Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Eric Helms to break down the science & practical strategies behind getting super lean while holding onto hard-earned muscle.We cover:RATE OF LOSS THAT SHOULD BE TARGETED WHEN GETTING SUPER LEANAt the start of a Fat Loss Phase, calories are high, diet fatigue is low, and motivation is at its peak. Clients are also carrying more body fat at this stage, so there’s a larger energy reserve to pull from. Seeing faster results early on builds momentum and motivation. WHY YOUR RATE OF LOSS SHOULD SLOW DOWN THE LEANER YOU GET Higher risk of muscle loss as body fat gets lowerGreater metabolic adaptation when very leanTraining performance & recovery become harder to maintainWHY INCREASING PROTEIN INTAKE DURING A DEFICIT CAN BE BENEFICIALHelps preserve lean muscle mass when energy intake is low.Supports higher satiety & appetite control compared to carbs or fats.Provides an “insurance policy” against lean tissue loss in very lean athletes.EVIDENCE THAT A DEFICIT REDUCES MPSDecreases muscle protein synthesis (MPS)Increases muscle protein breakdown (MPB)Increases protein oxidationERIC’S NEW META-REGRESSION ON PROTEIN INTAKE DURING A DEFICIT HUNGER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIESAcceptance based approach Lean into low-energy-density foodsStart meals with a salad or soup preloadLook for harder-texture, solid food sources over liquidsEat slowly and mindfullyWhether you’re prepping for the stage, a photoshoot, or just want to understand how to get lean without sacrificing muscle, this episode gives you the tools to do it smarter.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this week’s episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I sit down with my client and former Division 1 athlete, fitness professional, and tech sales leader Nikki Zahka to unpack her journey from chronic under-fueling and hypothalamic amenorrhea to restoring her health, rebuilding her physiology, and achieving her best physique yet.We cover:NIKKI’S ATHLETIC HISTORYNIKKI’S PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORSHigh performers often burn the candle at both ends not realizing that stress adds up across life domains.WHERE NIKKI WAS AT THE START OF COACHING (JANUARY 2023)Physique looked great externally but internally her health was compromised.Chronic under-eating (1200–1350 kcal/day) with high-output training.Showing signs of suppressed physiology, poor digestion, and hormonal dysfunction.WHAT NIKKI WAS EXPERIENCING WHEN WE STARTED WORKING TOGETHEROver 3 years without a menstrual cycle.Classic RED-S biofeedback: fatigue, hormone suppression, stress overload.Chronic under-fueling led to poor quality of life despite looking “fit.”HYPOTHALAMIC AMENORRHEA (HA)Causes: low energy availability + high stress suppressing hypothalamic signaling.Effects: reduced thyroid, elevated cortisol, reduced estrogen/progesterone.RELATIVE ENERGY DEFICIENCY & LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY (LEA)Adaptable LEA: short-term, strategic, recoverable.Problematic LEA: chronic, damaging, with systemic consequences.Nikki had been in problematic LEA for years due to mismatch of intake/output.CONSEQUENCES OF RED-SHORMONAL: ↓ thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, IGF-1, leptin; ↑ cortisol.METABOLIC: suppressed RMR, reduced MPS.BONE HEALTH: ↓ bone mineral density, ↑ fracture risk.GI: constipation, digestive distress.PERFORMANCE: ↓ strength, endurance, glycogen storage, recovery; ↑ injury risk.HEMATOLOGICAL: iron deficiency → worsened thyroid function.THE PRIMER PHASEFoundation-building