When you’re strapped for time, is exercise what you cut? Or have you decided to just eat your way through the holidays and then start your fitness journey in January? Is there a part of you that would like to start doing something, anything for your health now? You don’t need a complete overhaul, you just need to find your minimum effective dose.

Today, Jenn is joined by Vince Sant, creator of the “Fat Loss Extreme” fitness program and Co-Founder of V Shred, who’s here to help us rethink how we approach health and fitness. Vince is passionate about making fitness accessible for everyone, especially for women ages 35-and-up. We’ll discuss the power of resistance training—especially for women—and debunk the myth that lifting weights leads to bulk. Vince dives into the benefits of HIIT workouts, explaining how they leverage Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) for maximum calorie burn, even after you’ve left the gym so we can work smarter not harder…or longer. He also emphasizes the importance of starting now—no need to wait for January 1. By stacking small wins, like walking on an incline or incorporating intentional movements into your day, you can create a foundation for long-term success. He’ll share why achieving your health goals doesn’t require perfection but rather gradual, consistent changes. Focusing on your minimum effective dose, Vince delivers insights for building lasting habits without sacrificing life’s joys. 

The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let’s dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [5:50] Vince describes why he focused on fitness for women 35 + and the joy he receives from watching them thrive and support one another
• [14:46] Vince challenges the "wait until January 1" mindset and explains why starting now makes all the difference
• [18:54] Learn how a sustainable approach beats quick fixes every time
• [21:21] Discover the power of the minimum effective dose in fitness and how it works
• [28:34]  Common fitness mistakes and expert tips for maximizing calorie burn
• [33:32] Find out why walking on an incline is a simple yet powerful fat-burning strategy
• [35:39] Vince explains why resistance training is a game-changer, especially for women
• [40:42] Explore the effectiveness of bodyweight workouts for all fitness levels
• [43:02] Settle the cardio debate: should it come before or after your workout
• [48:35] Finally, Vince wraps up with rapid-fire questions to deliver quick, actionable insights.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Achieving fitness and dietary goals requires a gradual, sustainable approach. Start small by making one change each week and build upon it. Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to do everything perfectly all at once. Focus on consistency rather than willpower, as lasting discipline develops over time. Balance and moderation, rather than restriction, allow enjoying life's pleasures while fostering long-term success. Starting now, rather than delaying until a milestone like New Year’s, increases your chances of sticking with it and breaking the cycle of quick starts and early quits.
• Building a sustainable fitness program starts with small, manageable steps. Focus on mastering one habit at a time, like drinking more water, setting a consistent bedtime, or starting the day with a healthy breakfast. Gradually adding new weekly habits creates a strong foundation for long-term success without feeling overwhelmed. This step-by-step approach allows you to develop consistency and effectively integrate positive changes into your lifestyle.
• Effective fitness programs require a balanced approach, prioritizing key components like resistance training, cardio, and balance. Resistance training should often take precedence, particularly for women, as it supports muscle growth and overall fitness better than relying solely on cardio. While cardio has benefits and can complement a routine, it’s not the sole solution for getting in shape. Instead, choose activities you enjoy to make cardio sustainable and view it as enhancing your fitness journey rather than the foundation.
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an efficient cardio method involving short bursts of maximum effort followed by rest. For beginners, a good starting ratio is 20 seconds of high-intensity activity, like sprinting, followed by 40–60 seconds of rest. This approach maximizes calorie burn, improves cardiovascular health, and can be adapted to various fitness levels, making it a practical option for those looking to enhance their workouts.
• HIIT workouts leverage the power of Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC), meaning your body continues to burn calories after the workout. Pushing yourself during short, intense intervals creates an oxygen deficit that boosts calorie burn and metabolic activity even during recovery.

QUOTES: 

[10:12] “My mom doesn't want to be in shape because she wants to have abs at the pool. She just wants to feel good, have energy, and be able to play with her grandkids when we have them.” Vince Sant

[11:35] “Fitness doesn't have to be this all-consuming process, it can be something where there is balance, and you can still live your life, get phenomenal results, and feel great about yourself.” Vince Sant

[15:13] “I do wish people would not treat New Year's like it's a specific time of year that will change everything for them because the change is internal.” Vince Sant

[20:07] “I always say this time of year, start stacking wins now so that when new year's gets here, you already got a little bit of momentum, and you don't all of a sudden have to start 20 new things where you feel all this pressure.” Vince Sant

[21:38] “The minimal effective dose is simply doing the least work where you get the most reward.” Vince Sant

[33:00] “ You could burn calories for 2 days from a 10-minute workout. So that's what I'm talking about when I'm saying ‘minimum effective dose’.” Vince Sant

[35:37] “Women need resistance training, and it needs to be a topic of conversation in women's circles.” Vince Sant

[54:01] “Remember, we never have to be perfect. And this time of year, we don't have to strive for optimal. Instead, consider your personal minimum effective dose and keep moving forward.” Jenn Trepeck

RESOURCES:

Become A Member of Salad with a Side of Fries

Jenn’s Free Menu Plan

A Salad With a Side of Fries

A Salad With A Side Of Fries Merch

A Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram

GUEST RESOURCES: 

V Shred - Webpage

V Shred - YouTube

V Shred IG - Instagram

V Shred 4 Women - Instagram

Vince’s Personal IG - Instagram

Vince Sant - Linktree

GUEST BIO: 

Vince Sant is the creator of the popular “Fat Loss Extreme” fitness program and Co-Founder of V Shred, one of the fastest-growing online fitness brands in the world. His mission is to revolutionize women’s fitness by providing everyday women with the right tools, weight loss strategies, and programs that can help them achieve their goals.  

Recognizing the unique struggles women over 35 face as they get older, including an aging metabolism, hormones, and societal pressures around body image, Vince has dedicated his career to helping women reclaim their health and confidence at any age.

Over 3.1 million people have now chosen the Fat Loss Extreme program. V Shred continues to serve millions of women with easy-to-follow exercise programs and science-based eating strategies that can completely transform a woman’s body in a few short months. 

With a website garnering 16 million monthly hits, a 1.5 million-strong email community, and a vast social media influence of over 10 million, V Shred continues to impact millions of people around the globe positively. 

Vince's vision extends beyond fitness; it's a movement towards empowering women to embrace their bodies, helping them understand their unique health needs at every stage of life, and teaching them how to achieve optimal health to live their best lives.