Everything’s Perfect…Except Fad Diets

Summary

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Everything’s Perfect…Except Fad Diets

Podcast: Everything’s Perfect
Hosts: Autumn Calabrese & Donald Stamper
Date: January 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this New Year’s episode, Autumn and Donald tackle one of the most pervasive—and problematic—aspects of the wellness world: fad diets. As millions set resolutions to get healthier or lose weight, the hosts dissect why extreme diet trends are so appealing, share personal stories, and unpack a controversial Japanese health law that prioritizes prevention over punishment. With their signature humor and warmth, they break down real solutions for sustainable health while calling out the pitfalls (and absurdities) of crash dieting culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Resolution Trap: Why Fad Diets Tempt Us

• [01:24] Many people start the new year determined to lose weight and get healthy, but motivation quickly fizzles.
• Autumn: “You’re motivated for five seconds. But it’s hard to change a pattern.”
• The hosts stress that while many people dive headfirst into all-or-nothing plans, true change is about small, sustainable steps.

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2. Japan’s “Metabo Law” – Collective Health vs. Individual Freedom

• [02:20–10:00] Autumn introduces a viral Instagram post about Japan’s Metabo law. This law enforces mandatory waistline screenings for adults aged 40–74 in response to rising rates of metabolic syndrome and related diseases.

Key facts:

• Waist circumference limits: Men 33.5 in/85 cm, Women 35.4 in/90 cm.
• If exceeded, citizens get mandatory counseling and lifestyle coaching—not fines.
• The focus is preventing disease, not shaming individuals.
• Results: Lower obesity rates (4%), lower health costs, longer life expectancy.

Memorable quotes:

• Autumn: “They’re not giving you like, it has to be at this number. They’re saying if it gets above this number, you’re carrying too much visceral fat and it’s a danger.” [07:42]
• Donald: “It sounds like their intervention is giving someone tools and access… It’s about overall health.” [09:21]

Cultural contrast:

• Western societies value personal freedom over collective health, making such laws unlikely in the US.
• The US often profits from chronic treatment rather than prevention.
• Autumn: “Western nations value personal freedom above collective responsibility. Most people reject mandatory screenings… The real lesson is, your waistline isn’t cosmetic, it’s metabolic.” [06:52]

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3. Sensitivity vs. Honesty in the Obesity Conversation

• [12:08–17:00] The hosts grapple with the stigma and emotional complexity around weight.

Key points:

• Both share personal losses of loved ones due to obesity-related illness, emphasizing compassion over judgment.
• Donald: “Saying that doesn’t mean you judge that person. It’s really being compassionate.” [14:03]
• They acknowledge how generational, genetic, and lifestyle factors all play a role, and it’s not simply about willpower or personal failing.

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4. What Actually Works—Behavior Change & Sustainable Habits

• [21:10–28:00] Donald and Autumn discuss taking small, actionable steps versus extreme overhauls.

Strategies discussed:

• “75 Hard” challenge—good for some personalities but not sustainable for everyone.
• The power of building new habits, e.g., drinking more water before tackling more complex changes.
• Autumn: “If you’re the bite-sized person… it could be picking one thing a week… That one thing alone, you would be so shocked.” [22:41]

On perfection and progress:

• Strict challenge rules (e.g., starting over if “75 Hard” is broken) can be demotivating; aim for consistency, not flawlessness.
• Autumn: “We’re not here to be perfect… but I understand it’s the mental challenge of sticking to it 100%.” [27:42]

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5. Fad Diets: Stories, Science, and Silliness

• [29:52–47:56] The hosts recount and dissect a slew of notorious fad diets—some they’ve tried, most they regret.

Crash diet rundown [Notable timestamps & quotes]:

• Master Cleanse: Maple syrup, cayenne, and lemon water. Autumn: “If you really just want to f*** your body up, sure.” [30:31]
• Spiritual fasts: Donald shares a week-long fast (with only green drinks) as a spiritual exercise—and how he couldn’t replicate it for weight loss. [34:03]
• Juice cleanses, mono diets (grapefruit, cabbage soup, egg diet): Critiqued for unsustainability, “wild” claims, and, in the case of cabbage, digestive fallout (“Don’t come over!” – Autumn, [42:22]).
• HCG diet: Questionable hormone injections + extreme restriction. “All of these—of course you’re going to lose weight, but what are you doing to your body?” [46:27]
• Baby food diet: Donald admits trying it unbeknownst to its fad status—“Just trying to get back to my baby weight.” [44:24]
• Eggs and Chardonnay diet (from a 1970s magazine): Autumn: “First of all, be hammered. You’re going to work on two hard boiled eggs and a glass of chardonnay!” [43:34]

Consensus: These diets are not only ineffective long-term but can be socially, emotionally, and physically detrimental.

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6. Resolutions That Stick: Goals & Mindset

• [48:07–63:06] The duo reviews the top 10 New Year’s resolutions and offers fresh takes on each:

Top New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Exercise more (define specific, measurable goals)
2. Lose weight/eat healthier (set real targets and plans)
3. Save more money
4. Reduce stress (focus on habits/identifying stressors)
5. Get more sleep (cultivate routines)
6. Learn new skills/hobbies (prioritize growth and fun)
7. Quit bad habits (smoking, drinking, screen time)
8. Spend more time with family/friends (balance with self-care)
9. Improve mental health (acknowledge personal limits)
10. Advance career/education (go beyond the bare minimum)

Strategy:

• Make goals specific and trackable, not vague (“exercise more” vs. “walk 3 times a week”).
• Autumn: “If you just say, I’m going to exercise more, it’s so broad and vague. Instead, say, ‘I’m going to walk three days a week for 30 minutes.’” [48:44]
• Build momentum with small wins, use public accountability, and find approaches that fit your personality.

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7. On Resolutions, Accountability & Self-Compassion

• Neither host makes formal New Year’s resolutions, preferring daily and weekly fresh starts.
• Publicly stating goals or sharing with a trusted friend can provide the crucial accountability for achievement.
• Autumn: “If you’re the person that constantly says you’re going to do something and then never does it… That’s going to be your reputation.” [62:46]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On crash diets:

  • “Maybe don’t try any of those diets Donald mentioned. They all sound pretty awful.” – Autumn [63:34]
  • “Everything else—we support you, boo!” – Donald [63:37]

• On making change:

  • “You can make small lifestyle choices and lose 50 pounds in a year. And a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I want to lose more than 50 pounds in a year.’ But every year goes by and they don’t lose any weight.” – Donald [21:10]
  • “We’re here to help. And you can always email us… Let us know, do you set resolutions? What are they? If you have any, can we be of assistance?” – Autumn [63:39]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:24] – Why resolutions fail & the myth of the overnight overhaul
• [02:20] – Japan’s Metabo law explained
• [06:52] – Cultural differences: prevention vs. freedom in health
• [14:00] – Personal impact of obesity: family stories
• [21:10] – All-or-nothing vs. incremental progress
• [29:52–47:56] – Crash/fad diet confessions, science, and laughs
• [48:07] – Top 10 resolutions and how to make them stick
• [62:46] – The power of accountability (and reputation)

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Episode Tone

Conversational, candid, and compassionate—Autumn and Donald blend humor, humility, and heartfelt anecdotes to demystify wellness trends and offer listeners grounded, judgment-free encouragement on their health journeys.

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Summary prepared for: Those seeking motivation, science, and sanity about New Year’s resolutions, fad diets, and real ways to make progress that doesn’t require cabbage soup or chardonnay for breakfast.

