I’m pumped to welcome one of the hosts of the Mind Pump Podcast, top trainer and entrepreneur Sal Di Stefano. Mind Pump pulls back the curtain on the health, fitness, and nutrition industries, cuts through the pseudo-science, and offers science-backed solutions for enhancing performance while emphasizing health. 

Sal started his journey in the gym at age 14, and I admire how he’s steadily grown a meaningful business around biohacking fitness. 

On today’s episode, we take on some weighty topics like weight training vs. cardio, why veganism is dangerous, and why reverse dieting may actually be the key for results. Sal explains his fitness philosophy, which focuses on functional movement, reframing your mindset around exercise, and consistency above all else. 

We also get into the nutrition side of things. Sal and I break down how much protein you should be eating per day, plus our favorite proteins—and the evil ones we avoid. We also talk carbs. Do they make you fat? How do they impact performance? What are the best sources? Then, we get fired up talking about how you can fire up your metabolism. 

This episode is for everyone, from gym newbies to serious bodybuilders. And check out my episode on The Mind Pump Podcast to get a double dose of me and Sal (watch or listen).

(00:01:03) Are Bodybuilders the Edgiest Biohackers?

(00:04:51) Strength Training vs. Cardio

(00:12:27) Strength Training as a Longevity Tool

(00:16:32) Moving Toward Functional Movement

(00:21:10) Reframing Movement in Your Mind

(00:29:17) Why Veganism Is Dangerous

(00:33:27) Do Carbs Make You Fat?

(00:38:34) Should You Reverse Diet?

(00:40:54) How Much Protein Should You Eat?

(00:50:18) Is There Any Good Reason To Eat Chicken?

(00:55:10) Winning Carb Choices

(00:59:42) Sal’s #1 Recommended Supplement

(01:02:00) The Single Biggest Fitness Mistake

Sponsors

Mitosynergy | Get 15% off now at Mitosynergy.com/Dave

40 Years of Zen | Upgrade Your Brain in 5 Days by going to 40YearsOfZen.com/Dave

Resources

Dave Asprey’s NEW Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books 

Mind Pump Podcast: mindpumppodcast.com

Mind Pump Training Protocols: mindpumpmedia.com/maps-fitness-products

Mind Pump Instagram: @mindpumpmedia

Sal’s Instagram: @mindpumpdistefano

X: @mindpumpsal

TikTok: @mindpumpmedia

YouTube: @MindPumpShow

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