Welcome to another Weird Q&A, where I answer 3 offbeat questions about health and fitness (nutrition, training, mindset).

If you like these episodes, send me a text message!

Today's questions:

1. Can you lose weight by eating 'negative-calorie' foods that require more energy to digest than they contain? 
2. Can you 'shock' your muscles into growing by changing your workout routine every week?
3. Does eating late at night cause you to gain more fat compared to eating the same meal earlier in the day? 

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Have your muscle gains stalled? Do you struggle to build muscle as fast as others despite your best efforts in the gym?

Philip (@witsandweights) connects with anatomy expert Justin Cottle to dive deep into the cellular world of muscle hypertrophy. You'll learn why some people build muscle faster, what happens inside your muscles as they adapt to strength training, and how understanding these processes can unlock your muscle-building potential. If you want to go beyond the surface level and truly understand how to build muscle efficiently, this is for you.

Justin Cottle, a former lab director at the Institute of Human Anatomy, returns to the show to break down the science of muscle fibers, the role of protein synthesis, and how our genetics influence muscle growth.

🔔 Make sure to hit “follow” to be notified of more episodes like these!

Today, you’ll learn all about:

2:02 Cellular differences between hypertrophied and untrained muscle
3:37 Breaking down muscle fibers and tissue layers
7:15 Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers
10:03 The role of protein and amino acids in muscle growth
15:30 The connection between carbs and glycogen storage
20:22 The three types of muscle tissues
24:18 Eccentric vs. concentric contractions and training
28:48 Training variation and breaking through plateaus
32:44 Genetic variability in muscle fiber composition
36:43 Mechanisms beyond individual fiber growth (e.g., hyperplasia)
39:09 The importance of rest and recovery for hypertrophy
45:30 Role of muscle damage in hypertrophy
49:34 Practical strategies and training methods for lifters
52:21 Advancements in muscle growth science
55:50 Where to find Justin
56:24 Outro

Episode resources:

• Youtube: @thedissectionroom 
• Substack: @thedissectionroom 
• Instagram: @realjustincottle
• Learn anatomy faster: kenhub.com

Related episode:

• How Anatomy Impacts Your Gut, Muscle Mass, Hormones, and Health with Justin Cottle | Ep 177

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
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👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

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🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

"You don't need to restrict your diet to lose fat."

How many times have you heard that? Yet you're still not seeing results.

Here's the truth: some level of restriction in your diet isn't just helpful – it's essential for achieving your fat loss goals. But it's not about cutting out entire food groups or following a rigid meal plan.

Learn how the engineering concept of Design of Experiments (DOE) reveals why smart restrictions actually work better for sustainable fat loss. You'll discover how to create a flexible, effective nutrition plan without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

Rethink everything you know about dietary restrictions and learn how to engineer your perfect fat loss strategy.

To support the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review (links for Apple and Spotify). It helps others discover the podcast and lets us know what content resonates with you. I will give you a shout-out on a future episode!

Main Takeaways:

• Design of Experiments provides a framework for approaching nutrition systematically
• Reasonable restrictions act as helpful guidelines, not rigid rules
• This approach allows for flexibility while still moving you toward your goals
• By gathering data and making informed adjustments, you can optimize your nutrition over time

Mentioned in Episode:

• Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS
• My 3 New Dieting Methods for Smarter, Easier Fat Loss in 2024

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Are you having trouble staying motivated with your fitness goals? Do you start strong, only to lose momentum after a few weeks? Are you wondering why discipline and willpower never seem to be enough?

Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the psychology of motivation and the hidden forces that drive our behaviors. You’ll learn why relying on willpower isn’t a sustainable strategy and discover seven types of motivation to help you stay on track long-term. From internal motivators like intrinsic enjoyment to external motivators like social support, Philip covers how to identify your primary drivers and create an environment that fosters lasting motivation. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to reignite your passion, this gives you the tools to build systems for success that don’t depend on fleeting discipline. Find out how to use multiple sources of motivation to crush your goals without relying on willpower alone.

📋 To learn how to reframe your goals and implement them, even when you’re not “motivated,” so you can finally be consistent with your fitness and nutrition, join my email list here or at https://witsandweights.com/email and reply to ask for my “Action-Oriented Goals” guide.

