You’ve tried new plans, new diets, new workouts — but you’re still stuck. The truth? The real battle isn’t in your body… it’s in your head. In this episode of The Health Feast, I sit down with strength coach Nick Smoot to explore how mindset and identity drive lasting transformation. Nick shares how he built resilience from a young age, the mental shifts that helped me lose 80 pounds, and why training like an athlete beats chasing quick fixes. We also dive into how fitness supports mental health, the dangers of comparison on social media, and simple strategies to start telling yourself a new story. Whether you’re feeling stuck or looking for a more joyful path to progress, this conversation will give you the tools to break free and finally see results. ----------------- 👋 Join Our FREE Community: Dr. Rak’s Open Table Feel better through food, movement, and mindfulness — without doing it alone. Inside you’ll find live cook-alongs, strength training, breathwork, and reflections from this podcast. 👉 Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/5yfun6ha ⏰ Timestamps 00:00 Why the real battle is in your head 02:10 Awareness and the messages we tell ourselves 06:12 Reframing discomfort to find joy in growth 10:32 Nick’s parents and a growth mindset 15:40 Training like an athlete vs. just working out 17:23 How to shift your identity 23:16 Losing 80 pounds and shifting goals 26:53 Mental health, OCD, and fitness as medicine 32:21 Social media and the comparison trap 57:59 Nick’s life philosophy for the health feast About Nick Smoot Nick Smoot is a strength and fitness coach with over 13 years of experience helping people transform their health. Known for his focus on mindset and sustainable training, Nick works with clients to shift their identity, train like athletes, and build resilience in both body and mind. 📩 Subscribe to Nick on Substack: https://nicksmoot.substack.com 💼 Follow Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-smoot