This week, Alex and Meredith sit down with Tactic Nutrition client, Shari Todd. They will talk about Shari’s diagnosis with cancer, her journey of getting back into fitness post-cancer, and some of the powerful lessons she learned about herself and the way she views the world along the way. Shari shares her experiences of self-discovery, personal growth, and resilience, illuminating the importance of internal dialogues and self-trust. Shari underscores the importance of taking full responsibility for her life and the liberating power of acceptance. Shari's story is a testament to the power of resilience, demonstrating that, even in the face of adversity, it's possible to reclaim your life and emerge stronger.— Sometimes Pet Parents Make Mistakes— Get to Know Shari!— The Complaining Rule— EMDR Therapy— Being Authentically Yourself— What Measuring Your Progress Looks Like— Adulthood & Realizing No One Actually Knows Anything— Imperfections in Love and Relationships— Shari’s Cancer Diagnosis & Getting Back Into Fitness— Running Marathons & Using the Bathroom— Not Attaching Your Identity to the Result— Learning to Trust Yourself & Your FeelingsResources Mentioned in This Episode:· Follow Shari on Instagram @sharithrives· The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul by Brad Stulberg· Tactic Nutrition on Instagram: The Person Who Avoids Failure is Also Avoiding Success· The Movement Maestro────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Alex and Meredith for part two of their weekend recap of Brandi Carlile’s: Girls Just Wanna Weekend and their Valentine’s Day episode! They will share some of their favorite moments of the weekend with musical artists such as: KT Tunstall, Celisse, Janelle Monae and more! They also talk about the true sense of community they felt throughout the weekend, how they felt like they were in a safe space, and what it was like going back to reality after the fact.— Happy Valentine’s Day!— KT Tunstall, Celisse, & Janelle Monae— Brandi-Oke Pool Party— The Legends of Americana Night (3rd Night of Music)— 80’s Night!— When We Should’ve Realized We Were Attracted to Women— Post- Girls Just Wanna Weekend (Back to Reality)Resources Mentioned in This Episode:· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Brandi Carlile’s Tropical Gay Getaway (Part One)· Watch the Billions series· Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend· Hidden Figures with Janelle Monae· Listen to We Can Do Hard Things Podcast: What Happened Last Weekend: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun & We DID!· Bound Movie· Fiona Apple - Criminal Music Video· Gray Matters Movie────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith are back from Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend 5 in Riviera Maya, Mexico. They recount some of their favorite experiences from the weekend, from silly stories from their travel day to meeting interesting people, the music festival, with artists like Brandi Carlile and Janelle Monae, and experiencing the sense of community throughout their time there. They dive into the topic of body image and the impact of facing judgement from others. They also share an interesting conversation with a burlesque performer and BDSM dominatrix, and how they were able to draw parallels between their work in nutrition coaching and the dominatrix's work in empowering her clients. Stay tuned for part two next week, where they will talk more about their experiences, the other performances, and they will have some philosophical discussions of identity and community.— Recovering From Girls Just Wanna Weekend— What is Girls Just Wanna Weekend?— The Wonders of Sleeper Pods— Our Top Funny & Interesting Experiences— Alison Russell & Brandi Carlile— The Dangers of Guitar Picks— The Daily Discharge— Bootcamp with the Brits— Body Image AwarenessResources Mentioned in This Episode:· Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend· Listen to Afternoon Snack: The Bigger Gayer Episode: Pride 2023 Edition· Laura Reece on Instagram────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

In this episode, Alex and Meredith dive deep into the mindset and expectations around fitness and nutrition. They challenge the common phrase "I feel like I should..." and discuss why setting expectations of when you should see results could be hindering to your process. They emphasize the importance of relentless consistency, hard work, and embracing the process rather than focusing solely on end goals. They also talk about the importance of finding joy in your fitness journey, as well as identifying your “why” to keep pushing forward.— The Story of How We Met— Hard Work and No Results— “I Feel Like I Should…”— Letting Go of Your Ego— Learning to Have Patience— Accepting The Changes That Happen Over Time— Finding Joy in the Process— Finding Your “Why”Resources Mentioned in This Episode:· Wodapalooza Miami· Listen to Afternoon Snack: Our Take on Having Kids: Facing Societal Pressures & Making Your Own Decisions· Listen to Afternoon Snack: The Five Pillars of Success: How They Can Help You Unlock Your Full Potential· Read Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth· Tactic Nutrition on Instagram: Slow Progress and Ready to Quit?· Ultra Runner Courtney Dauwalter on Instagram· Adam Grant on Instagram────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Alex and Meredith as they dive into the topic of emotional resilience. They will talk about how it impacts daily life, what emotional resilience looks like after a traumatic experience, and whether it is something that can be cultivated. (Spoiler alert: it can!) They will share their own personal experiences with emotional resilience, discuss instant and delayed gratification, and provide their top three tools on how to build emotional resilience in your daily life.— Why Are We So Tired?— What is Emotional Resilience?— Emotional Resilience After a Traumatic Event— PID Controller— Examples of Not Being Emotionally Resilient— Instant and Delayed Gratification— Do Only Some People Have Emotional Resilience?— Building Emotional Resilience— Our Three Tools to Build Emotional ResilienceResources Mentioned in This Episode:· Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast· Viktor E. Frankl: Man’s Search for Meaning· Huberman Lab: Using Deliberate Cold Exposure for Health and Performance────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Meredith and Alex as they talk about all things protein! They start things off with Alex taking The New York Times Protein Quiz. From there, they’ll discuss the importance of protein and fiber intake, the major role that protein plays in aging, and effective strategies for meeting daily protein goals. They also share their thoughts on the average American protein intake, and what they do to make sure they are meeting their daily protein goals.— We’re Officially In 2024!— Highs and Lows of 2023— Take The New York Times Protein Quiz with Alex— Plant Based Protein— Calorie Intake— The Industrial Revolution & Nutrition— Incorporating Protein into Your Diet— Protein and Aging— Tracking Calories and Eating White Carbs— The Importance of Dietary Fiber— How We Get in Our Daily ProteinResources Mentioned in This Episode:· The New York Times: Test Your Protein Knowledge· FatSecret Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker for Weight Loss────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Catch up with Meredith and Alex as they talk about all things cats, exercise, and kids! They share their take on having kids, the societal pressures to have kids, and their own experiences and interactions with that pressure. They will also talk about the importance of acknowledging what your limits are in certain situations, making decisions that are best for you, and the overall reminder that you can have a fulfilling life with or without children.— An Update on Ivan— Dog Training with Rue!— Acknowledging Your Thresholds & Emotional Dysregulation— Our Cat is Hunting For Us?— Our Decision to Not Have Children— The Societal Pressures to Have Children— Over-Identifying With Your Decisions— Gay Aunt or Uncle TheoryResources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Dog Trainer Dani Armstrong on Instagram @storm.brick.yaroListen to Afternoon Snack: Our New Year’s Episode!Watch Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Meredith and Alex for this New Year's episode as they catch you up on what they have been up to during the holidays. To ring in 2024, they will talk about New Year’s resolutions, how it’s optional to even have one, and how to set realistic goals that will be able to be maintained long-term. They will also remind you of the importance of reflecting on the past year while also giving yourself permission to move forward into the New Year. — Exercise Injuries— Speeding Ticket Tales— Setting New Year’s Resolutions— Reflection— Finding Solutions for Difficult Habits────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

