

To further support your journey, we introduce an exciting 2025 initiative: the "Push, Pull, and Party" community day workouts, designed to foster fitness and camaraderie. We also delve into the significance of regular InBody scans to track body composition, enhancing performance and health. With personalized advice from our coaches and a community ready to support your goals, this episode is packed with valuable insights to fuel your fitness aspirations for the new year.

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Ready to transform your approach to fitness and wellness as the year wraps up? Tune into our latest episode for a comprehensive year-end fitness update from Double-Edged Fitness, where we reveal an exclusive membership offer with substantial savings. With only 10 coveted spots available, we'll walk you through the renewal process and how this supports our financial goals. Plus, we'll fill you in on our holiday schedule, including gym closures and the exciting possibility of a special New Year's Day workout session.

Ever wondered how to maintain your health on a cruise filled with tempting treats? Join us as we navigate the challenging waters of cruise ship dining. We'll explore how to make mindful food choices amidst an abundance of options and discuss the addictive nature of certain foods. Learn about the societal challenges of promoting healthier eating habits and the pivotal role of fitness professionals in fostering long-term lifestyle changes. Also, gain insights from a Disney cruise experience that highlights the stark differences in dietary habits between fitness enthusiasts and those less health-conscious.

Embarking on a vacation doesn't mean abandoning your health goals. Discover valuable strategies for balancing indulgence with maintaining healthy habits while traveling. Through personal stories, we explore how to avoid guilt when routines are disrupted and the benefits of intentional rest periods. As the New Year approaches, we tackle the common pitfalls of New Year's resolutions and the importance of setting realistic goals. With a focus on long-term commitment and daily consistency, we share how to embrace a lifestyle of sustainable health and fitness while building resilience and appreciating life's advantages. Join us for a journey of inspiration and practical advice to carry your healthy lifestyle into the new year and beyond.

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