Does Cold Plunging Actually Help You Lose Weight?

In this episode, Ethan sits down with Paige to talk about one of the hardest parts of losing weight: keeping it off. Ethan shares the mindset shift that finally changed things for him, moving away from chasing diets and toward understanding energy balance, maintenance, and long term habits.They talk about years of experimenting with HCG and keto, the unexpected lessons that came from challenging old beliefs about food, and why changing your body does not automatically change the way you see yourself. Ethan also opens up about identity after weight loss, self criticism, and the habits that can stay long after the scale changes.Plus, Ethan answers a listener question about OMAD, protein intake, and how to approach fat loss while preserving muscle.Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here: Ethan Suplee NewsletterSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Introduction02:46 - How I finally made weight loss stick06:28 - Why maintenance is harder than dieting09:56 - Learning energy balance changed everything13:34 - HCG, keto, and years of chasing results18:39 - The gym conversation that shifted my thinking22:35 - Reading Bigger Leaner Stronger and changing approach24:55 - Diet Coke guilt and inherited beliefs about food30:28 - Why results matter more than food rules36:00 - The hidden part of weight loss: identity39:22 - Still feeling like the old version of yourself42:08 - Practical ways to challenge negative self-talk49:44 - Does that feeling ever go away?50:41 - Why action helps more than overthinking53:49 - Listener Q&A: OMAD, protein, and maintaining muscle58:15 - Tips for fitting protein into a limited eating window Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered if bracing the intense cold could unlock a better version of yourself? Ethan sits down with journalist and author Chris Ballard to explore the chilly world of cold plunges and endurance ice swimming.Moving past the initial weight loss hype, Chris explains the true value of freezing temperatures: building mental resilience by consistently doing hard things. They discuss the massive physiological rush of dopamine, the deep community bonds built through shared physical trauma, and how intentionally putting your body through physical stress acts as a powerful, accessible intervention for mental health.Stay updated on Ethan's journey and get exclusive insights by signing up for his newsletter athttps://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe.00:00 Cold Plunge Evolution03:25 Athletic Perspectives and Injury Recovery04:58 Debunking the Weight Loss and Brown Fat Myth09:15 Dopamine Spikes and the Body's Cold Response14:36 The History and Shared Trauma of Ice Swimming25:46 Managing Mental Health with Physical Stress32:40 Low-Impact Advantages for Aging Bodies39:00 Facing Nature, Tides, and Wildlife  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that the 10,000 steps a day rule is actually a myth? On this episode of American Glutton, Ethan sits down with physical therapist Milicia McDowell to debunk conventional walking wisdom and reclaim your health. Melissa reveals that the actual baseline benchmark for physical health is just 2,500 daily steps.  Together, they explore:The crucial differences between ambient and intentional walking.  How to use Zone 2 heart rate training to maximize your efforts.The truth about footwear, including how to transition safely from traditional shoes to functional or minimal options.  Get More Insights: Want health and fitness tips delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Ethan's newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeLearn how to strengthen your feet and treat foot care as a vital foundation for your overall health!  HIGHLIGHTS00:00:00 Welcome to American Glutton00:00:55 Debunking the 10,000 Steps Myth00:03:22 The Real Baseline for Health00:05:55 Step Counts and Mental Health00:08:40 Ambient vs. Intentional Walking00:15:28 Zone 2 Heart Rate Training00:19:07 Choosing the Right Footwear00:24:31 How to Strengthen Your Feet00:28:04 Flat Feet and Structural Differences00:32:56 Reframing the Power of Walking   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do so many people know exactly what to do to get healthy, yet still struggle to follow through? Ethan sits down with Paige for an honest conversation about food addiction, emotional eating, sleep, self-awareness, and the reality of long-term change. They talk about why quick fixes fail, how shame shapes eating habits, and what it actually takes to build sustainable routines that last. The episode also dives into mindset, preparation, and learning to approach health without extremes. If you have ever felt stuck between wanting change and resisting it, this conversation will hit home. Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter for more: ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Intro and McDonald’s cravings02:18 Old fast food habits and overeating04:12 Shame, hiding food, and eating behaviors07:05 Why awareness matters before change09:32 Readiness, willingness, and preparation12:10 Sleep, recovery, and building foundations15:03 What comes after fixing sleep18:22 Escaping all-or-nothing dieting21:05 Building realistic long-term habits24:11 Small daily actions that create change27:08 Consistency versus perfection29:15 Final thoughts on sustainable health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually mean to become a stronger man in today’s world? Ethan sits down with Nick Freitas for a wide-ranging conversation about discipline, personal responsibility, masculinity, military service, fitness, family, faith, and the search for meaning. Nick shares lessons from his time in the military, thoughts on modern culture, and why physical and mental resilience still matter. Ethan and Nich also discuss hardship, purpose, and the importance of showing up for the people who depend on you.Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter for updates, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and more episodes: ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction and name pronunciation03:42 Responsibility and changing your own condition08:32 Thomas Sowell and the realities of the world13:45 Individual rights, responsibility, and America20:14 Masculinity and modern culture24:10 Lessons from military service31:08 Why hardship creates meaningful stories37:12 Parenting, discipline, and raising boys41:26 Fitness, jiu jitsu, and staying active49:08 The five pillars of becoming a good man55:20 Courage, family, and duty01:02:11 Fear, sacrifice, and protecting others01:08:47 Final thoughts and reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could poor sleep be the hidden reason you are struggling to lose weight? Ethan sits down with Paige Dorian to explore the powerful connection between sleep, fat loss, energy, cravings, and overall health. Ethan explains why sleep quality may matter even more than diet when it comes to sustainable weight loss and how poor sleep affects hunger, recovery, movement, and daily habits. They also discuss sleep hygiene, caffeine, hormones, nighttime routines, and practical ways to improve sleep without overcomplicating life. Want more conversations like this? Sign up for Ethan’s newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction and sleep discussion00:50 The connection between sleep and weight loss01:25 Why poor sleep increases hunger02:10 What sleep hygiene really means04:00 Hormones, cravings, and energy05:35 Why calories feel harder to control when tired06:25 Sleep and long term dieting07:20 The best place to start before dieting08:30 Building better sleep habits10:00 Movement, exercise, and sleep quality11:15 Hormonal changes and disrupted sleep13:05 Caffeine and late night sleep issues15:10 Small lifestyle changes that improve sleep17:05 How Ethan tracks sleep and recovery18:40 Why sleep impacts gym performance20:20 Sleep, mood, and daily decision making22:05 Hydration, nighttime routines, and recovery23:45 Why sleep matters more than people realize25:10 Final thoughts on improving sleep and weight loss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a shift in perspective be the missing piece of your fitness journey? Ethan Suplee sits down with Brad Jarvis to discuss his 80 pound weight loss transformation. Brad shares how moving away from extreme restriction toward macro tracking and volume eating helped him find sustainability. They dive into the challenges of balancing health with fatherhood, including the concept of prioritization versus accommodation. From CrossFit to "burger wars" in New York, Brad explains why routine is the ultimate key to longevity.Join the community by subscribing to Ethan's newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00:00 - Introduction to Brad Jarvis00:00:39 - Weight Loss History and Motivation00:01:37 - Calorie Restriction vs. Macro Tracking00:03:52 - Finding the Weight Loss Zone with Apps00:06:53 - Volume Eating and Food Perspective00:09:42 - The Concept of Periodization00:13:59 - Exercise for Longevity and Fatherhood00:15:22 - Food Obsession and Maintenance00:22:14 - Navigating New York's Food Scene00:34:22 - Goal Setting and Future Endeavors00:38:41 - Tactical Training and Life Skills00:45:21 - Habit Stacking and Reprioritization01:01:53 - From Motivation to Routine01:05:13 - The Power of Doing Hard Things Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it ever too late to get healthy or lose weight? Ethan sits down with Paige Dorian to break down one of the most common fears people have about fitness and aging. He explains why small, consistent changes matter far more than extreme overhauls and why movement, sleep, and modest weight loss can dramatically improve your health at any stage of life.From debunking fitness myths to simplifying nutrition and habits, Ethan offers a realistic path forward that actually sticks.Want more insights like this?Sign up for Ethan’s newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction and topic setup00:19 Is it too late to get healthy03:12 Why it is never too late to start04:07 Building muscle at any age08:51 Why fitness metrics overwhelm people10:17 The problem with 10,000 steps11:15 Small changes vs extreme goals14:05 Modern lifestyle and convenience18:52 Food habits and weight loss reality21:48 Why small weight loss matters24:13 The problem with extreme dieting27:58 Reducing stress around health31:16 Long term consistency over quick fixes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you struggling with digestive issues despite doing everything right? Ethan sits down with gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha to reveal why many people have been pooping wrong for their entire lives. Dr. Pasricha breaks down the mechanics of pelvic floor dysfunction using a toothpaste tube analogy and explains why your bathroom posture might be the missing link to relief. They also discuss the pitfalls of ultra-processed foods, the proper way to increase fiber intake, and the science behind fermented foods.SHOW HIGHLIGHTSIntroduction and PronunciationGender Differences and Digestive TroublesUnderstanding Pelvic Floor DysfunctionBiofeedback and Physical TherapyThe Benefits of Squatting PostureUltra-Processed Foods and the Fiber GapStrategies for Increasing Fiber IntakeBlending vs. Juicing for Microbiome HealthProbiotics and Antibiotics: The Gray ZonesArtificial Sweeteners and Gut ReactionsThe Power of Fermented Probiotic Foods Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the truth about cheat meals or cheat days, and do they actually help or hurt your progress? In this episode, Ethan sits down with Paige to break down the psychology behind “cheating” on a diet and why extreme restriction often backfires.He explains how vague cheat days can derail consistency, shares a more sustainable approach to eating, and outlines how to include comfort foods without losing control. Ethan also dives into portion control, long term adherence, and building a plan you do not need to escape from.SHOW HIGHLIGHTSCheat Meals ExplainedWhy Diets Need “Cheats”The Problem With Cheat DaysAll-Or-Nothing ThinkingSustainable Eating ApproachPortion Control Over RestrictionComfort Food Without OvereatingManaging Cravings Long-TermWhen To Reintroduce FoodsFinal Takeaways on Cheat Meals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.