The Bodybuilding Dietitians

This week on the Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast we’re ranking common fat loss strategies into a tier list. Tracking and pre-logging, mindful eating, fasting, managing food focus, protein intake, diet drinks and chewing gum, and working with a dietitian or coach. Some of what you’d expect to be S tier isn’t, and some of what gets dismissed deserves a lot more credit than it gets. We go through where each strategy actually sits, why we ranked it that way, and what to think about before you decide which ones belong in your approach. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Damien Cox – https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_damiencox/?hl=en Lauren Stevens – https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquedietitian_/?hl=en ⸻

How do you know whether your nutrition and training plan is actually working? Scale weight can be useful, but it only tells you part of the story. Changes in training performance, measurements, progress photos, health markers and your relationship with food may reveal progress that the scale completely misses. In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, you’ll learn which metrics are most useful for fat loss and muscle gain, how to make your measurements more consistent and why relying too heavily on a single number can lead to unnecessary changes. You’ll also learn how to recognise psychological and behavioural progress, including becoming less reactive to weight fluctuations, handling unplanned meals more calmly and developing a healthier relationship with training and food. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The…

How do you continue making progress when you have already been training for years?In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we share what our training and nutrition currently look like, the physique goals we are working towards and which variables we are adjusting to keep progressing.We discuss when adding more training volume may be useful, when execution and intensity deserve more attention, and why doing more work can become counterproductive if training quality or recovery begins to decline.We also compare our current approaches to nutrition, including eating without tracking, managing low appetite during a gaining phase, structuring food around early-morning training and knowing when a strategy such as fasting is no longer supporting the primary goal.As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

You may have started lifting to build muscle or change your physique, but the benefits of resistance training extend far beyond how you look.In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we explain how lifting can support metabolic health, bone density, cognitive function, mental health and physical independence as you age. We also discuss how much strength training may be needed to gain meaningful health benefits and why building muscle earlier can provide a greater reserve for later in life.As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Damien Cox – https://www.instagram.com/dietitian_damiencox/?hl=en Lauren Stevens –…

Which popular fitness trends deserve your time and money, and which are mostly surviving on hype?In this episode, we rate some of the most discussed foods, supplements and training methods as overrated, underrated or fairly rated.We cover creatine dosage and the growing interest in its potential brain benefits, whether greens powders can replace anything meaningful in your diet and why many pre-workouts may be little more than expensive caffeine.We also discuss whole eggs, sardines, potatoes, lentils and legumes before moving into Bulgarian split squats, antagonistic supersets and forced reps.Rather than giving every topic a simple verdict, we explain when each one may be useful, when it becomes overhyped and what may provide a better return.As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we explain why macro tracking is often far less precise than people assume and how to make it more useful without becoming obsessive.We cover inaccurate database entries, barcode errors, raw versus cooked weights, restaurant meal estimates, untracked bites and cooking oils, and why your calories and macros may not add up even when you appear to hit your targets perfectly.We also discuss when tracking can support fat loss, muscle gain and contest preparation, when it may begin affecting your relationship with food, and how to gradually move towards a more flexible approach.As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Calorie Calculator - https://tbd-calorie-calculator.subscribepage.io/ Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD –…

If your contest prep timeline only works when everything goes perfectly, prep can become much harder than it needs to be. In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we break down how to plan a smarter bodybuilding contest prep, from setting a realistic rate of fat loss to building in breathing room before fatigue, hunger and recovery become difficult to manage.We explain how to reverse-engineer your prep from your expected stage weight rather than defaulting to an arbitrary 16 or 20 week timeline, why your starting position matters more than the calendar, and how leaving room for illness, plateaus and poor recovery can prevent the largest deficit from being forced into the hardest stage of prep.We also cover maintaining food diversity as calories drop, identifying nutritional deficiencies before prep begins, starting posing practice early, and why training progress is often better judged through execution and muscle stimulus rather than load alone. Contest prep is never easy, but better…

