I Have To Confess: I Am NOT A Nutrition Expert.

I have to confess: I am not a nutrition expert.

The word ‘expert’ gets thrown around quite loosely these days.

I do not hold a Ph.D.

Nutrition science is deep and complicated.

Here’s what I know:

I know more than enough about nutrition and coaching to help most people.

Most people do not need expert-level strategies.

This probably means you.

Let’s break it down as follows:

1. The Big Picture 🖼️

2. Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

3. Reality Check ✅

4. Moving Forward ⏩

5. Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

The Big Picture 🖼️

Level One

Here’s a list of basic nutritional skills:

• Plan, Prioritize, & Prepare

• Regulate Eating Behaviors

• Match Energy Intake To Needs & Goals

• Choose Higher Quality Foods More Often

• Provide Adequate Nutrients

• Move Often & Well

• Rest & Recover

• Create A Supportive Environment

• Regulate Emotions Without Food & Eating

With these skills, you have a vast opportunity to improve your health.

Level Two

For reference, here’s a list of common skills for those who have mastered the above:

• Maintain a foundation of Level 1 behaviors.

• Set expectations clearly & appropriately.

• Observe, measure, & analyze more precisely.

• Consistently meet energy & macronutrient needs.

• Plan workout nutrition to fuel performance & enhance recovery.

• Vary intake purposely.

• Adjust meal frequency / intermittent fasting.

• Rest & recover.

• Prepare for competition & events.

• Supplement appropriately.

• Move into & out of phases.

Notice how many buzzworthy, trendy, and expensive things are here.

Level Three

Because I know you’re curious:

• Maintain a foundation of Level 1 & 2 behaviors.

• Set expectations even more clearly & appropriately.

• Observe, measure, & analyze even more precisely.

• Follow a highly detailed meal plan.

• Cycle carbs &/or calories aggressively for fat loss or muscle gain.

• Manipulate fluid balance.

Sadly, some people who should be on Level One try some Level Three things.

Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

Today’s topic, as simply as possible:

“You don’t need a degree in science to learn how to eat well.”

Reality Check ✅

The crazy thing about the yo-yo diet cycle is that you don’t need a complicated diet:

This does not have to be frustrating or complicated.

Moving Forward ⏩

To move forward, you must first recognize where you are.

If you have more than ten pounds to lose …

… if you don’t exercise consistently …

… if you’ve never really been in great shape …

… if you struggle with ANY of the Level One Skills above …

… then you’re on Level One.

And that’s a GOOD THING.

It means you can turn your life around with simple, sustainable practices and a little guidance from someone like me.

I’m not a nutrition science expert, but I am on Level Two, and I’ve coached hundreds of Level One clients.

Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

A simple word, phrase, or thought to take with you:

Thanks for reading!

Take care,

Coach Matt

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