Today, you’ll learn all about:

1:19 Holly's (listener) question
2:29 Why willpower isn’t enough for long-term motivation
4:15 Seven types of motivation explained
9:00 A client's story about motivation
14:14 How to identify your primary motivators
17:10 Tips for creating a motivating environment
19:15 How action can spark motivation and using the "motivation wave"
22:04 Outro

Episode resources:

• Join my email list here or at https://witsandweights.com/email and reply to ask for my free “Action-Oriented Goals” guide.

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

We're answering 2 questions from the Wits & Weights Facebook group:

1. Should I lower my protein to get more carbs (or vice versa), especially during a muscle-building phase?
2. Does creatine really make much of a difference for performance and muscle growth if you're at least 80% dialed in with everything else?

Join our Facebook group and get YOUR question answered for free in our Friday #AskPhilip live Q&A!

Have you ever wondered how balancing protein and carbohydrates while in a caloric surplus can impact your muscle growth and workout performance?

This episode tackles that burning question as we explore the delicate dance between medium and high protein levels and what it means for muscle protein synthesis, satiety, and recovery.

Whether you're using the Macrofactor app or simply curious, learn how to maximize gains while balancing protein and carbs for the best balance between muscle growth, recovery, and performance.

We also dive into creatine supplementation, discussing its potential benefits both inside and outside the gym.

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Are you over 40 and frustrated by slow progress in your fitness journey? Do you find it harder to build muscle, lose fat, or maintain energy levels like you used to? Do you need help creating a sustainable plan for health and longevity?

Philip (@witsandweights) sits down with fitness expert Allan Misner, host of the 40 Plus Fitness Podcast and author of The Wellness Roadmap, to break down the five key stages of fitness transformation after 40. Learn how to stop wasting time on ineffective workouts and diets and build a clear path toward lifelong health and success.

Allan shares practical insights on how to make lasting changes in your health, even if you’ve struggled for years. He’ll dive into the mindset shifts, motivation strategies, and systems you need to stop spinning your wheels and finally achieve sustainable fitness results in midlife and beyond.

📱 Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes. https://witsandweights.com/free-call

Today, you’ll learn all about:

1:46 Stage 1 - The catalyst: When you realize something needs to change
7:32 Stage 2 - Starting over: Facing the challenges of starting a fitness journey after 40
10:11 The turning point when Allan decided to change
13:11 Stage 3 - Sustainability and balance: Training for a Tough Mudder
19:38 The importance of long-term vision and sustaining your results
24:50 How to build self-motivation and lasting habits
36:40 Stage 4 - Bouncing back: Dealing with setbacks and injuries to keep the momentum going
46:20 Stage 5 - CARGO: Celebrate, align, recalibrate, and go for long-term success
52:30 What Allan wished Philip had asked
54:45 Where to find Allan
55:16 Outro

Episode resources:

• 40 Plus Fitness Podcast
• Instagram: @40plusfitnesspodcast 
• Book - The Wellness Roadmap
• Quiz - Find Your Primary Fitness Mindset

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Are you training for the wrong outcome?

Are you working hard, going to the gym, but things aren't quite lining up for your physique and body composition goals?

Imagine a fitness plan where every effort counts, and nothing is wasted. 

Learn how the Critical Path Method (CPM) explains why bodybuilders and marathon runners have such contrasting approaches and how you can determine where on that spectrum YOUR goals are so you can save time and be more efficient with your fitness.

Discover:

• How to identify your fitness "critical path"
• Why doing less can often lead to better results
• How to eliminate time-wasting exercises from your routine
• The power of laser-focusing on what truly matters for your goals

Whether you're aiming to build muscle, lose fat, or improve endurance, this episode will help you optimize your training for maximum results with minimum wasted effort.

Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes. 

Main Takeaways:

• The Critical Path Method reveals why different physique goals require different training approaches
• Focusing on your "critical path" activities can accelerate progress while reducing overall workload
• Regularly reassessing your critical path is key as your fitness journey evolves
• Eliminating wasteful and unnecessary activities is often as important as adding the RIGHT activities to your plate

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Is your metabolism holding you back from achieving your fitness goals? Do you ever wonder why your progress slows down despite your best efforts? Why do some people seem to burn more calories than others, even at rest?

