The Exercise Engineer

Today, Lou gets stuck into your real-life fitness questions – from staying on track at the weekend to handling emotional eating and why fat loss can be trickier for women than men. Lou shares simple, doable strategies like calorie banking, planning your meals ahead, and treating yourself in small ways during the week so you’re not tempted to overdo it later. She also chats about her own CrossFit workouts, fitting training around school holidays, and why strength training is a total game-changer for women. KEY TAKEAWAYS Avoid Over-Restriction: Restricting calories too much during the week can lead to binge eating on weekends. Incorporating small treats throughout the week can help prevent feelings of deprivation and reduce the likelihood of bingeing. Plan Social Meals: Planning meals in advance, especially when dining out, can help maintain dietary goals. Knowing what to order ahead of time reduces decision fatigue and helps stick to healthier choices. Embrace "Cruise Days": Instead of viewing weekends as a time to indulge excessively, consider them as "cruise days" where you maintain your progress. This approach allows for enjoyment without derailing your overall goals. Strength Training Importance: Strength training is crucial for women trying to lose fat. It helps preserve muscle mass, boosts metabolism, and provides numerous health benefits beyond just fat loss. Address Emotional Eating: Recognizing triggers for emotional eating is essential. Finding alternative coping mechanisms, such as journaling or going for a walk, can help manage emotional cravings and promote healthier eating habits. BEST MOMENTS "You are much more likely to keep up your gains... if you just don't bother with anything." "The more muscle we have, the more our metabolism will increase because muscle on the body uses more energy than fat does." "It's so crucial that you are also strength training... Lifting weights helps preserve and build muscle." "If you are trying to eat the same amount as your male counterpart, we are going to put on weight and they might not." "Just focus on eating whole foods. Whole foods. It's game-changing." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fueling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Lou delves into practical strategies for maintaining fitness goals amidst the challenges of social events, holidays, and life’s unpredictability. She discusses the importance of flexibility in planning, setting realistic boundaries, and practising mindful eating. Lou also highlights the significance of tracking progress beyond the scale, reconnecting with personal motivations, and building lasting fitness habits. KEY TAKEAWAYS When attending social events or holidays, it's important to plan your meals with flexibility in mind. Identify your non-negotiables (like a favourite dish) and allow yourself to enjoy those while making lighter choices for other items. Consistency is more important than perfection. One off-plan meal or weekend won't undo your progress. It's essential to get back on track without feeling guilty about occasional indulgences. Avoid skipping meals to save calories for later. Instead, eat balanced meals throughout the day and practice mindful eating at events by savouring each bite and checking in with your hunger levels. Movement doesn't have to be all or nothing. Incorporate short workouts or active social activities, like walking with friends, to maintain your routine even during busy times. Progress isn't always linear, so track more than just your weight. Celebrate improvements in energy levels, how your clothes fit, and other non-scale victories to stay motivated when the scale doesn't reflect your efforts. BEST MOMENTS "No one wants to be the person at the party sitting in the corner eating their chicken and broccoli out of a Tupperware." "Perfection is not the goal here, consistency is." "If it's not a fuck yes, it's a no." "One meal is not going to make or break your progress." "Willpower will run out, but the habits are going to keep you going when life gets busy." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineer lou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fuelling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Lou dives deep into the world of coaching, sharing personal insights from both a coach's and a client's perspective. With a focus on the benefits and potential drawbacks of coaching, the discussion covers essential topics such as accountability, expert guidance, and the importance of personalisation in training programs. Lou emphasises that coaching is not a magical solution but rather a partnership that requires effort from both parties. KEY TAKEAWAYS Coaching is a holistic approach that goes beyond just providing a workout plan. It involves guiding, supporting, and challenging individuals to achieve their goals in various areas such as fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. One of the primary benefits of having a coach is accountability. Regular check-ins can motivate individuals to stay consistent with their training and help them push through tough days. Effective coaching is tailored to the individual. Coaches assess personal goals, preferences, and any existing injuries to create a customized plan that promotes faster progress and reduces frustration. A good coach aims to empower clients to become self-sufficient. This includes teaching them the reasoning behind their training plans and helping them develop the skills to make informed decisions on their own. Coaching may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as cost, personal motivation, and the potential for feeling overwhelmed by structure should be considered. BEST MOMENTS "Coaching is not a magical solution. You cannot expect to pay for coaching and all the work just happens for you." "A good coach will teach you the why behind the plan so you can eventually do it on your own." "If you are struggling with something, if you've got questions, just ask me, tell me, tell me that you're struggling." "Coaching is a huge investment. Not everyone can or wants to budget for it, which is absolutely fine." "Not every coaching style or personality will match yours, so it's important to find a coach that works well with you." VALUABLE RESOURCES Lou's Marathon Programme https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fuelling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Lou shares a personal reset approach to fat loss, detailing a plan to lose 4kg in 4 weeks by refining daily habits. While the goal is not strictly to lose that amount, she focuses on practical strategies for those feeling stuck in unhealthy routines. Lou explains the science behind calories, energy expenditure, and the importance of creating a calorie deficit for fat loss. KEY TAKEAWAYS To lose fat, it's essential to consume fewer calories than you burn, creating a calorie deficit. Understanding your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) helps in determining how many calories to consume for weight loss. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) plays a significant role in daily calorie burn. Simple actions like walking more, standing up frequently, and being less sedentary can significantly increase calorie expenditure without the need for intense workouts. Consuming adequate protein is crucial for muscle repair, satiety, and maintaining muscle mass during weight loss. It also has a higher thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting protein compared to fats and carbohydrates. Planning meals and snacks within specific time windows can help reduce mindless snacking and improve adherence to a calorie-controlled diet. This approach allows for better digestion and helps manage hunger levels. Adequate sleep is vital for regulating hunger hormones and maintaining willpower. Reducing late-night activities, such as creating social media content, can help improve sleep quality, which in turn supports better dietary choices and overall health. BEST MOMENTS "Calories in versus calories out, it's literally science. In order to lose fat, you need to be using more energy than you are putting in your body." "I am going to remove bagels and bread, they are quite calorie dense. I was having three a day, and realistically, if I'm reducing my running, I do not need three bagels a day." "Changing your environment will help you change your habits. Removing yourself from that environment where you did the bad snacking makes it easier to stick to your goals." "Eat only at planned meal times, including a planned snack time. This is going to reduce mindless snacking and supports calorie control." "The goal is not perfection at all, it's just progress. If you slip up, just reset and keep going." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fueling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Lou dives deep into the common struggle of persistent hunger and cravings that many face, especially when it comes to snacking. She explores the science behind hunger, focusing on the roles of hormones like ghrelin and leptin, and how factors such as sleep, stress, and diet can influence our appetite. Lou provides actionable strategies to help listeners understand their hunger cues, manage cravings, and make healthier food choices. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hunger is primarily regulated by hormones such as ghrelin, which signals hunger, and leptin, which signals fullness. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and overeating can disrupt the balance of these hormones, leading to increased cravings and hunger. Consuming refined carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased hunger shortly after eating. Incorporating protein and fibre into meals can help stabilise blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer. Sleep and stress significantly affect hunger and cravings. Poor sleep increases ghrelin levels and decreases leptin, while chronic stress raises cortisol, which can lead to cravings for high-calorie comfort foods. Managing sleep and stress can help regulate hunger. Cravings are often linked to emotions such as stress, boredom, or sadness. Recognising the emotional triggers behind cravings can help in managing them more effectively. Mindful eating practices, such as savouring food and being present during meals, can also reduce emotional eating. When snacking, opt for high-protein and high-fibre options to stay full longer. Avoid empty-calorie snacks and consider pre-planning your snacks to help manage cravings without guilt. Implementing the 80-20 rule can allow for indulgences while maintaining a balanced diet. BEST MOMENTS "It's all down to hormones. So we have a hormone called ghrelin. It signals the brain to eat." "Chronic stress, poor sleep, and overeating of processed foods can actually make your brain less sensitive to leptin." "Eating balanced meals at consistent times of the day will train your body to expect that food at regular intervals." "If you are genuinely hungry, I would always opt for just a light snack. Something that is going to keep you full throughout the night." "It's not about eliminating cravings or hunger. It's just about understanding them and then making the choices that align with your goals." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fueling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Today, Lou investigates the essential topic of nutrition for optimal performance, recovery, and results, addressing long-standing listener requests. With a focus on fueling the body effectively, she covers the importance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, along with hydration tips and practical meal strategies for pre- and post-workout. KEY TAKEAWAYS Carbohydrates are essential for peak performance and recovery. They should make up 50-60% of your daily caloric intake, especially for those engaging in high levels of physical activity. Adequate protein intake is crucial for muscle repair and recovery. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, which should account for 20-30% of your daily intake. Healthy fats are important for long-term energy and hormone regulation, particularly for women. They should not be completely avoided, but consumed in moderation to prevent excessive calorie intake. Eating a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein before and after workouts is vital. Pre-workout meals should be consumed 1-3 hours prior, while post-workout meals should be consumed within 1-2 hours for optimal recovery. Staying hydrated is crucial for performance, especially during endurance training. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, cramping, and poor recovery, so it's important to drink water before, during, and after workouts. BEST MOMENTS "You can be working out super, super hard, but you are only gonna be as good as what you are eating." "Carbs are life and they are our body's primary energy source, without them we are going to be running on an empty tank." "You will be technically underfueling and you will feel fatigued, you may also end up with mental burnout as well." "You can still lose fat and eat a crap load of carbs. I promise I am living proof of it right now." "Don't try something new on the day [of the race]. Your body's not ready; just stick with what you know." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com ATHENA Nutrition for Females: https://t.cfjump.com/90866/t/89892 Apply to be coached by me here: https://tr.ee/TFsv2VpeG4 HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fuelling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset.

