Uncomplicating Wellness: Why Willpower Is a Myth & What Your Body Is Really Telling You (with Jen Trepeck)
Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? You're not alone. Only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy, and the wellness industry is designed to keep you confused.
In this episode, health coach and author Jen Trepeck breaks down why the "eat less, move more" approach fails, what your body is actually trying to tell you, and how to cut through the noise to reclaim your health.
You'll discover why willpower isn't the problem, what GLP-1 medications really do, and the six fundamentals that matter more than any supplement or biohack.
If you're tired of feeling like you're failing at health, this conversation will change how you think about wellness.
What You'll Learn:
- Why willpower is a finite resource (and not the problem you think it is)
- The truth about GLP-1 medications.
- How genetics and epigenetics really work (your genes aren't your destiny)
- The Bio Stack: 6 fundamentals that matter more than any supplement
- Why sleep is the ultimate biohack for weight loss and stress management
- What your body's signals (cravings, fatigue, hunger) are really telling you
- The connection between stress, cortisol, and metabolic health
- How the food system is designed to keep you confused
- Why "four hugs a day" might save your life
Key Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro: Welcome to the show
[02:00] Defining wellness: WTF is wellness anyway?
[03:00] The business of health and wellness
[05:00] Jen's personal health journey and weight struggles
[06:00] Becoming a health coach
[07:00] The role of genetics and epigenetics
[11:00] Is the wellness system broken?
[13:00] The food system: Why healthy food costs more
[17:00] The truth about supplements
[20:00] GLP-1 medications: What you need to know
[27:00] The willpower myth explained
[30:00] Sleep and blue light exposure
[34:00] Biohacking vs. Bio Stacking
[37:00] Why sleep is the ultimate biohack
[42:00] The importance of connection and community
[47:00] Supplements, sex, and poop: What your body is telling you
[52:00] Stress and cortisol: Living in fight-or-flight mode
[55:00] Final thoughts and where to find Jen
Guest Bio:
Jen Trepeck is a health coach, speaker, and the author of Uncomplicating Wellness: Ditch the Rules, Quiet the Noise, Reclaim Your Life. She's also the host of the podcast Salad with a Side of Fries, where she helps people make sense of health and nutrition without the overwhelm.
Jen specializes in metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and helping overwhelmed people understand what their bodies are actually trying to tell them. She's been coaching clients since 2007 and has worked with thousands of people to improve their health through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Connect with Jen:
- Website: saladwithasideoffries.com
- Podcast: Salad with a Side of Fries (available on all platforms)
- Book: Uncomplicating Wellness (available on Amazon and wherever books are sold)
Resources Mentioned:
📚 Book: Uncomplicating Wellness by Jen Trepeck
💻 Tool Mentioned: Flux (blue light filter for computers)
Key Takeaways:
The Bio Stack (6 Fundamentals for Health):
- Nutrition
- Movement
- Hydration
- Sleep
- Stress Management
- Connection
Master these before worrying about supplements or biohacks.
The Willpower Truth:
Willpower is a finite resource that depletes throughout the day. Every decision you make—from what to wear to work stress—drains it. Low blood sugar, especially in the tank, will sap willpower, which is why "eat less, move more" backfires.
Sleep Strategy:
Start with a consistent wake-up time (same alarm every day). Your bedtime will naturally fall into place. Aim to sleep during the 11 pm-3 am window for optimal deep sleep and restoration.
Connection Matters:
Four hugs a day for survival. Eight for maintenance. Twelve for growth. Connection and purpose are as important as diet for longevity.
Action Steps:
- Pick ONE thing from the Bio Stack to focus on for 30 days
- Set your alarm for the same time every morning
- Give (or get) four intentional hugs today
- Check your supplement labels and dosages
- Pay attention to what your body is telling you (energy, cravings, sleep quality)
About No Sitting on the Sideline Dad:
No Sitting on the Sideline Dad is a podcast for people who refuse to sit on the sidelines of their own lives. Hosted by Joe Foley, the show explores self-improvement, purpose, fatherhood, and everyday growth through authentic conversations with experts and real people doing real work.
New episodes drop every week.
Connect with Joe:
- Website: www.nosittingonthesideline.com
- Instagram: @nisittingonthesideline.com_dad_pod
- Email: joe@nosiitingonthesideline.com
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing discussed in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Joe Foley is not a medical professional. Guest expert opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of this podcast or its host.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, medications, or health regimen, especially if you have chronic conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing.
