Strength And Scotch Podcast: Training / Nutrition / Health / Fitness / Scotch

Grant and Heavey discuss a common topic in the diet space - using cheat meals. Do they really work and help you lose weight? Or do they just end up messing your diet? Also, find out the 3 major events of the year where weight gain is at its peak. Can you guess what they are?

Grant and Heavey take a question from one of the podcast listeners, Billy G., as they try to explore the popular yet under regulated world of vitamin supplementation, which also includes the use of greens powder. You’re probably spending a lot on your vitamins and minerals (which half of Americans do), but are you really getting what you think you’re getting? Are these companies really what they claim to be?

Grant and Heavey talk about possible ways to cure a hangover. You’d probably be surprised to know what the best way to deal with it is! Listen in to find out. Plus, Grant takes a sip of Templeton Rye, which apparently has a unique and interesting history that would probably make you all the more curious to try out.

 Grant and Heavey discuss the concept behind negative calorie foods. Do they really exist? Check out these studies looking into negative calorie foods and find out if they really are effective. Meanwhile, do you have trans fats in your diet? Listen in to find out why you need to totally eradicate them!

Grant and Heavey address 3 questions from listeners around a grab bag of interesting topics like intermittent fasting, Mediterranean Paleo, and training while you’re traveling, especially in a constrained environment. Also, check out some scotch recommendations from our listeners!

Trouble sleeping? Then this episode is a must-listen! Grant and Heavey are joined by John Shegerian of Som Sleep, a sleep supplement that’s like no other in the market today. Nope, it’s not magic, but science - and natural at best. It’s vegan, non GMO, drug-free, gluten-free, non addictive, and NSF certified. As what has been repeatedly discussed on the show, sleep constitutes one of the four pillars of health. It’s something non-negotiable. Otherwise it disrupts your energy throughout the day and your health over time. You’ve got to do what it takes to get the amount you need. Get Som Sleep! (Stay until the end to learn about some great stuff John is giving away.)

There’s usually a negative stigma about seeing a therapist. Today, Grant seeks to break that stigma as he shares his experience with therapy. Last week, we got insights from a therapist, today let’s listen from the perspective of the one seeking therapy himself. Grant opens up about events that led to him to see a therapist, particularly stressing the strength involved in acknowledging that you need help and finally asking for it.

Grant and Heavey are joined by Ramzy Ayachi, Chief Learning Office of NoVa Hypnosis and Wellness. Did you now that hypnosis is actually more than just a stage trick? It's actually used for a handful of medical interventions especially if you’re thinking about quitting smoking or losing weight. But really, how effective is it? And how does it actually work? All this and more on today’s episode!

This is part II of Grant and Heavey's discussion from last week's episode (#176 -which we advise you listen to it first to better understand today's conversation). Today, they dive in depth about different training variables and how you can manipulate them for strength or size. Whether you're looking into building size or strength, this is a must-listen!

In today's episode, Grant and Heavey answer a question from a listener about whether it’s possible to increase muscle strength without necessarily gaining muscle size.  Heavey gives his take on this, specifically explaining a few of the many factors that can influence muscle strength. Listen in to also know why this month (April) is actually the best time to start your new year's resolution and how paying for gym memberships can be more effective than getting them for free. If you're really taking care of your body, check out Health IQ because they can get you the best rates.

 Grant and Heavey discuss BCAAs - what they are, their effects and whether BCAA supplementation is actually effective or not. Do you really need to take isolated BCAAs? Or would a simple whey protein supplementation be better (and cheaper)? Listen in to find out.

Grant and Heavey talk about the health benefits of chewing gum and you just might be surprised at how it has more pros than you actually think. Whether you should get into the habit of chewing gum (like Grant does) or simply just leave it to the gum lovers (Heavey hates it by the way), it’s up to you to decide.

Grant and Heavey discuss the answer to a listener's question about what metabolic damage is and whether you can repair it or not. Interestingly, the theme around all this is that sometimes you need to gain more, to lose more. Find out how this actually works!   Check out this podcast's sponsor Health IQ to get the best life insurance rates, especially if you're the person who regularly exercises and you take your health seriously. Life insurance is not fun, so don't pay more for it than you have to!

Today's episode is unique as Heavey is joined by Grant straight from the bathtub. So here's the good news: Grant is back! He's gone back to Crossfit (which Heavey thought would never happen). But he's come up with this mechanism to make sure he continues to attend. Plus, they cover a couple topics such as cycling and its role in the body’s immune system, with a focus on hydration - how much should you drink each day and other factors that affect dehydration. And whether water added to scotch is the biggest sacrilege you can do! First off, a shout out to today’s sponsor. Check out the best rates you can get on life insurance with Health IQ.

Grant and Heavey are joined by Jerred Moon, founder of two daily fitness programming companies End of Three Fitness and Garage Gym Athlete. Jerred is a coach, podcaster, and author. Today, they discuss how you can actually get started training at your own garage, how to stay motivated, and how their four different training tracks can help you. First, a special shout out to this show's sponsor HealthIQ, that offers programs for active trained athletes so they can get you the best life insurance.

In this episode, Grant and Heavey investigate whether apple cider vinegar really does have health benefits. So many good things have been said about apple cider vinegar, but are these claims backed by science?  Tune in to find out! Thanks to Health IQ for sponsoring the show today.

Grant and Heavey discuss fruit and vegetable preparation - fresh, frozen, canned - which is healthier?  Is there a difference in nutritional value?  This episode is brought to you by Health IQ.

Grant and Heavey sit down to chat about cooking methods and how they affect micronutrients, absorption and overall health:  Does grilling form carcinogens?  Is microwaving bad?  What's the best way to preserve vitamins and minerals in your food?  Tune in to hear the nitty gritty on the best ways to cook protein, fats and carbs for taste AND for your health.

Grant and Heavey are joined by Mrs. Brandon Heavey, otherwise known as Coach Nicole, as they discuss a controversial topic around training during pregnancy. Is it safe to train when you’re pregnant? If yes, what kinds of exercise can you do? What safety precautions do you need to take? First off, a shoutout to this week's sponsor, Health IQ. No matter how awful it seems, life insurance could truly make a difference in your family’s future. There's nothing worse than paying more for life insurance than you have to. Health IQ knows you should be paying less for life insurance! Visit their site to learn more about them.

With all of the data on sports science available today ー health apps, heart monitors, Apple watch, etc. ー problem is that people don’t really know how to navigate through all the data.  This and more on this episode!   Grant and Heavey are joined by Devan McConnell and Justin Roethlingshoefer. Devon is the Head Hockey Performance Coach at UMass Lowell, and Justin is the Head Strength Coach for San Diego Gulls and primary coach at the Anaheim Ducks.   Today, they talk about their book, Intent: A Practical Approach to Applied Sports Science for Athletes and how you can use data to do better in your performance physically, physiologically, and emotionally. Thanks to this week's sponsor Health IQ, that offers programs specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts so they can get the best rates and prepare for their families.