In the latest episode of the Gnar Stool Podcast, hosts Shannon O'Grady and John Perry dive deep into the world of nutrition and fitness with the incredible duo, Alex Parker and Meredith Root, co-founders of Tactic Nutrition. Their journey from athletes to nutrition coaches is both inspiring and enlightening, and it sheds light on the importance of authenticity and behavior change in the realm of health and wellness.
From Athletes to Nutrition Coaches
Alex and Meredith both have impressive athletic backgrounds that shaped their approach to nutrition and fitness. Alex grew up in Calgary, Alberta, where she excelled in ski racing and golf. After competing at the NCAA level and even aiming for the Olympics, she transitioned to CrossFit, where she found her passion for fitness and coaching. Meredith, on the other hand, hails from North Carolina and initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine before shifting gears to biological engineering. Her journey led her to dabble in triathlons and eventually CrossFit, where she met Alex.
Their shared experiences as athletes provided a solid foundation for their work in nutrition coaching. They quickly realized that while macros and numbers are important, the real challenge lies in helping clients change their behaviors and mindsets around food and fitness.
The Importance of Behavior Change
One of the key takeaways from the episode is the duo's emphasis on behavior change as a crucial component of successful nutrition coaching. As Meredith points out, "It's not about the science... it's all about behavior change, it's all about mindset." They believe that true transformation comes from understanding one's habits and motivations rather than simply following a strict diet.
Alex adds that many people come to them seeking a quick fix, wanting to know the "best diet" to follow. However, they emphasize that the best diet is one that individuals enjoy and can sustain over time. This approach not only fosters a healthier relationship with food but also encourages long-term success.
Tactic Nutrition: A No-Bullshit Approach
What sets Tactic Nutrition apart is their commitment to authenticity and transparency. Alex and Meredith pride themselves on providing evidence-based information while maintaining a no-nonsense attitude. They aim to cut through the noise of diet culture and offer practical, realistic solutions for their clients.
Their coaching philosophy revolves around creating awareness and helping clients set their own goals. By empowering individuals to take ownership of their health journey, they foster a sense of autonomy that leads to lasting change.
Expanding into Fitness Coaching
Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, Alex and Meredith recently launched Tactic Fitness, a functional training program designed to complement their nutrition coaching. This program focuses on providing accessible, low-cost fitness solutions that cater to a wide range of abilities and equipment access.
Their goal with Tactic Fitness is to simplify the fitness journey for their clients, offering a single daily workout that can be scaled to individual needs. This thoughtful approach allows participants to build strength and improve their fitness levels without the overwhelming options often found in traditional programs.
Conclusion
Alex Parker and Meredith Root are redefining the landscape of nutrition and fitness coaching with their unique blend of expertise, humor, and authenticity. Their journey from athletes to coaches is a testament to the power of understanding behavior change and fostering a supportive community. If you're looking for a no-bullshit approach to nutrition and fitness, Tactic Nutrition is the place to start.
Tune in to the full episode of the Gnar Stool podcast to hear more about Alex and Meredith's journey, their insights on nutrition and fitness, and how they are making a difference in the lives of their clients.