Transcript

[Autumn]

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[Commercial Announcer]

For the type or amount of benefits mentioned here.

[Co-host]

There's this, like, company that I get supplements from, and this is the text they just sent me. Apparently, they think this is gonna hook me for more. Yep, you can have it all. Harder, longer, better sex. See if you're eligible. Some people. Some people are like, we're laughing because someone emailed us or commented or something and was like, autumn, can you please help Donald with his indigestion?

[Autumn]

It was my roommate. She, like, she's like, I love you guys. I need to come be a part of your podcast. Then she's like, but you really need to help Donald with his indigest. Okay, so it's the new year. Hold on. I want to mute this. Okay. We got lots of things to talk about, but I think, you know, with the new year comes everybody's New Year's resolutions. And obviously health always plays a big one in there. And.

[Co-host]

And weight loss. A lot of people are like, okay. I mean, it's just. It just is what it is. That's why there's a stereotype around it in the new year is like, this is the year I'm going to lose the weight.

[Autumn]

Yeah, I'm going to do it. And you're motivated for five seconds. But it's hard. It's hard to change a pattern. It's hard to change.

[Co-host]

Yeah, those.

[Autumn]

And there's so many little things that you can do to start it. I think a lot of times people take on too much at once. They're like, I'm going to do a complete 180. I'm only eating salad, and I'm working out three hours a day. And it's like, okay, well, that's probably not going to be sustainable.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

So we're starting small, but I saw something on Instagram. I want you guys to hear me out, and I want to have a discussion about it because I think if you actually listen to this and listen to understand and not react, it's an intriguing idea.

[Co-host]

Okay, we're gonna get canceled.

[Autumn]

No, we're not. I'm just kidding. This isn't me, but I. Because I have things I want to say about it.

[Co-host]

But it's worth talking about.

[Autumn]

It's worth talking about. Okay, so this popped up from, I don't know, you know, the gram will serve you up everything anymore. So you talk about health and it starts showing you things. Okay, so it says Japan has a law. Remember I said hear me out. Like I'm going to read this first slide. Let me get through it. Okay, so Japan has a law that literally limits how. This is their words. I'm so afraid that limits how fat you can be. It's called the Metabol law. And if your waistline crosses the limit, the government steps in. Critics call it body policing. Japan calls it preventative medicine. Here's the truth behind the world's most controversial health law. Okay, so I know the way that that is written sounds like, like let's get up in arms because. But let's get into their explanation first.

[Co-host]

I'm at least intrigued about what this.

[Autumn]

Is going to say because I know at first I was like, what? That's crazy. But I then I kept so. Okay, so since 2008, Japan has enforced mandatory waistline screenings for adults aged 40 to 74. So this is an age group and if you think about it, 40 to 74, hormones shift. People usually get a little bit more sedentary.

[Co-host]

This is when I just wonder why it start 40.

[Autumn]

Well, I don't know. Let me keep reading and see. But I again I, I sort of assumed reading that it was more. Because the older you get metab.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Metabolism shifts, lifestyle habits shift. And there's a lot of diseases that come from lifestyle. That's why they're called lifestyle diseases. Okay, so the limits for men it's 33 and a half inches or 85 centimeters. And for women it's 33, 35.4 inches or 90 centimeters. So they let limit. Women are a smidge more. If you go beyond that and automatic health intervention begins. Okay, let me keep going. Japan's government noticed a sharp rise in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease. So metabolic syndrome is actually like. Is there spiders?

[Co-host]

There's a little fly.

[Autumn]

Okay.

[Co-host]

But gone.

[Autumn]

That takes into a lot of different things. Like when you're talking about if you're diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, it's taking into a bunch of different health stats. And if you're diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you're not in great shape.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Physically and like health wise.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

Okay. So instead of treating disease after it appears, they attacked it at the Source waist circumference and visceral fat. Okay, so you don't get fined and you don't get punished because that's what I was like. Are they finding people? Are they like, restricting their food? Like, what are they doing?

[Co-host]

Okay, they put a chastity.

[Autumn]

Yeah. Like, are they like, locking your refrigerator? Like you're not allowed to buy? So who knows? I don't know. I was like, let me read what this is. Okay, so no, here's what they say. Your employer or local government is required to enroll you in mandatory counseling, provide dietary and lifestyle coaching, schedule follow up, follow up health checks. It's early intervention, not punishment. Japan focused on waistline because visceral fat predicts insulin resistance, heart disease risk, stroke risk, early mortality. Two people can gain weight the same, but the one with a larger waist carries far more metabolic danger. So we know that when the fat is stored around your organs, it's much more dangerous than if it's in your hips or your butt or things like that.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Okay. Since implementing the Metabol law, Japan has seen lower obesity rates, fewer metabolic syndrome cases, reduced health care costs, and improved life expense expectancy. Japan now has one of the lowest obesity rates on Earth at 4%. For context, I think in the US we're at like 70 something percent. Crazy. Okay. Opponents argue waistline shouldn't be regulated. It causes shame around body size. It reinforces unrealistic standards. They claim health shouldn't be controlled at the government level, but Japan sees it differently. Japan invests in preventative or prevention instead of treatment. Their belief is cheaper and kinder to intervene earlier than to treat full blown chronic disease later. In their culture, community health is better. Sorry. In their culture, community health is of more importance than individual discomfort. So they want their society as a whole to be healthy, even if that means you're a little bit uncomfortable with the fact that the government has stepped in to provide you help.

[Co-host]

Mm.

[Autumn]

Okay. It says why this would never work in the West. Western nations value personal freedom above collective responsibility. Most people reject mandatory screenings. Healthcare systems profit from treatment, not prevention. And obesity rates are far higher, making enforcement impossible. The real lesson behind the Metabol law. Japan isn't obsessed with thinness. They're obsessed with health span. Staying healthy into old age. Their system teaches one thing. Your waistline isn't cosmetic, it's metabolic. Even without laws. Okay, then it says you can apply their philosophy. Monitor your waste, not your weight. Focus on visceral fat reduction, prioritize daily movement, practice portion awareness, intervene early before problems escalate. Small proactive choices over decades or small proactive choices equals decades of better health.

[Co-host]

What, how do they intervene though?

[Autumn]

Okay, so when they intervene, they basically say if your waist circumference gets above a certain number that. Okay, wait, where did it go? Sorry. You're not fined, you're not punished. Your employer or local invite or local government is required to enroll you in mandatory counseling, which I think that might be the biggest trigger for some people. But a lot of times food is attached to a lot of emotion and there's unhealthy habits possibly that go around like they're not talking about, you have to have a waistline that is this size. Right. They're not giving you like it has to be at this number. They're saying if it gets above this number, you're carrying too much visceral fat and it's a danger. So I do see, like, I don't think it's a body. It doesn't seem like a body shaming. I could see where it would feel uncomfortable to be told that. But maybe if you're in that position, you would also like, maybe you want the help because it's mandatory counseling. It's. They have to, they have to provide dietary and lifestyle coaching. I don't think that's bad.

[Co-host]

We pay for. And a lot of people would like, you know, to have coaching and feel that they can't afford it or something like that.

[Autumn]

So they would like the knowledge and the support. But yeah, it might be out of their budget. And I've got to assume that if work has to, if their work or government has to provide it, then they also have to provide the time for you to do it.

[Co-host]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[Autumn]

They have to let you have that time, I would assume. And then they schedule follow up health checks again, I don't have more than that. That's what this is. So I don't know.

[Co-host]

Well, that's interesting. It sounds like their intervention is giving someone tools and access and like if they're not. Yeah, it. Okay, it's.

