238: Using Stress to Thrive

The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠Enroll TODAY⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠Learn more HERE⁠. The Total Fitness Program combines Core & Floor, Muscles & Mindset, Advanced Strength Training, Yoga, and Meditation to give you the ultimate mind and body fitness experience over 12 months. Enroll HERE. The Fit Collective™ is an Affiliate with InBody, USA and Canadian divisions. Click HERE to receive a 15% discount off the H20 and H30 models. Please note, we do receive a small referral commission. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ Subscribe to The Muscles and Mindset Podcast on ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcasts In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky delves into the world of meal prep, sharing practical strategies and tips to help busy individuals streamline their meal planning and preparation. She begins with a brief update on her recent family trip to Disney World, where she found a surprising sense of relaxation and stress relief. This sets the stage for the main topic: making meal prep manageable and enjoyable. Key Points Discussed: Personal Update: Dr. Novitsky shares her recent Thanksgiving trip to Disney World. She discusses how Disney World, despite its reputation for being stressful, was a relaxing experience for her. She mentions her family&\#x27;s plans to return to Disney World in January and for spring break. Introduction to Meal Prep: Dr. Novitsky expresses her initial dislike for meal prep and the reasons behind it. She highlights the benefits of meal prep, such as saving time and ensuring balanced meals. Batch Protein Process: Dr. Novitsky introduces the concept of batch prepping proteins as a cornerstone of efficient meal prep. She details a two-week process where participants prep three proteins each week (e.g., chicken, steak, shrimp) and use them in various recipes. She shares her personal experience with this method, noting significant savings on grocery bills and reduced meal prep time. Meal Prep Strategies: Strategy 1: Batch prep proteins and store them in glass containers to maintain freshness. Strategy 2: Mix and match veggies and complex carbs to create diverse meals. Strategy 3: Make extra portions for dinner to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Strategy 4: Utilize the Crock-Pot for easy, set-it-and-forget-it meals. Strategy 5: Prepare overnight oats for a quick, nutritious breakfast. Strategy 6: Plan for a mid-afternoon mini-meal to avoid excessive hunger before dinner. Strategy 7: Repurpose restaurant leftovers into new meals. Strategy 8: Purchase prepped proteins from meal services if you prefer not to prep them yourself. Strategy 9: Consider meal subscription services for convenience. Strategy 10: Emphasize that meal prep doesn&\#x27;t have to be perfect; it&\#x27;s about making the best decisions you can. Additional Resources: Dr. Novitsky announces a free download: "One Protein, Seven Lunches" guide, designed for busy people to ensure they have high-protein, nutritious lunches every day. She mentions the ongoing enrollment for Transform 9.0, a program designed to help individuals with their meal prep and nutrition goals. Conclusion: Dr. Novitsky encourages listeners to try out these meal prep strategies and see which ones work best for them. She reminds them that meal prep should be fun, easy, and adaptable to their lifestyle. Perfection is not the goal; making the next best decision for health and well-being is.

SUMMARY: In this week’s episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky, MD, shares her excitement as her family prepares for their first Thanksgiving trip to Disney. As the holiday season approaches, she shifts the focus from typical New Year’s resolutions to something more meaningful: tracking progress, particularly in relation to muscle mass and body composition. Dr. Novitsky introduces the concept of sarcopenia, the natural loss of muscle mass that begins around age 30, and highlights the importance of maintaining muscle as we age. She discusses the InBody Scale, a tool that has transformed her approach to health and fitness by shifting the conversation from mere fat loss to muscle maintenance and gain. She explains how the InBody Scale provides a more comprehensive understanding of body composition compared to traditional scales or even DEXA scans. She had been promoting The InBody for years without any affiliation due to its transformative impact on understanding body composition. Unlike traditional scales that focus solely on weight, the InBody Scale provides a comprehensive breakdown of muscle mass, fat percentage, and other key metrics, empowering users to track their progress in a meaningful way. InBody Scale has become an essential tool in her coaching and programs, shifting the focus from weight loss to strength building, muscle maintenance, and overall health improvement - and just recently, she became an affiliate with them (the only product that she is an affiliate with as of the publishing of this podcast). If you’re ready to take control of your health in a smarter, more effective way, the InBody Scale could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Use the code: TheFitCollective to get 15% off an InBody Scan. Throughout the episode, Dr. Novitsky offers insights on how to effectively use the InBody Scale, emphasizing the importance of consistency in measurements and understanding the data it provides. She also outlines her approach to setting realistic and healthy goal weights based on individual body composition rather than arbitrary numbers. As the episode concludes, Dr. Novitsky invites listeners to join her Transform 9.0 program - enrollment begins on December 1st. This program focuses on emotional regulation, nutrition, and strength training, offering valuable resources for high-performing women and physicians. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Family Plans for Disney 00:01:20 - The Importance of Tracking Progress 00:02:02 - Understanding Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss 00:03:16 - Evaluating Muscle Mass and Body Composition 00:03:27 - The InBody Scale: A Game Changer 00:05:40 - Comparing InBody to DEXA Scans 00:07:30 - Using InBody for Body Composition Tracking 00:09:05 - Why Traditional Scales Are Not Enough 00:10:10 - Understanding Goal Weights 00:12:07 - How to Use InBody Effectively 00:13:12 - Frequency and Timing for InBody Measurements 00:14:40 - The Importance of Muscle Mass vs. Body Fat 00:18:02 - Setting Realistic Fat Loss Goals 00:20:42 - Evaluating Skeletal Muscle Mass for Women 00:21:27 - Evaluating Skeletal Muscle Mass for Men 00:22:48 - Determining Your Goal Weight 00:24:28 - The Role of InBody in Long-Term Health 00:25:50 - Conclusion and Call to Action RESOURCES: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

