The Tactical Nutrition & Performance Podcast
The Tactical Nutrition & Performance Podcast
Tactical Nutrition & Performance Podcast
Health & Performance for the Tactical Athlete with Sports Dietitian and Coach Susan Lopez
Boost Cognitive Performance with Nutrition
Download the Tactical Dietitian App:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/appIn this episode, dietitians Susan Lopez and Dr. Nick Barringer explore the role of cognitive nutrition in enhancing mental performance for tactical athletes. They discuss hydration, omega-3s, adaptogens like rhodiola rosea, and innovative supplements such as caffeinated gum to optimize cognition and physical performance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tactical Nutrition and Cognitive Performance02:20 The Importance of Hydration for Cognitive Function06:00 Nutrition Strategies for Cognitive Enhancement08:20 Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Animal vs. Plant Sources11:01 Creatine and Its Role in Cognitive Recovery14:32 Vitamin D: Importance for Cognitive Health18:38 The Need for Regular Blood Work in Tactical Athletes23:38 Optimizing Health Beyond Just Being 'Not Sick'28:15 Understanding Cognitive Performance and Hormonal Influence29:29 Exploring Cognitive Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids30:41 The Development of Salvo Gum and Its Benefits33:27 The Science Behind Rhodiola Rosea37:08 Performance Benefits of Salidroside47:02 Safety and Contraindications of Salidroside51:10 Future Research and Applications of SalidrosideJoin the High Energy and Performance Challenge: 7 Days to better energy, recovery, and performance.https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/offers/DkfdMzL6/checkoutJoin the Newsletter to get the latest nutrition and performance trends right to your inbox:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/newsletters/the-nutrition-and-performance-reportCoaching:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/courseSupplements:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/storeVO2 Testing:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/testingPodcast:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/blogFollow for more:https://www.youtube.com/@tacticaldietitianhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7tshkUNVzvPRw1pYB8G39C?si=277389b3d8a6474ehttps://www.tacticaldietitian.com/https://www.instagram.com/tactical.dietitian/
Jun 19
52 min
Wildland Firefighting Preparation w/ Austin Womack
In this episode, wildland firefighting expert Austin Womatt shares insights on training, preparation, and performance optimization for wildland firefighters. Learn how tailored strength and conditioning programs can improve safety, longevity, and effectiveness during demanding fire seasons.ResourcesTraining for the Uphill Athlete (Book)Rugged Athlete Resources:⁠https://www.instagram.com/ruggedathlete/⁠Wildland Firefighter Human Performance SummitDownload the Tactical Dietitian App:⁠https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/app⁠Tactical Dietitian:⁠https://www.instagram.com/tactical.dietitian/
May 22
40 min
Is Hormone or Peptide Therapy Right for You? My Honest Answer
Interested in learning more about how peptides or hormone therapy can help you? Book a Consultation Now HEREhttps://offers.wittmerrejuvenationclinic.com/social-media-offer?referred_by=Susan&[email protected]&referred_by_phone_number=(281)+832-9811Join the High Energy and Performance Challenge: 7 Days to better energy, recovery, and performance.https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/offers/DkfdMzL6/checkoutJoin the Newsletter to get the latest nutrition and performance trends right to your inbox:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/newsletters/the-nutrition-and-performance-reportCoaching:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/courseSupplements:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/storeVO2 Testing:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/testingPodcast:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/blogIn this conversation, Susan Lopez and Elliott Rule discuss the intricacies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and peptide therapy, exploring their benefits, the importance of lifestyle changes, and addressing common misconceptions. They share personal experiences and insights into the processes involved in seeking treatment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to wellness that includes both medical and lifestyle interventions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hormone Replacement Therapy01:08 Understanding Peptides and Their Benefits03:57 Exploring Growth Hormone Peptides07:24 Rehabilitation and Recovery with Peptides09:27 Navigating the Intake Process for Hormone Therapy12:45 Concurrent Therapy: Peptides and Lifestyle Changes17:22 The Stigma of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women22:49 Dispelling Myths About Testosterone for Women31:07 Long-Term Commitment to Hormone Therapy36:57 Getting Started with Hormone TherapyFollow for more:https://www.youtube.com/@tacticaldietitianhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7tshkUNVzvPRw1pYB8G39C?si=277389b3d8a6474ehttps://www.tacticaldietitian.com/
