Lee Syatt, a comedian and podcaster, has openly shared his experiences with weight loss, health, and self-improvement on his podcast, "What Was I Thinking?". His journey, marked by significant weight loss and a changed perspective on food and well-being, offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of achieving a healthier lifestyle.
Early Podcast Days
In the initial episodes of "What Was I Thinking?", Lee explored a variety of topics, from personal anecdotes and reactions to listener texts to broader subjects such as his views on communism and experiences with open mics. He openly talked about his life, career, and the things that made him unique. These early podcasts laid the groundwork for a more personal and revealing approach, which would later include his weight loss journey.
The Turning Point: Acknowledging the Need for Change
Lee, in one episode, mentions that he has been fat all of his life and is sick of it. This acknowledgment marked a turning point. Teaming up with his brother Jordan, who has a degree in Behavioral Health science and has been helping people reach their nutrition and workout goals for more than a decade, Lee embarked on a weight loss journey that he openly shared with his audience.
The Weight Loss Journey Begins
In one episode, Lee and his brother Jordan discussed their weight loss journeys, sharing tips on staying on track. This collaborative approach provided Lee with support and expertise, while also offering his listeners valuable insights into the process of weight loss.
After 14+ months and 146 pounds lost, Lee admitted that he was struggling to maintain his weight loss. He expressed his frustration with the ups and downs of the past two months and his determination not to regain the weight he had lost.
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The Pizza Experiment: Challenging Conventional Dieting
Lee conducted a 30-day experiment where he ate a small Domino's pizza every day while maintaining a calorie deficit. This approach challenged conventional dieting wisdom, which often demonizes "unhealthy" foods. Lee's daily pizza ranged from 900 to 1,500 calories, and he adjusted his other meals to fit within his daily calorie target of 2,200 to 2,500 calories.
Balancing Indulgence with Nutrition
To ensure he met his nutritional needs, Lee focused on nutrient-dense, high-fiber, and high-volume foods for his other meals. His typical breakfast consisted of protein oats with a banana and peanut butter, while lunch might be a wholemeal tuna wrap with pepper and onion. This approach allowed him to enjoy pizza without sacrificing his overall health.
The Importance of Protein and Activity
Lee emphasized the importance of protein intake to help him feel full and minimize muscle loss. He also maintained an active lifestyle, cycling as a Domino's delivery cyclist and incorporating five strength training sessions a week. Additionally, he aimed for roughly 45 minutes of cardio each day.
The Results: Weight Loss and a Shift in Mindset
During the experiment, Lee lost 13.2 pounds, or 8% of his body weight. More importantly, he gained a new perspective on food and dieting. He realized that he could enjoy "unhealthy" foods in moderation without derailing his progress.
The Importance of Mental Health
Lee has also emphasized the importance of mental health in his overall well-being. In one episode, he outlined what mental health means to him, how it affects him in his daily life, how he used to feel, and how he is feeling now. He has also discussed his struggles with caring too much about what people think and his desire to change that about himself.
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Lessons Learned and Shared
Lee's weight loss journey has taught him valuable lessons about balance, moderation, and the importance of self-compassion. He has shared these lessons with his listeners, encouraging them to adopt a more flexible and sustainable approach to health and fitness.
Challenging the Binge-Restrict Cycle
Lee's past struggles with binge-eating and restrictive dieting led him to educate himself about weight management, nutrition, and fitness. This knowledge helped him change his mindset and realize that "self-value isn't based on the food you eat."
Finding Freedom in Flexibility
Lee now feels more in control of his eating habits and no longer restricts himself from enjoying his favorite foods. He understands that he can eat a chocolate bar or pizza and still achieve his health goals.
Expert Opinion
Although Lee's experiment was successful for him, experts advise against following a daily pizza diet for weight loss. While occasional indulgences can be part of a balanced diet, making it a daily habit can lead to nutritional imbalances and health risks associated with high intake of processed foods.
Potential Nutritional Imbalances
Fast food pizzas often lack the variety of nutrients found in whole, unprocessed foods. While Lee compensated with fruits, vegetables, and high-protein meals, this practice might not be sustainable or practical for everyone, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies over time.
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Risks of Saturated Fats and Sodium
Regular consumption of take-out pizza can lead to overconsumption of saturated fats and sodium, increasing the risk of heart disease and hypertension. Fast food pizzas are also usually lower in fiber than meals should ideally be.