You’ve tried new plans, new diets, new workouts — but you’re still stuck. The truth? The real battle isn’t in your body… it’s in your head.

In this episode of The Health Feast, I sit down with strength coach Nick Smoot to explore how mindset and identity drive lasting transformation. Nick shares how he built resilience from a young age, the mental shifts that helped me lose 80 pounds, and why training like an athlete beats chasing quick fixes.

We also dive into how fitness supports mental health, the dangers of comparison on social media, and simple strategies to start telling yourself a new story. Whether you’re feeling stuck or looking for a more joyful path to progress, this conversation will give you the tools to break free and finally see results.

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⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Why the real battle is in your head

02:10 Awareness and the messages we tell ourselves

06:12 Reframing discomfort to find joy in growth

10:32 Nick’s parents and a growth mindset

15:40 Training like an athlete vs. just working out

17:23 How to shift your identity

23:16 Losing 80 pounds and shifting goals

26:53 Mental health, OCD, and fitness as medicine

32:21 Social media and the comparison trap

57:59 Nick’s life philosophy for the health feast

Nick Smoot is a strength and fitness coach with over 13 years of experience helping people transform their health. Known for his focus on mindset and sustainable training, Nick works with clients to shift their identity, train like athletes, and build resilience in both body and mind.

📩 Subscribe to Nick on Substack: https://nicksmoot.substack.com

💼 Follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smoot