Is bulking dead, or have we simply misunderstood what a productive building phase should look like?In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we break down how to structure a bulk around your experience, starting body composition, training performance and personal preferences.We cover appropriate rates of gain for beginner, intermediate and advanced lifters, how long a building phase should last, and why the scale does not need to rise every week for progress to occur.We also discuss who may be better suited to recomping, why eating more does not automatically produce more muscle, and the common reasons people fail to grow despite believing they are in a surplus.From clean versus dirty bulking to cardio, food quality and the psychological side of gaining weight, this episode provides a practical framework for making your next building phase more productive.You can also access our new calorie and macro calculator through the link below.As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, you'll learn how GLP-1 medications work and what to consider before, during and after using them.We explain how medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro affect appetite, food intake, blood glucose and digestion. You'll also learn who may benefit from them, why eligibility should extend beyond a BMI cutoff, and why they are neither cheating nor a magic solution.If you're currently using a GLP-1, we cover how to structure your meals, hit enough protein, preserve muscle and reduce your risk of nutrient deficiencies. We also discuss resistance training, hydration, fibre intake and how to manage common gastrointestinal symptoms when eating enough becomes difficult.Finally, you'll learn what can happen when you reduce or stop the medication, why weight regain is common without a proper maintenance plan, and which nutrition and behavioural foundations to establish beforehand. We also answer whether GLP-1s directly cause muscle loss and whether using…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we share the small habits and practical changes that can produce a disproportionate return across your nutrition, training, sleep and body composition.We discuss how to combine structure with flexibility in your diet, choose exercises that stimulate the target muscle without creating unnecessary fatigue, and use a training log to make progression more objective.We also cover how meal timing and caffeine can affect sleep, why your hardest food decisions should be made before you are hungry or exhausted, and how creating satisfying default meals can reduce your reliance on willpower.Finally, we explain why consistently meeting a few nutritional minimums, including protein, fibre and proper meals, will usually achieve more than obsessing over minor details.As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week.

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we work through five common dieting mistakes that can make fat loss harder to sustain, even when your calories and macros appear to be in order.We start with all-or-nothing thinking, including why one unplanned meal can quickly become an entire weekend of overeating, and why returning to your normal routine is more valuable than trying to compensate or waiting until Monday to restart.From there, we discuss what happens when a diet ends without a clear plan. We cover how to estimate your new maintenance intake, why some weight gain is normal after a dieting phase, and how setting new training or performance goals can make the transition easier. We also explore why constantly moving between cutting and gaining can prevent you from learning how to maintain a stable body weight.We finish on the practical side, including how food selection, protein, fibre, meal structure and food volume can improve hunger management during a deficit. We also unpack daily…

