Flex Diet Podcast

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Aram Grigorian from the Real Coaches Summit to talk shop on what actually matters in coaching today. We dig into body composition and weight loss, why consistency still beats novelty, and how to think more clearly about calorie tracking without losing the forest for the trees.We also get into industry trends, client compliance, and why live, in-person events remain one of the most underrated tools for becoming a better coach. If you’re a trainer or just serious about improving your health and results, this is a practical, no-nonsense conversation you’ll get a lot out of. I also share a sneak peek at what’s coming up at the Real Coaches Summit.WARNING – you may be offended by some items that Aram or I say in this podcast. Just a heads-up, and enjoy.Sponsors:Real Coaches SummitNote: I don’t make a dime if you sign up for the RCS now, but I have presented at and attended the event in the past, and it is amazing. I highly recommend itDaily Fitness Insider NewsletterAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:00:43 Discussion on Body Composition and Weight Loss01:37 The Importance of Live Events for Trainers02:10 Challenges in Coaching and Client Compliance04:28 Event Logistics and Venue Details07:23 The Need for More In-Person Events10:00 Mentorship and Coaching Strategies12:47 Debunking Fitness Myths and Misconceptions13:52 The Role of Calorie Deficits in Weight Loss17:07 The Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Health21:36 The Importance of Consistency and Accountability25:31 Challenges in the Fitness Industry28:16 Practical Advice for Coaches and Trainers43:43 The Reality of Client Training and Nutrition47:10 The Misconceptions About Cardio and Dieting47:43 Measuring and Quantifying Cardio Output48:28 Challenges in Measuring Calories Burned49:41 The Complexity of Weight Training vs. Cardio50:54 The Role of Wearables in Tracking Fitness52:13 Debunking Fitness Myths and Misconceptions53:10 The Influence of Fitness Gurus and Misinformation53:58 The Importance of Sleep and Recovery01:00:52 Seasonal Fitness Trends and Challenges01:03:50 The Value of Consistency and Accountability01:06:12 Navigating the Fitness Industry’s Noise01:08:07 The Importance of Community and Networking01:15:57 Promoting Integrity and Transparency in Fitness01:18:16 The Role of Experts and Continuous Learning01:26:17 The Benefits of Attending Fitness Events01:30:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:Episode 207: Driving client progress with effective nutrition and coaching: An interview with Aram GrigorianEpisode 317: Enhancing Coaching & Leadership in Sports with Tex McQuilkinConnect with Aram:Instagram – Real Coaches SummitAram’s InstagramGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to cut through the noise and tackle some of the most persistent myths in women’s fitness. We break down where misinformation shows up in popular programs, why overly complicated plans often backfire, and what the science actually says about fasted training and low energy availability. We also get into hot topics like cold water immersion and cortisol, real sex-based differences in training responses, and why women’s fitness research is still so challenging to conduct well. If you’re looking for practical, evidence-based guidance instead of hype, this episode will help you train smarter and with more confidence.Sponsors:LMNT: http://drinklmnt.com/mikenelson (automatically applied at checkout)Beyond Power Voltra 1: https://www.beyond-power.com/michael13Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/Episode Chapters:04:30 Interview with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple05:01 Complications in Women's Fitness07:39 Effective Training Strategies18:42 Fasted Training for Women23:33 Low Energy Availability28:50 Cold Water Immersion for Women34:27 The Overemphasis on Recovery36:45 Sex-Based Differences in Training37:04 The Fiber Type Debate43:41 Genetics and Athletic Performance46:23 Women's Specific Supplements53:50 Challenges in Women's Fitness Research01:00:51 Rapid Fire Questions and ConclusionEpisodes You Might Enjoy:Episode 267: Demystifying Women’s Fitness and Nutrition with Alli FahrenbachYouTube: https://youtu.be/w13NXowjSVU?si=QDdKNRGZZq_SgT5hEpisode 296: Enhancing Athletic Performance with Dr. Dani LaMartinaYouTube: https://youtu.be/ts_eqvs6OI4?si=TiqFPjcsxI9a3owFConnect with Dr Lauren Colenso-Semple:Website: https://www.drlaurencs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencs1Get In Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! Today, I’m hanging out with the brilliant Katie Emerson, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs over at Kyowa Hakko USA, aka the people behind Cognizin (CDP Choline), one of the few brain-boosting ingredients with legit research behind it.We dig into the real science of CDP Choline, how it supports memory, focus, and cognitive performance, and where it actually fits into the human physiology engine, not the hype machine. Katie and I also zoom out into the supplement industry as a whole, chatting about what’s worth paying attention to, what’s still emerging, and how to navigate all the shiny promises out there.We even take a nerd-tour into mental resilience, genetic mapping, and the surprising potential of glutathione for health and performance.If you’re curious how targeted supplements can help you think faster, recover better, and be a more high-performing human without needing a PhD to decode marketing nonsense, this episode is for you.Sponsors:Flex 4: Katie's top 4 things to know about citocholineEpisode Chapters:03:52 