[Autumn]

I know I said, I was like, well, let me just say don't shoot the messenger. I just want to have a conversation about it because I thought it was interesting.

[Co-host]

I came from. And one of the people I respect most of my life is my aunt. She is a naturopath and she has, has. She's. She's also 70, maybe 71 now. So she comes from a different time where people talked about weight much differently. And you know, we, we are young. We've been young on both Sides of like how people talked about weight. So it's like shifting versus someone like her. She just believes the way she believes and, and I really admire a lot of it and she would, I think she likes processing all of it. Well, the thing is we're so. I appreciate being sensitive about hurting someone's feelings or offending them. I never want to do that and I also never want anyone to feel body shamed and I don't. For example, it doesn't affect me if I'm sitting someplace and someone across from me or so one of my friends or someone around me is. Whatever their weight is, it doesn't affect me. And if it did then that's called being fat phobic.

[Autumn]

Right.

[Co-host]

But from this thing about Japan sounding like it being a, about overall health because we do have a lot of very serious health conditions that.

[Autumn]

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[Co-host]

You know, weight oftentimes is like I don't know if it's a symptom or a cause or sort of like chicken or egg. It's obviously lifestyle for a lot of people and it's not the same across the board for everyone but that, but it still does everyone. If you're, if you are extremely overweight, you likely will experience more complications with your health than someone who has weight.

[Autumn]

Right.

[Co-host]

Why am I so nervous? Why am I worried about.

[Autumn]

Because you're worried about offending people or that people are going to think that we're being fat phobic because we're in the fitness and the health industry and that's not at all what it is. So we're just gonna put it out there. And if you decide to be a judgmental little, then be a judgmental little bitch because that's. We know that that is not who we are or what we need. We're just. This is literally just an interesting conversation because it is about their health. Like, they even say this has nothing to do with being thin because they're not saying you need to get your waist down to a 24 inch waist. Right. They're saying if your waist gets above this number, we have scientific data that says you're way more likely to have heart disease, diabetes, you know, other lifestyle diseases that are going to cost you, the government, depending on what type of. I don't know what Japan's health care plan is, but they're, they're. And even like, how it will affect your family. Like, if you really start to think about it, like, we have somebody in our family. I've talked about C.J. before. She was my aunt's best friend since they were kids. And she passed away from diabetes. She passed away in her sleep. And she was very morbidly obese and had basically been that size her whole life. And that was such a loss. CJ was a beautiful human with the most kind and generous heart. And she battled her whole life.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And we lost her way too soon.

[Co-host]

Like, right.

[Autumn]

She was in her 50s when she passed.

[Co-host]

Like, I had a. Technically a great aunt, my dad's aunt, her name was anne, was about £500, like, couldn't walk. I have no idea how she did normal things like, like, you know, she. I'm sure her husband had to help her, but not only the strain that, that put on her body, but the strain it put on her relationships of all kinds because she could only do certain things. When I was really little, we were all at my grandma's at a, like, reunion and she like. I remember Aunt Ann getting out of her chair and coming downstairs to the basement. It was a finished basement where we were all hanging out and she couldn't get upstairs. The stairs. She took like two steps and was out of breath and kind of scared and panicking and no one knew what to do to help her. And it's such a sad existence. It's a sad thing. I don't want anyone to have to deal with that. Saying that doesn't mean that. Do you? You judge that person. It's like it's really being compassionate. The thing about the. What you read about Japan, I think a big problem Like, I, my friend, I have a very close friend who I'm helping on her weight loss journey right now. But what I see is so much generation. Like, oftentimes it doesn't start at 40 or 30, and it actually doesn't even. Sometimes it starts before you hit puberty for a lot of these people. And so it's. I, I do want to be sensitive to a lot of things and I.

[Autumn]

Want to point something out about that, but go ahead, finish your sentence.

[Co-host]

Well, it's just to say, I wonder, I would be interested to see what if there are guidelines around, like food marketing or certainly food ingredients, what experiencing food is like here. Because the way the access to the kind of food that, that kids have now. And I'm not a parent, I'm not just want to give that caveat. I'm not, I'm not. I don't judge a parent who's like, I'm busy, I'm stressed. I'm getting my kid a happy Meal. I'm not saying, I'm not saying you're bad if you do that, but at some point, it really is when all you've known is being someone who's in body, like a overweight body, that you have to do so much unlearning and retraining. And there's so much too, like, even genetically that needs to be turned on and off.

[Autumn]

Right. Well, I was gonna say there's so many things. Right. Like, so it's almost hard to have the conversation because you're like, well, where.

[Co-host]

Do we, what do we tackle. Yeah, yeah.

[Autumn]

To talk about it because. And to make it very clear that we're not shaming anything because like you said, generationally, it, like, it's interesting that they started between the ages of 40 and 70 and not younger, but again, might be harder counsel young kid. But maybe that would be family counseling or something. But sometimes it's a genetic thing.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

And so from the time you're born, if there is something in your genetics where something is turned off or something is turned on, makes storing fat significantly easier for somebody or losing weight significantly harder. Like, all these things have to come into play. So it's really interesting. I would be. I probably should have dove deeper into it. But, you know, we don't. We're not necessarily like science podcasts where we're like, we took the time to do all the research a couple. We just like to shoot the. I would sit down and shoot the. With you about this.

[Co-host]

Well, which means we can dive more into another time, you know, Well, I.

[Autumn]

Was just going to say to finish that thought really quick was like, so I wonder if in all of that, if it's like, are they doing testing to say, like, okay, what's going on with hormones? Okay. You know, because again, you're talking about 40 to 70 year olds. If, if you're talking about a woman, you're talking about perimenopause and menopause. And you know, I appreciate that there's lifestyle coaching and nutrition coaching in there. Are they helping them understand that like, hey, like if you just move a little bit more, like let's look at what you're doing in your daily routine. I'm, you know, it's hard to, without diving super deep into the law though.

[Co-host]

That it's coaching because we're not that far off here because someone's medical insurance will pay for them to ex. To try a weight loss drug. And so obviously it's, there is no argument that helping an individual who is overweight come down to a healthier weight is going to help their overall health. Otherwise your health insurance wouldn't cover it. Yeah, but it has to be a numbers thing. It's either pay for that or pay for all the things that come with.

[Autumn]

Yeah, the expenses that come with it.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

Well, like BODI is HSA, FSA's eligible now like your body membership, like I think that happened last September. So that tells you something. So the hsa, fsa, I think, I think those are the right initials. That is like people pay into a certain like health care.

[Co-host]

Yeah, it's a hsa, is Health Savings Account. And it's where like you can have a, you can have like a, you have an account and all the money you put in it is not taxed.

[Autumn]

It's not exactly.

[Co-host]

Right. And so it's because it's for medical expenses.

[Autumn]

But it's really interesting to see what they are starting to allow to qualify. Yeah. Like, so when you see something like oh, your body membership. So that is your membership to fitness and nutrition.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Qualifying for it. That tells you that it does obviously play a role like in health, in your overall wellness and, and even in what your expenses can be.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Because of health issues.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

So I don't know, I just thought like, like I said, we're going to the new year and so many people, this is when they start making resolutions. So I was like, well let's, let's open it up with that one.

