How to: Fitness

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'How to Fitness Podcast,' Michael and I share a rare in-person discussion from Valencia, Spain. We delve into our current travels, touch on Michael’s missed Ironman event, and discuss the significance of adjusting fitness goals and business strategies based on personal life changes.The episode transitions into a Q&A, tackling questions on fitness journeys, macro tracking, online business presence, and social media's role in coaching. We both share personal anecdotes, our evolutions in fitness and nutrition coaching, and advice for others in the fitness industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and consistency for online success.This episode not only offers insight into the our lives but also provides valuable lessons on navigating your personal and professional goals in nutrition, fitness, and your overall health.3:08: What’s one mistake you’ve made in your own personal fitness journey?8:31: What’s one mistake you’ve made in your fitness/nutrition coaching business?18:42: What's one piece of advice you have for someone who is just getting started on their own fitness journey?24:18: What's one piece of advice you have for anyone working on their nutrition or fitness business?💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode we explore the question of ‘do we need to exercise?’. We take a deep dive into the extent to which we can control our own health outcomes. Does exercise really benefit health? What is the minimal effective dose? Can we hack our genetics to improve our health markers? Also within this episode we take a look at the 10,000 step goal and find out why we are all so obsessed with hitting this cemented goal. We finish up the episode with some takeaway points for you to improve your health without focussing on exercise.4:30 Our health is controlled by so many factors, but how much does exercise play a role. Here we list the benefits of regularly doing exercise.9:25 What is the minimal effective dose of exercise? For those who are busy, how can we get the most ‘bang for buck’ with our exercise schedule?14:20 Is more exercise always better? Is there a maximum amount of exercise that is good for the human body?17:23 Can we ‘hack’ our health and bypass genetic and environmental factors?22:35 How much does genetics play a role in the way our body looks? Will working out and eating exactly like your favourite influencer give you a body just like theirs?27:35 Muscle building and genetics. How much does our ability to grow muscle come down to genetic factors?30:30 Here we explore the social determinants of health - these are the economic and social conditions that influence differences in health status.34:40 What is the deal with 10,000 steps. Is this the benchmark of ‘good health’ and why are we all so obsessed with achieving this goal?39:40 We discuss the strong correlation between grip strength and mortality risk.42:00 How can we improve our health without exercising? Here we list some top tips to get started with!Due to limited space in the show notes, email michaelulloapt@gmail.com for references.💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailIn this deep dive episode “Are Nutrition and Food Labels Helpful or Harmful?“ of the How to Fitness Podcast, we explore whether nutrition labels actually help us make better choices or just leave us more confused. From the surprising (and sometimes sketchy) history of food labeling, to the science behind how these labels shape behavior, we break down what really matters when it comes to the numbers printed on our food.We unpack how different countries approach food labeling, why calorie counts may not be as accurate as we think, and what the research says about how labels influence our eating habits. Plus, we share our personal perspectives and client stories on how nutrition labels can either support or harm a healthy relationship with food.If you've ever felt overwhelmed at the grocery store or guilty ordering off a menu, this one’s for you.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Banter02:07 Diving into Nutrition Labels03:59 Personal Experiences with Nutrition Labels10:03 History of Food Labeling17:54 Global Perspectives on Food Labeling21:56 Debating the Effectiveness of Nutrition Labels25:26 The Absurdity of Serving Sizes26:36 Accuracy of Nutrition Labels28:18 Restaurant vs Packaged Food Labels31:22 Impact of Food Preparation on Caloric Content33:06 The Role of Nutrition Labels in Dieting42:09 Calorie Information on Menus45:18 Government Policies and Food Labeling49:24 Final Thoughts on Nutrition LabelsYou can check out the resources & references in our youtube video or you can email me at kate@katelymannutrition.com.💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the 'How to Fitness Podcast', we bust common myths about food and products. We tackle misinformation about aspartame, oatmeal, Himalayan sea salt, seed oils, and sunscreen (not a food, we know!). From debunking aspartame's carcinogenic risks to clarifying the benefits of Himalayan sea salt, we advocate for knowledge and critical thinking around our food choices rather than giving in to fear mongering from the internet. Join us for a fact-based discussion that promotes critical thinking and reliance on scientific evidence.01:28 Aspartame: We talk about the carcinogenic properties of aspartame, how aspartame is qualified as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and the actual dosage of aspartame needed to warrant concern (it’s a lot!).06:04 Oatmeal: Oatmeal is having a moment on social media being demonized for countless reasons. Claims demonizing oatmeal are unfounded, especially around claims of inflammatory effects of oats or oats having negative impact on GI health. We talk through specific research that promotes the health of oatmeal and how we can consume oatmeal in a way that promotes more satiety.10:14 Himalayan Salt: We’re not just talking about the baseless claims promoting Himalayan salt as superior, but also dispelling hate for typical table salt. Himalayan salt is touted as a better option due to containing trace minerals, of which amounts are very little. Himalayan salt, however, does contain fewer microplastics.16:02 Seed Oils: Few foods are talked about with as much fear mongering as seed oils, with a lot of the internet demonizing seed oils for being inflammatory, because they’re refined, due to low smoke point, and more. Seed oils are aren’t our nutritional downfall, but foods high in seed oils are often also less healthful foods like ultra processed foods. We talk through studies that discuss the impact of seed oils on inflammatory markers and also discuss nuance around the topic of smoke point.Video from Food Science Babe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJzJVHhKV2825:05 Sunscreen: While this isn’t a food, sunscreen made it into this episode because of the similar fear mongering around the topic of sunscreen. A lot of potential harm around sunscreen is exclusive to animal studies, and statements around the danger of sunscreen due to ingredients are often unfounded. We talk through the different types of sunscreen (physical blockers and chemical blockers). Some ingredients in chemical blockers (commonly oxybenzone) have raised concerns as being hormone disrupters, but this has only been seen in rats eating oxybenzone.30:35 We receive a lot of fear mongering messaging on a daily basis, and it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in all we read and hear. We can all u💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailDoes what we eat really impact our mental health? The answer isn’t as simple as social media might suggest.In this episode of the How to Fitness Podcast, we explore the connection between nutrition and mental well-being. We break down the science behind how food influences brain function, mood, and cognitive performance—covering topics like the gut-brain connection, the role of omega-3s, and the impact of ultra-processed foods.Tune in as we discuss how simple dietary changes could support better mental health while also debunking the myths surrounding “food as medicine.”Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Nutrition & Mental Health02:06 – How Food Fuels the Brain07:52 – The Gut-Brain Connection Explained10:12 – The Role of Omega-3s in Mental Health15:00 – Processed Foods & Psychological Well-Being20:34 – Can Diet Help With Depression & Anxiety?25:01 – The Mediterranean Diet & Mental Health Benefits29:58 – The Dangers of Overpromising Diet Trends34:22 – Practical Ways to Eat for Brain Health39:33 – Final Thoughts & TakeawaysResources Mentioned:📚 Books & Studies- Fearing the Black Body – Dr. Sabrina Strings- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study on fruit & vegetable intake and psychological well-being- The Mediterranean Diet & Depression Study🔗 Further Reading & Research- How the Gut Impacts Mental Health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/)- The Science Behind Omega-3s & Brain Function (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267176/)Listen to our How to Fitness podcast on your favorite platform! https://howtofitness.buzzsprout.com/2171581/episodesWe’d love to hear your thoughts!Share your feedback or questions in the comments below! And while you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode.💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of How To: Fitness we are discussing the impact of diet talk and “Fat Talk” received by our families and how that may have shaped our eating behaviors and relationships with foods. We discuss the role parents and siblings play in self-image, body dissatisfaction, and unsupportive dietary habits. We talk about how to foster a better relationship with food as we work to interrupt old cycles and disrupt negative diet messaging.Note: In this episode there is talk of eating disorders and weight. If those subjects are triggering to you, it may be best to skip this episode and tune in to the next episode.01:00 Today we’re talking about “Fat Talk” in reference to communication characterized by comments or conversations that focus on body weight, size, shape, or appearance in a critical manner. "Fat talk" can contribute to the perpetuation of societal body ideals, body shaming, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes related to weight and appearance. This term comes from the “Family Fat Talk Questionnaire.”5:19 This type of talk often involves expressing dissatisfaction with one's own body or making negative comments about the bodies of oneself or others. "Fat talk" can contribute to the perpetuation of societal body ideals, body shaming, and the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes related to weight and appearance.8:30 When looking at the literature, there is a correlation between family criticism and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.12:49 Although both parents are influential in the development of a kid’s self-esteem, mothers are particularly impactful on their daughters body image.16:50 If we think about how children learn — through