There’s always that "weird week" between the Christmas holiday and New Year's that has us all feeling a little bit lost. In this episode, Meredith and Alex talk all about navigating this unique time of year, the challenges and opportunities that often arise during this time, and the importance of finding balance in the expectations you set for yourself. They discuss the importance of allowing yourself to take the time to rest if you are able, and they share tips on how to incorporate positive self-talk and affirmations into your day to help deal with any stress you may be feeling during this time.— Breathe Right Strip Era— Pet Shenanigans— What To Do With Extra Downtime— Feeling Guilty For Not Being Productive— Finding Balance in the Expectations You Set For Yourself— Learning to Trust Yourself— Finding Moderation— Tracking Food on Vacation— Success and Failure— Positive Self-Talk & Affirmations to Combat Stress— What We Are Looking Forward ToResources Mentioned in This Episode:Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Meredith and Alex in this episode as they cover the Five Pillars of Success. They talk about the specifics of what makes up the Five Pillars of Success, and how whenever you're working on your fitness and nutrition, you are doing deep, difficult work in order to change your behavior, self-talk, and the stories that you tell yourself. They also discuss the impact that taking the time to reflect on your growth can have on your mindset, and the importance of determining what success ultimately looks like for you.— Situations That Make You Irrationally Angry— The Five Pillars of Success— Hope and Belief— Trust and Commitment— How Ego Impairs Progress— Having Curiosity and Humility— The Acceptance of Reality— Introspection and ReflectionResources Mentioned in This Episode:Tactic Functional Nutrition on Instagram: Slow Progress and Ready to Quit?Listen to Afternoon Snack: Beth Bacon on Menopause: The Struggle for Women’s HealthListen to Afternoon Snack: Tactic Nutrition Client Tanya Turner on Investing In Yourself: How Nutrition Coaching Can Change Your LifeTactic Functional Nutrition on Instagram: Working Hard But Not Seeing Results?Watch the 8600ft Film────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to start not only one business, but two? Now is your chance to find out! This episode, Alex and Meredith share the ins and outs of the creation and running of Tactic Nutrition and Fitness. They’ll cover the behind-the-scenes of starting a business from scratch, including the costs, time investments, and valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. They will also talk about their biggest returns on investment, some challenges that they ran into when they were first getting started, and they’ll provide valuable advice on steps that they have taken that has led to their success.— The Relationship Money Talk— Managing Money & Spending Habits— How We Started Our Businesses— Technology/ Hardware Upgrades— First Major Business Expenses— Task Delegation In Life & Business— Business Platforms & Cost— The Most Stressful Experience as a Business Owner— Surprise Costs in Payment Processing— The Importance of Business Insurance— Time Costs and Out-of-Pocket Costs— Our Biggest Return on Investment— Most Valuable Thing We’ve Learned As Business OwnersResources Mentioned in This Episode:Listen to Afternoon Snack: Bonus Minisode: Holiday Habits Challenge & Tactic Fitness Black Friday Launch!Listen to Afternoon Snack: Philadelphia Marathon Recap: First Tactic Community Meet-Up, How It Went, and What’s Next!Listen to Afternoon Snack: On Body Image and Going Viral────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Alex and Meredith as they recap the Philadelphia Marathon! They will talk about the first ever in-person Tactic community meet-up and the overwhelming amount of support that they felt the entire weekend. Alex will share her experience on what it was like on race day, how her past experiences running in both the LA and Calgary Marathons helped her prepare for the Philadelphia Marathon, and the emotional highs and lows throughout the entire race. Alex and Meredith will also provide a sneak peek into the future plans that they have in store for the Tactic community!— We're Back!— Why The Philadelphia Marathon?— How Meredith Took Over Philly— First Ever Tactic In-Person Event— Building A Community— The 8k— The Purpose Behind Run Club— The LA & Calgary Marathons— Mental Preparation & Setting Intentions— The Philly Marathon— Setting Realistic Goals— What's Next?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Afternoon Snack: Post-Marathon Reflection: Dealing with Fatigue, a Sub 3 Goal, and an Undulating CourseAfternoon Snack: The Calgary Marathon: How Alex Shaved 6 Minutes Off Her Marathon TimeInstagram: LA Marathon Instagram: Calgary Marathon 2023────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

In this episode, join Alex and Meredith as they talk about Meredith's recent diagnosis with ADHD. Meredith will share her journey of deciding to pursue a diagnosis, how being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult has impacted her daily life, and she will shine a light on the lack of research that exists regarding women having ADHD. They give insight into what it's like to be in a neurodiverse relationship, what they have learned along the way, and how they have worked to understand and support each other throughout this process.—Winter Running—Dog Park Pros & Cons—Meredith's ADHD Diagnosis—Research on Women with ADHD—Emotional Dysregulation—Task Prioritization & Hyperfixation—Procrastination—Radical Acceptance—Finding Your Path for Treatment—Taking MedicationResources Mentioned in This Episode:Afternoon Snack: Two Girls and a Truck: Catch-Up With Us, Moving Shenanigans & A New Furry Friend!The Mel Robbins Podcast: 6 Surprising Signs of Adult ADHDAfternoon Snack: We're Launching a Fitness Program!────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Alex and Meredith for a bonus episode about the Black Friday launch of Tactic Fitness and this year's Holiday Habits Challenge! They talk about the 4-week Holiday Habits Challenge and what you can expect. From making sure you're drinking water first thing in the morning, to introducing positive affirmations into your daily routine, you can feel confident that you will have a happy and healthy holiday season! In addition, the Tactic Fitness program has officially launched and will begin on Nov. 27th. Take part of a wonderful community, kickstart change in your life, and find balance for your health and fitness! — American Thanksgiving vs. Canadian Thanksgiving— What's the Hype with Pumpkin Pie? — New & Improved Holiday Habits Challenge— Challenge Giveaways— Tactic Fitness Has Launched!Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Register for the Holiday Habits Challenge!Register for Tactic Fitness! Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidListen to: The Mel Robbins PodcastLooking Out Foundation────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith have Tactic Coaches Todd and Merissa Wise back on to talk about the broad application of functional fitness to all populations of people. They'll also share the behind the scenes of creating Tactic Functional Fitness, the mental and physical benefits of challenging yourself to learn something new, and the importance of having patience with yourself in your training. Save these important dates for the launch of Tactic Functional Fitness: The program goes live on Nov. 27th. You can register and sign up on Black Friday, Nov. 24th! — Catch-Up with Todd and Merissa!— The Creation of Tactic Functional Fitness— Self-Determination Theory— Mental & Physical Benefits to Learning Something New— Resting to Retain What You Learn— Dangers of Comparison in Fitness— Building Your Resilience by Challenging Yourself— Creating Adaptations in Your Workouts— Having Patience in Your Training— Training for Your Life Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Todd and Merissa on Instagram: @coach.toddwise and @merissa.wiseAfternoon Snack: Tactic Coach Merissa Wise and Todd Wise on Entrepreneurship, Discipline, and AddictionAfternoon Snack: We're Launching a Fitness Program!────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

When you are balancing work, life, and a daily fitness routine, it can be difficult to remember to check in with yourself and your body. In this episode, Alex and Meredith talk about rest days: What a rest day looks like, how to recognize when you need one, how nutrition comes into play, and ultimately learning to be patient with yourself as you determine what you need on your fitness journey. They will also share tips on how to create an efficient schedule so that you are able to maintain a balanced weekly workout and rest day schedule to hold yourself accountable.— Actually Resting When You Need To— What is a Rest Day?— Rest Days for Athletes vs. Recreational Exercisers— Rest Days with a Busy Schedule— Creating & Trusting Your Habits— Commitment & Consistency— Creating a Schedule to Stay on Track— Active Recovery Days— Rest Day EatingResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Effects of 3 vs. 5 Days of Training Cessation on Maximal Strength StudyAfternoon Snack: Dr. Shante Cofield on How to Build Your Dream Life & BusinessAfternoon Snack: How Timelines Can Derail Your Goals. And Joy Tactic Nutrition Instagram: Eat Less on Rest Days?Tactic Nutrition Instagram: Big Things Aren't What Change You────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