Feb 20
41 min
Your Meal Plan Strategy is Broken - Here's Why
Join the High Energy and Performance Challenge: 7 Days to better energy, recovery, and performance.https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/offers/DkfdMzL6/checkoutIn this episode, we break down the two main reasons meal plans fail, especially for tactical athletes, firefighters, LEOs, shift workers, and high-performing professionals with unpredictable schedules. We start by addressing a common misconception: that a perfectly written meal plan will automatically solve energy, body composition, and performance issues.Chapters00:00–01:26 Why Meal Plans Are in High Demand01:26–03:25 Why a Meal Plan Alone Won’t Fix Your Nutrition03:25–04:09 Nutrition as a Skill, Not a Sheet of Paper04:09–05:29 The Real Problem: No Backup Plan05:29–06:07 Contingencies for Unpredictable Schedules06:07–06:46 Fast Food, Gas Stations, and Staying on Track06:46–06:57 Building Systems That Actually WorkFollow for more:https://www.youtube.com/@tacticaldietitianhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7tshkUNhttps://www.tacticaldietitian.com/Join the Newsletter to get the latest nutrition and performance trends right to your inbox:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/newsletters/the-nutrition-and-performance-reportCoaching:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/courseSupplements:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/storeVO2 Testing:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/testingPodcast:https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/blog
Feb 4
6 min
2026 Dietary Guidelines: What you need to know
Join the High Energy and Performance Challenge - 7 Days to better energy recovery, and performance. https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/offers/DkfdMzL6/checkoutThe 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were just released, and many people are asking what changed and whether these recommendations actually apply to tactical athletes, first responders, and high-performing athletes. In this video, I break down the key updates to the 2026 dietary guidelines, including high protein intake, saturated fat, whole grains, and how these policies compare to sports nutrition and performance-based recommendations. You’ll learn why national dietary guidelines are written for the general population, where they fall short for physically demanding careers, and how to think critically about nutrition recommendations instead of blindly following headlines. We also discuss the role of physical activity, food environment, and education in long-term health outcomes, and why performance, recovery, and longevity require a different approach than standard public health guidance. Chapters00:00 Why I Almost Didn’t Make This Video00:28 What the 2026 Dietary Guidelines Are00:43 Protein Recommendations Then vs Now01:34 Why These Guidelines Don’t Fit Tactical Athletes02:01 Sports Nutrition vs General Nutrition Policy02:24 The Food Pyramid vs MyPlate Debate03:28 Plate Size, Portions, and Reality03:46 Saturated Fat, Butter, and Whole Dairy04:33 Sugar, Sodium, and Whole Grain Changes05:04 Why the Guidelines Look Shorter06:03 Who the Guidelines Are Actually For06:39 Why High Performers Don’t Follow Them07:18 Food Environment and Physical Activity08:07 Fitness, Mortality Risk, and Longevity08:47 Education, Self-Reliance, and Coaching Philosophy09:53 High Energy and Performance Challenge OverviewFollow for more: https://www.youtube.com/@tacticaldietitian https://open.spotify.com/show/7tshkUN...https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/Join the Newsletter to get the latest nutrition and performance trends right to your inbox: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/newsletters/the-nutrition-and-performance-reportCoaching: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/courseSupplements: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/storeVO2 Testing: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/testingPodcast: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/blog
Jan 19
10 min
Does Heart Rate Training Really Work?
