As I marinated and prepared chicken for my eager dogs, I found myself reflecting on the parallels in the fitness industry. Coaches often approach their potential clients with a vision of the payoff, the success of their client acting as the critical ticket to their own survival. Yet, I question how much of their professed caring about my success is actually genuine.

Whether they are physical trainers or business mentors, these professionals appear hungry to aid others as they strive to achieve their goals. But as a client, it's not results that I crave or trust; it's the ability to show my vulnerability and find genuine compassion and understanding.

However, it is noteworthy that not everyone needs a Mickey from "Rocky." The paths to fitness vary widely; while some may be aspiring athletes or Instagram models, others are simply looking to take their first self-loving steps towards getting healthier. Each journey possesses its unique set of challenges, and an appropriate coach should be equipped to cater to them.

The industry's biggest downfall is exploiting the success stories of those who have overcome weight issues. As someone who has lost 100 pounds, I understand how intoxicating the praise and recognition can be. However, using these stories to promote their coaching programs without consideration of the individual's capability to teach can lead to a dangerous precedent."

Whether it's my dogs awaiting a fall of chicken or the fitness industry eagerly awaiting success, it's clear that hunger for more exists everywhere -And sadly, it's rarely ever in the client's best interest.

In this heartfelt podcast episode, the host recounts his struggle with emotional eating and bouts of insecurity, personifying these insecurities as a character named 'Bob'. Bob, emerging as a disruptive presence, often convinced the host to indulge in food as a coping mechanism for the insecurities rippling through his life, ultimately leading to weight gain.

Overwhelmed by rejections, the host let Bob step in, persuading him to surrender to his deepest vulnerabilities and consume food to momentarily escape the dread. Even compliments and appreciations for his work did little to dampen Bob's disparaging voice echoing inside his head. Unraveling further under Bob's influence, he found solace at a hidden corner in his truck, away from people, chomping on hamburger patties, even surpassing his calorie count for the week.

But things took a turn, when the host, fed up with Bob's constant whisperings, decided to put a stop to him. He employed a creative strategy tapped from his favorite game - hitting the reset button to start anew. He embraced fasting and openly talking about his constant battles with 'Bob' - his insecurities, to regain self-control, reclaim his journey, and redefine his narrative.

Despite the drawbacks, he continues to strive every day to quieten Bob's voice, inching closer towards triumph with each passing day. While he knows Bob may not completely fade away, he is determined to gather bigger tools to combat his insecurities to ensure that Bob realizes that he doesn't fight fair. Not anymore. This episode is an honest, insightful portrayal of the struggle with insecurities and emotional eating, and a testament to unwavering determination and resilience.

In this awe-inspiring episode, our host shares his personal battles and triumphs as he turns away from the societal norms of weight loss and embarks on a transformative journey toward health, happiness, and self-discovery. Despite the pressure to conform and the fear of doing it wrong, he continually asserts, "I don't know what I'm doing. I don't want the responsibility of telling you what I think you should do with your body."

Our host openly recounts his struggles with various diet plans and products, his constant fight against the consumerism and monetization of the weight loss industry, and the exorbitant amounts spent on buying into another person's diet regimen. Tired, desperate, and defeated, he remembers days when every movement was a chore, and merely getting up and going outside was a battle.

But amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerges as he details his gradual progress. His courageously defiant approach to taking control over his body and health without adhering to socially prescribed norms starts to pay off. He recounts the gradual improvement in his quality of life, the heightened energy levels, and the joy of being able to undertake everyday physical tasks without exhaustion.

Throughout his heart-wrenching story of transformation, our host illustrates beautifully how triumphs do not always have to be public, commercialized victory laps and how personal growth can come from the most unexpected places. His honest account serves as a powerful testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the profoundness of personal transformation.