With the holidays right around the corner, Alex and Meredith have the perfect gift! Introducing: Tactic Functional Fitness! A new fitness program that Alex and Meredith have been working hard to beta test, which will be launching on Black Friday, Nov. 24th. Learn all about the program, why Alex and Meredith decided to start it, what you can expect, and when you can get started. As an added bonus they will also be hosting a Holiday Challenge! Make sure you're signed up for the email list, so you can be the first to get all the details for both the launch of Tactic Functional Fitness and the Holiday Challenge!— #1 Interesting Workout Class Experience — The Benefits of Crossfit on the Body & Brain— Crossfit vs. Strength and Conditioning— Tactic Fitness Program Coming Soon!— Bringing Functional Fitness Training to the Community— What is Personalized Programming?— Challenges of Starting a Business— What to Expect From The Program— Workouts That You Can Be Confident Doing— Workout/Lifestyle Balance— Future Plans for Tactic Functional Fitness— Connecting With Community Online— Equipment: What Will You Need?— Holiday Challenge & Fitness Program Release Dates!Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Afternoon Snack: Having Endurance: Stop Holding Yourself Back + Run With Tactic Nutrition in Philly! ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

When life gets busy, it can be hard to remember to slow down and take a moment to relax. Take this opportunity to take a breather and catch up with Alex and Meredith as they take a mental break and unpack what they have been up to recently! They have all kinds of exciting updates to share, including their recent move, a new furry friend, and their journeys of figuring out who they are. They'll also talk about finding your personal style, the struggles of getting the perfect haircut for short hair, and the craziness that accompanies packing and driving a moving truck. — Welcome Mel to the Family!— Alex & Meredith Have Moved to Fernie! — Packing with Different Productivity Styles— First Time on ADHD Medication While Moving— Moving Truck Shenanigans — Beware of Truck Mirrors— Funny Discoveries From Packing— Department Stores & Sephora— The Journey of Having Short Hair— Have They Peaked or Are They Peaking?— Determining Your Style— Staying Curious & Figuring Out Who You AreResources Mentioned in This Episode:Marcus Mumford at Gorge Amphitheater ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

This week, Alex and Meredith have return guest and Tactic Nutrition coach Angie Craig back on to talk about the All-or-Nothing Mindset and its impact on daily life. Angie dives into what an All-or-Nothing Mindset looks like, shares advice on how to work through it, and teaches that it's okay to not be perfect. — The Impact of the All-or-Nothing Mindset — The Reality of Perfectionism — The Psychology of the All-or- Nothing Mindset— The Importance of Recognizing Your Progress— "Mom-Bod vs. Dad-Bod" — The Dangers of Comparison— Thinking Your Way Into Emotions— What is Failure? — Structuring Workouts Based on Your Current Situation— Social Media vs. Real Life — Working Through The All-or-Nothing Mindset— Not Setting Timelines— Planning Ahead & Pivoting Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Angie on Instagram @craig.angieCheck out The All-or-Nothing WorksheetListen to Afternoon Snack: Tactic Coach Angie Craig on Becoming a Nutrition Coach, Celebrating Every Win, and Overcoming a Negative MindsetListen to Afternoon Snack: How Timelines Can Derail Your Goals. And Joy. Listen to Afternoon Snack: Dr. Shante Coifed on How to Build Your Dream Life & Business────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Alex and Meredith as they talk all about body recomposition and why they think that with the right combination of exercise, nutrition, and patience it is an attainable goal for just about everyone. They will also talk about the idea of shifting your workouts based on the season, reminding yourself to stay excited about the work you're doing, and the traps that beginners can fall into when attempting to cut or bulk. — Being Busy Doesn't Have To Be Negative— What is Body Recomposition?— How Experienced Athletes Approach Body Recomposition— What Types of People Do Well With Recomposition Protocols — What Qualifies as Strength Training— Relying On Other Measures of Progress — The Yo-Yo Diet Cycle— Catering Your Workouts to the Season— Being Patient & Staying Excited About The WorkResources Mentioned in This Episode:Tactic Nutrition IG: Body Recomposition Read the 2021 Meta-Analysis────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Dr. Shanté Cofield, aka The Movement Maestro, is a physical therapist turned entrepreneur dedicated to teaching health and fitness professionals how to build a profitable online personal brand, focusing on brand strategy and development. With the online digital space constantly changing and evolving, Shanté is all about finding your passion and building a life that you love. Today, she sits down with Alex and Meredith to break down exactly how she figured out what she wanted out of life, paving the way towards happiness, and why you have to practice self-care in your daily life. This episode is full of inspiration for anyone looking to build a life that they truly love, and don't want to escape from.— Rapid Fire Ice-Breakers— How Shanté Got Started— Crossfit & Becoming a RockTape Instructor— Finding Happiness— The Sunk Cost Fallacy— What is a "Safe" Choice?— Tearing Your ACL— Patience & Success— Defining Your Dream Life— Discovering What it Is You Want— The Ups and Downs of Sharing Your Victories & Life— The Deal with Privilege— Convincing Yourself to Change— Goals & Effort— Authenticity Online and in Your Business— Moving and Loving the Place You Call Home— The Radical Act of Self-Care— Deciding Not to Have KidsResources Mentioned in This Episode:Shante's WebsiteListen to the Maestro on the Mic PodcastFollow The Movement Maestro on IG @themovementmaestro────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Join Meredith and Alex as they talk about why people often struggle with endurance goals. They will share tips from their own experiences on how to build a solid foundation as you continue to grow, and why it is so important to start slow and have patience with your process. Plus they will share all of the details about joining Tactic Nutrition for their first ever in-person meet up at the Philadelphia Marathon! — What Talent Do You Wish You Had?— Creating a Running Community — Not Comparing Your Present Self to Your Past Self— The Importance of Having Patience— Why People Struggle With Endurance Sports— Committing To Your Training— Not Tying Your Identity To Your Performance Results— Take The Pressure Off Of Doing What You Love— Finding Balance in Your Life— Taking Your Commitments Seriously— Setting Realistic Goals For Yourself— Run With Tactic Nutrition in PhillyResources Mentioned in This Episode:IG Reel: Don't Be Discouraged Gait Happens IGSwedish Olympic Speed Skater: Nils van der PoelAfternoon Snack: Surviving the Oregon Cascades 100 Mile Race with Tanya TurnerSteve Magness: Author & Performance Coach────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

This week, Alex and Meredith talk about the very important topic of setting boundaries within your relationships and daily life. They'll address the idea of not feeling like you need to be the "yes person" for everything that is thrown your way, how saying "no" to one thing may actually open the door for other exciting opportunities, and the impact that "people pleasing" can have on your mental health. Tune in to this valuable discussion!— How People Pleasing Can Lead to Burnout— The Impact of Saying No in Society— Social Life vs. Health and Fitness— Why It's Important to Set Boundaries — Allowing Yourself Time To Grow— Not Taking Things Personally — Finding Balance In Your Daily Life— Default No— Identifying Your Core ValuesResources Mentioned in This Episode:Yes Man Starring Jim CarreyYear of Yes by Shonda RhimesTactic Nutrition Instagram: Setting Good Boundaries ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Celebrate Tactic Nutrition's 5 Year Anniversary with Meredith and Alex! Join them as they reminisce on how Tactic Nutrition has grown over the past few years. They'll talk about when the business really took off, how they were able to transition from being seen as CrossFit Athletes to Tactic Nutrition, how COVID allowed them the time to establish their brand, and more!— First World Cat Problems— Happy 5-Year Anniversary Tactic Nutrition— Early Years of Tactic Nutrition— Becoming a Brand in 2020 — Benefits of Home Gyms— Running vs. Going to the Gym— Treating Yourself and Others With Kindness— Taking Breaks from Work— Hardest Aspects of the Job— What's Next For Tactic Nutrition?— Highlights from Alex & Meredith's 1 Year AnniversaryResources Mentioned in This Episode:Listen to Afternoon Snack: Former CrossFit Competitors Look Back: The CrossFit Open, Being a Games Athlete, and CommunityListen to Afternoon Snack: Lessons from the Gorge: Seeing Brandi Carlisle on Tour────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

