Why Your Diet Isn’t Working: 3 Signs of a Slow Metabolism

What happens when a full-time ICU nurse, deep in burnout, poor sleep, and feeling uncomfortable in his own body… decides enough is enough? In this powerful episode of the Breakthrough Series, we sit down with Nathaniel—a DNP in progress, critical care nurse, and now fitness success story. After gaining weight during the pandemic and feeling stuck in the cycle of exhaustion, Nathaniel joined our Metabolic Burn System and committed to a new standard for his health. What followed? → 15 lbs of fat gone. → Energy rebuilt. → Chronic back pain reduced. → And a 5K finish—without training. This isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about learning self-leadership, building habits that stick through life transitions (including moving states and working long shifts), and breaking free from the perfectionist mindset that keeps so many nurses from ever starting. Nathaniel shares: How he overcame inconsistency and self-doubt Why 80/20 nutrition helped him stop bingeing and enjoy food again How journaling, community, and small shifts created big wins And what he’d tell any nurse stuck in the “all or nothing” mindset 💬 If you’re a healthcare professional tired of starting over, this episode will inspire your next move. If you’re ready to stop burning out and start becoming the strongest version of yourself, book a free strategy call with our team. We’ll build a custom game plan based on your lifestyle. → DM “METABOLISM” on Instagram or click the link in our bio to get started.

Annalou is an occupational therapist who was already doing all the right things — eating healthy, jogging, strength training — and still hit a plateau. Post-breakup, buried in student loans, and working six days a week, she still showed up for herself and took a leap. In just 2 months inside TEAMVPFIT, she: Dropped 3% body fat while gaining  2 lbs of muscle (a true body recomp!!) Reached 20% body fat  AND hit a net worth milestone of $100K This isn’t your average fitness story. This is about delayed gratification, alignment between health and wealth, and why sometimes slowing down gets you further.   ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:01 – Intro: Why Annalou’s story matters for healthcare pros 00:54 – Life before TEAMVPFIT: plateauing despite “doing everything right” 03:24 – The truth behind her motivation: Breakup, burnout & paying off debt 04:53 – The hidden gap in her journey: “I was working out, but no structure” 06:27 – Fears before joining: Frugality, fear of failure, worthiness of investing in self 08:02 – The question that changed it all: “What if you could hit BOTH goals?” 08:48 – 2 months in: 3% body fat lost, 2 lbs of muscle gained 10:09 – Hitting her goal of 20% body fat — and setting a new one 11:01 – Her simple routine: protein, walks, 3x/week training, sweet treats 12:20 – How she hit both her fitness AND $100K net worth goal together 13:35 – The secret? Track everything & delay gratification 14:12 – How her relationship with food and her body changed 16:21 – Why it’s easy to be healthy when the food is delicious 17:33 – The mental shift: investing in health as a reward, not a risk 18:30 – Why health is her non-negotiable for long-term freedom 18:44 – “I actually have more time now” — breaking the myth of busy 19:49 – What fit, free, empowered means to her now 21:31 – Her message to other burned out OTs, nurses, and women over 30 22:29 – Final gratitude: “I never expected a free resource to lead to this” 23:05 – What’s next: Hitting 15% body fat and the next financial win If you're a healthcare professional or high-achieving woman over 30 who feels burned out, stuck, or like you have to choose between finances or fitness — this is your sign. Annalou didn’t wait for the perfect time. She created it, even while working 6 days a week. 💻 Apply now for a free strategy call and let’s map out how YOU can hit your health, confidence, and financial goals — just like Annalou did.