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[Co-host]

You know what I would like to say? If you're someone who's like want really wants to needs to lose weight and you this is your year, you're like okay, I'm doing doesn't have to be one of the extreme things that you see people doing. It can be, maybe that's what you get started, for example, the most. Maybe it's the least extreme because a lot of people do it and love it and repeat it. Is the 75 hard. Maybe you are the kind of person who you need to dive into the deep end of something and totally commit beyond what maybe would be normally sustainable for you and that's how you get started. But I would say that's not for everybody. And there is also a. There's also a path where it's not that hard. It's a handful of little decisions that in a year's time will make a big difference. You can make small lifestyle choices and lose £50 in a year and a lot of people are like oh, I want to lose more than £50 in a year. But every year goes by and they don't lose any weight.

[Autumn]

And by the way, you're not saying it would only be 50. Who knows? I mean I've seen saw people lose 23, 24 pounds on belvital and so that's three months exactly like people with gut protocol losing 12 pounds in four weeks inflammation. It's more about. I love that by the way. I obviously totally agree there are there. You have to know what personality type you are.

[Co-host]

Yes.

[Autumn]

So you have to know are you the bite sized person that is like I cannot take it on if this is this big and this overwhelming Right. And if you're that person, it could be picking one thing a week. I. This week I'm focusing on getting more water in. I need to be hydrated. I don't drink a lot of water, so I'm carrying this thing around and I'm making sure I'm getting in 60 ounces every single day. That one thing alone, you would be so shocked. Because sometimes our bodies don't. Our bodies don't always. They can't tell the difference between hunger and thirst. So sometimes you're thirsty, you're dehydrated, and it can feel like hunger, and so you go eat. But guess what, you're still dehydrated. And our bodies are more than 70% water. So if you're dehydrated, every cell in your body is not functioning at optimum levels because it's not fully hydrated.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

That alone, if you're fully hydrated and you're drinking water and I'm not, I'm not selling you this to use it as a quick fix trick, but there's only so much you can put in your stomach at once. So if you've got water in there, you probably are going to feel a little more full and not necessarily be eating the junk. Yeah, it can actually. Being hydrated can help with those, like, sugar cravings in, like, if you're the person that's always drinking soda, you're just sugar, sugar, sugar, sugar, even if you're fake sugaring it up. So like now you're putting water in, there's just less room, there's less time in the day to drink that many sodas if you're making sure you're getting those 60 ounces of water in.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

So all like just that one small habit can have such a huge impact on how your body feels. But then there's the other personality type. I'm this type. I gotta, I gotta go. I gotta go off the deep end. I gotta go over the cliff of if I'm doing this, I gotta go all in. That's why I love competing because I really like a regimen. And I'm like, if there are. We have to do all these things. And the more things I have and that I can check off, the more focused I stay. So that's, I think, why some people love 75 hard. Because believe it or not, it actually is, for the most part, a bunch of small tasks that you have to check off throughout the day. Yeah, it's. You have to do two workouts a day, 45 minutes each one has to be outside no matter what. Rain, shine, snow, whatever. So most people do that as a walk. Great. Walking is great for you. There's so many health benefits to it. Getting outside is great for you. That other workout, that's your pick, and that's how. However hard you go in that workout, that other one, that's how hard you go. So you got to be smart enough to know, like, seven days a week, you probably shouldn't be going crazy hard. So maybe you've got active recovery days in there as well. But that's still a workout. Then it's making sure you're drinking a gallon of water a day. You read 10 pages of a book of your choice every day. Every day. But not like a. Yeah, like a personal development.

[Co-host]

Personal development book, not a romance novel.

[Autumn]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, you can do that too, but you. You have to follow a nutrition plan. You can pick, but they're not telling you what nutrition plan. They're telling you to pick a nutrition plan so that you have a plan, follow it. And it's no alcohol, and I think no dessert. I think those are the things. For 75 hard. I might be missing something. It's been a while since I've done it, but. So for some people that need a lot of structure and that, like, the more structure they have, that's the wind. It's going bring on the Santa Anas.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

But I do think for some people that really like that structure, like that 75 and the workout, again, you're picking it. They're like, that's what I like about it. They're not telling you what your workouts have to be. They're not telling you what the nutrition plan has to be. He's just saying, do these things implement these lifestyle habits for 75 days?

[Co-host]

Yeah, exactly. I. I think 75 hard. I used it as an example because it's one that works for so many people. And so it really is about knowing yourself. And if the. If committing to it really a challenge. And we love challenges. We've done a lot of them.

[Autumn]

I better stop putting that out in the universe. I love ease.

[Co-host]

That's right. But I do. I think that just making. And. And no matter what you're doing, I also believe seeing it as one day at a time.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

Like realizing today it's not about if I can sustain this for three months, it's about doing these decisions today and tomorrow, it's about that day.

[Autumn]

And it's like, if you're not perfect. Okay. So I know it's 75 hard. Their rule is, if you miss any one of those things, you have to start over.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And you could choose to do that. That, to me, is a little bit of a mind for people of like, oh, I failed. And so now I have to go all the way back to the beginning. To me, I'm like, if you got in 55 ounces or 60, you know, like, whatever. If you were off by a few ounces on your water or something, you didn't fail.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

And you keep going because we're not here to be perfect. But I understand it's the mental challenge of sticking to it 100%.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

I, Kevin Hart, put out a personal development book that was actually really good. I listened to it on audio. But he has a challenge in that book I have never been able to complete, and I don't know if I ever will be able to.

[Co-host]

What's the challenge?

[Autumn]

And it's only for 30 days.

[Co-host]

What is it?

[Autumn]

You can't be negative. Oh, you can't even say a negative thing. And they can't be like, it's cold out. And if you do, you're back to day one.

[Co-host]

Oh, my gosh.

[Autumn]

I was like, well, I don't know what world you live in, but my world, every day has something that's hard.

[Co-host]

Oh, you want me to walk around blindfolded?

[Autumn]

Yeah. Def dumb and blind. Like, what are we talking about? Do you know the world we live in?

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

I don't have a to say on this podcast.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

I'll be sitting here like this.

[Co-host]

Our whole podcast. The premise is, everything's perfect except accept. And we're supposed to talk about that.

[Autumn]

We gotta bank some episodes, try to take out that challenge. I do think that's an interesting one, though.

[Co-host]

I could do that if I didn't have to drive for 30 days. Driving is my Achilles heel. I'm pretty positive otherwise.

[Autumn]

I'm not saying you're not, but you get on social media, you're telling me that. Not like it's. I think that's the thing, is, like, it's this. He. He's referencing, like, the smallest thing. If you say it, you're back to the beginning.

[Co-host]

Like, oh, yeah.

[Autumn]

And you probably don't realize how many times throughout the day, oh, I was walking to Buddy this morning. He yanked my arm 17 times. I was like, buddy yanking my arm off.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Back to the beginning.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Would never survive Bella attacking me every day.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

I would never make it. And then there's people.

[Co-host]

Right? People. Exactly. A retreat. 30 day retreat.

[Autumn]

By myself.

[Co-host]

Okay. So in more aggressive, extreme challenges. Have you ever done a crash diet?

[Autumn]

I don't think so, but when you say crash diet, like.

[Co-host]

Like the trending ones, like, for example, I looked some up that were popular that everyone would know about, and I did several of these.

[Autumn]

I think I tried for, like, one day. The. What is it, like, maple syrup? Cayenne.

[Co-host]

Yeah, that's the first one on the list. The master cleanse.

[Autumn]

The master cleanse, literally for one day. And I was like, this is stupid.

[Co-host]

It's only drink lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. No solid food for 7 to 10.

[Autumn]

I mean, if you really just want to. Your body up. Sure.

[Co-host]

It says, yeah, you can have herbal laxative tea at night.

[Autumn]

Oh, yeah.

