Stop trying to be "optimal" (it's slowing you down big time)

Ever felt like you're drowning in a sea of information?

One minute you're told to do fasted cardio for optimal fat loss, the next you're advised to gulp down a protein shake exactly 30 minutes post-workout for maximum muscle synthesis. 

Then there's the buzz about "nutrient timing," "anabolic windows," and "muscle confusion" through constantly changing workout routines. 

It's enough to make you question your existence, and your sanity.

Here's the liberating truth: you don't need to make your fitness journey a complex labyrinth of rules and rituals to see results.

In fact, the more complicated you make it, the harder it becomes to stick to it.

Let's break it down.

Nutrition

When it comes to eating, the basics still hold the most weight (pun intended):

  • Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.

  • Caloric Balance: A deficit for fat loss, a surplus for muscle gain.

  • Nutrient Density: A variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to fuel your body and mind.

That's it. You don't need to worry about:

  • Meal Timing: Eating six small meals a day or perfectly timing your protein/carbs within minutes of your workouts.

  • Carb Cycling: Alternating between high-carb and low-carb days.

  • Intermittent Fasting: Squeezing your "feeding window" into a few hours in the hopes of some cellular or hormonal magic (hint: there is zero benefit over a normal feeding schedule, and it may backfire if you're trying to build muscle)

Training

The same goes for your workouts. You don't need to:

  • Constantly Switch Exercises: To "confuse" your muscles into growing.

  • Do Fasted Cardio: In the belief that it burns more fat.

  • Follow the Latest "Optimal" Routine: That promises results in "JUST TWO WEEKS!"

Instead, focus on:

  • Consistency: Stick to a routine long enough to see results.

  • Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to build strength and muscle over time.

  • Rest and Recovery: Give your body time to repair and grow.

Advanced strategies have their place, but they're not the foundation. 

They're like the cherry on top of a well-made cake. 

But remember, you need to bake the cake first, and for that, you need the basics.

The beauty of simplicity is that it's sustainable. 

When you're not stressing about the minute details, you're more likely to stick with your plan. 

And consistency is where the magic happens.

So, if you've been freaking out over your "optimal" routine and the overwhelming amount of information out there, relax. 

Focus on the basics. 

Nail them down, and you'll be amazed at how much progress you can make without the added stress.

I'm sure I pushed a button.

What's holding you back from a simple routine?

Join my email list HERE to let me know!

Philip Pape

Hi there! I'm Philip, founder of Wits & Weights. I started witsandweights.com and my podcast, Wits & Weights: Strength Training for Skeptics, to help busy professionals who want to get strong and lean with strength training and sustainable diet.

https://witsandweights.com
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Why I never want to lose weight

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Don't believe the "intuitive eating" hype