Category: Nutrition

Goal Setting vs Goal Achieving

Oscar AgramonteKung Fu, Mindset & Philosophy, Nutrition, Tai Chi

Dan John makes an important distinction between goal setting and goal achieving. Setting a goal can feel like daydreaming. 

Achieving a goal is more like solving a puzzle. 

You start with what you already have—your genetics, where you live, your circumstances—and then you do the work to find the solution.

One of the tools he uses is called the 5/2 plan. Ask yourself these five questions about your future:

  • What do you want in two decades?
  • In two years?
  • In two months?
  • Tomorrow?
  • Today?

If those questions feel overwhelming, you can also start with the opposite. Instead of asking what you want, ask what you don’t want. 

Dan John has a term for this that I’ve renamed for this newsletter: Reverse Goals. The idea is simple. When you catch yourself doing something that does not serve you, the lesson is, I am not going to do that again.

This is how we avoid being pulled into the latest fitness fad or quick-fix promise. 

Instead, we keep coming back to the fundamentals, the same way we return to basics in Kung Fu and Tai Chi:

  • Eat the right amount for your body each day.
  • Get enough protein to support recovery and strength.
  • Train with weights 2–3 times a week, just as we train our forms.
  • Walk more (I aim for 10,000 steps a day).
  • Sleep enough so the body and mind can recharge.

Add flossing and a yearly check-up, and you have a strong foundation. Not fancy, but it works.

This week, take a moment to answer those five questions for yourself. Then, choose one simple habit from the list above and give it your focus. 

Daydreams turn into progress when we put them into practice.

See you in training,

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Control Corner 15 from Sifu Oscar: Prioritizing Health Over Fitness

Oscar AgramonteControl Corner, Nutrition

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Control Corner! Inspired by Wah Lum’s flipped Chinese character for ‘Fire,’ we’ll share insights to help you master control and achieve balance in martial arts, health, and everyday life.

Essentials: As my strength coach Brett Jones wisely said, “The only place fitness comes before health is in the dictionary.” This highlights a powerful truth: prioritizing fitness at the expense of health is a losing game. True training success lies in enhancing overall well-being, not just chasing performance goals.

Why It Matters: Exercise and training should support your health, not compromise it. Sleep, stress management, and nutrition are just as important as hitting your reps. A body fueled by rest and proper care performs better, recovers faster, and sustains progress longer.

What’s Next: This philosophy is why we named our strength, conditioning, and fitness program Control Your Health instead of something like “Control Your Fitness,” even though fitness-focused names might be more popular. Health isn’t just the foundation of all progress—it’s the long-term goal. This week, take a moment to assess: Are you prioritizing health as the bedrock of your training? Small changes in sleep, nutrition, or stress management can make a world of difference!

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Master Your Eating Habits Like Your Martial Arts Moves

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

I want to share some practical tips to help you stay on track with your health goals while fully enjoying your meals. 

Just as in Kung Fu and Tai Chi, where precision, awareness, and discipline are key, mindful eating can greatly enhance your overall well-being and training.

It’s all about paying attention to your food- savoring each bite, listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and enjoying the overall eating experience without distractions. 

Tips for Practicing Mindful Eating:

  1. Slow Down: In Kung Fu and Tai Chi training, every move is deliberate and controlled. Apply the same principles to your eating. Take your time to eat. Chew each bite thoroughly and savor the flavors and textures.
  2. Eliminate Distractions: Try to eat without distractions such as TV, phones, or computers. Focus solely on your meal and the company around you. Just as you would eliminate distractions to concentrate during training, do the same during meals.
  3. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness signals. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re comfortably full. When training at Wah Lum, listening to your body is crucial to avoid injury and optimize performance. Apply this awareness to your eating habits.
  4. Enjoy Your Food: We tell our students to enjoy the process of mastering a new technique. Apply the same principle to appreciating each meal – its taste, aroma, and presentation. This can enhance your satisfaction and reduce the desire for unhealthy snacks later.

By incorporating these mindful eating strategies into your routine, you can enjoy delicious food while staying on track with your health goals, just as you balance enjoyment and discipline in your martial arts training.

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Sustainable Nutrition Tips

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

Thank you for exploring effective nutrition with me in our two previous blogs.

Now, let’s talk about building habits that can change how you approach food and health:

To build lasting habits, start small and add one new practice at a time. Research shows:

  • Trying one new habit has an 85% chance of success.
  • Trying two new habits drops success to 35%.
  • Trying three drops it to 10%.

Here are some best practices:

  • Consistency: It’s okay to make mistakes; what matters is practicing regularly.
  • Clear Goals: Make sure your goals are easy to understand and measure.
  • Smart Choices: Find the most important thing holding you back and focus on that first.
  • Confidence Boost: Ask yourself, “How sure are you that you can do this daily for the next 2 weeks or 30 days?” Feeling confident is key.

What’s Most Important?

Getting enough nutrients and being able to process them well are crucial for success with nutrition.

Here’s a framework to think about:

  • What’s most important to you?
  • How can you tell if you’re succeeding?
  • What should you try next?
  • How can you keep it up?

