Strong & Simple Podcast

Have you seen all the new tea and smoothie *nutrition* shops popping up where you live?  These brightly colored "clean energy" drinks, candy enhanced smoothies, and stylish shops are not all what they appear to be at first glance or first visit. Join Michelle and Marissa for this super informative discussion about MLM (multi Level Marketing) nutrition shops, mlm scams and the insidiousness of...

In this minisode, Marissa explains what it means to be an anti-diet or non-diet nutrition professional. She dispels common misconceptions, such as being anti-diet meaning you can eat whatever you want, as well as more insidious disinformation, such as being anti-diet being akin to being anti-health. She also discusses the issues with diets and intentional weight loss, and the types of approaches y...

'Tis the season for summer fun, cookouts and other social events! While we might be looking forward to spending time with family and friends, especially after not seeing many for 2 years, summer cookouts can also bring up nervous feelings about food and how to enjoy ourselves when we are living in a diet-centric world. Michelle and Marissa breakdown 9 ways to navigate food at a cookout (from a non...

In the polarizing world of social media, we hear two prevailing ideas : 1. Get your body summer ready and 2. Your body is already summer ready. While we agree with number 2, this is an over simplification of a complex topic and it does take time and practice to overcome the years of brain washing and conditioning we’ve been subjected to - that you need to look a certain way in order to be deservin...

Marissa & Michelle sit down with Surabhi Veitch to talk about better standards for pregnancy and postpartum care, the changes that happen to your body during and after birth, recovering and healing from pregnancy, and the importance of going at the pace that's right for you and caring for your wellbeing postpartum.  Surabhi Veitch is the owner of The Passionate Physio, a virtual Physiothe...

In this week's minisode Marissa answers the questions: Is 1200 calories enough? How much should an adult be consuming? What happens when we eat too little? What makes an appropriate calorie deficit? And more. 

Marissa and Michelle sit down with Jen Borruso, CPT, HMS, GGS-1, a former Beachbody "coach" turned non-diet, weight neutral, size inclusive certified personal trainer, corrective exercise, and women's coaching specialist. Coach Jen is the founder of Anchor Fit Club, an online community that values compassion, empathy, & autonomy. In this episode, we discuss what led Jen to join and leave Beach...

You're excited to socialize! You can't wait for engaging conversations with friends and family - and then it happens.  Someone brings up their newest diet or "lifestyle" and that's all everyone starts to talk about. In this mini-side, Michelle discusses some simple strategies you can begin to practice implementing at your next social gathering. CW: discussion about diets Have suggestions for...

Michelle and Marissa talk body confidence with Wendy Eaton, a Body Confidence Coach, a certified group fitness instructor, and founder of WE Empower, a community focused on body acceptance and respect. Wendy discusses her journey from an eating disorder and chronic dieting to where she is now - helping other women reclaim their body confidence. We talk about how common this struggle is, the proble...

For this week's minisode, Marissa explores the question of whether sugar addiction is real, why you might feel out of control around certain foods, and some ways to feel in control around your sugary favorites.

In this episode we talk all things kettlebells: how to get started as a beginner, tips for purchasing your first kettlebell, the importance of practicing the foundational movement patterns, and myths about kettlebells that grind our gears.  Coach Damali has been working with kettlebells for a decade and truly creates a space and community that is welcoming and accessible for all folks and all...

You know you should be strength training.  You have heard all the ways it's great for your muscles, bones, joints, especially as we age and in peri-menopause and menopause..... but you are struggling to get started or stick with it. Here are 5 tips from Coach Michelle to get started and stay consistent with a strength routine!  Have questions or comments? Email us at strongandsimplepodca...

What are macros? What do we need them for? Do you need to be counting them? In this episode, Michelle and Marissa dig into the what, why, and WTF of macros.  Find Marissa's Empowered Eating Journal Here: https://wellandsimplehealth.com/shop/   Listen to our episode on Low Carb and Keto Diets here: https://strongandsimplepodcast.com/2022/03/01/have-you-ever-had-a-carb-theyre-delicious/ Qu...

It's no secret that there is a lot of toxicity and unhealthy messaging in the fitness industry. In this minisode, Marissa digs into some of the more common problematic things she's witnessed fitness instructors say and do, why these are a problem, and what to do if you've experienced them as well. 

Next in our series of MLM diet deep dives, Michelle and Marissa explore It Works! - a company known for their slimming body wraps and weight loss supplements. We discuss their various supplements from a scientific and nutritional standpoint and also dissect their business model. And there might be some poop talk involved...

In this episode, Michelle discusses a strategy she uses herself and with clients when trying to decide if a rest day is what she needs or if "just doing it" is actually in order.  So often we hear "just listen to your body" when it comes to deciding, but how do we even do that? Michelle references episode 3 with Barb Puzanovova, the non diet trainer.  You can check this out HERE or on yo...

Michelle and Marissa are joined by Gretchen Meyers, a certified personal trainer and certified Intuitive Eating Lay Facilitator, to break down what you need to know about Intuitive Eating, the ways fitness and nutrition certification programs perpetuate harmful misinformation and practices, weighing children in elementary school, and more. Find Gretchen: https://www.instagram.com/coachgretchenmeye...

In this minisode, Marissa discusses the Alkaline Diet - what is it, does it really do the things it claims to, and what are the risks? And can you really change the pH of your body by eating alkaline foods? Listen to find out. 

Shanique Allen, she/her, is a certified nutrition coach on a mission to liberate women from the obsessive pursuits and mindset of diet culture so they can nourish themselves healthily and happily. Connect with Shanique  www.instagram.com/shaniqueallen_ Disclaimer: Please note that none of the participants on this episode are licensed therapists or provide treatment for trauma or mental health...

In the fitness world many topics are polarized - mostly to be heard above the noise, because folks love to read and hear about this vs that.  Polarized content tends to get more views and clicks.  One of the topics often polarized is if strength training or cardio is better than the other.  But both are actually vital to overall health and wellness for folks integrating movement int...

Marissa sits down with Stephanie Anderson, VP of Engagement at myPersona and former HR professional, to discuss diverse bodies in the workplace, anxiety about returning to the office, inclusivity, and weight stigma and well-being in the workplace.  CW: Discussion of weight gain/loss and weight based discrimination.  About Stephanie: Stephanie graduated with a Social Work degree and start...

What's the deal with superfoods? Are they really all they're marketed to be? Do I need to learn to like kale? In this episode, Marissa breaks down what exactly makes a superfood a superfood and provides a bunch of random fun facts as well. 

On this episode we have the great pleasure to dig into all things fitness over 50 and menopause with the incredible Tina Tang, she/her, of Iron Strong Fit and Co-Founder of Straight Up Strong. Tina started her strength journey at the age of 41, discovering that training was an anchor to her life while going through a divorce.  She is passionate about supporting other women who are in (or past...

In this minisode, Marissa breaks down the myth of eating after 7 pm causing weight gain and lets you know what you may want to consider instead. 

In this episode, Michelle and Marissa take a close look at the Optavia diet breaking down what you need to know about the plans and the business.