[Co-host]

And salt water flush in the morning.

[Autumn]

Which will make you your brains out.

[Co-host]

It says, why it was wild. You were basically fasting with spicy lemonade.

[Autumn]

The only thing you're giving yourself is sugar from the maple syrup and salt. I worked. So at that time, when that was popular, I still waited tables, and I worked with a guy who was doing it, and he was like, I've lost, like, £15 this week. And I'm like, tell me how quick you put the 15 back on. And I swear to God, like, when he finished it, he probably had lost, like, 20 pounds in that, like, seven to 10 days. He was overweight. But I remember at work, he would just be, like, dying, like, just sweat pouring off of him, because I don't.

[Co-host]

Know how he did it.

[Autumn]

Let me tell you how quick he gained that weight back. It didn't even take him 10 days to gain that £20 back. Because you went from eating nothing to just eating food again. Not to mention, you want to start a binge cycle.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like, well, you want to chew?

[Co-host]

I will tell you.

[Autumn]

Okay, tell me.

[Co-host]

Even though I agree. But one time, the thing is, it was a. I did it as, like, a spiritual fast. Guy was in church, and I told. I got two friends, and I was like, guys, what if we take communion and then wait until communion? Next Sunday is the next thing we eat. And the entire week when we would normally eat, we just pray and meditate. We read, we observe. And so I later found out I'm the only one who did it.

[Autumn]

But.

[Co-host]

But I did it. But except for we.

[Autumn]

If you ever asked me to do it, just know I'm cheating the whole time.

[Co-host]

My friends are like, yeah, we're in this. We got this eating pizza. But we. We. I what? I made up these rules, so. Okay, I should have Published it in my pick. I'm a thing.

[Autumn]

Just make sure you heard that note. Donald made this up.

[Co-host]

Yeah, I made. I'm definitely not recommending this.

[Autumn]

Okay.

[Co-host]

But I did get something useful out of it, but I could never repeat it. I was allowed three. We took three green drinks a day, which a serving was 30 calories, so that was like 90 calories. And we could squeeze lemon in hot water and we could like chew gum, but we weren't allowed to have anything else.

[Autumn]

So can you chew it in a week's time?

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

Just take this off the deep end of disordered eating.

[Co-host]

Right? You spit bucket for your Doritos.

[Autumn]

I was thinking I. Carrot. Forget the pressure to overhaul your life. The new year doesn't need a new you. It needs you. Grow therapy helps you make meaningful change at your pace and on your time. Grow connects you with thousands of independent licensed therapists across the US Offering both virtual and in person sessions, nights and weekends. There are no subscriptions, no long, long term commitments. You just pay per session. Grow accepts over 100 insurance plans, including Medicaid in some states. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growththerapy.com trynow today to get started. That's growththerapy.com trynow availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.

[Co-host]

I lost a lot of weight, obviously, but the.

[Autumn]

Oh, that's a mosquito.

[Co-host]

That's what I thought. Do you see it?

[Autumn]

And it's huge. That blood sucker. He just wants to eat me. No. Okay, go ahead.

[Co-host]

I. At the end of it, I felt like I had so much control over what I ate for a long time because I went a whole week.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

Just saying. No, that's awesome. It was cool. But I didn't. I could not have worked at a restaurant. I could not have. I mean, I would walk like, like 20ft and I felt winded, obviously. You know what I mean? I had to take naps like four times a day. I had zero energy and was literally. But it really was like a prayerful thing.

[Autumn]

Yes. You were doing it. Yes.

[Co-host]

Because of my results. I tried to do that several other times. Like, oh, I can. In a week I can lose almost 20 pounds. And I could never make it past like two days because my motivation was different. And I was. It was so hard because you're not eating. I know, but.

[Autumn]

But I think that, that the first time you did it. Two things. One, you didn't know what you didn't know.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Which means you didn't experience how hard it was. You. So you're like, okay, I just gonna go one day at a time and see how this goes.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And two, you were doing it for a very spiritual reason.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

But all the other times you were trying to do it was, like, quick way.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

And so Jesus didn't take the wheel and.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

But I would say the closest thing and it never was crash dieting. Because the way I ate for competitions was I actually ate quite a bit of food. I was eating, like, 2200 calories a day. But the first time I ever competed, I found that way of eating so easy because one, I didn't know what I didn't know. I just waited for my coach to tell me, here's your nutrition plan for the week. And as I would check in, and he would. And I was working. I was working at Equinox. That's one thing I really miss, like, because I was so busy.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And I was around so many people. So it wasn't this, like, in my house with food all around me all the time.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like, it was, like, great. I'm there, and I'm on my feet all day.

[Co-host]

Like, people know you're competing.

[Autumn]

It's like, my coach worked there. So, like, eyes on me, man.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

But I also felt so good, and I had so much energy, so it really wasn't that hard at all. And after I finished competing, I had no problem, really, for the most part, sticking to it for a very long time. But the second and third time I competed, it was so much harder to get into that space. It was like I knew what was coming, and I was pissed.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And I don't even know why I was pissed, because I was like, you felt so good, so what's the problem? Like, but it was always a. It was. Each time it got just a little bit harder to be that dialed in.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And I would say that might be the only time when I had. I don't really want to call it binging, because I've never, like, I've never never binged and purged, but I've never really had, like, crazy binges.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

But there was definitely, like, the last time I competed. I just remember I was actually at, like, a body event, and I was in my hotel room, and, you know, they had nice hotel rooms, and the mini bar was stocked. And I was like, it, Kit Kat.

[Co-host]

Don't mind if I do.

[Autumn]

I might have eaten the Snickers right after it. And then I was like, what did you just do? So I like, that's what I'm referencing in, like a binge. Because I would never do that. I would never eat, like, two candy bars back to back at night in a Roomba.

[Co-host]

Just packages, just wrappers, literally.

[Autumn]

I was like. But I was like, so over it. I was just like, ah, this sucks. Like.

[Co-host]

Yeah. It is interesting. Sometimes the first time you do something, it, like, it really just hits the hardest, like, in the best way. Yeah. I remember my first beachbody challenge that I did. I was like, had amazing results. I was all in. It was 21 day fix. And that you nobody. It's like temptation didn't even exist.

[Autumn]

No. Nothing. Can't touch it.

[Co-host]

Yeah. I'd be out at bars drinking club soda. Like, I just couldn't care less because I was doing this challenge. I was excited about it.

[Autumn]

And you feel so some powerful. Yes. You're like, yeah.

[Co-host]

And for some reason, I don't know, like, the next time you do it, it's not an excuse, but it's a little bit more challenging.

[Autumn]

It's interesting, right? You're like, why? Why is it like. Because you know how good it's gonna feel. You know how empowering it's gonna feel. People were like that with 80 day obsession.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Oh, my God. It's my die hard. It's my go to. But then, like, they want to go back and they're like, but I know it's hard.

[Co-host]

Right?

[Autumn]

Whereas again, the first time, you just don't know what you don't know.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

So sometimes, like, I even find that, like, starting business and stuff, you don't know what you don't know. So you're just fumbling your way through.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

In the dark. And you're like, oh, I'll figure it out. But then once you know, you're like, oh, God, this is gonna suck.

[Co-host]

But I got it.

[Autumn]

But it's gonna suck.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

Okay, what else is on yours?

[Co-host]

So the next one says a juice cleanse, which I' several times. Like, the juice places where you buy like a week's worth of juice and that's all you have. And the thing is, it's three to six cold pressed juices per day. No solid food is typically one to seven days. I think I've done several, like, three day cleanses, but they suck. And the last thing you want to drink is a juice. It's like, I don't want this. And then.