Katie Emerson Joins the Conversation04:09 Conversations at ISSN and Networking11:20 Research and Studies on CDP Choline17:49 Challenges in Supplement Formulation24:40 Mechanisms and Benefits of CDP Choline28:06 Exploring Genetic Mapping and Data Overload29:01 Study Design and Dosing Strategies30:29 The Sweet Spot of CDP Choline Dosage33:40 Pharmacokinetics and Timing of CDP Choline35:36 Safety and Side Effects of High Doses38:59 Comparing CDP Choline and Alpha GPC42:41 Introduction to Glutathione48:41 Oral Absorption of Glutathione52:12 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Information Episodes You Might Enjoy:Episode 343: Fueling the Corporate Athlete: Stress, Supplements & Performance with Dan Hunter YouTube: https://youtu.be/0ek4XSs62RQ Episode 222: Expert Insights on nutrition, supplements, and training with Registered Dietitian Sean CaseyYouTube: https://youtu.be/wjJB-y1kwgMConnect with Katie:Cognizin: cognizin.comGet In Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good buddy and lab-coat-wearing performance wizard, Dr. Andrew Koutnik. We talk about how to boost muscle performance, improve body composition, and feel like an athletic human without dumpster-firing your health.We dig into cold water immersion (and when it can kick gains in the shins), blood glucose regulation, ketogenic diets, carbs (yes, they’re still awesome), and how to build metabolic flexibility that actually translates to better outcomes in the gym and life.Andrew shares some killer insights from his research at Florida State University, especially around keto diets and athletic performance. If you’re curious about whether low-carb can help or hurt your performance, this is your jam.If you want practical tools for a bigger physiological engine, tune in!Sponsors:Tecton Ketones: https://tectonketones.com/LMNT:  http://drinklmnt.com/mikenelson (automatically applied at Episode Chapters:05:28 Conferences and Networking08:34 The Importance of Practical Application in Science21:43 Cold Water Immersion and Stress Responses32:53 Mindfulness and Meditation39:29 Blood Glucose and Exercise Performance52:00 Limitations of Association Studies in Sports Performance52:47 Impact of Blood Glucose on Performance57:04 Historical Perspective on Ketogenic Diets01:00:52 Study on Ketogenic Diets and Ironman Competitors01:15:53 Health Implications of High Carbohydrate Diets01:18:48 Concluding Thoughts on Nutrition and Performance Episodes You Might Enjoy:Episode 254: Exploring the Frontiers of Ketone Science and Brain Health with Mike Chesne from Tecton LifeYouTube: https://youtu.be/uTsM_ETF8Us Episode 253: Enduring the Antarctic Chill and Unveiling the Power of Ketones with Akshay Nanavati and Tecton LifeYouTube: https://youtu.be/ockRFjBiOQcConnect with Dr Koutnik:Website: https://andrewkoutnik.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewkoutnikphd/Get In Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Dr. Tommy Wood to dig into his upcoming book, The Stimulated Mind — a ridiculously practical guide to building a better brain.We get into all kinds of fun rabbit holes: how technology is changing fitness, why lactate (yes, the same stuff you curse during hard intervals) is actually rocket fuel for your brain, and why a solid dose of cardio is one of the most underrated cognitive enhancers out there.We also tackle resistance training, neuroplasticity as you age, and which sports and drills actually move the needle for cognition. And because it’s Tommy, we even wander into the spicy territory of psychedelics and whether they may have a place in brain health.If you want real, actionable strategies to boost memory, focus, and long-term cognitive performance—without drowning in jargon—this episode is for you.Tune in and geek out with us.Sponsors:LMNT electrolyte drink mix: https://drinklmnt.com/Flex 4: Dr Tommy Wood's top 4 ways to improve your brain Preorder The Stimulated Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Stimulated-Mind-Future-Proof-Brain-Dementia/dp/0593797817/ref=sr_1_1Triphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:02:01 Dr. Tommy Wood's Background and Expertise03:15 The Stimulated Mind: Translating Neuroscience into Practical Tips04:01 Sponsors and Special Offers05:09 Interview with Dr. Tommy Wood Begins06:58 The Benefits of High-Intensity Exercise10:37 Lactate and BDNF: Brain Fertilizer17:16 The Potential of Lactate Supplements20:49 The Challenges of Translating Preclinical Science to Humans26:54 The Importance of the Hippocampus and Executive Function29:53 The Benefits of Resistance Training for Cognitive Health32:09 The Cognitive Benefits of Coordinative Training34:30 The Importance of Recreation and Social Interaction37:34 The Humbling Nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu38:12 The Stimulated Mind: Brain Function and Exercise40:06 Neuroplasticity and Aging40:50 Embracing Discomfort for Brain Growth42:47 The Role of Dopamine in Learning45:14 Flow vs. Clutch States in Performance48:41 The Goat Drill: A Complex Motor Skill Exercise53:13 Expanding Cognitive Headroom58:00 Psychedelics and Brain Health01:03:26 Wrapping Up: Book Promotion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 307: The Lost Episode on Body Composition Research with Dr. Tommy Wood and Dr. Ben HouseYouTube: https://youtu.be/ytbNiJ25kiQ Episode 178: Rebroadcast – Insulin and Glucose Myths & more with Dr Tommy WoodYouTube: https://youtu.be/N7LchLtBJr4Connect with Dr. Tommy Wood: Substack: https://substack.com/@betterbrainfitnessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywoodWebsite: https://www.drtommywood.com/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/