stage where we focused on restoring physiology, habits, and metabolic health.Pulled back from high-intensity, exhaustive training.Focused on fueling, recovery, sleep, stress management.INTENTION OF THE PRIMER PHASEReverse chronic low energy availability.NUTRIENT TIMING & WITHIN-DAY ENERGY AVAILABILITYImportance of distribution, not just daily totals.Even fueling throughout the day → reduces stress, improves recovery, supports hormones.Avoid large gaps without eating & fasted high-intensity training.OUTCOMES OF THE PRIMER PHASEAfter 6 months: improved training performance, recovery, and body recomposition.Fueling at  >2000 kcal on training days at ~110 lbs.Biofeedback improved across the board.Proof that correcting EA + structured resistance training = muscle gain & better hormone function.LEAN BUILDING PHASESNext step after Primer: structured lean muscle gain phase RESTORED MENSTRUAL CYCLE after 3+ years.Focused on performance, fueling, and health markers.Out of 55 weeks, only 6 spent dieting; most time spent building.Mindset shift: from chasing leanness to fueling abundance.LESSONS & TAKEAWAYSNikki’s story is a powerful reminder that A HEALTHY BODY IS A RESPONSIVE BODY and when you prioritize physiology, the physiqueresults follow.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

On this week’s episode of the Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m joined once again by Dr. Eric Helms, one of the most respected voices in evidence-based bodybuilding and nutrition.Eric and I dive into some of the most misunderstood yet important topics in physique development and lifestyle coaching, including:THE TRUTH ABOUT INTUITIVE EATING VS INFORMED EATING WHY MOST PHYSIQUE ATHLETES & FITNESS PROFESSIONALS AREN’T REALLY EATING “INTUITIVELY”THE LATEST RESEARCH ON REFEEDS & WHETHER THEY’RE MORE PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL IN BENEFITWHY LIVING THE FITNESS LIFESTYLE YEAR-ROUND IS THE KEY TO SUSTAINABLE RESULTS, WHETHER YOU’RE A PHYSIQUE COMPETITOR OR AN EVERYDAY FITNESS ENTHUSIASTThis conversation bridges science and practice, giving you both research-backed insights and real-world coaching takeaways.If you want clarity on how to approach nutrition, refeeds, and long-term lifestyle habits to actually look, feel, and perform your best, you won’t want to miss this episode.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Most people know how to lose weight. Almost nobody knows how to build and maintain a lean, muscular body year-round.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m breaking down the exact training, cardio, and movement blueprint I use with clients to help them not just get lean but stay lean for life.We’ll cover:THE ROLE THAT MUSCLE PLAYS IN GETTING LEAN & STAYING LEANTHE BENEFITS OF BUILDING MUSCLE THROUGH RESISTANCE TRAINING & WHY EVERYONE SHOULD FOCUS ON ITHOW PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE TRAINING BUILDS THE PHYSIQUE YOU ACTUALLY WANTTRAINING WITH PURPOSE: MATCHING YOUR WORKOUTS TO YOUR GOALSUSING CARDIO AS A CALORIE BUFFER TO STAY LEAN LONG TERMNEAT: THE HIDDEN METABOLISM BOOSTER MOST PEOPLE OVERLOOKTHE ROLE THAT NEAT PLAYS IN STAYING LEAN LONG-TERMHIGH ENERGY FLUX: THE LIFESTYLE THAT LETS YOU EAT MORE & STAY LEANIf you’re tired of yo-yo dieting and want a sustainable strategy to build and maintain the body you’ve been chasing, this episode gives you the science and the system to make it happen.Listen now and start building a lean body for life.