This week, Meredith and Alex have return guest and client Tanya Turner on the show! They talk about having just completed the Oregon Classic 100 Mile Race in Bend, Oregon. They share stories about their experiences, what they learned about themselves, the importance of having support, and more. Ultimately, the biggest discovery they make is that you may surprise yourself in your ability to overcome adversity.Click Here to be Our Beta Tester for Tactic Functional Fitness!— The Oregon Classic 100 Mile Race— Having a Plan of Attack— Night Run Shenanigans— Pushing Through the Hard Moments— The Importance of Having a Good Crew— Self Growth and Acceptance— Comparing Yourself to Others— Tactic Nutrition's Run Club is in Philly November 18 & 19thResources Mentioned in This Episode:Listen to Afternoon Snack "How Nutrition Coaching Can Change Your Life"Listen to The Middleish Podcast with Erin GreenFollow Tanya on IG @tanyakaye22────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

This week Alex and Meredith revisit fitness and health related topics, sharing how their opinions have changed as individuals and as a company. They'll tackle topics, such as plant-based proteins and whether or not they hold up against meat diets, the benefits of collagen and how it works, the serious impact of encouraging teens to track their macros, and more!— How New Evidence Can Change Your Beliefs— Trusting Supplement Companies for Medical Advice?— Does Collagen Actually Work? — BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) — The Impact of Tracking Macros on Teenagers— The Industry Shift on Plant-Based Proteins— Linear Eating for Performance Athletes— Using Macro Tracking as a Tool For Adults, Not An End Result— Why People Struggle to Make ChangesResources Mentioned in This Episode:Collagen Sources:https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-10-48https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27852613/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35042187/BCAA Sources:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27175106/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23904096/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27175106/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2876641/Teens and Dieting:https://health4u.msu.edu/articles/2019-kids-dont-need-to-diet-everPlant Based Protein:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28847314/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29722584/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25702958/────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alongside Tactic Nutrition Coach Lynsey Martin, Alex and Meredith get open and honest about their non-ideal clients. While many of the people who they work with at Tactic Nutrition are phenomenal, Nutrition and Fitness coaching involves lots of lifestyle choices and behavior habits that can be really emotionally sensitive for people. Plus, how do you personally know when you might be ready for a coach if nutrition and fitness are things that mean a lot to you? By the end of the episode, you'll have an answer as Alex, Meredith, and Lynsey delve into the challenges of working with bad clients — such as those who lack communication, think they know it all, dodge accountability, or lie. Ultimately, it's important to remember that there is no failure, only learning, for both clients and coaches!— Characteristics of a Bad Client— Lynsey's First Mountain Bike Experience — Non-communicative client— Client/Coach Expectations— Text vs. Emails— Assessing Your Rate of Progress— Reactivity vs. Proactivity — Firing a Client — Self-determination Theory — The Value of Trusting Your Coach — The Know-it-Alls— Whack-a-Mole People— LiarsResources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Lynsey @lynsmartin ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith are joined by their longtime friend and peer in the science-based nutrition and fitness coaching industry, Beth Bacon. Beth has spent over a decade immersed in the health and fitness industry, competing in bodybuilding, CrossFit, and Olympic weightlifting. She owns her own fitness and nutrition coaching business with her husband Dr. Allan Bacon. She has also personally experienced early onset menopause and struggled to get help and validation from the medical system. Using her story, Beth coaches women going through similar experiences so that they don't have to feel alone. In this conversation, they shed light on the challenges and frustrations that come with menopause and the importance of prioritizing and respecting the experiences of women who are going through or have gone through menopause— Moving to Maui— Beth's Story with Early Onset Menopause— Defining Menopause — Menopause vs Erectile Dysfunction— Menopause & Perimenopausal Symptoms — Neglect of Women's Health— Medical Field Neglience— Prioritizing Women's Experiences— The Stigma of Menopause— A Lack of Education & Research — Hormone Therapy— Protein, Weight Lifting, and Calorie Counting— Predatory Marketing— Advocating for Yourself in Front of Medical Professionals— Managing Life Changes with Age— Beauty Standards for Older WomanResources Mentioned in This Episode:Maui AthleticsFollow Beth on IG @bpbacon13Follow Beth's Husband Dr. Allan Bacon @drallanbaconGood for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World by Lauren FleshmanMenopause Society Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund (*Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the wildfires began.)────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex is joined by her longterm amazing client Tanya Turner to discuss their recent meeting and the success Tanya has had with Tactic's nutrition coaching. Tanya is an accomplished runner, having completed 95 half marathons and 20 marathons. Tanya decided to invest in herself, and the coaching program helped her achieve balance and happiness in her life for the first time in a long time. Tanya shares her experiences with the program, how it helped her overcome binge eating and develop a more positive relationship with food, and how she was able to integrate healthy eating habits into her family life while balancing being an endurance athlete, wife, and mom to two young girls.— 50k Elk Valley Ultra— Tanya's 1,000 Day Commitment — Disordered Eating — From Boise, Idaho to Fernie, Calgary — Nutrition for Endurance Sports— Maintaining Energy for the Kids— Balancing Time for Yourself, Your Spouse, and Your Kids— Do What's Ideal for You — Consistency, Time on Your Feet, and Nutrition— Time Based Goals for Qualifying in Races — Why Tanya Signed Up with Tactic Nutrition — Disordered Eating & Repairing Your Relationship with Food — How Tanya got into Running— Nutrition Coaching — Meeting Each Other in Person— Why Sign Up with Tactic— Food for the Whole Family Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Listen to Afternoon Snack "The 7 Pillars of Great Clients"Follow Tanya on IG @tanyakaye22────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