SUMMARY: In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky shares her recent experience attending the Taylor Swift concert in Toronto, describing it as a magical event filled with positivity and energy. Following the concert, she and her family visited Niagara Falls and spent quality time with her parents, which added to the joy of the trip. The main focus of the episode revolves around Dr. Novitsky's reflections on her past, prompted by the discovery of her old diaries by her 10-year-old daughter while visiting Dr. Ali's childhood home. She candidly discusses the negative self-talk she engaged in during her younger years, particularly regarding her body image and weight struggles. Through painful excerpts from her diaries, she reveals how she meticulously logged her food and exercise while criticizing herself for not meeting unrealistic expectations. Dr. Novitsky recounts her transformative journey that began when she was accepted into medical school at the age of 22. This pivotal moment inspired her to take better care of herself, leading her to abandon obsessive weighing and tracking of her food. As a result, she developed a healthier relationship with her body and food, ultimately losing weight and finding her authentic self. Throughout the episode, Dr. Novitsky emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own story and the growth that can emerge from it. She encourages listeners to embrace their journeys, no matter how challenging. Additionally, she introduces her upcoming TRANSFORM program, designed to help individuals overcome emotional eating and cultivate healthier habits. The program will feature live sessions, new tools, and a supportive community, inviting listeners to join her on this transformative path. Dr. Novitsky expresses her gratitude for her audience and looks forward to sharing more insights in future episodes. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Concert Experience 00:01:00 - The Power of Positivity 00:02:00 - Family Time and Connection 00:02:30 - Dear Diary: Reflecting on the Past 00:03:30 - Negative Self-Talk and Its Impact 00:05:00 - Journey of Self-Discovery 00:06:30 - The Shift in Mindset 00:08:00 - Reading the Diaries: A Painful Reflection 00:10:00 - Emotional Dysregulation and Overeating 00:11:30 - The Turning Point: Medical School 00:13:00 - Finding Balance and Authenticity 00:14:30 - The Role of Relationships in Growth 00:16:00 - Navigating Challenges and Relapse 00:17:30 - Embracing Change and New Beginnings 00:19:00 - The Journey to Purpose 00:20:30 - Transform Program Announcement 00:22:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action RESOURCES: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