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this week’s episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m back with Lyle McDonald for Part 2 of our conversation on Rapid Fat Loss.In part one, we broke down the foundations of RFL. Today, we shift gears into the practical side: how to actually run an aggressive fat loss phase without losing muscle or struggling with insatiable hunger.   Here’s what we cover in this episode:WHY PROGRESSIVE RESISTANCE TRAINING + HIGH PROTEIN INTAKE ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR MUSCLE RETENTIONWHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SKIP LIFTING DURING RFL & WHY IT LEADS TO FAT OVERSHOOTING & RAPID REBOUNDPRACTICAL HUNGER MANAGEMENT TOOLS FROM FOOD SELECTION & CHEWING STRATEGIES TO SUGAR-FREE SWAPSHOW TO NAVIGATE CRAVINGS & IMPROVE ADHERENCE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE RFLThis episode is all about taking the guesswork out of rapid fat loss and showing you how to do it the right way while preserving muscle, managing hunger, and maintaining your results long-term.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Getting lean is one thing. Staying lean? That’s where most people struggle.In today’s episode, I walk you through the exact nutrition strategies and frameworks I use with clients to help them build and maintain a lean, healthy physique without falling into the cycle of crash dieting, burnout, or rebound fat regain.We’ll cover:THE BIG ROCKS OF NUTRITION: WHY CALORIES, MACROS & FOOD QUALITY ALL MATTERWHY I ANCHOR EVERY DIET WITH PROTEIN: FROM SATIETY TO MUSCLE RETENTION TO METABOLIC HEALTHTHE IMPORTANCE OF A NUTRIENT-DENSE DIET: HOW MICRONUTRIENTS DRIVE RESULTSWHY FOOD QUALITY MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK: FOR ADHERENCE, RECOVERY, HORMONES & LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITYTHE DRAWBACKS OF NOT PRIORITIZING FOOD QUALITY: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RELY ON LOW-SATIETY, PROCESSED FOODSHOW TO LEVERAGE LOW ENERGY DENSITY FOODS: THE KEY TO EATING MORE, FEELING FULLER & STAYING LEAN FOR LIFEThis episode is packed with no-nonsense, evidence-based advice that cuts through the noise and shows you what actually works not just to lose body fat, but to keep it off and build a lifestyle you can sustain.If you’re ready to ditch extremes and take a smarter, more strategic approach to getting lean and staying lean, this one’s for you.Click the link in the show notes to apply for coaching or connect with me directly. Let’s build your best body one habit at a time.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

MOST PEOPLE HAVE HEARD OF “RAPID FAT LOSS” DIETS…BUT FEW UNDERSTAND THE SCIENCE BEHIND THEM.On this week’s episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I’m joined by none other than Lyle McDonald, author of The Rapid Fat Loss Handbook and one of the greatest thought leaders in evidence-based nutrition.Together, we dig into the origins, evolution, and practical application of Protein-Sparing Modified Fasts (PSMFs) and Lyle’s updated insights on RFL. HERE’S WHAT WE COVER:WHAT IS A PROTEIN-SPARING MODIFIED FAST (PSMF) & HOW DOES IT WORK?THE HISTORY OF VERY-LOW-CALORIE DIETS (VLCD) & THE ORIGINS OF PSMFWHAT INSPIRED LYLE MCDONALD TO WRITE THE RAPID FAT LOSS HANDBOOK?HOW RFL IMPROVES UPON THE CLASSIC PSMF MODELWHY PROTEIN NEEDS TO SCALE UP DURING A CALORIE DEFICITHOW A DEFICIT IMPACTS MUSCLE PROTEIN BALANCE (MPS VS. MPB)HOW TO SET PROTEIN INTAKE ON RFL BASED ON BODY FAT % & ACTIVITY LEVELESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS ON RFL- WHY EPA & DHA ARE NON-NEGOTIABLEFOOD SOURCES VS SUPPLEMENTATION FOR OMEGA-3S DURING RAPID FAT LOSSWHY VEGETABLES MATTER ON RFLWHOLE FOODS VS LIQUID DIETS IN RAPID FAT LOSS PROTOCOLSHOW TO SCALE THE DEFICIT SIZE BASED ON BODY FAT PERCENTAGE & ACTIVITYWHO SHOULD NOT USE A RAPID FAT LOSS APPROACH (CONTRAINDICATIONS)This is an updated look at a topic Lyle originally wrote about in 2005 and last published on in 2008 so after more than 20 years of digging into Rapid Fat Loss, I’m excited to share what he has and hasn’t changed about this approach.Tune in now and get clarity on the most misunderstood fat loss method in the industry.