Training hard but still feeling sore, fatigued or stuck in the gym? The answer may not be another recovery supplement, massage gun or cold plunge.In this episode, we help you identify where your recovery may actually be breaking down. We explain how training volume, intensity and execution can create more fatigue than your current sleep, nutrition and lifestyle can support, along with the signs that it may be time to adjust your program or take a deload.We also unpack the foundations that deserve attention first, including sleep, adequate fuelling, protein intake, stress management and hydration. We put popular recovery tools into context, including why feeling less sore does not always mean you have recovered faster and how immediate cold-water immersion may work against hypertrophy adaptations.Before spending more money on recovery, this episode will help you work out which lever is most likely limiting your progress and what deserves your attention first.Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe, share…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, you’ll learn how to bring your nutrition and training together to support more effective muscle growth.We cover whether a calorie surplus is necessary, how quickly body weight should increase, and why gaining faster does not always mean building more muscle. We also discuss the psychological side of a gaining phase, including accepting controlled changes in body composition while strength, recovery and training performance improve.On the training side, we explore mechanical tension, proximity to failure, progressive overload, execution and volume. Find out how to identify whether you are doing too much or too little, when additional volume may be beneficial, and why simply adding more sets is rarely the first solution.We also share practical strategies for reviewing training footage, selecting exercises with a strong stimulus-to-fatigue ratio, protecting shoulder health and creating a program that supports long-term progression. As always, we wrap up…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we break down what it actually means to fuel properly for training, recovery and physique progress. Fuelling is often reduced to a pre-workout meal or simply hitting your daily calories, but an athlete can technically meet their intake target and still fail to support the periods where performance, recovery and normal physiological function matter most. We cover the difference between under-fuelling, low energy availability and RED-S, including how each concept applies to lifters, physique athletes and anyone with a high training or activity load. We get into the warning signs that your intake may no longer be matching your output, from declining performance and slower recovery through to poorer sleep, low mood, frequent illness, hormonal disruption, reduced libido and recurring injuries. We also explain why the scale remaining stable does not necessarily mean you are adequately fuelled, and why eating more than 3,000 calories per day may still not be…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we break down why fibre deserves far more attention than being treated as something that just helps with digestion. Fibre is the nutrient lifters most consistently neglect, and one of the best evidenced dietary factors for long term health, yet the typical high protein physique diet is almost engineered to leave people well short of what they need. We cover what fibre actually is and why the different types matter, from soluble and viscous fibres through to fermentable fibres and their role in the gut microbiome. We get into the mortality and disease evidence, the short chain fatty acid mechanism that explains why fibre affects far more than digestion, the beta-glucan and cholesterol story, and why fibre is such a useful appetite and satiety tool during a fat loss phase. We also cover the honest limitations, including why ramping up too quickly backfires, how to time fibre around training, and the FODMAP consideration for people with sensitive guts. We…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked topic of dietary fat and its role in health, performance, body composition, and bodybuilding nutrition.While protein and carbohydrates tend to receive most of the attention in the fitness space, dietary fat plays an important role in hormone production, brain health, cardiovascular health, cell function, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. We discuss why fat should not simply be viewed as the macro to push as low as possible, especially for physique athletes and lifters aiming to optimise both performance and long-term health.We explore practical fat intake ranges, the differences between saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega-3, omega-6, and trans fats, and how to think about fat quality across the whole diet. We also unpack saturated fat, cholesterol, APOB, lipoprotein(a), fibre intake, omega-3 supplementation, and using bloodwork to guide more individualised decisions.The conversation also covers…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we work through three of the most persistent fitness myths we see in practice and online. We start with detox diets and elimination diets, covering what the body actually does physiologically to manage detoxification, where clinical elimination protocols like low FODMAP have a legitimate role, and why the casual use of juice cleanses, skinny teas, and food group restriction tends to create more problems than it solves, including nutrient gaps, food fear, and a rebound dynamic that undoes whatever short-term progress you see on the scale. We then move into waist trainers and spot fat reduction, unpacking why external compression changes how your waist looks without changing your anatomy, why spot reduction is not how fat loss works regardless of what it feels like when you are doing crunches, and what you should actually be focusing on if a smaller waist or leaner midsection is your goal. We close on the carnivore diet and other major food group…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we work through everything lifters need to know about carbohydrates. We start with what carbohydrates actually do beyond just providing energy, including the glycogen story, why resistance training depletes far less glycogen than most people assume, and the other roles carbs play in supporting training quality, recovery, and adherence. We cover how to set your daily carbohydrate intake based on training volume rather than a fixed number, the low carb question handled honestly including where it works and where it costs you, and how to time carbs around training in a way that actually reflects the evidence. We also get into the glycaemic index versus glycaemic load distinction, why GI matters far less than most people think once food is eaten in a real meal context, and how to select carbohydrate sources that support performance, satiety, and gut health across different phases. We wrap up as always with what we learned this week. Enjoying the podcast?…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we run through another Instagram Q&A and welcome Talia to the show for her first appearance. We start with how to decide between cutting and bulking, covering why body fat percentage tends to be the more useful dial, where recomping and maintenance phases fit in, and how to make the call based on your current composition. From there we get into meal frequency through a cut and contest prep, including how to structure eating around training performance, protein distribution, hunger management, and why total calorie intake matters more than meal frequency for metabolic rate. We finish on staying on track while travelling, from eyeballing versus tracking and how precise you really need to be, through to practical strategies for eating out and matching your approach to the phase you are in. We wrap up as always with what we learned this week. Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe, share the episode, and leave us a five-star rating or review, it…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we kick off our macronutrient series with a full deep dive on protein. We start with why protein matters for you beyond muscle, from connective tissue and hormones to satiety and the thermic effect of food. From there we get into how much you actually need, working through targets for your phase across a deficit, maintenance, or surplus, why the 1.6 grams per kilo figure is a lean mass ceiling rather than a hard limit for you, and how to adjust based on your body composition, age, and training. We bust the myth that you can only use 20 to 25 grams of protein per meal and explain how to distribute your intake across three or more feedings a day to get the most from it. We also cover protein quality, why collagen falls short if your goal is muscle, and practical tips to help you hit your target, from fixing a low-protein breakfast to smart snacking. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we break down how to actually hold onto muscle when you are in a calorie deficit. We cover why perception of muscle loss is often inaccurate and why objective tracking matters before a deficit even begins. From there we get into how starting body fat percentage should influence your rate of loss, the research behind protein targets and why the commonly cited ceiling may undersell what leaner athletes actually need, and how carbohydrate distribution and peri-workout fuelling support training performance and indirectly protect lean mass. We also cover training volume management when recovery capacity is already reduced, and why sleep and stress are genuine muscle retention tools rather than optional considerations. We wrap up as always with what we learned this week. Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe, share the episode, and leave us a five-star rating or review, it really helps us grow and reach more listeners. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we unpack why putting in effort and following a strategy doesn't always lead to the results you expect. We start by looking at the growing role of AI chatbots in nutrition advice, where they fall short compared to real coaching, and why confident answers aren't always accurate ones. From there, we get into the practical side of fat loss stalls, including the difference between eating well and actually being in a deficit, how weekends can erase a week's worth of progress, and why individual variability means your calorie target might need adjusting regardless of what a calculator says. On the muscle gain side, we cover training execution, the importance of fuelling performance, and why nutrition supports but doesn't drive hypertrophy on its own. We also touch on setting realistic expectations, choosing the right metrics, and knowing which lever to pull when progress stalls. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we share practical strategies that make fat loss more sustainable. We talk through keeping food choices consistent day to day, why that doesn't have to mean boring eating, and how it helps reduce food noise and improve scale accuracy. We cover daily movement as an underrated expenditure lever, how fibre and food volume can shift hunger management, and the difference between true physiological hunger and appetite. We also explore why highly palatable foods and flavour enhancers can sometimes work against you in a deficit, eating window strategies including the risks of extreme backloading, and where time-restricted feeding fits depending on training timing. The episode wraps up, as always, with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we cover the four nutrient deficiencies we see most commonly across our clients and in clinical practice. We discuss vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and omega-3, including how prevalent they are, why they matter specifically for active individuals, how to test for them properly, and what adequate intake actually looks like beyond standard reference ranges. We also cover how to address each through food first and where supplementation makes sense, including which forms and doses are worth using. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. Whether you are a physique athlete, a recreational lifter, or someone looking to optimise their health and performance through nutrition, this episode is for you. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we take a different approach and walk through what a typical day of eating actually looks like for each of us. We share our current training phase, calorie and macro targets, and how we structure meals around our schedules. We cover topics including fuelling early morning sessions, biasing macros throughout the day to allow flexibility at dinner, adjusting calories between training and rest days, and how autoregulation fits into a sustainable approach to building or maintaining. Whether you are tracking closely or operating with more flexibility, this episode reinforces that evidence-based nutrition can look very different from person to person. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we do a full breakdown on fat loss, covering everything from whether you are actually ready to diet through to what to do when progress stalls. We talk through dieting readiness, rate of loss, how aggressive you can afford to be depending on body composition and experience, and why protein targets in a deficit likely need to sit higher than what gets thrown around on social media. The conversation also covers cardio and NEAT as expenditure tools, why daily movement often drops more than people realise during a diet, and what metabolic adaptation actually looks like in practice versus the narrative that gets built online. We also discuss training in a deficit, performance red flags to watch for, and why progress photos, gym performance, and measurements deserve attention alongside the scale. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we unpack the role of cheat meals in both bulking and cutting phases, from unstructured high calorie days to strategic diet breaks and refeeds. We discuss why context matters, how the term "cheat meal" can shape your relationship with food, and what the research says about diet breaks for hunger, satisfaction, and adherence during prolonged deficits. The conversation also covers the "superfood" label, we share a few foods we genuinely prioritise and why, including things like extra virgin olive oil, potatoes, dark chocolate, and berries. The episode wraps up as always with what we learned this week! ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we answer three listener questions, starting with how to reduce visceral fat more effectively, including realistic rates of loss, why visceral fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat, and levers beyond a calorie deficit such as aerobic fitness, anti-inflammatory nutrition, sleep, stress, and alcohol. We then break down pre-workout supplements that actually have research support, including clinical dosing, timing, and why most off-the-shelf pre-workouts are generally underdosed. Finally, we discuss post-prep recovery priorities, the order in which the body restores function after a competition diet, realistic rate of gain in the first four to eight weeks, restoring energy availability, and specific considerations for female athletes around menstrual cycle recovery. The episode wraps up as always with what we learned this week! ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website –…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we tackle the question of whether a calorie surplus is truly necessary for muscle gain or whether maintenance can be just as productive. We discuss Eric Helms' 2023 study comparing maintenance to moderate and larger surpluses, how training age shifts the equation, and why training performance is the real driver of muscle growth rather than scale weight alone. We also cover whether high-dose antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can blunt hypertrophy signalling when consumed close to training, what dosages the research actually used, and practical tips for timing supplements. The conversation also takes a lighter turn with yogurt bowl recipes, Ninja Creami tips, and as always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we unpack how to structure your nutrition without rigid tracking, including the key differences between auto-regulation and intuitive eating, and practical tools like hunger awareness, portion anchoring, and body weight trend monitoring. We also discuss what deserves your attention most during prep versus the off season, covering everything from calorie deficits and training stimulus to sleep, progressive overload, and diet quality. Finally, we dive into whether increasing creatine from 5g to 10g per day offers additional cognitive benefits, what the current research actually shows, and who might benefit most. The episode wraps up as always with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we work through listener questions across three topics: early morning training nutrition, the interference effect from combining resistance training with other sports, and our current favourite exercises for hypertrophy across every major muscle group. On fuelling, we cover practical strategies for pre-dawn sessions including hydration, carbohydrate timing, caffeine, and how to structure the night before to set yourself up. We then discuss the realities of balancing lifting with team sports or cardio, how to prioritise when goals compete, and what Damien learned firsthand from juggling football and bodybuilding prep. We wrap up with a full run-through of our go-to movements for lats, back thickness, quads, glutes, hamstrings, chest, abs, delts, biceps, and triceps, including why stimulus-to-fatigue ratio and enjoyment matter more than defaulting to the traditional barbell lifts. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we answer listener questions on dietary diversity, gut health, sleep during dieting, and sodium intake for active individuals. We explore the concept of aiming for 30 different plant foods per week, why dietary variety may matter for gut health, and how physique athletes can increase food diversity without overcomplicating their nutrition. We also discuss why sleep often becomes more disrupted during calorie deficits and contest prep, looking at both the physiological drivers and practical strategies that may help minimise disruption. Finally, we unpack common misconceptions around sodium intake, including how much may be appropriate for active individuals, when higher intakes may be useful, and why consistency often matters more than aggressive restriction. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website –…