observation, modeling, and imitation — we can recognize our responsibility to model positive behaviors and a positive relationship with food.21:27 Sibling relationships are unique in the family structure because siblings are both family and peers.Since siblings are raised with the same family values, a sister can be a vehicle to reinforce negative attitudes towards body image. Fathers also play a large role — in both their comments and their engagement in the family.24:09 The 'Almond Mom' is a stereotypical caricature of thin ideals that is often representative of the message we grew up with. We can acknowledge that these messages may have been made with good intentions, and are also learned behaviors and messages from previous generations.30:00 Family is not the only place we receive negative messaging about our bodies. Dieting talk through TV, social media, and celebrities impacts youth of all ages.32:00 With a greater awareness of the “fat talk” issue comes a greater opportunity to reject diet culture. Are boundaries worth it? Is the goal to change our family talk, or just protect ourselves from it? Our priority is breaking this cycle of family fat t💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is a quick-fire Q&A answering questions from listeners. We discuss carb cycling, whether you should workout when tired, calorie tracking, and more.0:45 Is carb cycling necessary?2:07 Is it okay to still do a workout if I am tired? (i.e. didn’t sleep well/enough)4:07 If I burn off 250 calories exercising, can I eat back 250 calories?Note: This was the article I was thinking about in terms of measuring inaccuracy of smart watches: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/05/fitness-trackers-accurately-measure-heart-rate-but-not-calories-burned.html?microsite=news&tab=news. It is quite outdated now and I could find various more recent studies with a wide range of reported error for several different common smart watches.Here is an article you may find helpful on this topic: https://physiqonomics.com/please-stop-eating-back-exercise-calories/7:06 Do you need to modify workout styles/choices as you age?9:28 How to start weight training? I do and then stop every time.Have more questions about any other topic related to your nutrition and fitness? Send them our way!💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Alyssa Olenick, an expert in exercise physiology. Dr. Alyssa delves into her research on sex differences and metabolic response to exercise and shares her knowledge on menstrual cycle importance and its impact on training and nutrition. Alyssa also addresses misconceptions about 'cycle syncing' and offers practical advice for fitness and nutrition based on individual needs, urging against a 'one size fits all' approach.2:10 Dr. Alyssa Olenick shares her background, research experience, and her history as an athlete. She has incredible experience as a research scientist as well as in her training as a hybrid athlete.5:40 There are major gaps in sex differences in the world of exercise physiology and Alyssa’s research focuses on those differences and improving health outcomes of females across the entire lifespan.10:45 Alyssa gives a rundown of the menstrual cycle — how our hormones change across various phases of a cycle and what the implications are. There is a lot of variability in every individual’s cycle and these phases are never one size fits all.16:24 We discuss the confusion, controversy, and misinformation around cycle-specific workouts and cycle syncing. Not only does the idea of cycle syncing not have support from the research, but it doesn’t help us listen in to our own bodies or own needs.19:56 What we can watch out for when trying to identify misinformation: absolutisms, assumptions that we all have a 28-day cycle, suggestions to avoid any high intensity exercise, or messaging talking only about cortisol. None of these suggestions are evidence based and the idea of a one size fits all blanket solution doesn’t teach us how to manage our own intensity, volume, or exertion.24:05 Our education should feel empowering. We are not frail, and it’s not helpful to create unnecessary barriers to movement. We talk about the problematic fitness industry messaging and how it overlooks our need for rest or doesn’t factor in individual needs.30:00 What can we actually do to support ourselves, our hormones, and our training across our cycle? Alyssa talks about the impacts of our cycle on our performance across different phases and how it may be related to our motivation, performance, and mood. We talk about rest, carbohydrates, caffeine, and sleep alongside changing hormones.38:18 Our energy needs may be higher during our luteal phase and the need to be accurately fed at all times can have a huge impact on our energy, performance, recovery, and how we feel in general. Alyssa dives into our nutritional needs across the menstrual cycle and even touches oncertain supplements.44:41 The “solutions” that help us feel better and more supported through our menstrual cycles are often simpler than we want them to be: adequate energy availability, rest days, hydration, prioritizing sleep, 💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailThis episode has been a long time coming for us. Today we not only want to talk about problematic wellness brands and the treatments and products they promote, but the barriers they create around wellness and how that negatively impacts our personal pursuit of health.2:00 We talk through our thoughts on Goop as a wellness brand and how it has made “wellness” feel like