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

On this week’s episode of the CHASING CLARITY: HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sat down with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple one of the top researchers in the field of female physiology to dismantle some of the most pervasive and misleading fragility narratives being pushed onto women in today’s fitness space.From the hype around cycle syncing…To the claim that women can’t build muscle without lifting heavy…To the myth that menopause kills your metabolism or that calorie deficits “don’t work” for women…We cover what the actual human evidence says and why many of these popular beliefs are built on fear, fragility narratives, and misapplied rodent research.Whether you’re a woman who wants to train hard, get strong, and feel empowered or a coach working with women, this conversation gives you the clarity, confidence, and context to move forward with a truly evidence-based approach.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:• THE ORIGIN & LIMITATIONS OF CYCLE SYNCING• HOW MOST WOMEN DON’T HAVE A 28-DAY TEXTBOOK CYCLE• HOW HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS ACTUALLY AFFECT STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE• DO WOMEN NEED TO LIFT HEAVY TO GROW MUSCLE?• THE RESEARCH ON LOW LOAD VS. HIGH LOAD TRAINING FOR WOMEN • WHY SHORTER REST INTERVALS AREN’T BETTER FOR STRENGTH• DO WOMEN STRUGGLE MORE IN A DEFICIT THAN MEN OR IS IT DUE TO A TDEE DIFFERENCE?• KISSPEPTIN, ENERGY BALANCE & THE “CICO DOESN’T WORK FOR WOMEN” MYTH• DOES MENOPAUSE REALLY LOWER METABOLIC RATE?• THE REAL REASONS FAT LOSS FEELS HARDER DURING PERIMENOPAUSE & POSTMENOPAUSE• WHY COACHING WOMEN SHOULD START WITH EVIDENCE, NOT FEARWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

On this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I sat down with renowned author Lyle McDonald to unpack the most overlooked and most important phase in any fat loss journey: maintenance.While most people know how to lose fat, very few know how to keep it off. That’s where this episode comes in.We dive deep into:WHEN & WHY TO TRANSITION TO MAINTENANCE (EVEN IF YOU HAVEN’T HIT YOUR FAT LOSS GOAL) THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEIGHT LOSS MAINTENANCE & FAT LOSS MAINTENANCETHE BEHAVIORAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, & PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES OF MAINTAINING RESULTSWHY MOST PEOPLE REGAIN WEIGHT & HOW TO AVOID ITLYLE’S PERSONAL RULES FOR STAYING LEAN, INCLUDING DAILY WEIGHING, REGAIN THRESHOLDS & USING RFL DAYS PROACTIVELYThis isn’t a quick-fix episode. It’s a masterclass in sustainable physique transformation and what it really takes to stay lean for life.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