[Autumn]

Yeah. Nothing about that sounds fun.

[Co-host]

It's usually less than a thousand calories a day, and it's marketed as detox. Also, the. Okay, so and then, like, just water. So those are, like, strict.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

Liquid.

[Autumn]

Definitely not. Because I like. I think, honestly, I really. I like tea. Like, I like to chew. God, why do I always. Don't chew the microphone on the microphone. I get so aggressive with my head movements.

[Co-host]

Okay. Then the next one, because I was, like, looking him up, was single food, like mono diets. And I remember this one. It's called the grapefruit diet.

[Autumn]

Oh, yeah.

[Co-host]

I remember people because everyone was like, the acid from the grapefruit. Which maybe I. I did wonder while I was reading it. There's an element of truth because a lot of supplements and things.

[Autumn]

There is something in grapefruit extract that helps with metabolism.

[Co-host]

But it was like, the rules are grapefruit before every meal. Extremely low calories, low carb, high protein. Claims grapefruit burns fat, like the acid in it. So Pete. I remember someone doing it at my church. Church. Like a little bit older youth, kid than me was like, it's great because you eat the bacon and then you have the grapefruit and the grapefruit burns up the bacon. I was just like, okay. And so literally, I hated grapefruit. But I bought grapefruit, was eating it with a spoon.

[Autumn]

Okay. I just. Grapefruit could support weight loss. It's not a magic fat burner. Oh, no, that's not. I wanted to know about grapefruit extract. I was chat gpting it. I think I know the answer, but I want to make sure it's important to separate evidence from height. Grapefruit extract often marketed for immunity, gut health, or weight loss. There's flavonoids. Yes.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

That are shown to help improve insulin sensitivity and may modestly affect fat metabolism.

[Co-host]

And I'm like, I wonder if that was the science, how that started, or if some was just like. Like, I'm having a grapefruit with all my food and it's gonna.

[Autumn]

Well. Or somebody had a grapefruit with all their food and you know it's low in calories. There's lots of fiber in it. Yeah.

[Co-host]

Because it also says it's low carb, high protein diet. Like, yeah.

[Autumn]

They're still telling you go low carbon to eat more protein, which that would help you lose weight.

[Co-host]

This is one I hadn't ever heard of. It's called the cabbage soup diet.

[Autumn]

Oh. One of my friends moms did that, and their house smelled so bad.

[Co-host]

It says unlimited cabbage soup, which I actually love cabbage. And I love it in soup, like vegetable soup. It says certain days allow specific foods like bananas, milk, beef and tomatoes. Etc. It's seven days total. Why? It was wild. The smell alone should have been a red flag.

[Autumn]

And I'm sorry, but I'm just gonna be gross for a minute. You are not eating cabbage soup multiple times a day. Bananas, tomatoes, and whatever else they said on that list. And not farting your brains out. You better be alone. And oh my God, the gas pain that you would probably have.

[Co-host]

Maybe, but I don't feel like cooked cabbage makes you fart.

[Autumn]

You do that. D. But don't come over.

[Co-host]

And this one I never heard of. It's called the egg diet. And it's.

[Autumn]

I've heard of that.

[Co-host]

Two to three eggs per meal, very low carbs. Some version of eggs. Some versions have eggs and grapefruit. Only grapefruit's got a rear. It's ugly head. And it's up to two weeks. Why? It was wild cholesterol panic. But make it fashion.

[Autumn]

There was. Oh, my gosh. So when I first was like maybe two years into working at Bodi, I was at the office and we were going, you know, we were going through nutrition stuff. And I think it was Shirley pulled up like this article from the 70s and I don't want. I don't remember which women's magazine it was in, but like a very popular women's magazine and it was the eggs and Chardonnay diet. Oh, my God. You would have two hard boiled eggs and a glass of chardonnay twice a day. And I think you got to have a cup of coffee.

[Co-host]

It sounds like an eggs and shark your pants diet.

[Autumn]

Like, first of all, be hammered.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like you're going to work on two hard boiled eggs and a glass of chardonnay.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like, yeah. For the people that say I'm crazy because I'm like, how about we cut back on added sugar and like inflammatory foods? I'm like, at least I.

[Co-host]

They're probably hear you. But hear me out, Hear me out. What if instead we hard boiled eggs all day and drink chardonnay?

[Autumn]

You could also have a bowl of gabbage soup if you want for dessert, Grapefruit unlimited.

[Co-host]

Oh, the things that people used to do.

[Autumn]

Like, this is my next program.

[Co-host]

You're afraid about talking about, like healthy weight loss. And this is literally the. That's been going on for decades. This one says, I did this one. This is the baby food.

[Autumn]

Oh, my gosh. Come on.

[Co-host]

Baby food jars for meals. But what's funny is I didn't even know. And this says you can have one quote, quote adult meal per day. I didn't know this was a thing.

[Autumn]

You just did it.

[Co-host]

Just like trying to get back to my baby weight.

[Autumn]

Didn't supermodels used to do it? I guess I think supermodels, like, I remember in the 90s used to do it.

[Co-host]

I had the little, like, basket over my arm. I went to that baby food like it was the shopper sweepstakes. Like, I just put my hand on the shelf and just walked out and knocked them all in. Like, I need a balanced diet.

[Autumn]

Plums. The green beans.

[Co-host]

Ooh, bananas. That's a good one.

[Autumn]

Apricot sugar. Unsugar. I remember trying those once, like, when Dom was a baby. And I was like, what? It was the banana that I tried. And I was like, I will not feed this to my child. I was like, it tasted like, you know those hard candies that are shaped like fruits, like the banana? What are they called?

[Co-host]

Oh, yeah. Huh. I don't remember what they're called.

[Autumn]

Well, it tasted like those. And I was like, this. That's not what a banana tastes like. So what the hell's in this jar?

[Co-host]

The one I got, I felt like, tasted like a mashed up banana. I was like, that's just a bunch of mashed up food. And for some reason, it's. It's gonna help me lose weight. I'm gonna be so svelte after this. The baby food diet.

[Autumn]

Okay, what else you got? Because I have other things that I wanna.

[Co-host]

So do you remember the one that was. I'm looking for it because I don't remember. Oh, the HCG diet.

[Autumn]

Yeah, that was popular a few years ago.

[Co-host]

Yeah, my cousin did it like. Like, probably like 15 years ago or maybe less than that. But I. I do think it was more than it was before I was in LA that I was talking to my friends.

[Autumn]

Well, then it rebounded again. Because I feel like it was a thing like five years ago.

[Co-host]

Well, it's. They would give you these injections, right? And. But you also ate less than 500 calories a day.

[Autumn]

Okay.

[Co-host]

So I wonder if it's very similar to, like, it just totally made you not hungry because what. The injections were some kind of hormones. But you were also starving yourself.

[Autumn]

Of course. All of these.

[Co-host]

But it's just wild to me that that's like a thing people did. I had. I. I knew someone who honestly was not even, like, I wouldn't have called her overweight. Yeah. Maybe, like, you can. You could lose five, maybe ten pounds and not be in a dangerous area. But you're not overweight, but she did that. And I was like, you really are taking this, these injections and eating 500 calories a day. That sounds wild.

[Autumn]

Yeah, well. And who was performing it or who was prescribing the hcg because you have to get it. It's a.

[Co-host]

A doctor. Yeah, it's doctor supervised.

[Autumn]

So I guess it's like it was the, the original GLP1.

[Co-host]

Right?