This week we are answering the questions you have sent to us via Instagram! In this episode, we rank sleep, activity, and protein for the average person and explain why the order might surprise you. We break down the physiology behind binge eating after prep and why willpower is the wrong tool for the job. We also look at what caloric restriction actually does for longevity and whether it is worth pursuing if you are already lean and active. Finally, we cover how to approach nutrition around a deload and whether you actually need to adjust your calories. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

Not everything in nutrition and training deserves the attention it gets. Some things are overcomplicated, overpriced, or just not moving the needle the way most people think. Others are sitting right in front of you, consistently undervalued. In this episode, we work through what's actually worth your time. On the nutrition side, that means taking an honest look at precision tracking, electrolyte supplements, greens powders, gut health, and why understanding the difference between hunger and appetite can make or break a diet phase. On the training side, we cover program hopping, skill acquisition, training to failure, and why your NEAT levels might be doing more for your body composition than your gym sessions. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services –…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we delve into the critical topic of sleep, discussing its importance for overall health, body composition, and performance. We share personal experiences and actionable tips for improving sleep quality, including establishing a consistent sleep schedule, managing caffeine intake, and creating a conducive sleep environment. The conversation also covers the significance of nutrition and supplements in enhancing sleep, as well as effective wind-down strategies to prepare for a restful night. The episode concludes as always with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of training with low glycogen levels, emphasising the importance of carbohydrates for performance. We share personal updates on our training and nutrition phases, highlighting volume in training and the balance between high and low volume approaches. The conversation concludes, as always with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Tyarra Nelson – https://www.instagram.com/tyarranelson/?hl=en…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we dive into listener questions, focusing on the consumption of sugar-free drinks and the differences between recovery diets and reverse diets. We discuss the varying perspectives on artificial sweeteners, with Jack sharing his personal avoidance of sugar-free drinks, while Damien and Lauren offer their insights on moderation and context. The conversation highlights the psychological aspects of diet choices and the importance of individual preferences in dietary habits. The hosts also explore the implications of different diets for the general population, emphasising the need for personalised approaches to nutrition and health. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith –…