If you’re struggling with hunger, cravings, or diet adherence during a fat loss phase, this is the episode for you. I team up with Philip Pape of Wits & Weights to break down the most common fat loss questions I get from clients and listeners.We cover the most effective, research-backed strategies to manage hunger, crush cravings, and implement diet hacks that actually work in the real world. You’ll also learn the truth about appetite suppressants, the role of artificially sweetened drinks like diet soda, and where I draw the line with supplements and medications.If you’re looking to get leaner, feel fuller, and stay consistent with your nutrition, hit play and let’s get into it.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS Q&A EPISODE:PROVEN STRATEGIES TO MANAGE HUNGER DEEP INTO A DIETHOW TO CRUSH CRAVINGS USING RESEARCH-BACKED METHODSTHE REAL DEAL ON APPETITE SUPPRESSANTS ARE DIET SODAS & ARTIFICIALLY SWEETENED DRINKS ACTUALLY HELPFUL FOR FAT LOSS?CHECK OUT PART 2 TO THIS CONVERSATION ON THE WITS & WEIGHTS PODCAST:https://open.spotify.com/show/5qdeOoUWYJSGYtpNuG4WTf?si=Q0kQ561CRDmMaMjtU9QJUAWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

On this episode of the Chasing Clarity Podcast, I team up with Lyle McDonald to unpack everything you need to know about cravings: what cravings really are, why they happen, and what actually works to manage them.TOPICS COVERED:WHY DO WE EXPERIENCE CRAVINGS?THE MOST PREVALENT MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CAUSES OF CRAVINGS MISCONCEPTION #1: CRAVINGS ARE A SIGN OF A NUTRIENT DEFICIENCYMISCONCEPTION #2: CRAVINGS ARE CAUSED BY DIETARY RESTRAINT OR FOOD RESTRICTIONTHE BENEFIT OF USING A MORE STRUCTURED EATING APPROACH EARLY ON & RESTRICTING TRIGGER FOODS DURING A FAT LOSS PHASETHE MOST EFFECTIVE EVIDENCE-BASED WAYS TO REDUCE CRAVINGSMINDFULNESS & ACCEPTANCE-BASED STRATEGIESFLOATING LEAF VISUALIZATIONURGE SURFINGMINDSET SHIFTS TO REDUCE CRAVINGSREAPPRAISAL: SHIFTING HOW YOU THINK ABOUT A CRAVINGFOCUSING ON THE “LATER” MINDSET OVER THE “NOW” MINDSETSTRATEGIC PLANNING- IMPLEMENTATION INTENTIONSIf you’re tired of feeling out of control with food, this conversation is for you.Hit play for practical strategies, real talk, and actionable advice you can use to take back control of your eating for good.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Lyle McDonald for a no-fluff deep dive into the evolution of “flexible dieting” and why he now calls it “flexible eating.” We break down the psychological roots of eating behavior and explore how cognitive rigidity and emotional conditioning can sabotage even the most well-intentioned nutrition plans.This episode ties together the physiology and psychology behind eating to help you shift your approach and perspective to maximize your progress.If you’ve ever struggled with all-or-nothing thinking, emotional eating or perfectionism around eating, this conversation will reframe the way you think about restraint, flexibility, and long-term success.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:⁃ THE BIGGEST MISTAKES & MISINTERPRETATIONS OF FLEXIBLE DIETING⁃ THE EVOLUTION FROM FLEXIBLE DIETING TO FLEXIBLE EATING⁃ WHAT DIETARY RESTRAINT REALLY MEANS & WHY IT’S NOT INHERENTLY BAD⁃ RIGID VS. FLEXIBLE CONTROL — COGNITIVE, BEHAVIORAL, & OUTCOME DIFFERENCES⁃ THE MINDSETS THAT DRIVE BEHAVIOR⁃ FLEXIBLE EATING ATTITUDES: HOW THEY LEAD TO BETTER OUTCOMES & PROTECT LONG-TERM ADHERENCE⁃ DICHOTOMOUS THINKING: HOW BLACK-AND-WHITE BELIEFS DERAIL PROGRESS⁃ CUE-CONDITIONED EATING⁃ THE NEUROBIOLOGY BEHIND EATING: RESPONSES: THE ROLE OF DOPAMINE, GHRELIN, & INSULIN IN ANTICIPATORY EATING⁃ EMOTIONAL EATING AS A CONDITIONED BEHAVIOR LOOP⁃ ALTERNATIVE COPING STRATEGIES TO EMOTIONAL EATING⁃ STRATEGIES LYLE HAS SHIFTED HIS PERSPECTIVE ON SINCE RELEASING HIS BOOK “A GUIDE TO FLEXIBLE DIETING”WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this