103. How to Optimize Sleep: 5 Fixes You Can Start Tonight

In this powerful client spotlight, Daria opens up about her long-game transformation. Navigating a lipedema diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and the mental load that comes with it—while committing to a simple promise: never live above 200 pounds again. We dig into the routines and mindsets that actually stick: consistent training, protein-forward meals, community support, and self-advocacy in a confusing healthcare landscape. Daria also shares her GLP-1 experience for managing food noise, the role of coaching accountability, and how letting go of rigid expectations unlocked real momentum. If you need proof that showing up beats perfection, this is it. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Daria's Journey 02:25 The Long Game: Commitment to Health 07:21 Understanding Lipedema: A Personal Diagnosis 13:26 Choosing to Keep Moving: Overcoming Challenges 16:39 The Role of GLP-1 Medications in Weight Management 20:07 Navigating Dietary Choices with Accountability 22:09 Consistency in Lifestyle Changes 25:05 Establishing a Routine for Success 29:21 The Power of Simplicity in Nutrition 30:42 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges 33:38 Letting Go of Past Expectations 36:41 Gratitude and Reflection on the Journey

Why do some people stay consistent while others restart every Monday? In this episode, we break down the research-backed link between identity, routines, and adherence—then make it practical with six aspirational avatars you can adopt today. Choose the identity that fits your season and plug in a matching L5 Method plan across training, nutrition, mindset, movement, and habits so your choices are pre-decided and your follow-through gets easier. We cover how identity-based habits reduce decision fatigue, why implementation intentions ("if X, then I do Y") boost success, and how repetition builds automaticity you can trust on busy days. Then we unveil six done-for-you playbooks: Peak Performer (busy professional) Strong Rebuilder (postpartum) Family Champion (parent in the chaos) Longevity Lifter (40+ healthspan focus) Builder-CEO (founder/operator) Momentum Maker (sustainable fat loss starter) You'll leave with a one-page plan: pick your avatar, run the L5 quick-start protocols, write three if–then plans for your common derailers, and test it for 14 days. Consistent results come from consistent inputs—start by choosing who you are. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Identity in Consistency 11:53 Identifying with Your Season: Six Relatable Identities 24:34 Implementing Identity into Action Plans 30:09 Overcoming Common Traps in Health and Fitness

In this powerful client interview, Kir opens up about what it's like to feel overwhelmed by life—and still move forward. With guidance from a mentor, Kir learned to slow down, reflect, and recognize real progress, even when it didn't feel obvious day to day. We dig into practical mindset shifts for self-awareness, reflection, and celebrating small wins, plus how support and accountability can fast-track personal growth. You'll hear how Kir reframed "I'm not doing enough" into evidence-based progress, why acknowledging small victories fuels motivation, and simple strategies to spot momentum when life is loud. If you've been grinding without seeing results, this episode will help you zoom out, own your growth, and keep going. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Fitness Journey 01:59 Discovering Deeper Growth Beyond Fat Loss 05:54 The Shift from Perfectionism to Flexibility 10:05 Navigating Life's Challenges with Grace 13:55 Honesty in Relationships with Food and Alcohol 17:57 The Power of Tracking and Awareness 23:16 The Journey of Macro Tracking 29:05 Finding Balance: Grit and Grace 30:47 Building a Support System 38:10 Transformative Mindset Shifts 39:31 Beyond the Scale: True Progress

If your progress has flatlined and you're tempted to scrap your program, hit pause. In this episode, we show you how to diagnose a training or fat-loss plateau and make one targeted adjustment that gets momentum back fast—no overhaul required. You'll get a simple plateau audit (food, sleep, stress, intensity, movement), a tweak vs. trust decision tool so you know when to adjust and when to ride it out, and tiny changes that create big shifts in 7–14 days—like smarter carb timing, a single back-off set, or adding 1,000 steps to your daily average. Perfect for busy lifters, runners, and parents who want progress without burning down what's already working. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Plateaus in Fitness 11:22 The Five Point Plateau Audit 30:54 Decision-Making for Progress

Gratitude isn't fluff—it's a neural training tool. In this episode, we break down how a simple daily gratitude practice drives neuroplasticity (neural elasticity) to calm your nervous system and sharpen your mind. You'll learn how gratitude strengthens the prefrontal cortex, softens the amygdala's alarm, improves memory recall via the hippocampus, and reduces rumination in the Default Mode Network—with real-world benefits like lower cortisol, better HRV, deeper sleep, and steadier mood. We walk you through a 10-minute protocol you can start tonight (breath, specific recall, short journaling, optional message to someone you appreciate), plus easy anchors to make it stick. Expect practical demos, measurable ways to track progress over 14 days, and simple cues to deploy "appreciation on demand" when stress hits. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Gratitude 05:12 Understanding Neuroplasticity 08:20 The Science Behind Gratitude 13:59 Toxic Positivity vs. Authentic Gratitude 19:45 Practical Gratitude Protocols