There's a lot of information out there about creatine and what it can do for someone's health. Alex and Meredith are tackling on the myth and getting to the reality of creatine supplementation. They cover a range of topics including the impact on cognitive function, muscle loss prevention, and even mental health. They debunk common misconceptions surrounding creatine, such as weight gain and kidney damage, and provide insight into how to properly take the supplement. If you've ever wanted to hear a comprehensive overview of creatine and its potential benefits for a wide range of individuals, this episode is for you.— Supplement Recommendations— Benefits of creatine supplementation— Creatine Misconceptions— Proper dosing and timing of creatine— Importance of third-party testing— Potential benefits for athletes— Eating More Protein— Non-Sports Impact of Creatine— Delaying Aging.— Women & Creatine— How to Take CreatineResources Mentioned in This Episode:GarminListen to Afternoon Snack "Calories In, Calories Out"Listen to Afternoon Snack "The Calgary Marathon: How Alex Shaved 6 Minutes Off Her Marathon Time"REFERENCED STUDIES:► ISSN position on creatine:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28615996/► Effects of creatine on muscle and performance:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12701815/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12945830/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29138605/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7778463/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11099372/https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2009/09000/Effects_of_Four_Weeks_of_High_Intensity_Interval.6.aspx► Effect of creatine on glycogen supercompensation:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11445755/► Creatine and Health:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33572884/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27306768/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11735088/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34067957/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29138605/► Creatine and Brain Function:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29704637/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3340488/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17988366/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21831448/► Creatine and Mental Health:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15123489/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34360959/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35267907/► Creatine and Women’s Health:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17194243/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27866187/https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Fulltext/2016/04000/Creatine_as_an_Ergogenic_Aid_for_Female_Athletes.4.aspxhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1559827611406071https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17943308/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcsm.12094https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26898548/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20199120/► Creatine Concerns and Misconceptions addressed:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33557850/────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Tactic Nutrition coach Angie Craig joins Alex and Meredith on the podcast to discuss her experience as a nutrition coach and her journey to becoming a part of the team. Now holding a Master's in Clinical Nutrition, Angie's story includes farming, FedEx, CrossFit, and Rugby. WIth over 11 years of experience as a farmer, Angie had firsthand experience with the correlation between food and our mental and physical wellbeing. Alex and Meredith also go over Angie's favorite books, her coaching pet peeves, and the challenges of coaching remotely. Her open, empathetic coaching style has made her a great asset to the team, and her view on life reflects best in her motto: "you can slip but you can't slide."— Getting Her Master's Degree— Working at FedEx— Nutrition and CrossFit— Angie's Drive to Help People — Unlocking People's Potential — Embracing The Novice Mindset — Coaching People to Overcome a Negative Mindset — Celebrating Small Wins — Angie's Coaching Style — Rugby & Farming — Angie's Partner and Their New Cats— Angie's Year Review of Working at Tactic— Nutrition Coaching Pet Peeves — Book Recommendations Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Angie on IG @Craig.angie Learn More About Angie's JourneyListen to Afternoon Snack: Opposite Action & What it Takes to Become a Coach at Tactic Nutrition Pickleball injuries may cost Americans nearly $400 million this year"Atomic Habits" by John Clear"The Gifts of Imperfections" by Brené Brown ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith are dissecting a topic that affects us all - the myth of perfection. It's extremely important to recognize that everyone has their own challenges and struggles, and that it is okay to not have it all together all the time. There's a difference between maintaining and pushing in regards to priorities, and we have to be kind to ourselves by giving ourselves permission to take a step back when necessary. Self-compassion, curiosity, vulnerability, and connection are all qualities that can help us navigate difficult moments. Passionate anti-perfectionists who adopt a more "work in progress" and "good enough" mentality, Alex and Meredith also explore the impact of social media on our perceptions of perfection and the unrealistic expectations they can create. — The Canada Day Holiday, Working from Home, & Auto-responders — Why Perfectionism Is The Worst— The Myth of Perfection— Pressure to Have Everything Figured Out— Allowing Vulnerability & Compassion— The Toxicity of Social Media & Only Seeing "Success"— Work in Progress & The Belief that Good Enough is Good Enough— Investments & Returns— Doing Something is Better than Doing Nothing— Complete > Perfect— Don't Go Hard— Self-Compassion & Being Human— 'Good Enough'Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Growth Equation Podcast with Brad Sulberg & Steve Magness "160 -- The Attention Economy"Move Your BusHow to Win Friends and Influence People by Dave CarnegieCan't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

In this episode, Alex and Meredith dive into the topic of calories in, calories out, and why it's still the most important aspect of weight loss and gain, despite the many factors that can affect energy expenditure and intake. They break down the nuances of the equation and explain how it can be used to personalize diet and exercise plans. From the role of food quality in calorie absorption to how lean mass affects calorie needs, the hosts cover everything you need to know. So, if you've ever been told that calories don't matter or that the equation is oversimplified, this episode is all about taking a scientific stance on calories in, calories out, and explaining why it's a useful tool for weight management.— Explanation of Calories In, Calories Out and Why it Matters— What Happens When You Eat Food— Water Weight— Breaking Down a Carbohydrate, Proteins, Glucose, Fatty Acids, and Amino Acids— Energy Expenditure & Intake— The Importance of Understanding Your Individual Maintenance Calorie Range— How Fat Enters & Leaves the Body — How Lean Mass Affects Calorie Needs— Maintenance Calories— Why Strength Training is Important— The Role of Food Quality in Calorie Absorption— Calories & Weight loss— Personalizing Diet & Exercise Plans — Calorie Tracking & ObservationResources Mentioned in This Episode:Underreporting of Caloric IntakeBurn: New Research Blows the Lid off How We Really Burn Calories, Stay Healthy, and Lose Weight by Herman Pontzer PhD────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Meredith and Alex have discussed Alex's running journey, including her recent marathons. In her most recent race, the Los Angeles Marathon, she aimed for a sub-three-hour time but finished in 3:07:05. However, in the Calgary Marathon, Canada's longest running marathon, she improved her time by six minutes, finishing at 3:01:31. Alex shares her strategy for hitting a new personal best and the best ways to prepare for a race, including nutrition and training tips.—The "This is The Last Marathon, I Swear" Feeling— The Run Right After a Marathon— Marathon Mindset Shifts— Training Regimen — Focusing on the Effort vs. the Race— Allowing Yourself to be Disappointed— Showing Up Even When Things Are Out Of Your Control— What Changed from LA to Calgary— Elite Athletes— Aid Stations, Electrolytes, and Carbs— Sodium — Learning What Your Body Needs — Creatine Loading— Endurance Sports & Nutrition Basics Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Calgary MarathonSkratch Labs Super High Carb LMNT Electrolyte Salt Stick ElectrolyteAfternoon Snack "Pre-Marathon Mindset, Goal Setting, and Traveling to North Carolina and Back"Afternoon Snack "Post-Marathon Reflection: Dealing with Fatigue, a Sub 3 Goal, and an Undulating Course"────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

