Content warning: Discussion of calories and calorie manipulation in this episode as well as weight loss

Over the past few years, there’s been quite a bit of buzz around counting macros and how this is a non-diet, non-restrictive solution for weight loss.  So you might be asking yourself, is this method of tracking something I should do and try?

To help you answer this for yourself, Michelle attempts to explain, in an objective way, what counting macros is, what it involves and how to get started if that’s what you choose for yourself.

In this episode she explains:

If there is a diet or program you would love for Michelle and Marissa to break down for you or do a deep dive on, please email us at [email protected] so we can add it to our list!

This episode was originally recorded as a YouTube video which can be found on the Straight Up Strong YouTube channel as of 1/17/2023.  Some parts of this episode might be better illustrated in the video format so tune in over there if it's most helpful or for a double dipping of knowledge! 

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There is so buzz and information out there in the fitness world that it can be REALLY confusing to know what to focus on and what is filler.

In this video, Coach Michelle discusses:

1. What RPE is

2. Why this can be beneficial for us to be aware of

3. Who should pay attention to this rating scale

4. Who doesn't need to stress too much about it

5. Examples of what an RPE 7, 8 and 10 look like for Coach Michelle with the kettlebell overhead press

6. Things that can impact RPE from day to day

7. Tips for you to determine your RPE when strength training in a way that is functional and useful!

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New to strength training and looking for support from highly qualified coaches with no diet culture BS and trendy filler content?

The next cohort of #FitnessAcademyforBeginners start February 1, 2023! This is Coach Tina Tang and my 6 week course designed specifically for women who want to learn how to strength train. It’s home based and dumbbell/body weight based.

Learn more and jump on the waitlist: www.StraightUpStrong.com/FAB

We will open enrollment to the waitlist first and host 2-3 cohorts a year- so if you think this is for you- jump on! We have filled our spots the past 2 cohorts and want you to get a spot if this is for you! (You don’t have to enroll if you are on the waitlist but you’ll have first dibs on the spots!)

We've all heard it - from the media, from our parents, even from health practitioners. But is breakfast really the most important meal of the day? Where did this idea even come from? Marissa breaks down where we got this notion from and whether or not it's actually true. Does eating breakfast really ensure lower body weight or better health outcomes? Could skipping breakfast be bad for your health? Is it really essential to eat a balanced breakfast every day? You're about to find out!

In this episode, Michelle and Marissa break down what they think will be trends in the wellness and diet industries in the new year. From weight loss drugs to sneaky marketing to new diets, they break down what you need to know about them. Not to be Negative Nancy's, they also share what they are excited for in the new year and catch up a bit on the shenanigans that have been going on since the holiday break. 

Happy New Year, Strong and Simple fam! 

Are you someone who is pro new year' resolutions or do you think they are waste a time?  Maybe your opinion falls somewhere in the middle?  Where ever you fall, there might be a better way to frame resolution making - and it's not necessarily a do it or don't do it conversation!

In this mini-side, Michelle discusses her method for creating goals and assessing progress for herself and supporting clients with the process anytime of year.

Looking for fitness and/or nutrition support from a qualified coach with a non-diet lens? Schedule a free discovery call with Michelle to see if the services align with what you are seeking!  Schedule here!

Well, we had different content planned for this episode but we digressed...a lot... and kept it as our episode this week. But hey! It's fun! This is our last episode for 2022 and we are recounting some of our favorite moments and episodes. 

In Michelle's weekly email Strong Sunday Newsletter that she sends with her co-coach and partner for Straight Up Strong, Tina Tang (check Tina out in Episode 7!) Tina sent out an email titled "you must do this to age healthy" that really resonated with folks.

In this episode, Michelle chats about how fitness and nutrition and health messaging, especially on social media, can feel overwhelming and cause stress about how to fit it all in! But in fact, how we achieve overall wellness is actually in what fits our individualize lives - it's not one size fits all and while it would be amazing to do all the things that are recommended to us, it's actually unlikely that most folks can do all the things, consistently and sustainably.

So what is the most important thing to do for your health? Tune into the episode to find out!

Check out Coach Tina on Episode 7 of the Strong and Simple Podcast Here

Join the Strong Sunday Email Newsletter

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Join Michelle through 1/1/2023 for  #100SwingsADayForTheHolidays !  It's a fun anchor activity for myself - to stay consistent and enjoy myself - be playful and not take things so seriously!  Do you have to swing to join me for this? Nope! Pick anything that you love to do that gets you moving in away that feels great (and maybe challenging!) and do as a stand alone or add on to a longer session.

Do you have to do everyday? You literally don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do or brings on stress - 😉 you do you bébé 💜

Are you feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated to do the things that you love doing?  These might be signs of burnout.  While the symptoms and signs of burn out can vary from individual to individual and even in various instances for the same person, there are some common signs and also some simple ways to nourish ourselves, mind, body and spirit to help us come back from burn out and prevent it.

Join Michelle and Amandine Ayala, CEO and founder of Bloem et Moi Tea Blends for a soothing conversation that touches on:

In the words of Amandine: "Self Care Leads to Self Love and That Leads to a Better World!"

About Our Guest:

Amandine Ayala, founder & CEO of @bloemetmoi, is is a tea alchemist, hemp & cannabis consultant, radical self-care activist, and crazy cat lady.  She creates luxury hemp tea to elevate your self-care and is the creator of Bespoke signature teas for businesses.

Find and Connect with Amandine (and take the self care quiz!):

https://www.bloemetmoi.com

Have you ever been to a gym and seen folks lifting  barefoot or watched a YouTube video or instagram video and someone was training with bare feet and wondered why someone would decide to go without shoes for strength training?  

In this mini-side, Michelle highlights the ways training barefoot is amazing - why you should consider taking off your shoes to strength train and tips to get started!

Not sure what to give a friend or family member who loves fitness this holiday season?  Be sure to tune into this episode for Michelle and Marissa's top 10 (and some bonus ideas!) non-diet fitness, wellness, and nutrition to give this year! Hear something you'd love to receive? Send this episode to your loved ones as a gentle hint for ideas for your wishlist!

Happy gift giving! 

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Where to find featured items and creators highlighted in this episode: