Truth Talks

If you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of losing weight, regaining it, and starting over again… you’re not alone. Yo-yo dieting is one of the most common — and frustrating — patterns we see in fitness and nutrition. In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down why yo-yo dieting happens, why it’s not a willpower problem, and how you can finally stop repeating the cycle. This conversation goes be...

2025 was a year of transformation for Truth Body Systems — and we’re taking a moment to reflect on everything that made it so special. In this final episode of the year, we celebrate the big shifts, milestones, and moments of growth that shaped our team, our community, and our own personal journeys. From bringing Courtney on full-time and welcoming Steve to the coaching team, to expanding our abil...

In this client interview episode of Truth Talks , we sit down with Rachel C. to hear how her fitness journey led her to strength training and all the benefits it unlocked. From kickstarting her goals and building consistent habits, to overcoming gym intimidation and busting myths about women and strength training, Rachel shares the strategies, mindsets, and experiences that helped her achieve her...

Holiday meals can bring out a lot more than good food — they can bring old patterns, expectations, and comments like “It’s the holidays!” , “One bite won’t kill you,” or “I made it with love!” In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down why these moments feel emotionally charged and how to handle them without abandoning your goals or your joy. We explore the real triggers behind food pushing and...

Dining out doesn’t have to derail your progress — but it’s not always as simple as picking a “healthy” menu item. In this episode of Truth Talks, we dive into why eating out can feel tricky, from hidden calories and oversized portions to social pressure and indulgence mindset. We share practical strategies for planning ahead, navigating menus, and making choices at the restaurant that keep you on...

In this special client interview episode, Coach Parris chats with Eric, a first-time men’s physique competitor, about his competition prep and experience stepping on stage. Eric shares what it was really like preparing for Summer Shredding Toronto 2025, his very first show in August 2025. He opens up about embracing the daily process, navigating the tougher moments, staying connected to his suppor...

Why does weight gain feel so different during menopause and mid-life — and what’s actually behind these changes? In this episode of Truth Talks, Courtney is joined by Dr. Daiana Castleman, ND & Menopause Society Certified Practitioner , to break down the REAL science behind menopause, body composition, and managing fat loss during this transition. We discuss what Dr. Castleman sees every day i...

Curious if fitness trackers are actually helpful for your fitness goals — or just another over-hyped gadget? In this episode of Truth Talks, we dive into the real value of wearable tech for your fitness journey. From step counts to sleep tracking, we explore how fitness trackers can help you monitor behaviours, stay accountable, and gamify your goals — but we also explore where they fall short, in...

Men’s mental health in fitness needs more attention - and we want to talk about the current realities. In this Movember 2025 special episode of Truth Talks, we explore how men can balance their physique goals and self-efficacy with healthy emotions and positive self-perception in today’s fitness culture. We discuss using fitness as a tool for mental health, navigating muscular dysmorphia, managing...

Ever step on the scale and see your weight spike overnight — and immediately panic? You're not alone. In this episode of Truth Talks , we break down why your weight can fluctuate day-to-day, what factors influence those changes, and how to interpret the numbers without stress or panic in the future. We cover the main factors behind scale weight fluctuations , including the impact of water rete...

Wondering if creatine really helps with muscle growth, strength, or performance? Here’s what the science says. In this episode of Truth Talks , we’re breaking down everything you need to know about creatine — one of the most well-studied and effective performance supplements in fitness. From what creatine is and how it works, to who benefits most and what to expect when taking it, this episode cov...

Most people overestimate how much workouts impact fat loss — we're unpacking what actually drives results and where your workouts fit in. A lot of people join the gym when their goal is fat loss. And while we love the gym, the truth is you don’t need one to see progress. In this episode of Truth Talks, we’re breaking down whether you can actually lose fat with home workouts — and what matters...

Think you need a gym to build muscle? Not necessarily. If you're training at home or with limited equipment, your workouts can still be effective. In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down how muscle growth really works — and how many people can still make meaningful progress training from home with limited equipment. We walk through the three core principles of muscle growth — training in...

Protein powder has become THE go-to fitness nutrition supplement - but do you actually NEED protein powder to build muscle? In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down what protein powder really is, how powders and shakes can make hitting your daily protein goals easier, and the practical benefits of using protein supplements for your muscle-building and physique goals. We also cover when protei...

Meal plans are everywhere in the fitness world — but do they actually work for weight loss, fat loss, or achieving your long-term fitness goals? In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down the research on on rigid dieting vs flexible dieting to answer whether or not meal plans work for fat loss. We also dive into the practical challenges of meal plans that make long-term adherence difficult — th...

Curious about mini cuts and whether they can help you reach your physique and muscle-building goals? In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down this strategic fat loss phase and explain why it's a valuable tool for more advanced lifters and physique-focused individuals. They’re not crash diets, and they’re different from long-term fat loss phases - they’re a tool to mitigate body fat gain in a...

Feel like weekends ruin your fitness progress? You’re not alone — one of the most common struggles on a fitness journey is staying consistent when Saturday and Sunday roll around. From higher-calorie meals and drinks to disrupted sleep and less structure, weekends can feel like they undo all the effort you put in during the week. In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down how weekends impact yo...

Trying to figure out the best post-workout meal? In this episode, we break down the truth about post-workout nutrition — timing, macronutrient priorities, the role of protein, why carbs matter, and how it all fits into your bigger fitness goals. Whether you’re training for fat loss, muscle gain, or just want to maximize recovery, this episode will help you simplify your post-workout routine and re...

Wondering what to eat before you hit the gym? In this episode, we break down pre-workout nutrition for resistance training — including which macros matter most, how meal timing changes what you should eat, and real-life examples based on when you train (morning, mid-day, or evening). Whether your goal is building muscle, fat loss, or simply performing your best in the gym, we’ll help you understan...

Wondering if increasing your weights in the gym is enough to grow muscle? It's part of the muscle building equation, but it's not everything. In this episode of Truth Talks, we discuss how the weight you lift relates to muscle growth and why other training variables matter too. We break down the concept of progressive overload and how muscles adapt to stimulus to grow. Whether you’re looki...

Confused about whether free weights or machines are better for building muscle, improving strength, or hitting your fitness goals? In this episode of Truth Talks, we break down the pros and cons of free weights vs machines and discuss how we build training programs that maximize the benefits both. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your resistance training program, this epi...

Struggling with hunger while dieting? Learn how to stay fuller for longer, eat smarter, and stop second-guessing your food choices. In this episode of Truth Talks, we unpack what really drives hunger, how to manage it without suffering, and why your approach might need more strategy — not more willpower. Whether you're in a longer fat loss phase, mini cut phase, or just wondering how to feel m...

Caught between cutting and bulking? There’s a third phase no one talks about enough — and it might be the missing piece in your fitness journey. If you’ve been stuck in cycles of yo-yo dieting, constantly chasing fat loss without lasting results, or unsure what to do when you're not in a cut or a bulk, this episode breaks down why a maintenance phase might be exactly what you need. In this epi...

Pre-workout supplements promise more energy, better performance, and an unmatched pump — but how much of that is actually backed by science? In this episode, we’re breaking down three main claims behind pre-workouts and evaluating the ingredients that are commonly used to support them. From caffeine and creatine to beta-alanine, citrulline, and nootropics — we’re digging into what actually works,...

Vacation season is officially here — but that doesn’t mean your fitness goals need to take a back seat. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest mindset and strategy hurdles: how to enjoy your trip while still feeling on track in your fitness journey. Whether you're heading to the cottage, flying to Europe, or taking a weekend road trip, we break down how to navigate vacation without gui...