Research/News
What the Updated Food Pyramid Means for Active Adults
Dietary guidance frameworks commonly referred to as the “food pyramid” have evolved repeatedly over the past several decades. While the original pyramid graphic has been replaced by newer models, the…
The 2026 Outlook: Why Science is the Ultimate Trend
If 2025 was the year of disruption, 2026 is the year of integration. For decades, we have operated in the “Gym Industry.” It was a world defined by aesthetics, transformation…
Protein Intake: Are we overcorrecting?
Protein has become one of the most emphasized nutrients in fitness and wellness conversations, often positioned as a universal solution for satiety, muscle preservation, and body composition. While research supports…
Interpreting New Nutrition Headlines
Nutrition headlines frequently highlight single studies or dramatic findings without sufficient context. This can prompt reactionary changes that are unsupported by broader evidence. Fitness professionals can help clients understand that…
Worth the Hype? Functional Beverages Under the Microscope
Functional beverages have become a prominent fixture in fitness environments, marketed with claims related to energy, focus, hydration, recovery, gut health, and stress regulation. From electrolyte blends and adaptogenic drinks…
Fueling Without Fixation
A growing body of nutrition research emphasizes the importance of supporting training and health without reinforcing rigid or obsessive eating behaviors. While structure can be helpful, overly prescriptive approaches such…
Nutrition Confusion as a Barrier to Action
Nutrition confusion remains one of the most significant yet least visible barriers to behavior change. Clients are exposed to a constant stream of conflicting messages about carbohydrates, fats, supplements, fasting,…
Fueling Participation: Nutrition Practices That Support Energy, Recovery, and Follow-Through
Nutrition is often framed around outcomes such as weight loss, body composition, or performance benchmarks. While these goals matter to many clients, they do not fully explain why people struggle…
GLP-1 Medications and Exercise Participation
The rapid rise in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management is reshaping conversations around nutrition, appetite, and exercise participation. While these medications can be effective for glycemic…
Hydration Myths That Persist in Gyms
Despite widespread access to hydration information, misconceptions about fluid intake remain common in fitness environments. Many clients believe dehydration is inevitable during exercise and that aggressive fluid replacement is necessary…
Creatine Beyond Strength
Creatine has long been associated with strength and power development, but recent research continues to expand its relevance beyond traditional performance outcomes. While its role in supporting high-intensity training remains…
Ultra-Processed Foods: Nuance Over Alarmism
Ultra-processed foods continue to dominate public nutrition discourse, often framed as universally harmful and incompatible with health or fitness goals. While high intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with poorer…
Energy Availability and Training Consistency
Training consistency is strongly influenced by how supported individuals feel during and between sessions. Emerging research continues to demonstrate that inadequate energy intake increases perceived exertion, reduces enjoyment of exercise,…
Protein Timing Revisited
Protein intake remains a central topic in fitness nutrition, yet recent research continues to challenge the emphasis on precise timing strategies for most active adults. While post-exercise protein consumption supports…
Fueling Participation: Why Energy Availability Still Matters
Low energy availability continues to be an underrecognized barrier to consistent training participation across populations. While traditionally associated with athletes, recent research suggests that recreational exercisers and general fitness clients…
Recipe for Health: One-Bowl Salmon Power Plate
A practical approach to nutrition emphasizes repeatable meals that support energy, recovery, and satisfaction without requiring extensive preparation. One example is a balanced bowl built around whole grains, lean protein,…
Professional Perspective: Where Do You Draw the Line?
As nutrition messaging becomes increasingly complex, fitness professionals are often asked to weigh in on supplements, dietary trends, and health claims circulating on social media. Determining when to provide guidance…
Recipe for Health: Harissa Chickpea Stew
Perhaps we should be substituting beef for beans more often. A clinical trial from the University of Helsinki, Finland, suggests that simply swapping a large portion of the red and…
Sugar, Fat and Salt are on the Rise in Breakfast Cereals, Study Shows
The nutritional numbers for many cereals are not so grrreat! They’re a go-to breakfast option for millions of kids and adults. Though often marketed as being healthy for various reasons,…
Buy or Bye: Chia Seed
Infamously hawked as a novelty product to the tune of Ch-ch-ch-chia!, chia seeds have experienced a renaissance as a functional food. The diminutive seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant, native…
