Why Mark Bell Stopped Eating High Fat Foods for Fat Loss (and 4 other things)

Intro (00:00:00)

• Mark Bell discusses his journey in fitness and powerlifting, acknowledging that he has changed his mind on various aspects of nutrition and training over the years.
• He reflects on the cyclical nature of his experiences and emphasizes the importance of strength and muscle mass for overall health and longevity.
• Mark believes in the effectiveness of different diets, including the keto diet, carnivore diet, and bodybuilding diet.
• He advocates for exposure to various dietary strategies, recognizing that individuals have different preferences and needs.
• Mark highlights the importance of trying different diets and exercise styles to find the ones that work best for each person.
• Mark Bell, a renowned strength coach and powerlifter, shares his experience and insights on why he stopped consuming high-fat foods for fat loss.

30% Off Your First Order AND a Free Gift Worth up to $60 (00:04:26)

• Mark Bell promotes Thrive Market, an online membership-based grocery store, offering a 30% discount and a $60 free gift for new customers.
• Thrive Market provides a convenient way to shop for specific dietary preferences, such as sugar-free or high-protein products.
• Mark Bell has created his signature low-carb keto truffles and nut butters sweetened with allulose, available on Thrive Market.
• Customers can save 30% on their first grocery order and receive a free $60 gift by using the special link provided by Mark Bell.

Muscle for Longevity (00:05:25)

• Mark Bell suggests that extreme muscle mass may not be necessary for overall well-being and longevity.
• He emphasizes the potential risks associated with excessive fitness and bodybuilding, such as injuries and mobility issues.
• Bell advocates for a balanced approach to fitness, prioritizing moderate exercise and avoiding excessive body fat gain.
• He acknowledges that a ketogenic diet can be beneficial for weight loss and breaking unhealthy habits.
• Bell stopped eating high-fat foods for fat loss because it was a simple and effective way to change his diet and see rapid results.
• He focused on reducing his carb intake rather than counting calories, which helped him make healthier choices.

Reducing Fat to Lower Bodyweight (00:10:50)

• Mark Bell discusses his recent shift in focus from a high-fat diet to reducing fat intake as a means of controlling body weight.
• He acknowledges that he may have inadvertently promoted excessive fat consumption in the past and expresses concern about the potential health risks associated with overeating saturated fat.
• Bell highlights the importance of considering individual adherence to dietary protocols and the potential consequences of combining high-fat intake with cheat days or meals that include carbohydrates.
• Bell emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to nutrition, avoiding extremes and considering individual needs and preferences.
• He stresses the importance of listening to one's body and making adjustments to one's diet based on how one feels and performs.
• Bell also highlights the value of seeking professional guidance and support when making significant changes to one's diet or lifestyle.

Not All Saturated Fat is Created Equal (00:14:30)

• There seems to be a correlation between saturated fats and insulin sensitivity.
• Too much saturated fat may be worse than too much sugar for insulin resistance.
• Saturated fat impacts visceral fat levels and fatty liver.
• The carbon chain of a saturated fat determines whether it's good or bad.
• Odd-numbered saturated fats (C15, C17, C19) are cardioprotective and healthier.
• Even-numbered saturated fats (C16, C18) are more detrimental.
• We need to educate people about the different types of fats and their effects on health.

Finding a Diet You Can Adhere to (00:17:11)

• The key to weight loss is finding a diet that allows you to avoid overeating and create a calorie deficit.
• Being overweight does not necessarily mean someone is unhealthy, but symptoms like constant tiredness may indicate a need for increased movement.
• Making dietary changes can provide more energy and motivation to exercise.
• For those with moderate weight loss goals, a two-week period of eating as much of a whole food diet as possible can help understand how different foods affect energy levels.

Being Openminded (00:20:35)

• Being open-minded to trying new things is crucial for personal growth and change.
• Letting go of rigid beliefs and experimenting with different approaches can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.

Utilize Different Diet Styles (00:21:48)

• People should find a manageable diet that fits their lifestyle.
• Mark Bell utilizes different dieting styles throughout the day.
• He reduces fat calories when consuming carbohydrates.
• He uses intermittent fasting and circadian rhythm strategies.
• He starts most days without carbohydrates and eats protein and fat in the morning.
• This works for him because he is busy for the rest of the day.

Hack to Reduce Calories (00:23:50)

• Fill your schedule with activities to reduce the time available for eating.
• Intermittent fasting can help by shifting your focus from food to productivity.
• Plan your fasting days around your busiest days for easier adherence.
• Use social engagements as a strategy to distract yourself from food.
• Lifting weights can act as an appetite suppressant.

We Spend Too Much Time Eating (00:26:30)

• Intermittent fasting can help reduce the time spent eating.
• Food is too convenient and accessible, leading to overconsumption.
• The speaker loves food and enjoys being lean, but struggles to balance both.
• Despite occasional deviations from a strict diet, the speaker maintains good health and appearance.

Where to Find More of Mark's Content (00:27:40)

• Mark Bell can be found on Instagram under the handle @marksmellybell.