We have a bit of different episode for you today; Alex and Meredith dive into the topic of opposite action when trying to establish new behavior patterns. But that's not all! They also share some insights into the hiring process at Tactic Nutrition and what they look for in a coach. From a strong work ethic to problem-solving skills and taking constructive criticism, coaches at Tactic work seamlessly with each other and their clients. It's all about great communication, thinking outside of the box, and, most importantly, helping clients transform their lives for the better.Want to work on the team? Email your cover letter and resume to info@tacticmethod.com— The Cyclical Nature of Arguments & Relationship Patterns— Opposite Action— The Mental Response to Physical Actions like Smiling— Awareness of Behavior Patterns— How to Get Hired as a Coach at Tactic Nutrition— What It Takes to Be a Coach— What We Look For in Potential Team Members— Dealing with Feedback— Problem Solving— How Athleticism Plays a Factor— What Good Communication Means to Us— Good vs. Bad Work Ethic— Working in the Fitness, Life, and Nutrition Coaching Field— Nutrition Coaching Certification— Transition from CrossFit to Coaching— Trauma & Emotional Abuse— Our Job Hiring ProcessResources Mentioned in This Episode:Netflix's "The Ultimatum: Queer Love"Smile Your Way Out of StressThere’s a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery by Portia Nelson"True crime is America’s guilty pleasure. Victims, families, and even killers have some words of warning" by The Independent────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith recently made a trip down to The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington down in the United States to see one of their favorite musicians live. It was a transformative weekend watching as Brandi Carlile performed hit after hit, as well as seeing all of the guest performers who joined her on stage. They talk all about what life lessons they learned in the process, what being on a weekend musical experience while in an RV was like, and why we all should remember that once a wolf, always a wolf.Disclaimer: Shortly after Alex and Meredith were at The Gorge, a mass shooting event took place. This episode was recorded prior to that event, and to honor the families, they are releasing the episode and asking those who can to click here to support the GoFund Me for the funerals of the two engaged women who died, Josilyn Ruiz and Brandy Escamilla.— The Gorge — Brandi Carlile's Beyond These Silent Days Tour & Echoes Through the Canyon— Renting an RV— Friday: Allison Russell & Marcus Mumford— Saturday: Joni Mitchell & the Joni Jam— Sunday: The Highwomen & Tanya Tucker— 3 Major Life Lessons from The Gorge — Love Wins — Personal Takeaways— Standing Up for Women & the LGBTQ+ CommunityResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Gorge AmphitheatreWomen & Songs Catherine Carlile's Looking Out FoundationThe Heart Speaks in Whispers with Brandi Carlile and Corinne Bailey Rae1989 by Taylor Swift────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith discuss the benefits of getting outside for fitness and mental health. They share personal experiences of how starting their day with a morning walk has improved their overall well-being, creativity, and productivity. They also touch on the importance of Vitamin D and nature appreciation moments, and so they provide practical tips for incorporating outdoor routines into daily life and emphasize that even small steps can make a big impact. Tune in for some inspiration to get outside and enjoy the benefits of nature!— The Deal with Bathing Suits— How Being in the Gym All Day Harms You — Younger Athletes in CrossFit— The CrossFit Impact on Females— The Benefits of Getting Our Dog Rue — The Health Benefits of Morning Walks— Setting an Intention for the Day— Vitamin D, Bone Density, and Testosterone Production— Mental Health and Athletes — Tips for Starting a Walk Routine— Developing a Circadian Rhythm through Sunlight Exposure— Balancing the Gym & Outdoor Activity— Forming a Habit of Going Outside— Sunscreen, Moisturizer, and Other Essentials— Appreciating Nature Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Huberman Lab Podcast: "Dr. Samer Hattar, Timing Your Light, Food, & Exercise for Optimal Sleep, Energy, & Mood"────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith are challenging the unrealistic beauty standard of the "summer body." They do this by exploring the history of the bikini body, explaining why timelines don't work for fitness goals, and emphasizing how healthy lifestyle habits are the only way to truly enjoy day-to-day life without shame. With social media and the constant bombardment of other people's "ideal" bodies, it has become increasingly difficult to appreciate your own body. Even professional ex-body builders can take years to rebuild a healthy mental image of themselves after starving themselves and pushing to get leaner. Alex and Meredith conclude the episode with the concept of a wellness body and share solutions to combat the increase in appearance-based, deadline-focused body goals.— Camping— Summer Body Trends— The History of the "Bikini Body"— Social Media & The Rise of Body Dysmorphia — Seasonal Changes in Mood & in Diet— The Downfall of Appearance-Based Goals— Creating Healthy Lifestyle Changes without a Timeline— Loving Your Body, or Being Neutral to It— Building Habits to Allow Enjoyment Instead of Shame— The Mental Health of Ex Body Builders— The Wellness Body— Why Dieting the First Time is Easier — Psychobiological Model of Motivation— Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE)— Living Up to Other People's Expectations of Your Body— Why You Should Never Comment On People's Bodies Resources Mentioned in This Episode:“Spring is the best time to lose weight”: Evidence that dieting is seasonal and reaches peak intensity during SpringThe Original AirbedzBrian Hyland - Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Welcome to Afternoon Snack's bigger, gayer episode for 2023 Pride. Alex and Meredith discuss LGBTQ+ life and culture, offer dating advice, share their thoughts on the current sociopolitical climate, and discuss the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. They draw from their own experiences and external resources to provide insight into the current state of affairs, emphasizing the need to continue celebrating the triumphs of being gay while recognizing the work still to be done. They also answer listener questions taken from their Instagram account, @tacticnutrition, addressing topics such as dating as gay women, sexual scarcity, breakups, and pride events.— 2023 Pride— Lesbian Stereotypes— Gay Women in Sports— Trans Athletes— Anti-trans laws in the US— Coming Out— Rising LGBTQ+ and Gender Acceptance in Gen Z— Being Married— Dating Advice for Gay Women— Listener Q&A: Femininity, Pride Events, Gay Friends, Sexual Scarcity, Breakups, and More!Listen to Afternoon Snack: The Pride Episode! Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Lesbian Stereotypes: The Worst (And Most Hilarious) Ideas Many Have About The Community by Mary MaliaMayim Bialik's Breakdown Podcast"Behind the visible queerness in women's sports – and why it matters" by Frankie de la CruzACLU Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State LegislaturesThe Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and StonewallingVictory: The Triumphant Gay Revolution by Linda Hirshman ────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith speak with Tactic Nutrition Coach Lynsey Martin about the importance of prioritizing fitness and nutrition basics over appearance and trendy methods. Many people complicate their routines by trying different diets and exercises without first mastering the fundamentals, which makes it harder to be consistent and disciplined. It's crucial to build healthy habits that fit your body's specific needs in order to achieve long-term success, especially as we age. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and what works for one person may not work for another. Alex, Meredith, and Lynsey explore the psychological, physiological, genetic, and environmental factors that make weight loss a highly individual journey rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.— Defining Fitness and Nutrition Basics— Individual Variation as Affected by Psychology, Physiology, Genetics, and Environmental Influences— Eating for Health vs. Eating for Performance— How Food Marketing Impacts the Brain— Food Deserts— Twin Studies and Genetics vs. Environmental Impacts— Overcomplicated Routines— Consistency & Discipline— Weight Loss Drugs— Menopausal Weight Gain— Preserving Muscle Mass— Weight Training Benefits for Overall Health and for Older Individuals— Misinformation in the Fitness and Nutrition Space— Looking Beyond Physical AppearanceResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Minnesota Starvation ExperimentDeirdra TobiasJoan MacDonald @trainwithjoan────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Meredith and Alex share practical tips and personal stories about maintaining healthy eating habits while on vacation. They emphasize the importance of enjoying your vacation while still being mindful of your food choices and offer strategies for balancing indulgence with healthy options. From bringing your own snacks to deciding on utility eating or pleasure eating, they provide a 5-step comprehensive guide to managing your food intake while on the road so that you can honor the experience of your next vacation while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle.— Practical Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eating Habits on the Road— Balancing Indulgence with Healthy Options— Alex & Meredith's Experiences with Nutrition/Fitness on the Road— Forming Habits Now to Enjoy Time Off Later— Bringing Your Own Snacks— Using Placeholders— To Track or Not to Track— Utility vs. Pleasure — Setting and Maintaining Boundaries — Permission to Enjoy Your Vacation — Not Stressing Too Much About Food— The Impact of Travel on Body Weight— Managing Expectations— Relaxing and Having Fun While Still Being Mindful of Food Choices— Honoring the Moment Resources Mentioned in This Episode:"Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Potential in Yourself and Your Organization (Leadership for the Common Good)" by Lisa Laskow Lahey and Robert KeganNobu────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