These ideas will help you make nutrition choices that last.

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Master Your Nutrition: The Hierarchy of Importance

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

In my previous message, I discussed the diverse reasons why there is no one-size-fits-all diet and what are common benefits among the successful diets. Following up, here’s your guide to prioritizing what matters most:

  1. How much are you eating?

   – Recommendation: Eat until satisfied, not stuffed. With current clients I provide a personalized calorie control guide to take all the guesswork out.  

  1. How are you eating?

   – Recommendation: Eat slowly and mindfully, without distractions.

  1. Why are you eating?

   – Consider if you’re eating because you’re hungry, bored, stressed, or influenced by social cues or hyper-rewarding foods.

  1. What are you eating?

   – Recommendation: Choose minimally processed proteins, veggies, fruits, healthy starches, and healthy fats.

  1. Are you doing #1 to #4 properly and consistently?

   – Recommendation: Aim for 80% consistency with these items before moving on.

Only then consider…

  1. When are you eating?

   – Now you can think about timing your meals, such as breakfast, late-night snacks, or during your workout.

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Diet

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

I don’t believe there’s a single, absolute best diet for everyone, always and forever. Here’s why:

Diverse Needs

Body Types: People vary from tall and thin to short and stocky.

Dietary Preferences: Some eat a lot of meat, others none at all.

Budgets: Budgets range from extremely low to unlimited.

Food Choices: Some eat only packaged foods, others only organic.

Nutrition Knowledge: Some follow specific diets, others know very little.

Time: Some have plenty of time for health and fitness, others very little.

However, successful diets, despite their variety, share common traits.

When done properly, diets like Paleo, plant-based, high carb, and low carb all accomplish the following:

  1. Increase Nutrition Awareness:

   – Focusing on your diet, whether it’s the specific foods or just being mindful, is crucial.

  1. Emphasize Food Quality:

   – Paleo and low carb diets promote natural, animal-based foods.

   – Vegan and high carb diets promote natural, plant-based foods.

   – All recommend whole, minimally processed foods, which is key for nutrition.

  1. Eliminate Nutrient Deficiencies:

   – Proper diets shift focus from processed foods to nutrient-rich ones, correcting common deficiencies and making us feel rejuvenated.

  1. Control Appetite and Food Intake:

   – Awareness and quality food choices lead to eating less, feeling more satisfied, and improving body composition without calorie counting.

  1. Promote Regular Exercise:

   – Focusing on diet often leads to increased physical activity, essential for a balanced health routine.

Each diet has its strengths, but the best approach is one that suits your individual needs and promotes overall well-being.

 Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Principles of Transformative Health

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

Here are some foundational principles on achieving your health goals.

Whether you’re focused on building lean muscle or fat loss, these principles apply to anyone striving for a healthier lifestyle.

Principle 1: Create A Caloric Deficit

Successful diets often revolve around this principle, which involves consuming fewer calories that your body burns. If you need to gain weight, then you need a caloric surplus by consuming more calories than your body burns, thereby providing the necessary energy for muscle growth and overall weight gain. 

Principle 2: Positive Nitrogen Balance

Increase your protein intake to maintain muscle mass while achieving your fitness goals.

Principle 3: Anabolic Signaling 

A fancy term that basically means you engage in resistance training to signal your body to maintain and build muscle. 

It’s as simple as that! These three principles lay the groundwork for your journey towards a healthier you. 

In the short video below, I delve deeper into the importance of these 3 principles.  

I believe you’ll find the insights valuable for your health journey. Take amount to watch it here:

FAT LOSS PRINCIPLES

If you have any questions or need further clarification on anything discussed, feel free to reach out. 

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

7 Nutrition Tips For Continued Fat Loss

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

How is the year going so far?

If fat loss or building lean muscle was a goal for the new year, these 7 tips are for you!

  1. Foods Are Your Best Friends: Start loving whole foods in their natural state. Why? They’re less likely to lead to overeating compared to processed foods, which are a bit too tempting and easy to consume in large quantities. Whole foods keep things simple and clean for your body.
  2. Protein – Your Secret Weapon: Make protein a staple at every meal. Mixing up your protein sources not only maximizes energy and trims your waist but also assures you’re always performing at your best. Think of protein as your loyal ally in the battle against fat.
  3. Size Matters in Meals: Here’s a little secret – eating larger meals less often will leave you feeling fuller than snacking frequently. Confused? Use the 3+ strategy: three satisfying meals, and forget about the 5-6 small meals a day. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
  4. Go Nuts for Nuts: Snack on nuts! They’re not just tasty; they keep you full, are packed with essential nutrients, and here’s the kicker – your body doesn’t even access all the calories in them. It’s like a nutritional magic trick!
  5. Minimize Alcohol – Seriously: Alcohol is a triple threat to fat loss – it disrupts metabolism, is calorie-dense, and let’s be honest, leads to some not-so-great food choices. Stick to healthier options and watch your fat-loss efforts pay off more effectively.
  6. Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Underestimate sleep, and you’re inviting sugar cravings and a hungrier you. Plus, insufficient sleep hampers your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently. Embrace your sleep like a precious resource.
  7. Plan and Prepare: Without a plan, you’re planning to fail. It’s that simple. Plan your meals for the day or week. This small habit can be the difference between succumbing to temptations and sticking to your fat-loss goals.