[Autumn]

It's not a GLP1, but.

[Co-host]

Right. Yeah, yeah. It sounds like a. Sometimes I'm like, honestly, thank God for that. People have access to these GLP ones. Yeah. Because it's just the things people were putting their bodies through.

[Autumn]

I mean, listen, they're still doing it even now with, with the GLPs and stuff. I feel like they're getting abused a little bit.

[Co-host]

Yeah. And like. And not severely. Under eating.

[Autumn]

Yes. Really? Under eating, not exercising. Because then you're losing muscle mass and.

[Co-host]

Bone density like that. You said about the Japan thing that they give you a coach and they like, focus on overall lifestyle.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

Because it's so important to make lifestyle changes even if you're using a GLP1 or something like that.

[Autumn]

Okay, so New Year's resolutions. So you looked up all the fad dieting stuff. So I was looking up what are the top 10 New Year's resolutions that people make. So exercise. Number one is exercise more or improve their fitness. So obviously we covered that. Number two is lose weight or eat healthier. You know what I think is really interesting about these things too is I think when people make resolutions like that, like lose weight, exercise more, if you don't put an actual, like.

[Co-host]

Plan.

[Autumn]

Well, a plan, but also like a more definitive statistic, I guess, on it, like exercise more. Well, what does that mean?

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

Like, instead of saying, I'm gonna exercise more, I'm gonna walk three days a week for 30 minutes or I'm gonna walk every day after dinner, or I'm going to make sure I get in three 30 minute workouts a week. And it's these three I'm gonna plan. You know, like if you just say, I'm gonna exercise more, it's so broad and vague.

[Co-host]

It's in, it's unachievable.

[Autumn]

Yeah. It's hard to track, like, did I do it? And so the likelihood of sticking to it. Yeah, same thing. I want to lose weight. Okay, well, do you want to lose a pound? You want to lose five pounds? You want to lose ten pounds? Because when do you want to lose it in? Make sure you're setting realistic numbers. But if you just have a resolution for 20, 26 to lose weight. Well, great. Then on December 31st, you cannot eat, lose two pounds, and say successful.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

You know, so, like, you need to give yourself some parameters, I think.

[Co-host]

Or if someone's like, I want to lose 40 pounds, and then they lose 10 pounds and they're like, actually, I think I can go another 40. I'm like, okay, but let's keep track of your first goal. You've lost 10 pounds.

[Autumn]

You got 30 to go.

[Co-host]

You're 40. You have 30 to go. And then we set a new goal.

[Autumn]

Yes.

[Co-host]

But let's keep this.

[Autumn]

This. Yeah. Keep chipping away at this one.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

Let's not make it so big that never ends. Yeah. Well, not that you want to get to a finish line so that you can move it.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

You want to be able to move that finish line back. Okay. Number three is save more money or improve finances. Love that. But again, I think you have to put a plan around that. How much money? How are you going to do it? Are you putting X amount of dollars from each paycheck away? Are you paying off credit cards? I love number four. The New year's resolution would be to reduce stress.

[Co-host]

I'm stressed about figuring out how to reduce stress. That stresses me out.

[Autumn]

Where's that island we're going to? Because without it.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Not. How do you. And by the way, how do you determine that? How do you do, like, like, daily, Weekly? Are you. I mean, are you wearing the aura ring and tracking it?

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

That's. I feel. That feels like a pipe dream. That's. Like I said. I said something.

[Co-host]

Well, saying I. Yeah. To your. I think that you. You share this same sentiment with me a lot about, like, instead of reducing stress, it should be like adding meditation.

[Autumn]

Or adding practices that help you manage.

[Co-host]

Exactly. And that. Because that will bring in. But if you're just like, I want to get rid of stress, but you're not implementing the habits that are going to help that.

[Autumn]

Well. And even identifying what is causing the stress.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

Like, yeah. If you're going into it, you're like, I need to reduce stress. Well, you need to know what is causing you stress. I know all the things stressing me. It's just the problem. Some of them I can't get rid of.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Or some of them I would prefer not to get rid of. Okay. Number five, get more sleep. Great. Love it. Same thing. Gotta pay attention to. Why aren't you getting enough sleep? Like, is it that you're just staying up watching too Much tv. Are you doom scrolling? Do you not have a nighttime routine?

[Co-host]

Exactly. What are all. Nighttime routine.

[Autumn]

Yeah, I love that one. Okay, number six, I really like this one. Learn a new skill or hobby. I think that's a great one because then you're implementing growth. I think a lot of times with New Year's resolutions, it's always about, like, what we're going to get rid of and, like, there's something bad happening that you need to fix and that makes it harder to stick with. But I think something like learning a new skill or a hobby.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Or improving at something that's more fun.

[Co-host]

Totally.

[Autumn]

Even if you're going to suck at it and be a beginner, it's still like, yeah, I'm gaining, gaining knowledge. I'm gaining a skill.

[Co-host]

Some people. Some people are like. Some people are. We're laughing because someone emailed us or commented or something. It was like, autumn, can you please help Donald with his indigestion?

[Autumn]

She's like, I love you guys. I need to come be a part of your podcast. And then she's like, but you really need to help Donald with his sparkling water.

[Co-host]

I drink, but today's not sparkling water. I just ate a beef stick and I'm drinking his coffee. Sometimes you get out some reflex. Welcome to 40.

[Autumn]

Anyways, I have a program, it's called Gut Protocol. Might help with that.

[Co-host]

Yeah, I think that also when starting a new hobby, it's really important to know you don't have to know which one you're gonna love. The fun thing about that is you can try a new one. You can take a pottery class and be like, I'm glad I tried it, but that's not the hobby. And just keep checking things. And if nothing else, you have a year of trying a bunch of new.

[Autumn]

Things, which is also fun in and of itself.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like, especially in these times where, like, if you're bored, if you're lonely, if you're, like, looking to make new friends, whatever. Like, you're not gonna do it sitting at home by yourself.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

Watching shows that you've already seen. You have to get out there. Like, I'm excited for it. Like, I have new things that I want to do this year.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Looking forward to it. Okay, number seven, quit or reduce bad habits like smoking, drinking, excessive screen time. I mean, that's always great. Number eight, spend more time with family and friends. Friends.

[Co-host]

Like, how am I supposed to do that? And reduce stress. This is an oxymoron.

[Autumn]

These. These battle each other. Pick one. Okay, number nine. Improve your mental health. Again, can't do that. Spend time with family.

[Co-host]

That's right.

[Autumn]

Not mine anyways. Number 10, advanced career or education promotion, new job certifications. I. Okay, I love that one. But you cannot just sit around and wait and think, well, I'm doing my job. Why am I not getting promoted? Guys, girls, everybody. You have to go above and beyond. Like, you don't get a pat on your back for doing what you. You're hired to do. That's what your paycheck is for. You want to be recognized, you're to have to step up, level up. Ask, what else can I do? Can I learn more? Can I? You know, you got to dig in, you got to ask the questions and then show that you are ready for that next level. I see so many people like, well, I don't get it. Like, I'm on time every day and I'm doing my job. Yeah, you're doing the bare minimum. You're on time. Duh.

[Co-host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Autumn]

You're doing your job. That's what your paycheck's for.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

What makes you. Somebody's gonna hate me for saying this, I'm sure, but like, they're. The way I'm saying it, I'm being funny, but. But what makes you stand out?

[Co-host]

Yeah, My brother works for a very large company. He works for Amazon.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

And he is like, at this interesting place where they. I don't understand at all, but there's like categories of how they will promote from within. And like, you won't go from being a salary, hourly employee to salary from here to here. Like, there's all this red tape.

