Back to Basics: Removing the confusion around Health, Diet, Energy and Performance

By Arron Daniels

This book is a no-nonsense approach to all things health and fitness related.
I will not bore you with boring, unnecessary or irrelevant details to improving your health, energy, immune system , performance or fitness but instead give you clear cut instructions in laymen terms that are simple, easy to understand and you can begin implementing immediately.
Whether you are a professional athlete or complete beginner I guarantee there will be something beneficial in these pages :)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781447793670

Book preview

Disclaimer:

Please keep in mind that all opinions expressed in this book are solely my own. While I have extensive experience as a fitness professional and have helped hundreds of clients, I am not a physician, nutritionist or dietician. All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not intended if you are a minor, are pregnant or have any type of medical or health condition. Information provided throughout does not substitute for medical advice

Introduction and why I know I can help anyone achieve their physical goals:

I’ve been a personal trainer for almost 11 years now. I’ve been a competitive martial artist my entire life. I’ve been obsessed with achieving the most optimal results in both of these categories and it has been my obsession since a very young age. I’ve competed professionally in mixed martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and various striking/grappling arts. I’ve trained with professional athletes. I’ve chatted with their nutritionists and attended their workshops and courses.

I’ve delved into the fields of physical training, nutrition, martial arts, performance, weight cutting, recovery, personal training, lifestyle optimisation and through thousands of hours of workshops, reading, podcasts, audiobooks, working gym floors and working with hundreds of people from every walk of life – it’s safe to say I’ve picked up multiple nuggets of golden knowledge and want to share them with you here

Why?

This book is a no nonsense approach to nutrition and will clear up all of that mental and emotional clutter you have around food and health.

Feel free to pick a chapter that you feel applies to you and your specific situation..... although I would recommend a read all the way through for the entire picture.

I sincerely hope you find value in the following pages and please don’t skim read anything that has the potential to help you improve your health, lifestyle and relationship to food 😉

My coaching philosophy:

I am the complete opposite of a sales and marketing personality. I offer every client a free consultation to discuss goals, be honest about expectations, assess their relationship to food and exercise and also like to see if we are going to be a good fit for each other or not because if we are not a good fit I will happily refer them on to someone who suits them better.

If a client is working with me for multiple years - I feel I have NOT done my job correctly. If someone is reliant on me for every workout, questioning themselves on every meal and still doesn't know how to progress their workouts or enjoy a meal guilt free -  then what the hell have we been doing for all those years?!

Many personal trainers look for the constant renewals and pretend like they have a magical bullet that the client will eventually learn and just one more block of sessions will finally get them results.

I hate this approach

I want to teach clients everything I know at the pace they are able to handle and not feel overwhelmed. They have my number and I will always reply to any question. Then we slowly begin arming them with the knowledge and tools that they don't need me (or any other trainer) ever again.

For me this is true coaching - small little tools that they arm themselves with over time:

We repeat these conversations. Sometimes we dedicate 15-20 minutes just to chat and gain mental clarity on what we are doing or what needs improving.

Then when the client is comfortable with their workouts, their diet knowledge and how to prevent their previous pitfalls - we part ways and they are armed correctly. I NEVER pressure anybody into a renewal process because I want to be a source of help and companionship. Not a drill sergeant.

Anything i've ever said to a client is within these pages - so i hope it helps you 🙂

Why is dieting so confusing?

We are being overwhelmed with mixed messages when it comes to which diet is best and most effective via social media, influencers, products, endless marketing and constant advertising.

The contradictions are laughable:

All of the above are trying to capitalize on our insecurities in order for us to purchase their product and join their way of thinking in hope that we will spread the word and they make more sales.

The more confusing part? = ALL of these diets work to some degree depending on your lifestyle, personal preferences, schedule and budget.

Lesson 1

Biological Individuality

This is a fancy way of saying Everyone is different and this is especially true in nutrition.

When you think of all the things going on in the human body and how different everyone’s lifestyle is – it is RIDICULOUS to assume that we should all be eating the same way.

Don’t allow any coach, influencer or gym bro make you feel undisciplined or not motivated enough for not adhering to a plan that doesn’t fit your your lifestyle or personal preferences

The first thing you need to establish is what works for you:

What type of meals do you love? What foods do you respond well to and feel great after eating? What foods can you not live without?

These are the questions that should determine what’s in your fridge and cupboard at home.

Make your diet fit your lifestyle and personality – not the other way around 😊

Why is dieting so hard?

Convenience Lifestyle

Our society has not got any shortage of food or convenience which makes health, fitness and fat loss all the more difficult.

Being surrounded by highly processed foods, fast food outlets, high calorie snacks and ready to eat microwave meals takes a huge chunk out of our decision making but unfortunately also takes a huge chunk out of our health and energy levels (unfortunately it also increases the odds of adding a few pounds of body fat too).

Our Western world has become extremely convenient and unfortunately a big mac can be cheaper than a lot of things in the organic section in your local shop.

Unfortunately I cannot stop the fast food outlets from branching out and expanding.

However I would invite you to ask yourself:

If you removed the majority of the sweets, takeaway coffees and meals out of your financial budget – how much money would you save if you spent it on Meats, fruits and vegetables instead?

If there is a specific section in your supermarket labeled the Healthy Section....... what the hell is everything else in the shop?

Evolutionary biology

Our bodies are still primates and operate accordingly when it comes to nutrition and diet. Your body does not care about 6 pack abs, your 1 rep max, your upcoming photo shoot or trying to look good aesthetically.

Your body only wants to survive and be healthy

This is why when you attempt extreme workouts, exercise, strict calorie protocols and yo yo diets your body will fight you on every turn.

It's not only discipline and mindset.

There is a serious physiological side to all of this.

Bad coaches and quick fix mentality

How many 6-8 week online programs have you seen on social media this past week?

How many 5 minute abs videos are there on YouTube?

How many juices/detox Teas and cleanses are out there now being endorsed by influencers and celebrities?

If you can't stick to a miserable low calorie diet and endless HIIT workouts but your coach says that's what it takes then you haven't got a coach - you have a slave driver or drill sergeant who doesn't truly care about your health

🚩 ALL ABSOLUTE NONSENSE

Here are some realities we must embrace if we want to create lasting change to our health and body:

✅ You