Introduction This week’s episode focuses on embracing body acceptance, drawing from recent experiences and insights. Dr. Ali Novitsky shares her inspiration from attending two transformative conferences in Dallas: the Lead Her Summit by Dr. Tiffany Moon and the Pediatric CEO Intensive with Dr. Katrina Skinner. Over a packed 48 hours, she delivered five talks and one workout, surrounded by remarkable women who left her energized and inspired. Main Topic: Embracing Body Acceptance Beginning with a personal story, Dr. Novitsky highlights the importance of recognizing when one is living in their most authentic body and embracing that state. For those who feel they are not yet there, she offers compassionate advice on how to love and accept their current selves while working toward meaningful change. Personal Journey Dr. Novitsky shares her journey with body image, tracing back to her childhood struggles with weight and the negative comments that shaped her self-view. She discusses triggers related to body image, such as difficulties with dress shopping, and recounts how a positive shopping experience with her friend Stacy at Edith’s in Philly helped her navigate these challenges. Body Transformation and Acceptance Reflecting on her significant weight loss at 22 and its impact on her body composition, Dr. Novitsky acknowledges that even while living in her most authentic body, old triggers can resurface. She emphasizes the importance of loving one’s body at every stage, treating it with kindness and respect regardless of its current form. External Judgments and Internal Strength Dr. Novitsky recounts a recent incident where someone commented on her body, triggering old insecurities. She explains how she reframed the experience, understanding that external judgments often reflect others’ perspectives rather than personal truths. She underscores the value of not internalizing such comments and embracing one’s unique traits. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Body Acceptance00:01:57 - Authenticity and Body Compassion00:03:00 - Negative Body Experiences00:04:04 - Personal Story: Overweight Childhood00:05:08 - Dress Shopping Triggers00:06:12 - Loving Your Body Now00:07:05 - Deciding Not to Trade Your Body00:08:00 - Positive Body Attributes00:09:05 - Varicose Veins and Confidence00:10:29 - Wearing Mini Skirts at 4400:11:12 - Overcoming Negative Body Talk00:12:00 - Embracing Physical Appearance00:13:00 - Body Composition and Self-Acceptance00:14:15 - External Comments and Self-Explanation00:16:00 - Compassion and Understanding00:17:03 - Explaining Body Differences to Children00:18:18 - Reflecting on External Judgments00:19:01 - Confidence in the 40s00:20:04 - Body Types and Acceptance00:21:09 - Evaluating Body from an Internal Perspective00:22:14 - Honoring Unique Traits00:23:30 - Celebrating Body Parts You Love00:24:41 - Personal Physical Attributes00:25:54 - Breastfeeding Challenges00:26:38 - Emotional Regulation Through Movement00:27:02 - Honoring Body Desires00:28:05 - Program Offerings and Conclusion Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

Summary: In this festive and insightful episode of the "Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast," Dr. Ali Novitsky dives into the season of gratitude and growth, kicking things off with a warm welcome to listeners and a personal story about Thanksgiving. As a major Thanksgiving enthusiast, Ali shares a special memory from her medical residency days—particularly the one year she had all three major holidays off after the birth of her daughter, Charlotte. This year, she’s excited to be celebrating Thanksgiving at Disney with her family, adding a sprinkle of holiday magic. Ali then introduces her much-anticipated January program, Transform 9.0, with an exclusive Black Friday bonus. Those who enroll early can participate in a two-week December bootcamp focused on emotional regulation—a key to breaking cycles of emotional eating and drinking. Ali has designed a unique 14-day mocktail menu to keep things festive, and her husband, a psychiatrist, will lend his expertise on the pathways of addiction. Together, they aim to help participants recognize the link between emotional habits and addictive behaviors. Dr. Ali explains how recognizing signs of stress and dysregulation is the first step toward transforming habits like doom scrolling, emotional eating, or drinking. Ali shares her own experiences with these habits, from phone addiction to the impact of occasional drinking, and describes how understanding her emotional triggers has helped her make healthier choices. Listeners get practical advice for overcoming unwanted habits: recognize dysregulation, identify the underlying emotion, and avoid reactions or distractions. Ali highlights the power of sitting with one’s emotions for just 90 seconds, which can dramatically reduce their intensity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Thanksgiving Memories00:00:49 - Family and Maternity Leave00:01:41 - Black Friday and Transform 9.0 Announcement00:03:17 - Emotional Regulation and Addiction Pathways00:04:11 - Specialist Introduction: Brenda Winkle00:04:45 - Today's Topic: Overcoming Unwanted Habits00:06:11 - Dysregulation and Emotional Responses00:07:14 - Four Quadrant Rule of Emotional Responses00:08:29 - Genetic Predisposition to Emotional Eating00:09:12 - Personal Example: Phone Usage and Connection00:10:50 - Breaking Habits and Addiction Pathways00:11:31 - Personal Example: Instagram and Connection00:12:43 - Authentic Connection vs. Social Media00:13:36 - Stories We Tell Ourselves00:14:19 - Personal Example: Alcohol and Fun00:15:48 - Cutting Alcohol and Introducing Mocktails00:17:01 - Mocktail Recipes and Benefits00:18:07 - Emotional Eating and Residency Stress00:19:52 - Breaking the Pattern of Emotional Eating00:21:06 - Challenging Urges and Emotional Intensity00:23:03 - Process of Overcoming Habits00:25:07 - Program Offerings Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024.  Learn more and join the waitlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