Sick of calorie math? In this episode, we show you how to build a balanced plate without tracking macros using one simple rule: Protein + Plant at every meal. You'll learn an eyeball portion guide for steady energy and satiety, plug-and-play meal templates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a grocery staples list to make it automatic all week. Perfect for busy people who want better recovery, fewer cravings, and sustainable fat loss—without turning food into a full-time job. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Balanced Eating 04:50 Navigating Holiday Eating 10:03 Transitioning from Tracking to Intuitive Eating 15:27 Building Balanced Meals with Ease 19:44 The Power of Fiber and Gut Health 23:08 Portion Control and Satiety Awareness 25:54 Quick and Easy Meal Templates 29:43 The Importance of Meal Repetition 33:13 Caloric Awareness in Meal Preparation 38:04 Strategies for Effective Caloric Management

In this candid client interview, Angie shares how she broke free from perfectionism in nutrition and built real confidence with her food choices—while juggling life as a busy parent. We talk about flexible dieting without obsession, eating out without guilt, and why progress comes from mindful choices, not rigid rules. You'll hear how she balances family schedules with sustainable habits, what finally ended the "start over Monday" cycle, and how tracking can be a tool—not a trap. Perfect for anyone ready to replace all-or-nothing thinking with practical routines that actually fit real life. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Angie's Journey to Rebuilding Trust 02:56 Transitioning from Past Coaching Experiences 06:01 Embracing a New Training Philosophy 08:38 The Shift in Mindset and Results 11:44 Finding Balance in Fitness and Life 15:19 Overcoming Perfectionism in Nutrition 18:09 The Importance of Enjoying the Process 21:16 Navigating Life as a Busy Mom 24:24 The Power of Coaching Relationships 28:08 Final Thoughts on Growth and Consistency

Tired, wired, and waking up groggy? This episode breaks sleep down into five fixes you can start tonight to boost deep sleep, recovery, and next-day energy—without gadgets or a 17-step routine. We explain why poor sleep stalls fat loss and performance, then walk you through exactly how to improve circadian rhythm, reduce night-time alertness, and wake up actually rested. Plus, you'll learn the 5 simple fixes you can implement TONIGHT for better sleep.. Perfect for busy parents, shift workers, and anyone training hard who needs better recovery—fast. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Sleep Improvement 01:50 The Importance of Exercise and Self-Care 07:15 The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health 16:32 Actionable Sleep Fixes 24:42 Aging and Self-Perception 25:50 Sleep Hygiene: The Importance of Light 28:11 Caffeine and Sleep: Timing Matters 30:14 Temperature Control for Better Sleep 34:40 Creating a Wind Down Routine 36:48 Consistency in Sleep Patterns 38:22 Supplements and Sleep: What Works? 40:43 Final Thoughts on Sleep Improvement

Overwhelmed by all the rules of fitness? You're not alone—and it's probably holding you back. In this episode, we strip away the noise and break fitness down into just 4 simple pillars anyone can follow: nutrition, exercise, movement, and sleep. No overthinking. No overhauls. Just real, doable starting points. We walk through what actually matters (hint: it's not cold plunges or macros to the decimal), like how to build a better plate, how much training you really need, and how to stop making movement and recovery so complicated. If you've ever felt paralyzed by too much information or perfectionism, this episode is your reset button. Let's make fitness simple again—and actually stick to it. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fitness and Overcoming Overwhelm 02:06 The Importance of Starting Small 06:00 Sleep: The Foundation of Health 10:55 Movement: Breaking the Sedentary Cycle 15:19 Nutrition: Building Blocks for Health 20:41 Conclusion: Consistency Over Perfection

In this powerful client spotlight episode, Kara shares her journey from exhaustion and loss to strength, confidence, and lasting change. What started as a decision to prioritize her health turned into a transformation that impacted her entire family. With the support of coaching, Kara learned how to advocate for her own well-being, set better boundaries, and make small, consistent choices that led to massive results.  This episode is a reminder that true transformation isn't just about fat loss or food tracking—it's about reclaiming your energy, your confidence, and your life. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Empowering Transformations: Kara's Journey 03:22 Prioritizing Health: A Personal Awakening 05:55 Finding Balance: Carving Out Time for Self-Care 09:11 Family Involvement: Movement as a Shared Experience 12:24 Navigating Health Challenges: The Transition to Coach Courtney 15:03 Self-Advocacy: Taking Control of Health 17:39 The Ripple Effect: Influencing Family Health 20:32 Building Healthy Habits: The Basics of Nutrition 24:21 The Power of Coaching: Investing in Yourself 26:44 Resilience and Recovery: Embracing Change 29:39 Conclusion: The Journey Continues