[Autumn]

Okay.

[Co-host]

But anyways, he's essentially created a need for his job and they've had to go to like one of the top of HR to approve this position to be created to allow this space. But he, he literally has. Of course he was showing up on time and doing his job, but he has done work to require him. It's not a question of if, it's a question of how and when.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

To be promoted into the position he wants. And it's really inspiring to me. Even though I don't have that kind of work, I'm like, it's sort of like if you build it, they will come. Like if you act accordingly. If you do the thing, then. And there are people I know in your work situation where it's like you have an employer and maybe this is the year that you've make a move.

[Autumn]

A move. Then. Yeah.

[Co-host]

To some place that can value what you're bringing to the table. But make sure. But. But people who are like, well, if. If they give me more money, I'll do this.

[Autumn]

Sometimes you have to do this to get more money. It's like you're battling, the boss is waiting for you to step up, and you're waiting for the boss to give you more money. And you're going to be at odds the whole time.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

You got to be the bigger person. Sometimes you gotta swallow a little pride. And by the way, if you're are an entrepreneur and you want a quote unquote raise or different position, then learn a new skill.

[Co-host]

Yep.

[Autumn]

Keep investing in your education. You can do so much of it from home now. And also, like, you've got to go out there and say, what else can I do? How else can I reach new people, new customers, or whatever it is that your product is.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like, I remember people would say that all the time. And I'm like, yeah, but if you're just showing up doing all the things that you always do, then why are you expecting more? You should. You're in maintenance. If you're just like when you're eating in maintenance, then you're in maintenance. So don't expect weight loss from maintenance. And just like in life, if you're cruising along in your maintenance level, sometimes you need to be in that maintenance spot. You need a minute.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

But then when you're ready for growth, you're gonna have to get uncomfortable. You're gonna do more.

[Co-host]

That's right.

[Autumn]

So you gotta go for it a little bit.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

What? Tell me, like, okay. Do you make New Year's resolutions?

[Co-host]

No.

[Autumn]

I don't either.

[Co-host]

I love a clean slate. A start. But I feel that every Monday. Honestly, I feel it every day.

[Autumn]

I wake up, I'm like, let's try this again on Mondays.

[Co-host]

I'm like, yes. New week, new, like opportunity. I can cr. Like, I. And it's been really good for me to reframe that. And so the new year is sort of like a big piece of that.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

But I don't. My how I want to make positive change is one day for myself, is one day at a time. And that's really what I. How I look at it. I don't make big New Year's resolutions.

[Autumn]

I don't either. Because you know, what if New Year's is on a Saturday, something didn't have. This isn't Cinderella Man. When I fell asleep, no magic thing happened. That when I went to bed Friday night and woke up Saturday, poof. Everything's better. I. I woke up with the same problems that I had the night before. I wake up with the same. Same motivation I had the day. All the same is there from 2025 to the next. First day of 2026. How are you going to approach it? And I know people like to use it as, like, a. Like, okay, it's a new start. People will do that with their birthdays, but, like, I'm like, you, where I.

[Co-host]

Sometimes I am like that a little bit with my birthday, but it's just, like, little goals and things. I'm. I'm really motivated more by. By feeling. And I just want to, like, every day have habits and practices that make me feel good.

[Autumn]

Same like.

[Co-host]

Like, I'm showing up for myself, and I feel good.

[Autumn]

Yeah. And it happens to me. I will get the hit on the most random Wednesday night, you know, whatever, where I'm just like, yeah, like, I'm gonna do all the things. And I'm so ready to go. And I'm like, I don't know. Could be whatever month. It could be whatever day.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And. And it's just like, okay, I'm ready to do this when I decide I'm ready to do something. So I don't do New Year's resolutions, but when there is something big I want to achieve, I tend to try to put it out there publicly in some form because it holds me accountable to it. Whether or not it'll actually happen is not to be said, but it makes me follow through on the steps that need to happen.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like, I always use my fitness competitor, but, like, I decided to compete. The very first time I decided to compete, I was at a. I think it was a New Year's Eve party with a bunch of friends from work. When I worked at Equinox, we had just thrown a shot back. Might have been the second or third for the night. I used to drink a little bit more back then. Not a lot, but I drink more.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

And they were like, you need to do it, Autumn. And I was like, I'm gonna do it. And I. Facebook was big then, and I put it on Facebook. I'm competing. And I woke up the next morning, and I was like. I put it on Facebook, by the way. I'm like, it's not like I had some huge platform or anything.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

But people saw it. Friends saw it. Oh, my God. You're gonna compete. That's awesome. And I was like, I came back out of it now, and two other girls had agreed to do it with me. And both of them dropped out. And I was like, I cannot drop out. I said I was gonna do it publicly. That would be so embarrassing. Not that I should care what other people think, but I had put it out there publicly. Just like with the beverage line. I put it out there publicly that I'm doing it. So I'm going to take every step to get it to the point of launch, which we're almost there.

[Co-host]

Yes.

[Autumn]

And where it goes from there, nobody knows. But I'll do everything in my power. But I do think sometimes, whether it's publicly or making that declaration to a friend or a family member because it's just that little bit of accountability.

[Co-host]

Yeah. It makes such a big. Accountability is so important. And I do think a like, like saying, I don't. We shouldn't care what people think. I do think a healthy balance of caring about your reputation from certain people doesn't mean I care what everybody thinks about me.

[Autumn]

Right.

[Co-host]

But there are people and I do care, I think in a healthy way about what some people think. And I think that's good.

[Autumn]

It would be so ridiculous to be.

[Co-host]

Like, I literally don't care. Yeah.

[Autumn]

Like we all, we know, we care what people think. Think. It's how much you let it affect you. If it's determining your every move, that might be out of balance.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

But yes, your word means something. Your character, all of that. Like it comes into play. So if you're the person that constantly says you're going to do something and then never does it.

[Co-host]

Exactly.

[Autumn]

Then people are.

[Co-host]

You don't want that to be your reputation.

[Autumn]

Yeah. That's going to be your reputation. They never follow through.

[Co-host]

Yeah.

[Autumn]

But if you're like, I did it. And people are like, listen, even if they don't necessarily achieve the thing, they go all in. Balls to the wall. Like, I can count on them to give it their. All.

[Co-host]

Right.

[Autumn]

And that's a good feeling.

[Co-host]

Yeah, I love that.

[Autumn]

Yeah.

[Co-host]

Well, you guys, I hope that whether you are someone who likes to jump into the deep end with a new challenge, I hope that if you are starting this year off with new goals and you want to see significant change in your life, that you find that change and you find it in a helpful. Helpful and empowering way. And we're here for it. I just don't know if I'd recommend the cabbage soup diet.

[Autumn]

I would. Or the egg.

[Co-host]

Or the egg. Yeah. Man cannot live on hard boiled eggs alone.

[Autumn]

Maybe don't try any of those diets Donald mentioned. They all sound pretty awful.

[Co-host]

Yeah. But everything else. We support you, boo.

[Autumn]

We're here to help. And you can always email [e-mail] let us know. Do you set resolutions? What are they? If you have any, can we be of assistance in any way? We are your besties. We're here for it.

[Co-host]

Yeah. I'd also love to know of past resolutions if you've had big success, because most people's resolution story is one of didn't really quite hit it. So I'd love to hear that. As always, check us out on Instagram. Everything's perfect. Official and we'll see you guys next week.

[Autumn]

See you next week. Happy New Year.

[Co-host]

My crying.