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals. Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

Cracking The Code for Fat Loss: A Tactical Approach

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

Hello, Friend!

When shedding excess fat, the core idea is pretty straightforward: you’ve got to eat a bit less than your body uses. Think of it as getting your body to use its stuff for energy when food is insufficient.

A Tactical Approach:

  1. Finding the Right Amount to Eat:
  • You kick things off by figuring out how much food keeps your weight steady. After two weeks of keeping a close eye on what you eat, if your weight stays put, that’s where we begin. Cut 20%, and that’s your new goal.
  1. Taking Care of Your Muscles While Losing Fat:
  • You want to keep your muscles safe while shedding the extra fat. This means making sure you eat enough protein. Picture 1 gram of protein for every pound you weigh. If you’re not a big fan of protein foods, you can dial it down a bit.
  1. Sending a Clear Signal to Keep the Muscles:
  • Communicate with your body through weight training. It’s like telling your body, “Hey, keep these muscles; they’re important!” You focus on lifting weights that challenge you but don’t push too hard.

Other Important Stuff:

  • You get to choose whether you prefer more carbs or more fats. The idea is to make a plan that you can stick with.
  • Start with 3 meals and maybe 1 snack a day. You can change how often you eat every two weeks. Some people like smaller meals more often; others like bigger meals. It’s all about what works for you.

Special Training:

  • Use resistance training to create an additional metabolic effect. It helps keep the muscles you have and get stronger. Focus on exercises that keep you engaged and moving.
  • If there’s time, add exercises that make your heart beat faster, like swings or battle ropes.
  • And don’t forget a daily walk, just 10 minutes after meals. It’s super helpful.

Extra Boosters:

  • Simple vitamins like a multivitamin, vitamin D, and fish oil can be a good idea. And if you need extra protein, a protein shake can help, but think of it more like a food choice than a special supplement.

Summing It Up:

  • If protein intake and total calories are the same, all diets will result in the same rate and amount of fat loss. The secret is finding a plan that suits you, and your busy lifestyle.

Fat Loss Emphasis:

  • For fat loss training the primary goal is to maintain muscle when in a caloric deficit. Burning calories is a secondary goal. Weight training first, cardio a distant second.

Remember, it’s not just about losing fat; it’s about keeping your strength up on this journey.

Stay strong, stay focused.

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.

The Truth About Losing Belly Fat

Oscar AgramonteNutrition

We’ve all seen magazine and internet articles with titles like this:

“The 5-Second Flat Belly Trick!”

Or:

“6 Days to a Six-Pack!”

But here’s the truth 

Belly fat isn’t eradicated quickly, nor is being “totally shredded” always the most productive health goal.

However…

Some types of belly fat are associated with health risks.

Visceral fat—that’s belly fat found deep in your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs—is linked to chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders.

(Subcutaneous fat—the padding just under the surface of the skin—is relatively benign.)

I’ve noticed some extra “padding” as the years have gone by myself!

Of course, without slicing yourself open (hard pass), you won’t easily know what kind of fat your belly harbors.

Luckily, the healthy behaviors that help you lose belly fat for aesthetic reasons will also help you improve your health and reduce your risk of disease.

They look something like this:

  • Consume a diet centered around minimally-processed foods. (This makes it harder to overeat, and easier to feel satisfied and meet your nutrition requirements.)
  • Find movement that you like and will do regularly. That’s Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Strength training for me. (Consistency trumps just about everything else.)
  • Eat slowly and mindfully. Still working on it! (Helps improve mind-body awareness so you can more easily eat the right amount for your body.)
  • Practice self-compassion. (Sure, it sounds woo-woo, but it’s linked to healthier eating, more consistent exercise habits, and lower rates of anxiety, depression, and perceived stress.)

Not exactly clickbait, huh?

But consider: How many people actually do all of these things… day in and day out?

Well, statistically-speaking: Less than 3 percent of Americans meet the basic qualifications for a “healthy lifestyle.”

The point: If so few people can do just the basics, how likely is it that they’ll be able to do something that’s even harder? Especially when they’re just starting out?

(Like those advanced, “cutting edge” nutrition or fitness protocols that “celebrity models and Marvel heroes use.”) 

The reality…

Fat loss tactics don’t need to be complicated. In fact, the “boring” stuff totally works—and is a lot more doable (and certainly more sustainable) than pretty much any “extreme” plan. 

Sifu Oscar

 

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are ways we can help you get started.

1. Schedule a time to observe a class.
Interested in Kung Fu or Tai Chi?  First step is to watch a class and see if we would be a good fit! Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for an appointment.

2. Become part of my exclusive Coaching Group with CYH Remote Coaching.  Get personalized coaching delivered right to your phone and catered to your specific goals.
Email: kungfu@wahlum.com for info.