something different than what it actually is — the pursuit of health and wellbeing. There is a massive responsibility that comes with advising or influencing people on their health, and that responsibility can be used incorrectly when focusing on money over health or if promoting harmful practices.4:10 Is it Goop or utter poop? Tune in for a game of distinguishing a true Goop recommendation or a made up scenario from Michael.9:14 We talk through Goop’s conception — from the name to the launch in 2008 as a health and wellness blog. Goop is now a lifestyle site with the intention of sharing information from experts. This has taken Goop from home-style recipes shared to lawsuits around false health claims, harmful treatments branded as natural remedies, and unfounded products.15:45 Ethical and evidence-based practices and recommendations are often at odds with anecdotal experience or personal belief, and that is where wellness companies can lead us astray at times.19:30 Our goal with this episode is not to invalidate or talk down on alternative methods of care. We understand the draw to alternative practices while also recognizing that major platforms have a responsibility to provide accurate and safe information.20:10 Annual Goop health summits have been the host platform for many problematic practitioners who now have a larger audience to whom they can spread more misinformation. This further fuels criticism of experts and leaves space for more rampant misinformation and overwhelm.24:00 As consumers, the draw to new, shiny, interesting information is very alluring.26:49 This is a bigger issue than just Goop; Goop has paved the way for the success of many other problematic brands who are marketing and selling wellness in a way that may not be in our best interest. Rampant pseudoscience only adds to information overwhelm and an image of wellness and health that is not accurate, attainable, or inclusive. 29:00 Problematic wellness brands spread a message that we can have long lasting health if we are white, slim, and have the money to purchase expensive products and services required to be “well.” Wellness should be accessible to anyone and should be a right rather than a luxury.31:00 Problematic wellness brands can be a distraction from what can truly benefit us, our health, and our habits. What can be empowering to us on our pursuit of health is understanding what truly💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!

Send us Fan MailToday we’re talking about the overwhelming amount of anti-aging messaging we receive and what actually contributes to our health and longevity. We’re talking about “anti-aging” products and treatments, the lengths we go to to look younger, and the frequency with which we overlook factors that actually contribute to aging healthfully.3:55 We’re constantly facing a societal obsession with aging, and we’re talking about this topic with the lens of helping our listeners become more informed consumers.8:44 We’re faced with pressure surrounding the need to slow down aging from a early on in life, and much of that pressure is placed on women. Part of this messaging demonizes aging or any physical changes to the typical “beauty” standard we’re often faced with.NYT article and quote: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/12/magazine/the-ever-changing-business-of-anti-aging.html16:04 We share how anti-aging marketing and products has impacted us individually and our perception of our aging.19:30 We talk through some of the more outrageous “solutions” out there for combatting age, including some of the lengths that billionaires go to for “youth restoring” protocols. In this category is also anti-aging clinics, and how this type of medicine is not actually recognized by board certifications. Often times, the treatments offered in this setting are concerning, especially when it comes to off label usage of medications for anti-aging purposes.25:00 One risky area where age prevention medications are offered is in the prevelance of HRT offered outside of secure medical setting.27:00 The global anti-aging market accounted for 66 billion USD in 2022, and is only expected to grow exponentially. 28:30 A question for listeners:What do we actually want when we think about preventing aging? What is our actual goal?30:15 We can shift from thinking about “anti-aging” methods and think, instead, about healthy aging and longevity. How long we live doesn’t matter as much as whether or not we’re living well.34:19  can promote health and lifespan through our nutrition by avoiding weight cycling, monitoring alcohol intake, and prioritizing balance and micronutrient intake in our food choices.40:17 There are some supplements that can help optimize our healthful againg. There is preliminary research showing the benefit of cocoa extract on longevity. Protein powder can help prevent sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength. Certain B vitamins have also been found to reduce some cognitive decline.https://examine.com/categories/healthy-aging-longevity/43:57 Exercise is truly the closest we get to an “anti aging” miracle. It benefits us in many 💛 STAY CONNECTED Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode.🟡 Questions & SuggestionsWe love hearing from you, if you have a question, a topic idea, or feedback on an episode, just click here🟡 How to: FitnessInstagram: @howtofitnesspod🟡 Michael Ulloa Website: michaelulloa.com Instagram: @michaelulloapt🟡 Kate Lyman Website: katelymannutrition.com Instagram:  @klnutritionThank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!