What does it really look like to prioritize your health as a full-time nurse, first-time mom, and wife — while battling postpartum fatigue and cultural food guilt? In this episode of The Breakthrough Series, Dustin sits down with Sharlene, a nurse of nearly 10 years, who reclaimed her energy, dropped 10+ pounds in 12 weeks, and reignited her confidence by committing to the Metabolic Burn System. Despite sleepless nights, judgmental aunties, and mom guilt, she found her strength, inspired her husband, and set a healthier foundation for her son’s future. This isn’t a story about perfection. It’s about grace, grit, and growth. If you’re feeling stuck, thinking it’s too late, or that you have no time — Sharlene’s story is the reminder that your comeback can start today. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:01 – Intro: From exhaustion to empowerment 01:30 – The chaos of being a first-time mom & full-time nurse 03:50 – What postpartum survival mode looked like (snacking, no structure, low energy) 06:15 – Daily reality: skipping breakfast, sugar crashes, and eating whatever’s available 08:20 – Failed fixes: caffeine pills, intermittent fasting, and yo-yo cycles 10:30 – The guilt of doing something for herself 11:24 – Fears before joining: time, commitment, and sustainability 13:00 – What made her finally say YES to coaching 14:30 – How she found VPFIT through relatable reels & Costco hauls 17:00 – What stood out about the Metabolic Burn System: Tracking, structure, gamification 20:45 – When she first noticed real changes (shoutout to the judgmental Filipino aunties) 23:10 – Handling family parties, cultural food pressure & building boundaries 26:45 – Real talk: balancing workouts, prep, mom life & imperfection 30:00 – The hack: 10-15 minutes of presence and grace 31:30 – How her husband is inspired and following her lead 33:30 – Breaking generational cycles: her son’s health starts with her 34:40 – Her biggest wins and how she found stability amidst chaos 39:20 – “You can do hard things” – the mindset that changed everything 44:21 – What’s next: falling in love with real food and learning to cook 47:50 – Final thoughts: This journey is now her identity, not just a phase 50:12 – Dustin’s closing reflection: This isn’t about perfection — it’s about who you’re becoming If Sharlene’s story hit home and you’re tired of spinning your wheels trying to do this alone… It’s time to stop guessing and start growing. 👉 Book a free strategy call with our coaching team and see how the Metabolic Burn System can help you reclaim your energy, confidence, and body.

If you’re a nurse who wants to stop feeling sore, stiff, and one wrong move away from injury… this episode is a must-listen. Dustin Chau, a Health Coach who’s helped 100+ nurses restore their metabolism and energy, is joined by Lauren, a critical care nurse educator, trainer, and ICU RN, to break down the 5 most important muscle groups nurses must strengthen to thrive at the bedside — not just survive it. From real-life back injuries to posture breakdowns from long shifts, we cover exactly why neglecting certain muscles (like your glutes, back, or shoulders) can wreck your body over time — and how to build strength in ways that are safe, sustainable, and empowering. What You’ll Learn: The 5 key muscle groups every nurse should strengthen Why a weak core and low back lead to injury (and what to do about it) How to build strength and avoid burnout with just 2–3 workouts/week The ideal weekly split for nurses juggling 12-hour shifts Aesthetic benefits: how training upper body sculpts your waist & posture Whether you’re brand new to lifting or looking to level up your routine, this episode will help you protect your body, boost your energy, and perform like the badass nurse you are.   Ready to Regain Your Confidence and Energy? If you're a nurse who wants to lose 15–20 lbs, drop sizes in scrubs, and feel confident in your body again—without spending long hours on cardio or cutting out your favorite foods—apply now for a FREE strategy call with TEAMVPFIT. 👉 Click here to apply and take the first step to becoming strong, energized, and sexy again. Connect with us: Coach Dustin: @dustinchau Nurse Educator Lauren: @laurenignacio_

If you’re a nurse dealing with back pain, tight hips, or constantly feeling exhausted after your shifts… this episode could save your career. Dustin Chau, a Health Coach who’s helped over 100+ nurses restore their metabolism and energy, is joined by Lauren — a critical care nurse, educator, and fitness trainer — to reveal the 5 essential exercises every nurse MUST do to avoid injury and build functional strength. You’ll also learn why popular workouts like CrossFit, F45, and high-intensity bootcamps might actually be making things worse — and what to do instead. 💥 What You’ll Learn: The 5 key exercises nurses need for injury prevention Real stories of nurses forced to quit due to preventable injuries Why mobility, stability, and strength > HIIT for nurses Safe, joint-friendly movements you can do at home or in the gym How to train like your career (and body) depends on it — because it does Whether you're just starting out or 10 years into bedside, don’t wait until it’s too late. Ready to Regain Your Confidence and Energy? If you're a nurse who wants to lose 15–20 lbs, drop sizes in scrubs, and feel confident in your body again—without spending long hours on cardio or cutting out your favorite foods—apply now for a FREE strategy call with TEAMVPFIT. 👉 Click here to apply and take the first step to becoming strong, energized, and sexy again. 🩺 Follow Us on Instagram! Coach Dustin: @dustinchau Nurse Educator Lauren: @laurenignacio_