Part III of The Stress Series w/ Dr. Ali Novitsky, MD – Obesity Medicine Expert and Exercise Guru Finding Your Thrive Zone - Stress Management for Optimal Productivity In this empowering episode of Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset, Dr. Ali Novitsky explores a fresh perspective on stress. Instead of viewing stress as a burden, she dives into how it can be harnessed as a tool for growth and resilience. Sharing personal insights, practical strategies, and science-backed advice, Dr. Ali walks listeners through how to turn stress into a powerful ally for thriving in both body and mind. Key Takeaways: Shift Your Mindset Around Stress: Not all stress is bad. By viewing it as a tool, we can transform stress into a positive force that helps us grow. Leverage Physical and Mental Strategies: Practical tools like exercise, mindfulness, and controlled breathing can help us navigate stress effectively and enhance resilience. Personalize Your Stress Management Plan: Each person's stress response is unique. By tailoring your approach, you can better manage stress in a way that fits your life. Embrace Stress as a Part of Life: Rather than avoiding stress, embracing and learning to manage it can lead to greater mental clarity, improved health, and a more balanced life. Dr. Ali Novitsky highly recommends revisiting all three parts of this stress series to fully grasp the concepts and apply them to your life. She encourages listeners to reflect on their own stress levels and find their optimal zones for productivity and rest. Timestamps: 00:00:05 - Introduction and Retreat Recap00:00:47 - Stress Zones for Productivity00:01:08 - Optimal Stress Levels00:01:39 - Perception of Stress00:02:11 - Embracing Productive Stress00:02:32 - Pool Heater Example00:03:03 - Managing Stress Levels00:03:14 - Identifying Stress Symptoms00:03:57 - Productivity Zone Behaviors00:05:01 - Sarcasm as a Productivity Indicator00:05:33 - Restlessness and Exiting Productivity Zone00:06:28 - Dysregulation at High Stress Levels00:07:10 - Impact of High Stress on Productivity00:07:31 - Addressing Stress in Others00:08:14 - Transitioning to Rest Zone00:08:57 - De-escalating Stress for Vacation00:09:38 - Non-Optimal Stress Levels00:10:22 - Leadership and Team Stress00:11:05 - Communication and Team Dynamics00:12:00 - Summary of Stress Management00:13:05 - Recommendations for Stress Trilogy00:13:47 - Upcoming Webinar on GLP-100:14:40 - Upcoming Podcast Series on Nutrition Strategy00:15:02 - Transform 9.0 Program and Other Offerings Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024.  Learn more and join the waitlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

Episode II of The Stress Series: The Somatic Stress Scale Explained - How to Identify and Manage Your Stress  Hello, everyone! It's fantastic to be back this week as we dive into the next part of our series on stress. In our first episode, we explored the physiological response to stress and discussed how stress itself isn't inherently bad. However, too much stress can lead to negative physiological responses. Today, we're going to delve deeper into managing stress by introducing a powerful tool: the stress scale. In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky, obesity medicine expert and exercise guru, guides listeners through the concept of the stress scale, a tool inspired by Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). This episode explores how this scale can help identify and manage stress levels effectively. With the stress scale, it's not just about numbers; it’s about recognizing the unique symptoms experienced at various stress levels and using that awareness to improve interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. To illustrate the impact of stress on daily life, Dr. Novitsky shares a personal story about her dog, whose schedule gets thrown off after boarding. This leads to early morning wake-ups and disrupted sleep, contributing to increased stress levels for Dr. Novitsky herself. This relatable story highlights how seemingly small, everyday events can impact our stress scale and overall state of well-being. The stress scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest level of stress and 10 the highest. Here’s a quick look at each level: 1: Complete relaxation, like a sun-induced doze on a beach. 2: Rested state with mild thoughts and feelings, without significant decisions. 3: Awareness and light social interaction, maybe a casual conversation. 4: Decision-making and more body movement, actively engaged. 5: Potential conflict with noticeable fidgeting and body movements. 6: Sarcasm, signaling a desire to disengage socially. 7: Physiological symptoms like a higher heart rate and faster breathing. 8: Reactivity with out-of-proportion responses to minor triggers. 9: Isolation and complete avoidance of social interactions. 10: Extreme stress, leading to yelling and strong emotional expression. Creating a personalized somatic stress scale requires time and mindfulness. Involving a partner can make this process even more insightful, as they can observe and help identify behaviors that may go unnoticed. Timestamps: 00:00:55 - Introducing the Stress Scale 00:01:48 - Personal Story: Dog Boarding and Sleep Disruption 00:03:35 - Sleep and Stress Levels 00:04:51 - Creating Your Personal Stress Scale 00:06:37 - Examples of Symptoms at Different Stress Levels 00:11:02 - Understanding Higher Stress Levels 00:16:21 - Daily Maintenance Techniques for Stress Management 00:17:03 - Aligning Goals with Stress Levels/Upcoming Topics Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024.  Learn more and join the waitlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

