Episode 29: Aaron Straker: Objective Eating, Setting Realistic Expectations To Match Your Lifestyle and Importance Of Tracking Data

Listeners can find Aaron Straker at www.strakernutritionco.com, and on Instagram @aaron_straker

Aaron Straker is a N.A.S.N. Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist and a self-described “general iron sports enthusiast.” 

He prefers a pragmatic approach to nutrition that focuses on simple food selection, the importance of nutrient density, and the importance of objectivity in dieting and reporting. 

Operating Straker Nutrition Company, he provides nutrition coaching programs and education on exactly how to leverage nutrition for improving body composition safely and sustainably, by leveraging nutrition periodization phasing. 

Aaron is passionate about providing sound education and information in the fitness and nutrition space and putting nutrition at the forefront of producing optimal health.

In this episode, we talk about Objective Eating, the efficacy of tracking data, and setting realistic expectations to match your lifestyle.

Top Takeaways:

• What objective eating is and why it’s important to understand objective eating vs. subjective eating
• Importance of comparing satiety when it comes to whole foods and processed foods
• Nutrition labels are not 100% accurate...
• The importance of tracking and recording data
• Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance
• Why meal plans are not great for long-term sustainability
• The Priority/Progress Matrix

Show Notes: 

• [2:00] CrossFit and low-carb paleo burnout
• [3:00] After a ruptured Achilles tendon, Aaron realized that CrossFit no longer led him towards accomplishing his goals
• [6:00] The concept of Objective Eating
• [11:30] Whole food vs. flexible food ratios
• [12:30] “You don't want to create a structure that is so rigid that you can’t live your life and be consistent with it.”
• [13:30] The Twinkie diet and losing weight unhealthily
• [14:00] Nutrition labels are not 100% accurate...
• [16:00] The Priority/Progress matrix and making progress in different stages of life
• [19:00] Aaron’s personal fitness and nutrition coaching strategies
• [21:30] Tracking and recording data is a key element to achieving both fitness and nutrition goals - even if you aren’t tracking your weight daily
• [30:30] Aaron’s transition into personal coaching and training with Jason Theobald
• [31:30] Family history of Type 2 Diabetes and getting bloodwork done while transitioning to Keto
• [35:30] The signs and symptoms Aaron experienced to tell him that he was becoming insulin resistant
• [38:00] the Dawn Phenomenon 
• [39:30] “I look at food and nutrition differently. I think of myself as one big science experiment… my interests go much deeper than looking good”
• [45:00] Meal plans can work in the short-term… but it’s not realistic to think you will eat on a meal plan forever
• [52:00] Lyle McDonald - the Flexible Diet and The Woman’s Book: Volume 1
• [53:00] The Cortisol Connection
• [56:30] Re-evaluating fitness routines and adapting to your environment

Listen to the full episode HERE. 

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Rachel Gregory (@rachelgregory.cns) is a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Author of the best-selling book, 21-Day Ketogenic Diet Weight Loss Challenge. She received her Master’s Degree in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology from James Madison University and Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Miami.

Rachel helps her clients transform their lives by starting with the physical (body), realizing the power of the mental (mindset), and ultimately gaining massive confidence that bleeds into every aspect of their lives (family, relationships, work, etc.).