Join Dustin, a Health Coach who’s helped over 100 busy nurses lose 15–20 lbs, drop sizes in scrubs, and feel confident and energized again—without spending hours on cardio or cutting out their favorite foods, with Lauren, critical care clinical instructor & personal trainer, who’s teamed up with TEAMVPFIT to lead a powerful mission that’s long overdue… The Fit Nurse Revolution. We’re here to Make Nurses Sexy Again. Not just in how you look—but in how you feel.Strong. Confident. Empowered. Sexy inside and out. Because somewhere between burnout, night shifts, and putting everyone else first, nurses have lost that spark. In this episode you’ll learn: 🔥 How burnout wrecks your metabolism, energy, and self-esteem 🔥 The best workouts for nurses who want to feel strong and sexy without long hours in the gym 🔥 Why Pilates and cardio aren’t the answer if you want to tone up and feel confident in your clothes 🔥 The secret to losing weight and feeling energized without giving up your favorite foods 🔥 What it takes to stop feeling “blah” and start feeling sexy, powerful, and in control again Ready to Regain Your Confidence and Energy? If you're a nurse who wants to lose 15–20 lbs, drop sizes in scrubs, and feel confident in your body again—without spending long hours on cardio or cutting out your favorite foods—apply now for a FREE strategy call with TEAMVPFIT. 👉 Click here to apply and take the first step to becoming strong, energized, and sexy again.   🩺 Follow Us on Instagram! Coach Dustin: @dustinchau Nurse Educator Lauren: @laurenignacio_

Are nurses finally breaking free from burnout and prioritizing themselves? Welcome to the Soft Nurse Era, where smart nurses are reclaiming their energy, confidence, and health—without guilt. In this episode, ICU Nurse Educator & Fitness Trainer, Lauren Ignacio, joins Coach Dustin Chau to dive into the reality of nurse burnout, weight struggles, and how prioritizing holistic wellness is the key to thriving in both career and life. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why eating less & doing more cardio is wrecking your metabolism ✅ The top nutrition mistakes nurses make (and what to do instead) ✅ How poor hospital conditions are draining your energy & what you can do about it ✅ The biggest mindset shift nurses need to stop self-sabotaging their health ✅ Why fit nurses perform better, have more energy, and feel unstoppable 👩‍⚕️ If you're a nurse who feels drained, stuck in the weight gain cycle, and ready to take control of your health—this episode is a must-listen. 🔊 Tune in & take the first step towards becoming a fit, confident, and empowered nurse! 📩 FREE Download for Nurses: Want to reduce stress, balance your hormones, and lose stubborn weight? Grab my FREE Nurse Cortisol Stress Relief Guide here: DOWNLOAD HERE 🚀 Apply for 1:1 Coaching: If you're a busy nurse who wants to lose 15-20lbs in 90 days without restrictive diets or spending hours in the gym, apply for a 1:1 strategy call with Coach Dustin (limited slots!) 📲 Follow Lauren for more insights on nursing, fitness, and wellness: 🔹 Instagram: @laurenignacio_     👂 What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? DM me on Instagram or tag me in your stories! Let’s start the conversation. 💪🏽