Interested in Performance and Longevity? Head to https://www.tacticaldietitian.com to learn more. In this episode we discuss how accurate Heart Rate Zones on your favorite fitness device actually are when it comes to tracking VO2.Chapters00:00 Understanding Heart Rate Zone Training10:05 The Science Behind Caloric Measurement15:33 Training for Outcomes, Not Just VO2Follow for more: https://www.instagram.com/tactical.dietitian/https://www.youtube.com/@UC1EwlQ6EhdS0FppFCfBoIZA https://open.spotify.com/show/7tshkUNVzvPRw1pYB8G39C?si=68913f6f997b41eehttps://www.tacticaldietitian.com/
Sep 10, 2025
19 min
Supplements Questions Answered
Download the Essential Supplement Guide https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/supplementsDo you really need to take supplements? What is the right time to take creatine? Do Green powders actually work? Join me as I try to answer these questions for tactical athletes. What supplements are essential. Chapters00:00 The Role of Supplements in Nutrition03:43 Whey vs. Casein: Choosing the Right Protein06:19 Creatine: Timing and Benefits10:31 The Truth About Fat Loss Supplements11:55 Recovery Strategies for Long Shifts14:23 Evaluating Green Powders17:14 Daily Electrolyte Needs20:26 Personal Supplement Routinehttps://www.instagram.com/tactical.dietitian/Interested in joining our free monthly coaching sessions? Sign up here: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/storeMy favorite supplement brands: Thorne Research https://www.thorne.com/u/TacticalDietitianSpoken Nutrition https://spokennutrition.com/tacticaldietitian#firefighter #lawenforcement #military #militaryfitness #nutrition #specialoperations #greenberet #BUDS #navyseal #firstresponder #dietitian
May 27, 2025
23 min
No Excuses with Matt Gehlbach
Interested in learning more about nutrition for longevity and performance? Download the Tactical Athlete Guide by clicking the link: https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/SummaryIn this episode of the Tactical Nutrition and Performance Podcast, host Susan Lopez interviews firefighter paramedic Matt Gehlbach, who shares his journey in fitness and nutrition. They discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the chaos of family life and a demanding job. Matt emphasizes the importance of having a structured meal prep system, the significance of protein intake, and the mental aspects of training. He also highlights common mistakes people make in their fitness journeys and the importance of self-talk and resilience in overcoming obstacles. The conversation wraps up with insights on training regimens for first responders and the need for balance in nutrition and fitness.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tactical Nutrition and Performance00:02 Meet Matt Gehlbach: Firefighter and Fitness Enthusiast04:30 Managing Chaos: Balancing Family and Fitness09:46 Nutrition on the Job: Preparing for Shifts14:55 Understanding Macronutrients and Meal Prep19:15 The Importance of Protein and Nutrition Education22:03 Training Regimens: On and Off Shift25:30 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Fitness25:53 The Reality of Training and Nutrition36:21 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Fitness41:30 Training Intensity and Client Mistakes43:04 The Importance of Zone 2 TrainingFollow Matt @hypertorphydadFollow Susan @tactical.dietitian
Apr 29, 2025
45 min
Performance Dietitian Talks: Myths, Guilty Pleasures, and Performance
Free Resources for your Tactical Athletes who want to Perform Better and Live Longer ➡️➡️➡️ https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/storeIn this engaging podcast episode, Susan Lopez, Callie Roseland, and Diana Nguyen discuss various aspects of nutrition, particularly focusing on sports nutrition and the common myths surrounding it. They share their personal guilty pleasure foods, debunk popular nutrition myths, and emphasize the importance of a balanced diet. The conversation also touches on personal approaches to nutrition, meal prep strategies, and the significance of being flexible with dietary choices. The episode concludes with a fun segment on overrated and underrated nutrition topics, providing listeners with valuable insights into effective dietary practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests02:50 Guilty Pleasures of Dietitians05:27 Nutrition Myths and Misconceptions10:57 Understanding Protein Intake16:23 Personal Approaches to Nutrition23:53 The Importance of Nutrition for Performance26:06 Meal Planning and Preparation Strategies28:49 Flexibility in Nutrition: Adapting to Life's Demands33:14 Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Food Choices40:09 The Role of Systems in Nutrition41:23 Overrated vs. Underrated: Nutrition Trends and [email protected]@[email protected]
Mar 5, 2025
47 min
Rescue RD: Fueling Firefighters
Free Resources for your Tactical Athletes who want to Perform Better and Live Longer ➡️➡️➡️ https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/store ============================ In this conversation, Susan Lopez interviews Megan Lautz, a registered dietitian specializing in firefighter nutrition. They discuss Megan's journey into this niche, the unique challenges faced by first responders regarding nutrition, and the importance of tailored dietary advice. Megan shares her strategies for engaging firefighters, the significance of regular fueling, and her workshops aimed at improving wellness in fire departments. They also touch on the misconceptions surrounding nutrition, the importance of building trust with first responders, and the upcoming topics for Megan's podcast. https://www.instagram.com/rescue.rd/ ============================ Download all our free guides: Meal Prep Guide // https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/mea... No Calorie-Tracking Nutrition // https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/noc... Essential Supplements for Tactical Athletes // https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/sup... The Better Sleep, Improved Energy, and More Strength Guide // https://www.tacticaldietitian.com/guide
Feb 5, 2025
48 min
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