This is Part Two of Alex and Meredith's sit down discussion with Four-Time Olympic Athlete, Georgia Simmerling. In Part Two, Georgia shares her personal experience of transitioning from being a professional athlete to starting her own business. She also shares her experience with eating disorders and extreme exercising, and what her recovery journey was like, and how her fiancée Stephanie Labbé helped her. Georgia speaks on the importance of setting goals after retirement to avoid the identity crisis that many athletes face. She even takes us through the journey of reclaiming running, cycling, and soccer as hobbies. The end of an athletic career doesn't have to mean the end of pursuing your passions; it's only the start of all that's left to come.TRIGGER WARNING: There is discussion of Georgia's eating disorder struggle from 02:30 - 15:45. Please skip if this topic is harmful to you in any way.— Transitioning into Post-Retirement Life— Disordered Eating (Bulimia)— Body Dysmorphia & the Olympics — Relationships— Coming Out as Gay — Mindset & Work Ethic— Starting Your Own Business— Finding and Making Goals— Remaining Passionate— Rediscovering Hobbies and Activities— Advice to Younger Athletes Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Georgia Simmerling on IG @gsimmerlingFollow AG Sports @teamagsportsLearn about Georgia's Olympic CareerRead About Georgia's StoryAG Sportsproject8────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Georgia Simmerling is a Bronze Olympic medalist and a 4-time Olympic Athlete. Georgia was the first Canadian athlete to ever compete in a different sport in three different Olympic Games; Alpine Skiing in Vancouver 2010, Ski Cross in Sochi 2014, and Team Pursuit Cycling in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. She remains Canada's only 3-time multi-sport Olympian, and she takes Alex and Meredith through her journey. She created a female-powered sports agency called AG Sports, where she aims to generate positive change and equity in the sports landscape. In Part 1, Georgia shares her story of injury, recovery, change, growth, loss, and unwavering determination.— How Alex and Meredith met Georgia— Georgia's Olympic Career— Dealing with Injury: Broken Neck, Broken Back, Broken Legs, Concussions, Shattered Wrist, and a Nearly Torn Tongue— Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics— Support Systems & Healing: Fiancée Stephanie Labbé's Impact— Exploring Different Sports— Self-Determination and Athleticism— Creating AG Sports— Working with project8 as Director of Global Partnerships— Female Representation in SportsResources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Georgia Simmerling on IG Learn about Georgia's Olympic CareerRead About Georgia's Story────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Welcome to the 100th Episode of Afternoon Snack!

Meredith and Alex sit down in this rabbit-hole filled episode where they explore grifting in the fitness space, and how the over-complication of workout routines can take away from the fundamentals of fitness and nutrition. Instead of science-backed, peer-reviewed advice, profits and quick fixes are everywhere in social media. They try to see through that noise to what fitness grifts you should watch out for while also exploring current grifts in nutrition. They break down the concept of raw diets, the ways in which food processing changed the course of human evolution, and how what we eat reflects current social hierarchies in our society. — Being Pet Owners — What Grifting Is — False Science in Fitness Documentarys — Raw Diets — Food Processing: Pre, Primary, Secondary, — The Industrial + Agricultural Revolutions— What Caloric Needs Are— Seed Oils, Sodium, and The Spice Trade— Nutrition-based Social Hierarchies — The Deal with Raw Ground Beef— Zone 2 Heart Rate — HIIT Workouts— Intensity vs. Volume in a Workout Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Mel Robbins Podcast The Game Changers Dcoumentary "The Game Changers - A Scientific Review with Full Citations" by Meredith Root "The rise and fall of the Liver King—a social media sensation who is now being sued by his followers for $25 million" by Catalina Giant and The Conversation"Food for Thought: Was Cooking a Pivotal Step in Human Evolution?" by Alexandra Rosati in The Scientific American "This Olympic champion speed skater trains on the bike 30 hours per week" by Zach Nehr────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith look back on their time as CrossFit competitors, after discussing the pros and cons of living in a small town versus a big city. Taking us all the way back to 2012 before CrossFit became the global fitness sensation that it is, they touch on the changes in the sport over the years. They also share their experience in the CrossFit Open, competing in the Quarterfinals as a game athlete and in team events, and why community was a huge reason behind their departure from the competitive realm of the sport. Listen in to their story as ex-competitive CrossFit athletes, learn what the sport meant for them, and how they channel their competitive spirits now. — Living in a Big City vs. Small Town (Calgary vs. Fernie)— Game Nights— Alex and Meredith's Fitness Background— Competing in the CrossFit Open— Being a Games Athlete— Team Events— The CrossFit Quarterfinals — Affiliate GPP Programming vs. CrossFit the Sport— Loss of Community + Leaving Crossfit— Finding Your Reason to Compete — Exercising in the Wake of Grief — Working in Law + Research and Development— The Importance of Academics Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Carolyne PrevostMal O’BrienNetflix's Full SwingNetflix's Home GameBrooks Koepka────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Husband-wife duo Merissa Wise and Todd Wise join Meredith and Alex to talk about all things fitness and the importance of discipline. With over 6 years of nutrition coaching experience, 8 years CrossFit Coaching experience, and a B.S. in Human Wellness Management, Melissa has been an invaluable part of the Tactic team for years. An eating disorder survivor, Merissa understands the value of nutrition and health and how difficult it is to know which way to go on that journey. They explore what it's like to be a coach who owns their own business, working with clients, and dealing with discipline and addiction.— Merissa's Journey to Tactic— Todd's Journey to The Pack & Great Wolf Crossfit— Owning Your Own Business— Working with Clients — Who a Coach is For — Discipline — The Myth of Motivation — Emotional Regulation — Orthorexia nervosa— Addiction Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Melissa's IGTodd's IG "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction" by Gabor Maté────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith are back from their third big city marathon run. Clocking in at 3:07:05, Alex placed 3rd in Females 30-34, 7th for Female runners, and 206th overall in the race. Going in with a goal of finishing below the 3 hour mark — unaware of the extreme hills and true difficulty of the course — Alex dealt with a lot of negative self-talk and utter exhaustion by the end. Even though she achieved a personal best, when she passed that finish line, she was hit with a wave of emotion. From the disorganization of the LA marathon, to the absolute fatigue Alex was fighting in the last 6 miles, to realizing before she even finished that she was not going to maintain a sub 3 pace, Alex shares all about her 2023 LA Marathon experience and her major takeaways.— AirTags— Alex's 2023 LA Marathon Experience— How the Major Cities Compare: LA vs. Boston vs. Chicago— Sub 3 Goal Reflection— How Hills Affect a Run — Dealing with an Undulating Course— Exhaustion + Powering Through The Finish— Negative and Positive Self-Talk — The Internal Battle to Not Walk — How to Handle Not Meeting Our Goals— Post-Marathon Emotions Resources Mentioned in This Episode:2023 LA Marathon ResultsLA Times Article by Jeong Park, Andrew J. Campa, and Andrew Khouri "L.A. Marathon 2023: Thousands hit the streets for the 38th annual trek from downtown to Century City"See Alex cross the finish line Listen to Alex's Pre-Marathon Mindset"How Bad Do You Want It?: Mastering the Psychology of Mind over Muscle" by Matt Fitzgerald────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