Have you hit a weight loss plateau since working night shifts or graduating from nursing school? You’re not alone. Night shifts can wreak havoc on your metabolism, slow down fat loss, and leave you feeling stuck in tight scrubs. In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 key strategies to kickstart your metabolism, break through that plateau, and finally lose the weight – for good. These aren’t quick fixes. They’re proven steps to help night shift nurses like you drop fat, regain energy, and keep the results sustainably without sacrificing sleep or your favorite foods. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ Why your metabolism has slowed down – and how to reset it ✅ How to fuel your body to burn fat even on irregular schedules ✅ Simple strategies to overcome cravings and late-night snacking ✅ The habit shifts that guarantee sustainable weight loss ✅ How to balance your demanding career and your health goals Tired of trying to figure it all out on your own? Apply for a FREE strategy call where I’ll help you implement these 5 strategies into your schedule so you can finally lose the weight, boost your energy, and hit your health goals for good. Click the link to apply now – spots are limited! Download our free training specifically designed for nurses and discover how to lose 7 lbs in 14 days while boosting your metabolism. Get started now and transform your health with sustainable, effective strategies tailored to your busy lifestyle. Click here to access your free training today!

  In this episode, Coach Dustin Chau down with Johanna, a client who spent 10 years trying to achieve her fitness goals with HIIT classes and endless cardio but never got the toned look or energy she wanted. After feeling frustrated and unsatisfied—especially after her wedding—Johanna realized that what she had been doing wasn’t working. That’s when she joined TEAMVPFIT’s Metabolic Burn System, and everything changed. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: [00:00] - Introduction: Meet Johanna and hear her fitness journey overview. [01:45] - 10 Years of Cardio and HIIT: Why it wasn’t the answer to her health goals. [06:05] - The Pivotal Wedding Day: Losing 10 pounds but still not feeling confident. [07:46] - Trusting the Process: How the Metabolic Burn System taught her the power of delayed gratification. [10:23] - Protein and Fueling Right: How learning to eat properly boosted her metabolism and energy. [12:45] - Balancing a Busy Career and Fitness: How Johanna stayed consistent with meal prep and workouts while working long hours. [18:13] - The Results: Johanna’s 15-pound fat loss, improved energy, and newfound body confidence. [23:26] - The Impact on Relationships: How her journey inspired her husband and improved their habits together. [26:24] - Overcoming Doubts: The mental hurdles and how coaching helped Johanna push through. [31:40] - Advice to Those On the Fence: Why investing in the right system can lead to real, lasting results. [34:29] - Future Goals: What Johanna envisions next in her fitness journey. Ready to get toned, burn fat, and regain your energy? Get a FREE 5-page cheat sheet on restoring your metabolism in 14 days and kickstart your transformation today! HERE

In this episode of the Behind the Vision Podcast, host Dustin Chau and Coach Jen explore three key signs of a slow metabolism: lack of appetite, persistent lethargy, and difficulty losing weight. They discuss how these indicators can reflect a compromised metabolic rate and provide insights into how to address these challenges. This episode is especially valuable for busy professionals, like nurses, who often face these issues due to their demanding schedules Timestamps: [0:12] – Introduction: Welcome to Behind the Vision Podcast with Dustin Chau. [1:00] – Meet Coach Gent and the VP Fit Coaches team. [1:30] – Why your metabolism matters: Quick overview. [2:00] – Sign #1: No Appetite. Why not feeling hungry is a red flag. [3:15] – Real talk: Client stories about low appetite. [4:00] – Sign #2: Lethargy and Low Energy. How excessive caffeine use and constant tiredness signal a slow metabolism. [5:30] – How brain fog and naps can indicate metabolic issues. [6:30] – Sign #3: Difficulty Losing Weight. Why your body might be holding onto those pounds. [7:45] – The connection between low calorie intake, excessive exercise, and weight gain. [8:30] – Free Training Announcement: How to restart your metabolism. Feeling the signs of a sluggish metabolism? Don’t let it slow you down any longer! We’ve created a special Metabolism Cheat Sheet Guide just for you. It’s packed with easy-to-follow tips that will help you lose your next 10-20 pounds without sacrificing the foods you love. Download your free guide now by visiting our website and entering your email address. Let’s start your journey to a healthier, more energetic you today! Click here to get started!