episode of the Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m diving deep into one of the most powerful strategies I use to help clients get lean and stay lean without living on low calories or constantly battling diet fatigue.We’re talking all about the High Energy Flux Model also known as the eat more, move more method and why it’s one of the most sustainable and effective frameworks for improving body composition, increasing metabolic flexibility, and making long-term fat loss actually stick.Here’s what I cover in this episode:⁃ WHAT IS ENERGY FLUX?⁃ WHY I STARTED FOCUSING ON ENERGY FLUX & IMPLEMENTING A HIGH ENERGY FLUX MODEL IN PRACTICE⁃ WHY MOST PEOPLE FAIL TO STAY LEAN WITH THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH⁃ LOW VS. HIGH ENERGY FLUX — THE TWO PATHS TO MAINTENANCE⁃ THE GOAL OF MY HIGH ENERGY FLUX MODEL⁃ THE BENEFITS I’VE SEEN IN CLIENTS I’VE USED THIS APPROACH WITH⁃ THE RESEARCH ON HIGH ENERGY FLUX INCLUDING:⁃ HIGH FLUX HELPS YOU GET LEAN MORE EFFICIENTLY & OFFSET METABOLIC ADAPTATION⁃ HIGH FLUX LEADS TO BETTER BODY COMPOSITION OUTCOMES⁃ HIGH FLUX ALLOWS YOU TO STAY LEANER FOR LONGER INCREASING YOUR LIKELIHOOD OF FAT LOSS MAINTENANCE⁃ HIGH FLUX IMPROVES APPETITE REGULATION⁃ HIGH FLUX UPREGULATES TOTAL DAILY ENERGY EXPENDITURE (TDEE)If you're someone who’s tired of yo-yo dieting and wants to stay lean without sacrificing performance, energy, or health, this episode is for you.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Eric Trexler — researcher and science communicator — to unpack the concept of metabolic adaptation from both a scientific and practical lens.We dive deep into how your body adjusts calorie expenditure, hormone levels, and hunger signals during a Fat Loss Phase and more importantly how to work with these changes, not fear them.Whether you’re a coach, a competitor, or someone who’s struggled with “plateaus” or weight regain, this conversation will give you the clarity you’ve been missing.Metabolic adaptation is real but it’s not an insurmountable roadblock to your goals.TOPICS COVERED:⁃ WHAT METABOLIC ADAPTATION ACTUALLY IS⁃ THE COMPONENTS OF ENERGY EXPENDITURE AFFECTED BY ADAPTATION⁃ HORMONAL ADAPTATIONS DURING FAT LOSS⁃ THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT METABOLIC ADAPTATION⁃ MISCONCEPTION 1: HAVING A “SLOW METABOLISM” PREVENTS FAT LOSS⁃ MISCONCEPTION 2: METABOLIC ADAPTATION CAN STOP WEIGHT LOSS COMPLETELY⁃ MISCONCEPTION 3: THE MORE METABOLIC ADAPTATION SOMEONE EXPERIENCES THE HIGHER THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF WEIGHT REGAIN⁃ THE MOST EXTREME CASE STUDIES OF ADAPTATION⁃ THE MINNESOTA STARVATION EXPERIMENT⁃ THE BIGGEST LOSER STUDY⁃ THE RACE ACROSS THE USA (ULTRA-ENDURANCE ADAPTATION)WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this episode of the Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly how I coach Fat Loss Phases to help clients lose body fat, retain muscle, and maintain their results long after the deficit ends.This is the next step in my Health-Centric Coaching Series and it’s all about approaching fat loss with intention, strategy, and sustainability.Inside the episode, I cover:⁃ WHY THE GOAL OF FAT LOSS ISN’T JUST WEIGHT LOSS BUT IMPROVING BODY COMPOSITION⁃ HOW I STRUCTURE A FAT LOSS NUTRITION PLAN TO AVOID NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES⁃ THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN FOR MUSCLE RETENTION, APPETITE REGULATION & THERMOGENESIS⁃ WHY FIBER IS ESSENTIAL FOR SATIETY, METABOLIC HEALTH & LONG-TERM ADHERENCE⁃ THE FOUNDATIONAL HABITS THAT MAKE