In this solo Q&A episode, I tackle the most common fat loss mistakes people make when they avoid food tracking, why "doing more" isn't always the answer to stalled progress, and how to know if your workout plan is actually working. I also share personal stories, including a 'bad' habit that taught me a life-changing lesson, nostalgic memories from my childhood, and how living in Portugal has shaped my approach to fitness and life. We’ll debunk frustrating fitness myths, expose overrated fat loss hacks, and I’ll give you practical advice for staying consistent when life gets busy—without derailing your goals at holidays, weddings, or social events. If you’ve ever wondered about ‘tone up’ workouts, why weight fluctuates even when you're consistent, or the real difference between clean eating and fat loss eating—this episode is for you.

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Timestamps:
00:13 Where I’ve been
03:17 What’s the biggest mistake people make when they want to lose fat but don’t track their food?
04:51 How can you tell if your workout program is actually working?
06:00 What’s a ‘bad’ habit I used to have that surprisingly taught me a valuable lesson?
07:34 Why is “more workouts” often the wrong answer when progress stalls?
09:28 What’s my take on ‘tone up’ workouts versus actual strength training?
10:55 What’s a recent life lesson I’ve learned outside of fitness that changed how I think?
13:35 How can you stay consistent with workouts when life constantly gets in the way?
15:51 Do gym machines or free weights work better for beginners?
16:55 How living in Portugal has shaped my approach to health and life?
18:10 What’s the most overrated fat loss ‘hack’ I see on social media right now?
18:32 What’s a nostalgic memory from my childhood that still makes me smile today?
20:35 What are three common fitness myths that still frustrate me in 2025?
21:18 Why does weight fluctuate so much, even when you’re “doing everything right”?
22:15 How can you enjoy holidays, weddings, and social events without derailing your fitness goals?
24:06 What’s the real difference between eating ‘clean’ and eating for fat loss?

Today, I’m joined by Chris Gates, a fitness coach who specialises in helping busy parents build sustainable health and fitness routines. We break down why doing “more” isn’t the answer, how flexible dieting can be incredibly effective for parents, and how even two workouts a week can transform your strength. Chris also dives into simple nutrition habits, the importance of behaviour change, and why leading by example for your kids matters more than you think. If you’re a parent struggling to balance fitness with family, this episode is for you.

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Timestamps:
00:25 Who Is Chris Gates? Fitness Coaching for Busy Parents
02:26 Common Fitness Misconceptions Parents Have When Starting Coaching
06:03 Why Your Old Fitness Methods Might Not Work Anymore
07:08 A Low-Ceiling, Sustainable Approach to Fitness for Parents
08:39 Focus on Effective Workouts, Not Just Doing More
12:04 Why Flexible Dieting Is a Lifesaver for Busy Parents
14:16 Can Short Workout Sessions Still Be Effective?
19:38 How Two Strength Training Sessions a Week Can Transform You
21:22 Building Strength Is About Smarter Training, Not More Volume
21:56 The Unchanging Fundamentals of Strength Training
23:15 Simple Nutrition Habits That Instantly Improve Health
23:38 The Role of Calorie Tracking for Busy Lifestyles
26:03 Why Flexible Dieting Is Ideal for Mums and Dads
30:23 The Importance of Behaviour Change for Long-Term Success
33:27 Tailgating Traditions Before American Football Games
34:38 Pre-Game Rituals in European Football (Soccer)
35:23 Why American Football Has Few Home Games Per Season
36:33 College Football vs. Professional Football Preferences
40:19 Chris’ Unpopular Opinion About Health and Fitness
44:28 What Chris Has Changed His Mind About Recently in Fitness
44:53 Stop Giving In to Excuses: A Parent’s Wake-Up Call
50:53 Letting Your Kids See You Do the Hard Things
53:38 How to Connect With Chris Gates Online

This week, I chat with fitness coach Nolan Vannata about the growing health and obesity crisis in America. We explore how the modern food environment, from chemical-laced ultra-processed foods to fear-mongering around fruit, is fuelling confusion and poor health outcomes. Nolan breaks down key mindset shifts for long-term success, the common traps beginners fall into, and why so many people tie their identity to their diet. We also touch on Threads as a rising platform, Nolan’s love of cooking, and why most people need to rethink how they train and eat.

Sign up To Become A 1:1 Online Fitness Member
Buy My Book, 'Your Fat Loss Journey Starts Here'
Sign up For My Free 14-Day Fat Loss Kick-Starter
Nolan's Instagram
My Instagram
My Threads
My YouTube channel
Free Fitness Guides

Timestamps:
00:25 Who Is Nolan Vannata? Fitness Journey and Coaching Philosophy
01:34 Why Nolan Started Using Threads Early in the Fitness Industry
04:08 Are American Foods Full of Chemicals? The Truth Behind the Controversy
10:07 What’s Driving the U.S. Obesity Epidemic?
12:38 Leo’s Personal Story: Food Culture Shock in the USA
16:47 Nolan’s Fitness Hill to Die On
17:38 The Truth About Exercise Form and Why It’s Overcomplicated
24:53 Why Threads Could Be a Game-Changer for Fitness Coaches
26:25 Are Blood Sugar Spikes as Bad as People Say?
27:43 Why Fruit Shouldn’t Be Demonised
29:08 When Diet Becomes Your Identity: A Hidden Trap
35:13 The Biggest Fitness Trap Beginners Fall Into
35:33 The Chronic Procrastinator: Starting Is the Hardest Part
36:23 The ‘Marathon Sprinter’: Burning Out by Going Too Hard Too Fast
41:43 Nolan’s Cooking Obsession and Why It Matters
44:09 Nolan’s Favourite American Sports Teams and Players
48:46 Leo’s Viral Threads on Health by Geography
53:03 How to Connect With Nolan Vannata