Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast Episode: My Diet Went Off the Rails Yesterday
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Scott Becker

Introduction

In this episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into a personal topic that many listeners can relate to: maintaining a disciplined diet amidst the challenges of a busy life. Titled "My Diet Went Off the Rails Yesterday," Scott shares his experiences, the triggers that lead him astray, and strategies for getting back on track. This candid discussion offers valuable insights not only for personal well-being but also for maintaining discipline in the high-stakes world of private equity and business.

Triggers Leading to Dietary Lapses

Scott begins by acknowledging that deviations from his diet are infrequent but significant events that can impact his overall health and productivity. He identifies four primary triggers that contribute to these lapses:

1. Savoring a Treat (00:45)

   • "It's almost like an alcoholic. If I have one bit of something, one bit of a cookie, that could be one trigger that triggers me in the wrong direction."

   Scott compares his occasional indulgence to an alcoholic having a single drink, highlighting how even small deviations can lead to a downward spiral in his dietary habits. The act of giving in to a single treat often leads to further indulgences, disrupting his disciplined eating pattern.

2. Social Influences and Family Visits (01:10)

   • "Yesterday I've got one of the kids in town who works abroad and so it's so good to have Wren. And so I inject some of my bad habits on her."

   Hosting family members introduces new variables into Scott's routine. The presence of loved ones often brings comfort foods and relaxed dining norms, making it challenging to stick to his diet. The influence of his child, Wren, inadvertently pulls him back into old habits as they explore indulgent options together, such as visiting a bakery.

3. Disrupted Routines and Increased Stress (01:30)

   • "My routine has been off, my stress has been off. And so that also drives me to blow the diet."

   Consistency is key to Scott's dietary discipline. When his usual morning routine is disrupted—whether due to increased stress or an altered schedule—his ability to maintain healthy eating habits falters. The absence of structure makes it easier to give in to unhealthy food choices.

4. Excessive Caffeine Intake (01:50)

   • "There's a point in time, which caffeine where whatever it does, it blows my impulse control and I'm just wanting to get more food and more stuff."

   Scott points out that too much caffeine adversely affects his impulse control, leading to increased cravings and a weakened resolve to stick to his diet. The stimulating effects of caffeine can heighten desires for more food, making it harder to resist temptations.

5. Inadequate Hydration (02:10)

   • "I stop hydrating myself as well as I could."

   Neglecting proper hydration contributes to his dietary lapses. Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger, prompting unnecessary snacking or overeating.

Consequences of Multiple Dietary Lapses (02:20)

Scott emphasizes the importance of addressing these lapses promptly to prevent them from spiraling into more significant setbacks:

• "Trying to avoid having too many of those days in the days in a row because everything tends to go downhill when I double and triple down on bad days of eating."

  Multiple consecutive bad diet days can lead to a loss of control and make it increasingly difficult to return to healthy habits. Recognizing the pattern early is crucial to maintaining long-term discipline.

Strategies for Recovery and Rebound

Scott shares practical strategies to recover from dietary setbacks and reinforce his commitment to a healthy lifestyle:

1. Reestablishing Routine (02:30)

   • "Don't go two days without a workout. If you blow one, make sure you get back at it the next day."

   Maintaining consistency in his exercise regimen helps Scott regain control and discipline after a diet lapse. By ensuring that a missed workout is promptly addressed, he sets the stage for overall recovery.

2. Designating Recovery Days (02:40)

   • "Today's the rebound and recovery day. It's going to be salads, it's going to be discipline at dinner, it's going to be drinking a ton of water."

   Scott implements specific recovery days focused on healthy eating and hydration. By concentrating on nutrient-rich salads and disciplined meal planning, he actively works to offset previous indulgences.

3. Emphasizing Hydration (02:50)

   • "The 80 ounces I needed, trying to bounce back."

   Rehydration is a key component of Scott's recovery strategy. Consuming adequate water helps dilute any negative impacts from the dietary lapse and supports overall bodily functions.

4. Avoiding Prolonged Bad Days (03:00)

   • "Everything tends to go downhill when I double and triple down on bad days of eating."

   By addressing lapses immediately and avoiding the accumulation of multiple bad days, Scott maintains his long-term dietary goals and prevents minor setbacks from escalating.

Conclusion

Scott Becker's honest discussion about his struggles with maintaining a diet amid personal and professional pressures provides listeners with relatable insights and practical strategies for overcoming similar challenges. His emphasis on recognizing triggers, maintaining routine, and implementing effective recovery strategies serves as a valuable guide for anyone striving to balance personal health with the demands of a high-paced business environment.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's almost like an alcoholic. If I have one bit of something, one bit of a cookie, that could be one trigger that triggers me in the wrong direction." ([00:45])
• "Don't go two days without a workout. If you blow one, make sure you get back at it the next day." ([02:30])
• "Today’s the rebound and recovery day. It's going to be salads, it's going to be discipline at dinner, it's going to be drinking a ton of water." ([02:40])

Acknowledgments: Scott extends his gratitude to his listeners for surpassing seven million downloads and achieving high rankings on Apple Podcasts. He also acknowledges the contributions of his producer, Chanel Bunger, lauding her as "the best of the business."

For those interested in exploring the intersection of personal discipline and business acumen, this episode offers a compelling blend of personal anecdote and actionable advice.