Philip (@witsandweights) uncovers 7 surprising facts about your basal metabolic rate (BMR) that will completely change how you think about fat loss, energy, and fitness. You'll discover how factors like body composition, organ size, and even athletic habits play a huge role in your metabolism. From the truth about aging and its impact on BMR to debunking myths about metabolic adaptation, you'll learn practical insights to help you work with your body's natural processes and achieve better results. Whether you’ve been feeling stuck or frustrated, understanding your BMR might be the key to unlocking your fitness goals.

🎞️ To learn how to download and setup MacroFactor for free so you know your exact metabolism for any body composition goal, watch this video or go to https://youtu.be/HTOmVtR9UZw (don’t forget to use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to try it for free!)

Today, you’ll learn all about:

2:48 Fact 1: The wide range of normal BMRs
5:34 Fact 2: How organ size impacts BMR
7:22 Fact 3: Allometric scaling of metabolism
9:11 Fact 4: Athletes' secret metabolic advantage
13:11 Fact 5: How BMR changes with age
14:35 Fact 6: Metabolic adaptation during fat loss
18:07 Fact 7: BMR and PCOS misconceptions
21:20 Outro

Episode resources:

• The MacroFactor BMR Series

Related Episodes:

• Bigger Isn't Always Better for Strength or Metabolism (Scaling Laws) | Ep 195
• Carbs Aren't the Problem (Keto, Paleo, Bioenergetic, and Pro-Metabolic Diets) | Ep 224

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

The last "Weird Q&A" was so popular we're doing another one!

In Weird Q&A, I answer 3 offbeat questions about health and fitness (nutrition, training, mindset).

If you like these episodes, send me a text message!

Today's questions:

1. If you could only choose one macronutrient to focus on for the rest of your life, which would be the most important for physique and health?
2. Does eating spicy foods actually boost your metabolism enough to aid in weight loss?
3. Is it possible to train yourself to need less sleep and still maintain optimal performance and health?

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod

Do you feel trapped by obsessive dieting and constantly analyzing your body? Are you sacrificing your mental health in the pursuit of fitness goals? What if you could build an aesthetic physique without losing your peace of mind?

Philip (@witsandweights) takes us to the intersection of fitness and mental health with IFBB bikini pro and mental health advocate Laurin Conlin. They discuss how to break free from obsessive behaviors and anxiety around food and exercise, especially in the highly competitive world of physique sports. Laurin shares her journey and the mental costs of chasing the perfect body, offering practical strategies for overcoming food-related anxiety and adopting a more flexible, mentally healthy approach to fitness.

Laurin Conlin is an IFBB bikini pro, owner of Redefine Healthy Brands, and host of The LoCoFit Show podcast. She holds a Master’s in Exercise Science and is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Laurin’s expertise bridges the gap between physical health and mental wellness, making her a unique voice in the fitness industry.

📱 Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes. https://witsandweights.com/free-call

Today, you’ll learn all about:

3:28 The shift from rigid to flexible dieting and its psychological impacts
6:52 Why food awareness is crucial but can become an obsession
10:01 How childhood behaviors shape our relationship with food
21:22 The mental toll of competitive physique sports
31:46 Why most people need more muscle before considering competitions
41:57 The balance between food awareness and obsession
49:33 Self-reflection and its role in sustainable fitness
54:44 Laurin’s plans to integrate fitness and mental health counseling
100:39 Where to find Laurin
101:53 Outro

Episode resources:

• Instagram: @laurinconlin
• YouTube: @LaurinConlin 
• Website: redefinehealthybrands.com
• The LoCoFit Show Podcast: redefinehealthybrands.com/podcasts/ 

Support the show

👩‍💻 Book a FREE 15-Minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment:
https://witsandweights.com/free-call

🎓 Get your first challenge + 2 weeks FREE in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)

👥 Join our Facebook community for live Q&As & support

👋 Let's connect! Ask a question, get my FREE newsletter, or find me on Instagram

📱 Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS.

🏋️‍♀️ Download Boostcamp for free for evidence-based workout programs

🫙 Get 20% off Legion supplements with code WITSpod