FAT LOSS PHASES EASIER TO EXECUTE⁃ HOW I COMBINE DIET & TRAINING TO DRIVE BETTER BODY COMPOSITION OUTCOMES⁃ THE NON-NEGOTIABLE ROLE OF RESISTANCE TRAINING IN EVERY FAT LOSS PHASE⁃ HOW I USE CARDIO STRATEGICALLY TO INCREASE ENERGY EXPENDITURE⁃ WHY NEAT & STEP TRACKING ARE CRITICAL TOOLS TO OFFSET ADAPTATION & SUPPORT RESULTS⁃ THE SYSTEMS & BEHAVIORS THAT HELP CLIENTS MAINTAIN RESULTS AFTER THE DIET ENDSIf you’ve struggled with past fat loss attempts, lost muscle while dieting, or found yourself rebounding once the cut ended, this episode will give you the framework to change that.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Saturated fat is one of the most controversial topics in nutrition and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Podcast, I’m joined by Alan Flanagan and Danny Lennon of Sigma Nutrition Radio to break down what the science actually says about saturated fat, LDL cholesterol and heart disease.PART 1: WHAT SATURATED FAT DOES TO BLOOD LIPIDS⁃ WHY METABOLIC WARD STUDIES ARE THE GOLD STANDARD FOR ISOLATING SATURATED FAT’S EFFECTS⁃ SUBSTITUTION ANALYSES — WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SATURATED FAT IS REPLACED WITH UNSATURATED FAT⁃ THE KEYS EQUATION & IMPORTANCE OF THE P:S RATIOPART 2: SATURATED FAT & HEART DISEASE RISK⁃ WHAT THE SEVEN COUNTRIES STUDY ACTUALLY FOUND & HOW IT’S BEEN MISREPRESENTED⁃ RCT EVIDENCE LINKING SFA REDUCTION TO LOWER CHD RISK⁃ PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES: THE FINNISH DIET-HEART SUCCESS STORY⁃ THRESHOLDS FOR SATURATED FAT INTAKEPART 3: PRACTICAL APPLICATION⁃ MOST EFFECTIVE DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING LIPIDS⁃ SIMPLE FOOD SWAPS TO REDUCE SFA & INCREASE UNSATURATED FATS⁃ MOST COMMON MYTHS DEBUNKEDWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Before you jump into another Fat Loss Phase, you need to ask yourself one important question: Is your body actually ready to respond?In today’s episode, I’m breaking down one of the most overlooked but essential phases I use with clients before we ever touch a calorie deficit, The Primer Phase.This is the strategic “pre-fat loss” phase where we focus on rebuilding your body’s internal health, restoring biofeedback and laying the foundation for sustainable results that actually stick.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:⁃ WHY JUMPING STRAIGHT INTO A FAT LOSS PHASE OFTEN LEADS TO BURNOUT, PLATEAUS & REBOUNDS⁃ THE TWO MOST COMMON CLIENT PROFILES I SEE: CHRONIC DIETERS & THE OVERFED YET UNDERNOURISHED⁃ THE CONCEPT BEHIND “A HEALTHY BODY IS A RESPONSIVE BODY” & HOW IT UNDERPINS MY COACHING MODEL⁃ WHAT A PRIMER PHASE IS & WHY I USE IT AS “THE DIET BEFORE THE DIET”⁃ THE METABOLIC, HORMONAL & BEHAVIORAL DYSFUNCTIONS THAT MAKE FAT LOSS HARDER THAN IT SHOULD BE⁃ WHY DIETING IS A STRESSOR & HOW THE PRIMER PHASE HELPS THE BODY BETTER ADAPT TO IT⁃ WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM A PRIMER PHASE (7+ CLIENT TYPES EXPLAINED IN DETAIL)⁃ THE TOP 8 GOALS I FOCUS ON DURING THE PRIMER PHASE⁃ CLIENT CASE STUDY⁃ WHY FAT LOSS NEEDS TO BE COAXED THROUGH PROPER PREPARATION, NOT FORCED THROUGH RESTRICTION⁃ HOW THE PRIMER PHASE FITS INTO THE BIGGER PICTURE OF LONG-TERM PHYSIQUE TRANSFORMATIONWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

