If you’re tired, cranky, sore, not recovering, or wondering why your workouts feel harder than they should… there’s a good chance you’re simply not eating enough. This blog breaks down the most common signs of under-fueling, why it happens more often than people think, and how it impacts everything from your energy and focus to your hormones and performance.

We’re digging into the science of low energy availability, the real-world symptoms we see in clients every day, and the practical steps you can take to finally fuel your body the way it deserves. If you want better training, better recovery, and a better relationship with food, this is your starting place.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do for your goals is take a break. Intentional diet breaks can support both your mental and physical health, helping you reset your mindset, restore energy, and ultimately make more sustainable progress. Learn when to take one, what it can look like in practice, and why stepping back doesn’t mean losing ground—it means building a better foundation.

Your body’s hunger cues aren’t broken. They’re just misunderstood. Here’s what you need to know about leptin, ghrelin, and why no “leptin reset” smoothie is going to solve your appetite.

Your metabolism isn’t broken—it’s adaptable. This guide busts nine slow-metabolism myths and lays out the real levers you can pull: lift, move more, eat enough protein, sleep well, and manage stress. Save it for those “my metabolism hates me” days.

Transitioning out of a deficit can feel scarier than starting one. In this post, Ryann, Jess, and Sabrina unpack how to reverse diet with confidence, what to expect when adding calories back, and why maintenance—not dieting—is the real long-term goal.

Food noise is that constant chatter about food that leaves you guilty, stressed, or stuck in diet rules. In this Black Iron Blog, coaches Maggie, Jess, and Brooke unpack what food noise is, why it happens, and the strategies you can use to finally quiet it.

Working with a nutrition coach is about way more than macros—it’s about accountability, education, and building habits that actually last. Christin, Sabrina, and Ryann break down what coaching looks like at Black Iron, who benefits from it, and how to set yourself up for success.

The phrase “calories in vs. calories out” gets thrown around a lot in conversations about weight gain, but which side of the equation matters more? This post explores what the latest research really says about diet, activity, and their roles in long-term weight management.

Feeling hungry while dieting or struggling to eat enough to fuel training? High-volume eating can help. Learn how to stretch your meals when you’re cutting—or sneak in more calories when your training demands it—without sacrificing satisfaction.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the latest episode of Black Iron Radio all about reverse dieting—what it is, why it matters, and how to do it without losing your mind. Whether you’re coming off a cut, stuck in a cycle of under-eating, or just trying to build a more sustainable approach to nutrition, this episode dives into the science and strategy behind reverse dieting and why it could be the missing piece in your long-term success.

In this blog post, we’re breaking down the key takeaways from our latest Black Iron Radio episode on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications are everywhere right now—on the news, in gym conversations, and even debated in doctor’s offices. But with all the buzz comes a lot of misinformation. Are they just an easy way out? Do they destroy muscle? Are they a lifelong commitment? Our experts, Chris (PhD(c)), Sam (RD), and Lauren (LDN, CNS), cut through the noise, busting common myths and providing science-backed insights. Keep reading for the facts—and be sure to check out the full episode for even more!

Manipulation of body composition is a common goal in a variety of pursuits, but how do we accurately and objectively measure and track changes over time? Body composition devices and techniques offer a solution here. However, people often place undue confidence in both the accuracy and precision of body composition values that they get from techniques that are regarded as high-quality.

In my work, both at the hospital and with my clients here at BIN, it really strikes me how much emotion and guilt surround the foods we eat, making us “good” or “bad” people in any given moment. We've been conditioned into a world that treats food as an "indulgence" to be restrained, instead of something we literally need to survive, live our best life, and yes, achieve the goals we want to achieve, whatever they may be. So, how do you break that cycle of guilt when everyone around you, in the media, on the internet, and maybe even in your own circle, is pushing that on you?

Why do we care? How our intake can add up. Where should my levels be? What about supplementation? Can I still salt my food? What should I change?

If you have ever struggled to lose or gain weight, I guarantee you have at some point heard the advice: 

“You just need to eat more/less than you burn”

The person that typically says this kind of thing most likely also holds the belief that being overweight or having obesity is a result of pure laziness or a lack of morals. At the surface level, this advice is correct. However, it is correct in the same way that going to a football game and telling the head coach of your team “Hey pal, you just gotta score more points than the other team and you’ll win” is correct. Correct, but very unhelpful and lacks any understanding on what contributes to the scoring of points. 

It’s the ~Most Wonderful Time of the Year~!!! The OPEN! The Open is a celebration. It’s a time for every crossfitter to test themselves, to immerse more deeply in their community, to compete, have fun and learn some stuff. Whether you’re trying to get to the next stage, or trying to get your first muscle up or string those dubs together, we are here to help you make sure you don’t have to stress about the food side of things.

How can we achieve optimal health through a holistic approach? Let's dive a little bit deeper into these 6 foundations to learn. 

In the world of health and fitness, there's a lot of emphasis on exercise, nutrition, and supplements. But there's one crucial factor that often gets overlooked: sleep. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more exercise, more supplements, or a new diet plan will be the solution to your health and fitness goals. But the truth is, without enough sleep, all those efforts may be in vain.

Many people are quick to blame nagging health issues on their food habits and often rightfully so. But they’re more likely to pin it on over-eating when often the root of the issue is actually the opposite. Under-eating is VERY common. We’ve conditioned ourselves to believe that eating less  = better life. The truth is that’s not always true. I know, I KNOW, this is the opposite of what you’ve believed your whole life! Eating too little is just as unhealthy as eating too much.

While I'm not proud of it, when I first started losing weight, I was 100% into cut mode every day 24/7. I didn't have the slightest clue as to what a real maintenance period was, because I thought that was something you only did once you reached your ‘goal weight’. I also didn’t realize I was doing more harm than good by trying to be in a straight deficit for a majority of the year. Maintenance is where so much of the magic happens; habits are built, there’s more flexibility with food choices and social gatherings, cortisol levels are lower, and energy is higher.