What started as a guide on how to be nicer to yourself has ended up in a deep exploration on some of Alex and Meredith's favorite theories on how we can love ourselves more. The way that we speak to ourselves can have a major impact in our lives. It can affect our fitness, our health, and our relationships. The "should have's" and self-hate we all have only applies judgement, rather than having compassion for our humanity. From radical acceptance, having gratitude vs. to being grateful, to Buddhist parables and emotional regulation, they open up about this self-care has transformed their lives.— The Ski Trip Gone Wrong— Radical Acceptance— Buddhist Parables: The Second Arrow + The Hungry Ghost— Admission of Fault— Embodying Ideals vs. Identifying with Our Circumstances— Mindfulness in Nutrition— Shame, Guilt, and Compassion— Self-Distancing and Combating Negative Self-Talk— Disordered Eating— Letting Go of Failure— Arrival Fallacy— Joy in the Journey— Gratitude and GratefulnessResources Mentioned in This Episode:"Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankyl"No-Nonsense Buddhism for Beginners: Clear Answers to Burning Questions About Core Buddhist Teachings" by Noah Rasheta"Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth"The Practice of Groundedness" by Brad Stulberg"In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" by Gabor Maté, MD"Tragic Optimism: The Opposite of Tragic Positivity" by Scott Barry Kaufman with The Atlantic────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Alex and Meredith focus on how Alex's marathon prep, how she adjusted expectations for her upcoming marathon, and how she feels about goals. Alex walks through how she approaches her runs, and what she did differently to prep for this marathon with Tactic Nutrition demanding more of her time. With the marathon set to take place in Los Angeles, they also share their travel worries after their recent adventure out to North Carolina that ended in embarrassment, late night Target runs, and lost luggage.— Travel Woes + Worries— The Pros and Cons of Goal Setting— Mindset and Fitness— Balancing Work and Recreational Competitions— Managing Workouts— Running in Different Seasons— Pressure to Perform — Adapting to Workouts and Accumulation of Fitness— Running Volumes, Tapering, and Reflection Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Los Angeles MarathonAfternoon Snack Episode: How Timelines can Derail Your Goals. And Joy.Afternoon Snack Episode: Goal Hierarchy and Reframing.────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Opening with a discussion on internet hate comments and toxicity, Alex and Meredith tackle the issue of biohacking, what it is, and its pros and cons. With online influencers and fitness professionals promoting DIY biology, it can be difficult to uncover what lifestyle changes will actually bring health benefits and what changes are simply unreasonable to pursue in one's daily life. With their background in health and nutrition, Alex and Meredith try to uncover what is myth and what is fact, and what you can realistically start doing to improve your health today.— Authenticity + Dealing with Hate Comments— DIY Biology— Biohacking: Extreme Dieting, Fasting, Cold Plunging, Infrared Light, Sunlight, Blue Light, Sleep, Heat Exposure, Food Exclusion, Caffeine— The Promise of Longevity + Instant Gratification— Dave Asprey and Bulletproof Coffee— Andrew Huberman and the Huberman Lab Podcast— Basic Lifestyle Choices for Better Health— The Psychological Component to Health— Alcohol and Health— Building and Keeping Community — Auditing TimeResources Mentioned in This Episode:Chelsea Handler Handles Misogynistic Fox News Pundits Exercising for Longevity with Peter AttiaNational Geographic's "Limitless" with Chris Hemsworth────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Lynsey Martin is a competitive CrossFit Athlete with a B.S. in Biological Science and over 6 years of personal training experience. As a head coach at Tactic Functional Nutrition, Lynsey strives to teach all her clients how to optimally fuel their activity without cutting out the foods they love. Alongside Alex and Meredith, Lynsey comes back to the podcast to discuss one of the biggest things that she has changed her mind on since becoming a nutrition coach: Reverse Dieting. Together, they explore this "diet after the diet", what it is and what it isn't, and the nutritional science behind it.— The Science Behind Reverse Dieting— Earning Your Right to Diet — RED-S and Reverse Dieting— Dieting for Bodybuilding— Caloric Intake: Deficit, Maintenance— Starvation Mode— Metabolic Rate— MATADOR (Minimising Adaptive Thermogenesis And Deactivating Obesity Rebound) Diet— Compliance, Tracking, and Weight Loss— The Psychological Effect of Reverse DietingResources Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Lynsey on InstagramLynsey's Personal WebsiteLynsey's StoryAfternoon Snack Episode, "The Reality of Set Point Theory"Afternoon Snack Episode, "Lynsey Martin on Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)""Reverse Dieting - The Diet after the Diet" (Note: This article is slightly outdated as Lynsey's thoughts on this have changed)"Reverse Dieting: Hype Versus Evidence" by Eric Trexler"Lessons from the Classic Minnesota Starvation Experiment" from the National Library of Medicine"Persistent Metabolic Adaptation 6 Years After 'The Biggest Loser' Competition" from the National Library of Medicine────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

In Part Two of our special Valentine's Day Two-Part Series, Alex and Meredith continue to answer listener's questions about their marriage and relationship. In Part One, Alex and Meredith opened up about their attachment styles, fights, and their time in therapy. In a continuation of this peek into their lives together, they share their different love languages, how they deal with being competitive towards one another, what it's like to work from home in a business they created together, and what their biggest pet peeves about each other are.— Love Languages— Ego and Competition with Each Other— Balancing Fitness Goals and Time Together— Juggling Boundaries with Business, Coaching, and Romance— Jealousy— Friendships in Same-Sex Relationships— Pet Peeves— Household Roles— ChildrenResources Mentioned in This Episode:NASA Tampon ScandalChelsea Handler's Netflix Special, "Revolution"────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

In this extra-special Valentine's Day Two-Part series, Alex and Meredith get very real about their relationship. They reveal how the adults in their youth never really modeled what healthy relationships look like and how, even after therapy, it's still something that they're working through in their marriage. They also touch on the unique difficulties they've faced in a same-sex marriage, how their attachment styles differ, what they fight about, and the small things that they love about one another.— Feelings About Valentine's Day + Galentine's Day— Personal Struggles in Relationships— What Relationships Are Really Like— Being in a Same-Sex Marriage— What Causes + Resolves Arguments — Alone Time— Therapy and Couples Counseling — Hyper-arousal vs. HypoarousalResources Mentioned in This Episode:Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment by Amir Levine and Rachel HellerBrandi Carlile - Party Of One (Official Video)────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our Services Learn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

Ellen di Dia has a B.S. in Nutrition with a concentration in Public Health, and is a new coach at Tactic Functional Nutrition. After battling years of disordered eating where she under-ate and binged, Ellen became a nutrition and fitness coach to help others with whatever issues they may be facing. She takes us through her journey as a student athlete struggling with disordered binge eating, to her bodybuilding experience, and what led her to joining the team at Tactic.— Being a Student Athlete— Disordered Eating: Binge Eating— Diet Culture— Women in Media— Aging— Bodybuilding, Depletion, and Being Lean— Habit Tracking— Our Cats + SuperpowersResources Mentioned in This Episode:Ellen's IG @elellengracefit────────────────────────────Want to work with Tactic Functional Nutrition? Check Out Our ServicesLearn More About Us Here and be sure to follow Tactic Nutrition on IG!Stay in the loop with us by signing up for our email list!

In this final self produced episode, Alex and Meredith reminisce about some of their finer (or not) moments and important lessons learned. This episode has no theme or takeaway other than to make you laugh and shepherd us all into the next phase of the show. Enjoy!

In this episode, Alex and Meredith discuss the mental and physical changes they have experienced since retiring from CrossFit competition. Topics discussed include enjoyment of training, body image, and unfair comparison and how those changes have impacted their relationship and business.

Wow this has been a summer to remember. This episode has no theme other than catching everyone up on our life changes including the wedding, mini honeymoon complete with honeymoon drama, and the newest addition to our family: Rue. We hope you enjoy this one!

In this episode, Alex discusses some of her more embarrassing moments and touches on the shame that still exists in the LGBTQ world.

In this episode, Alex and Meredith talk about three very common misconceptions in the fitness and nutrition industry and how this type of misinformation prevents people from getting as healthy or as strong as they can.

In this episode, Meredith and Alex discuss the downsides of attaching timelines to goals and how they can actually hinder achievement.

In this episode, Tactic coach and recipe #queen Jill Kerslake joins the show to talk about her history with nutrition and macro tracking, how to manage long slow progress, and why you should consider putting cauliflower in your oatmeal (for real). Tons of tid-bits and takeaways in this episode that you don't want to miss!