In today's episode, we’re diving into a big conversation around one of the most common traps we see in nutrition and fitness: copy-paste culture.

You know the drill: asking for someone else’s calories, macros, or exact plan hoping it’ll work for you too. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t. And if you’ve tried that and crashed and burned, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re broken. We get into why blindly following someone else's plan rarely works, and how creating your own (based on your preferences, lifestyle, and goals) is not only more sustainable, it's empowering.

We also talk about the emotional weight behind constantly searching for "the answer" instead of doing the real work of showing up for yourself. Yes, it’s hard at first. Yes, it takes time. But when you stop outsourcing your plan and start building your own foundation, everything changes. We’re here to help you get honest, get specific, and most importantly, get moving.

"It feels really good to just honor yourself. Be respectful of yourself. You made a plan and you respected that plan.”

- Amy Rudolph

“You're worth it. Act like it and you'll start to feel like it.”

- Iris Deadlifts

“Nobody regrets following through on the plan they made for themselves. They only regret when they didn’t.”

- Meri

This week on Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck:

• Why following a workout plan is not the same as copying someone’s nutrition plan
• How comparison, even under the guise of curiosity, keeps you stuck
• What it really means to create a plan that works for your life, preferences, and budget
• The psychological trap of constantly collecting information and never starting
• Why general guidelines (like calories or protein) are helpful—but your specifics are yours to build
• How to shift from outcome-based goals to action-based goals
• Real coaching examples of clients taking ownership and feeling proud of their progress
• The power of planning ahead, especially for social events and weekends

Connect with Us:

• Meri on Instagram
• Iris Deadlifts on Instagram
• Amy Rudolph on Instagram
• Protein & Fiber Episode
• How Fat Loss Works Episode
• Maintenance Masterclass Episode

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Here’s the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don’t Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.