In this episode of The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast, we discuss various aspects of nutrition, gut health, and the social dynamics of bodybuilding. Our newest host Lauren shares her background and insights into how nutrition impacts performance and mental well-being. The conversation delves into common misconceptions about gut health, the importance of adequate nutrition, and strategies for carbohydrate timing to enhance performance. We also explore the challenges of maintaining dietary goals in social situations and as always, wrap things up with what we learned this week. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD –…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we discuss the importance of food variety in and out of competition prep, the role of micronutrients and gut health, and the psychological aspects of dieting. We explore strategies for managing hunger and appetite during prep, the significance of routine, and how to handle food focus. The conversation emphasises the need for a balanced approach to nutrition while preparing for competitions, highlighting the importance of both physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith –…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we discuss our personal experiences with nutrition and training during the holiday season, particularly around Christmas. We reflect on their post-show phases, the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with food, and the adjustments they have made to their training routines. The conversation also touches on the significance of meal planning, the enjoyment of training in a supportive environment, and their future goals in bodybuilding. As always, we close with what we learned this week. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD –…

In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we tackle a variety of questions from their audience, covering topics such as the nutritional value of brown rice, the role of seeds in bodybuilding diets, the importance of fibre, and how to assess muscle mass for competition. We also discuss the challenges of post-show weight gain, emphasising the need for a supportive community and the importance of perspective in bodybuilding. As always, we wrap up with lessons learned throughout the week. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we delve into the intricacies of competition preparation, focusing on Season A. We discuss the importance of planning ahead, building a strong foundation, and maintaining sustainability in bodybuilding. We explore common mistakes in comp prep, strategies for success, and the significance of managing resources effectively. This episode also covers when to make training adjustments, managing expectations, and the value of communication with coaches. As always, we finish with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we delve into the concept of body recomposition, exploring its feasibility, realistic expectations, and the implications of nutrition and training. We discuss the importance of setting appropriate goals based on individual training experience and body composition, as well as the opportunity costs associated with pursuing body recomp. The conversation emphasises the critical role of nutrition and training strategies in achieving body recomposition, and how to effectively measure progress through various methods. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we break down the nuances of dietary fats and how different carb vs fat ratios can impact bodybuilders. We talk through balancing macronutrients, with a focus on how carbohydrates can support training performance. We also explore strategies for social meals, touching on the psychological side of eating out. We share personal experiences and practical tips for navigating social occasions while staying aligned with your goals. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we discuss our current supplement stacks, the benefits of intra-workout carbohydrates, and the importance of hydration for performance. We also compare popular tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and Cronometer, sharing insights on their accuracy and usability. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Tyarra Nelson –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we discuss our top three recommended supplements for health and performance. We delve into the benefits of Vitamin D with calcium, creatine monohydrate, and omega-3 supplements, providing insights into personal experiences and the scientific backing for each. As always, we wrap up with what we learned this week! Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Tyarra Nelson –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we dive into the realities of managing low testosterone and how it can influence mood, libido, and overall performance, sharing personal insights and lived experiences along the way. We also break down the fundamentals of peak week, covering salt loading, water manipulation, and what it actually takes to get a great pump on show day. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Tyarra Nelson –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we discuss the effects of daily red meat consumption on bowel health, emphasising the importance of meat quality and processing. We explore the pros and cons of fast versus slow calorie deficits for muscle maintenance, and share personal strategies for managing post-show hunger. The episode wraps up with light-hearted reflections on personal experiences, including Halloween traditions and a newfound interest in tea. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith –…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we delve into various aspects of bodybuilding, including first-time competition reflections, managing IBS symptoms, the differences between vegan and whey protein, and how to maintain a social life during prep. Our conversation emphasises the value of lived experience, knowledge, and flexibility in achieving bodybuilding goals while enjoying the journey. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Tyarra…

Welcome to The Bodybuilding Dietitians Podcast! In this episode of the Bodybuilding Dietitians podcast, we discuss the complexities of carbohydrate consumption, the nuances of body fat assessment for bodybuilding, and the challenges faced during prep versus off-season. We share personal insights and experiences, emphasising the importance of understanding individual needs in nutrition and training. Whether you’re a physique athlete, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to level up their nutrition and training knowledge, this podcast will educate and guide you forward. ⸻ Links & Resources Coaching Services – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/enquirenow Website – https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Instagram The Bodybuilding Dietitians – https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/?hl=en Team TBD – https://www.instagram.com/_teamtbd_/?hl=en Jack Radford-Smith – https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/?hl=en Tyarra Nelson – https://www.instagram.com/tyarranelson/?hl=en Damien…