Digital Social Hour
Episode: Is Your Diet Making You Dumber? | Nate Belmar DSH #843
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Nate Belmar

Introduction to Health Hacks and Human Optimization

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Nate Belmar, an entrepreneur and health optimization expert, to discuss a wide array of topics centered around health, diet, longevity, and personal optimization. The conversation seamlessly intertwines personal anecdotes with actionable health advice, providing listeners with both inspiration and practical strategies.

Diet and Metabolic Flexibility

Understanding Metabolic Regulations

Nate Belmar delves deep into the concept of metabolic flexibility, emphasizing how diet influences the body's desire for food and its ability to fast effectively.

"What you eat also influences certain metabolic regulations of whether or not the body wants more food or it's good and it can fast and it can be fine."
— Nate Belmar [00:29]

He contrasts hyper-palatable foods with nutrient-dense options, highlighting how the latter can sustain satiety for extended periods. Nate explains that consuming foods like bone broth or wonton soup can prevent the constant urge to eat, thereby fostering better metabolic health.

Critique of Conventional Diets

Nate criticizes the traditional food pyramid, labeling it as propaganda that fails to support human optimization. He argues that the emphasis on carbohydrates is misguided and that the quality and timing of carb intake are more crucial than previously acknowledged.

"The food pyramid is basically a beautiful triangle called propaganda that is not optimal for human optimization."
— Nate Belmar [35:17]

Fasting and Fitness Strategies

Innovative Fasting Protocols

Nate shares his unconventional approach to fasting, which includes cycles of feasting and fasting to enhance metabolic flexibility. He discusses methods like incorporating bone broth during fasting periods to provide essential nutrients without breaking the fast.

"You could do fast within a fast, right? Like a genjutsu within... you do 15 calories or less, and you push that as long as you can."
— Nate Belmar [15:39]

He emphasizes the importance of choosing fat over carbohydrates when breaking a fast to ensure the body relies on fat stores for energy, thus maintaining metabolic health and preventing muscle loss.

Minimalist Exercise Approaches

Contrary to the conventional gym-heavy routines, Nate advocates for bodyweight exercises and resistance band training. He believes that these methods are sufficient for achieving a shredded physique without the detrimental effects of heavy weightlifting and excessive cardio.

"You can get shredded with feasting and fasting cycles. Metabolic flexibility and understanding how to tell your brain to tap into fat, not carbohydrates."
— Nate Belmar [19:32]

Environmental Health Factors

Combatting EMF Exposure and Water Quality

Nate addresses the often-overlooked environmental factors that impact health, such as electromagnetic fields (EMF) and water quality. He shares his personal practices, including using EMF-blocking apparel and installing shower filters to reduce toxin exposure.

"If you want good skin, healthy skin, you have to realize it's an organ... put a filter on, get rid of all the debris, get rid of all the metal."
— Nate Belmar [25:38]

He underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to harmful substances in everyday environments to maintain overall health and cognitive function.

Optimizing Sleep and Physical Health

Nate discusses the significance of sleep posture and bedding quality, advocating for firmer mattresses and strategic pillow placement to support spinal health and reduce micro-tears in the skin.

"Harder beds... it's how you sleep as well. I sleep on my back and usually with something under my legs."
— Nate Belmar [31:45]

Community Building and Anime Influence

The Role of Anime in Personal Development

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the influence of anime on Nate's personal growth and his creation of the "Anime Shreds" community. He praises classic anime series like Naruto, Bleach, and Samurai Champloo for their storytelling and character development, which inspire viewers to adopt heroic and disciplined traits.

"What got me into anime, like the ecosystem, the genre, the style, the medium of storytelling was Naruto."
— Nate Belmar [02:12]

Nate explains how anime provides valuable life lessons and archetypes that transcend traditional media, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals seeking holistic self-improvement.

Building the Anime Shreds Community

Nate introduces "Anime Shreds," a program designed to merge fitness with the motivational elements of anime. He outlines how the community leverages social platforms like School.comskool to create supportive ecosystems where members can achieve their health and fitness goals together.