In the latest episode of "Metabolism, Muscles, and Mindset," host Ali Novitsky, MD, an obesity medicine doctor and fitness guru, delves into the intricate relationship between stress and health. This episode marks the beginning of a three-part series dedicated to understanding stress, its physiological impacts, and effective management strategies. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview 00:00:11 - Recent Travels and Conferences 00:00:32 - Stress and Health: An Overview 00:00:53 - Upcoming Episodes Breakdown 00:01:04 - Episode 1: Stress and Your Body 00:01:35 - Episode 2: Understanding Your Stress Scale 00:01:57 - Episode 3: Finding Your Thrive Zone00:02:07 - Personal Story: Empathetic Daughter 00:02:50 - Impact of Stress on Others 00:03:21 - Ownership of Stress Response 00:03:42 - The Science of Stress Response 00:04:14 - Cortisol and Its Impact 00:05:08 - High Stress Responders and Weight Loss 00:06:03 - The Role of Cortisol in Blood Sugar Regulation 00:07:08 - Chronic Stress and Burnout 00:08:02 - Cortisol and Insulin Interaction 00:09:39 - Stress, Sleep, and Blood Sugar 00:10:41 - Stress Scale and Sleep Deprivation 00:11:14 - Types of Stress Responders 00:12:12 - Genetic Factors in Stress Response 00:13:02 - Tools for Managing Stress 00:14:17 - Personal Experience with Stress Modeling 00:15:10 - Managing Stress Productively 00:15:51 - Importance of Stress Management 00:16:02 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Stress 00:16:24 - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Stress 00:17:07 - Interpersonal Communication and Stress 00:17:49 - Recap and Episode 2 Preview 00:18:52 - Program Offerings and Conclusion Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024.  Learn more and join the waitlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Muscles and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky dives deep into the often-overlooked side of weight loss: tracking progress the right way. Discover why every week won’t be a weight-loss week, and how set points, plateaus, and the power of patience play pivotal roles in achieving long-term success. Dr. Novitsky shares eye-opening insights on how to celebrate non-scale victories, why tracking muscle and fat composition beats relying solely on a traditional scale, and the crucial role of protein and sleep in weight management. Tune in to learn why the journey is just as important as the destination, and how embracing realistic expectations can transform your mindset—and results—for the better. 00:00 Introduction: Importance of Tracking Progress 02:26 Understanding Set Points and Plateaus 03:45 Using an InBody Scale for Accurate Progress Tracking 09:35 Troubleshooting Lack of Progress: Addressing Blind Spots 16:12 Factors to Consider in Troubleshooting: Alcohol, Sugar, Sleep, Stress, and Exercise 18:59 Optimal Weight Loss: Slow and Long-Term Focus on Muscle Maintenance Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024.  Learn more and join the waitlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Muscles and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*

In this episode, Dr. Ali Novitsky breaks down the science of sustainable weight loss by focusing on the critical balance between nutrition, metabolism, and strength training. If you’re wondering why your efforts might not be yielding the results you expect, this episode will help you understand how to optimize your approach. Dr. Novitsky explains why achieving a calorie deficit is essential for weight loss and how your basal metabolic rate (BMR) plays a crucial role in determining the right deficit for you. She shares the importance of proper nutrition during weight loss, warning against the risk of muscle loss if strength training and balanced macronutrients aren’t prioritized. Listeners will also learn that exercise alone isn't enough for effective weight loss—nutrition is key. Dr. Novitsky emphasizes the value of conducting a nutrition audit to understand your current eating habits and make necessary adjustments. She walks through strategies to balance protein, carbohydrates, and fats for optimal results while also introducing mindful nutrition and intuitive eating as alternative, less structured approaches. This episode offers practical, science-backed strategies to guide you on your journey to sustainable fat loss, without compromising strength or muscle mass. Resources: The Muscles & Mindset Beginner Strength Training Program - 12 months for only $199! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Enroll TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠. Nutrition Training Program for Healthcare Professionals is enrolling now! You can ⁠⁠⁠⁠learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Dr. Ali's Advanced Strength Training program is now available for exercises at a higher level. See the details ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Optimal GLP-1 Weight Loss Program - next program starts November, 2024.  Learn more and join the waitlist ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Transform® 9.0 enrollment is now open! Get started with your bonus content today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Muscles and Mindset Podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ *Ali Novitsky MD, this podcast, and podcast write-up are NOT providing medical advice. We do not recommend you start any exercise program without first consulting with your doctor!*