In this episode, Lou dives into a Q&A format, primarily focusing on Hyrox training and nutrition. After sharing personal experiences from participating in the Turf Games, including insights on strength and endurance workouts, Lou addresses various listener questions. Topics covered include the differences between singles and doubles in Hyrox, effective training strategies for those without gym access, and the importance of hybrid training for improving both strength and running performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS To excel in events like Hyrox, it's essential to integrate both strength and endurance training. This means actively working on improving running performance while also focusing on strength exercises, rather than just using one to support the other. Proper nutrition is crucial for hybrid athletes. A balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats is necessary to fuel workouts and aid recovery. Mental strength is as important as physical training. Breaking down events into smaller tasks and visualizing success can help improve performance. Practicing under race-like conditions during training can also enhance mental resilience. Recovery, including adequate sleep and hydration, plays a vital role in performance. Neglecting recovery can lead to fatigue, increased cravings, and a higher risk of injury. Many athletes focus too heavily on strength training at the expense of running, which is critical for events like Hyrox. It's important to balance both aspects and avoid overtraining by gradually increasing workout intensity and volume while ensuring proper recovery. BEST MOMENTS "Singles is so much harder because you literally get zero rest. You have to really learn how to pace yourself." "If you are a good runner and you build your strength on the side as well, you will be good." "The key is just to stimulate high intensity and then like the functional nature of hybrid or high rocks workouts." "You need to prioritize your running... It’s a runner’s game." "If you are only maybe training two or three times a week, you have terrible sleep and a terrible diet, taking supplements isn't going to miraculously make you a hybrid athlete." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fueling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset.

Lou returns to the podcast after a six-month hiatus to share a comprehensive life update and outline ambitious goals for 2025. Reflecting on her recent experiences, she discusses her intense training for the Hyrox Singles Pro competition in Melbourne, detailing the challenges and triumphs she faced during the race. She also covers her journey through various Hyrox events, including mixed doubles and relays, highlighting her achievements and the lessons learned along the way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lou emphasises the importance of setting and committing to personal and professional goals for 2025, including performance-based targets in fitness and business. Lou shares detailed experiences from participating in Hyrox events, highlighting the challenges faced during training and competition, as well as the emotional journey of striving for personal bests. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including the importance of sleep, nutrition, and being present in daily activities to enhance overall well-being. Lou acknowledges the role of community and support from friends and family in achieving goals, illustrating how collaboration and encouragement can lead to success in competitive environments. Lou discusses the creation of a vision board as a motivational tool, encouraging listeners to visualise their goals and aspirations to stay focused and inspired throughout the year. BEST MOMENTS "My main mission is to help as many people as possible become their strongest, healthiest and happiest self." "I was constantly comparing myself to all the other girls online who I follow, who I obviously aspire to be." "I was really disappointed when I crossed the line, I'm not gonna lie to you all." "I want to get a 5k PB this year; I've never actually done a 5k to race." "I created my first proper vision board and I am literally obsessed." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://linktr.ee/theexerciseengineerlou@theexerciseengineer.com HOST BIO Lou's personal journey with body confidence and food struggles began at the age of 15, where overeating and guilt around food consumed her. But everything changed during the lockdown in March 2020. Determined to regain control, Lou immersed herself in research, found joy in working out in her garden, and started tracking her nutrition and steps. Surprisingly, she lost a stone in less than three months and discovered a newfound love for fitness. Fuelling her passion, Lou pursued personal training qualifications and launched her Instagram page in September 2020. After months of building a solid foundation, branding, and gaining relevant expertise, she started helping others achieve what once felt impossible—losing fat, feeling empowered, and loving the journey without restrictions. With numerous success stories, digital products, and a thriving membership program called Train with Lou, Lou now coaches, teaches, and learns about food, exercise, and mindset.