In this episode, I’m joined by my client IFBB Pro Karlen Crouch to walk you through her journey from burnout to balance.After years of contest prep, chronic dieting and getting stage-lean year after year, Karlen came to me in a state of severe metabolic adaptation, hormonal disruption and adrenal dysfunction.Together, we took a health-first, periodized approach to restore her physiology and today, at 41, she’s in the best shape of her life both physically and hormonally.We dive into the toll of low energy availability, the importance of strategic recovery phases, the power of maintenance and how a well-executed Fat Loss Phase after restoring health can lead to lasting results.TOPICS:⁃ THE HIDDEN COST OF CHRONIC DIETING & CONTEST PREP⁃ WHAT METABOLIC ADAPTATION REALLY IS⁃ RED-S & THE IMPACT OF LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY ON WOMEN’S HEALTH⁃ UNDERSTANDING ADRENAL DYSFUNCTION & CORTISOL DYSREGULATION⁃ BIOFEEDBACK RED FLAGS: WHEN YOUR BODY STOPS RESPONDING⁃ HOW WE REVERSED YEARS OF STRESS, LOW ENERGY & HORMONAL BURNOUT⁃ WHY MAINTENANCE PHASES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR LONG-TERM PROGRESS⁃ STRATEGIC RECOVERY: INSIDE KARLEN’S POST-SHOW REBOUND PLAN⁃ HOW TO USE MAINTENANCE TO IMPROVE TRAINING, FLEXIBILITY & RESULTS⁃ KARLEN’S FAT LOSS SUCCESS AT 41: LEANER, STRONGER, HEALTHIER⁃ TRUE BODY RECOMPOSITION AS AN ADVANCED TRAINEE⁃ CREATING A SUSTAINABLE PHYSIQUE WITHOUT SACRIFICING HEALTH⁃ ADVICE FOR WOMEN STUCK IN THE CHRONIC DIETING CYCLEWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

TOPICS:⁃ WHAT NUTRITIONAL PERIODIZATION IS & HOW SCIENCE DEFINES IT⁃ WHY NUTRITION SHOULD BE PERIODIZED JUST LIKE TRAINING⁃ THE BENEFITS OF A STRUCTURED, PHASE-BASED APPROACH TO PHYSIQUE TRANSFORMATION⁃ HOW I DESIGN GOAL-SPECIFIC PHASES TO DRIVE LONG-TERM RESULTS⁃ WHY STAYING IN ONE PHASE (LIKE FAT LOSS) TOO LONG STALLS PROGRESS⁃ MY PERIODIZED COACHING FRAMEWORK: PRIMER → FAT LOSS → METABOLIC RESTORATION → MAINTENANCE → LEAN BUILDING → REPEAT⁃ HOW I TRANSITION CLIENTS BETWEEN PHASES TO MAXIMIZE RESPONSIVENESS⁃ HOW I APPLY NUTRITIONAL PERIODIZATION WITHIN A FAT LOSS PHASE USING REFEEDS, DEFICIT DELOAD & HIGH DAYS⁃ THE IMPORTANCE OF PRACTICING EATING AT MAINTENANCE BEFORE A FAT LOSS PHASE ENDS⁃ HOW TO USE METABOLIC RESTORATION PHASES TO AVOID REBOUND WEIGHT GAIN⁃ HOW NUTRITIONAL PERIODIZATION BUILDS A MORE RESPONSIVE, RESILIENT & RESULTS-DRIVEN BODYWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

PODCAST TOPICS: THE CONSTRAINED MODEL OF ENERGY EXPENDITUREINTRODUCTION TO THE CONSTRAINED MODEL• Overview of Pontzer’s theory and Burn• Why this model gained popularity• Common misinterpretations of the modelCONSTRAINED VS ADDITIVE MODEL OF ENERGY EXPENDITURE• Definitions and key differences• Origins of the theory (Pontzer’s 2012 Hadza study)• Why these models matter for fat loss and real-world coachingLIMITATIONS OF THE HADZA DATAMETABOLIC SCOPE & MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE ENERGY EXPENDITURE• What metabolic scope is and how it’s calculatedTHE RESEARCH USED TO “SUPPORT” CONSTRAINED ENERGY CLAIMS• Why these studies don’t prove that exercise is ineffective for weight lossEXERCISE-ONLY STUDIES THAT SHOW SIGNIFICANT FAT LOSSCOMPONENTS OF THE CONSTRAINED MODEL THAT ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED• How constraint is influenced by:• Energy balance (deficit vs surplus)• Body size, BMI, and adiposity• Why the constrained model doesn’t apply equally to all populationsPHYSIOLOGICAL LIMITS TO METABOLIC ADAPTATION• Why RMR can’t drop indefinitely (and doesn’t drop 49%)FINAL THOUGHTS: WHERE THE CONSTRAINED MODEL GOES WRONG• The issue isn’t that the model is invalid—it’s that it’s misapplied• Most people aren’t exercising enough to hit the constraint• The practical takeaway: move more, fuel smarter and don’t dismiss exercise as ineffectiveWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com