"If there's negative people in there, they're out. It's all about curating the right community."
— Nate Belmar [53:04]

Critique of Modern Lifestyle and Social Media

Modern Diets and Cognitive Decline

Linking diet to cognitive function, Nate posits that poor dietary choices contribute to decreased intelligence and overall brain health. He warns against the consumption of processed foods and emphasizes the need for organic, nutrient-dense alternatives.

"I'll just sit down and watch SpongeBob. Like, I'm losing some IQ points here."
— Nate Belmar [08:45]

Social Media's Impact on Health

Nate critiques the current state of social media, arguing that platforms have shifted from genuine social interaction to superficial engagement, leading to increased stress and misinformation about health and fitness.

"Social media... it's all feed, it's all stimulus, all scrolling. There's no human interacting."
— Nate Belmar [52:02]

He contrasts this with the community-oriented approach of "Anime Shreds," which fosters meaningful connections and support among members.

Practical Health and Lifestyle Recommendations

Optimizing Nutrition and Cooking Methods

Nate offers practical advice on preparing nutrient-rich meals, advocating for methods like cooking in bone broth or coconut water to preserve nutrients and enhance bioavailability. He advises against microwave cooking, citing nutrient degradation and reduced protein bioavailability.

"Microwaves... bastardizes all the nutrients in the food. You might as well just drink water."
— Nate Belmar [20:55]

Natural Skincare and Hygiene

Emphasizing inner and outer health solutions, Nate recommends natural skincare routines using coconut oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil to cleanse and protect the skin without harmful chemicals.

"I'll do coconut oil, aloe oil, and then one drop of tea tree oil. It's an antiseptic, it cleans."
— Nate Belmar [46:24]

Holistic Approach to Fitness

Nate stresses the importance of balancing physical exercise with metabolic health. He encourages practices that support muscle preservation and fat utilization without over-reliance on supplements or extreme diets.

"Don't pursue numbers. I know myself, and I know once I get into it, I'm gonna start geeking out."
— Nate Belmar [44:22]

Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic and Disciplined Lifestyle

Throughout the episode, Nate Belmar underscores the interconnectedness of diet, environment, mental health, and community in achieving optimal well-being. He advocates for a disciplined, informed approach to health that rejects mainstream misconceptions and embraces holistic practices.

"Everything you sow is what you reap. It's just a matter of time."
— Nate Belmar [49:20]

By fostering metabolic flexibility, minimizing environmental toxins, and building supportive communities, Nate provides a comprehensive roadmap for listeners aspiring to enhance their health and cognitive abilities.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Nate Belmar [00:29]: "What you eat also influences certain metabolic regulations of whether or not the body wants more food or it's good and it can fast and it can be fine."
• Nate Belmar [15:39]: "You could do fast within a fast, right? Like a genjutsu within... you do 15 calories or less, and you push that as long as you can."
• Nate Belmar [35:17]: "The food pyramid is basically a beautiful triangle called propaganda that is not optimal for human optimization."
• Nate Belmar [25:38]: "If you want good skin, healthy skin, you have to realize it's an organ... put a filter on, get rid of all the debris, get rid of all the metal."
• Nate Belmar [08:45]: "I'll just sit down and watch SpongeBob. Like, I'm losing some IQ points here."
• Nate Belmar [52:02]: "Social media... it's all feed, it's all stimulus, all scrolling. There's no human interacting."
• Nate Belmar [20:55]: "Microwaves... bastardizes all the nutrients in the food. You might as well just drink water."
• Nate Belmar [46:24]: "I'll do coconut oil, aloe oil, and then one drop of tea tree oil. It's an antiseptic, it cleans."
• Nate Belmar [49:20]: "Everything you sow is what you reap. It's just a matter of time."

Final Thoughts

Nate Belmar's insights offer a refreshing take on health optimization, blending traditional wisdom with modern practices. His emphasis on metabolic flexibility, environmental consciousness, and community building presents a holistic approach that challenges conventional wisdom and empowers individuals to take control of their health and cognitive well-being.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Nate's "Anime Shreds" program and join the community to embark on their own journey toward holistic self-improvement.

Join Nate Belmar at skool.com/anime-shreds
Transform your health and physique in a supportive, anime-inspired community.