Tired of Diet Fads? Try the Common Sense Approach That Actually Works

June 26, 2025

In this episode, we dive into Ryan Read's viral fitness advice, the universal hatred of Bulgarian split squats, and Ben Bruno’s hilariously practical "Common Sense Diet." Whether you're chasing glute gains or just trying to eat like a human in the real world, we’ve got insights, laughs, and useful takeaways.

🏋️‍♀️ Bulgarian Split Squats: Why We Hate Them (But Still Do Them)

If you’ve ever cried inside while doing Bulgarian split squats, you’re not alone. They’re a brutal but effective exercise that many of us dread on leg day.

Fitness creator Ryan Read teased an “alternative” to the split squat—and it went viral.
The twist? His alternative was literally: “Shut up and do the split squat.” Ouch, Ryan.
Despite the bait-and-switch, he’s got a point—they work, and you can’t avoid the hard stuff if you want results.

💡 Lesson: Sometimes the best alternative... is just doing the damn thing.

🧠 The "Common Sense Diet" by Ben Bruno

Fitness trainer Ben Bruno created a hilariously simple (but genuinely smart) eating framework. It's called the Common Sense Diet, and it cuts through the noise of diet culture with—you guessed it—common sense.

🔑 The 9 Principles of the Common Sense Diet:

Eat well 80% of the time
Save your indulgences for the foods you really love. It’s all about balance.
Stop eating before you're stuffed
You don’t have to clean your plate. Stop when you’re comfortably full.
Get enough protein for your goals
Typically, aim for 0.8–1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight (or target goal weight if you're cutting).
Avoid foods that make you feel or perform poorly
Everyone’s body reacts differently. Pay attention to yours.
Drink plenty of water—but go easy on the alcohol
No, you don’t need to carry a gallon jug everywhere. Just stay hydrated.
Eat your fruits and veggies
Canned, frozen, or fresh—it all counts. Don't let perfection keep you from making progress.
Find a meal frequency that works for your life
Three meals? Six small ones? Do what fits your lifestyle and helps you stay consistent.
Don’t miss life for your diet
Eat the cake at the birthday party. Have the margarita with friends. Food is fuel, but it’s also joy.
That’s it—keep it simple
Dieting doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to these basics and you’ll be ahead of the curve.

🍫 Real Talk: Choosing Your Indulgences Wisely

Not all treats are created equal. We believe in strategic splurging. Whether it’s a Cadbury egg or a caramel-filled chocolate, make your treats count. Don’t waste your 20% on something mediocre.

🥗 Diets Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

From food intolerances to daily schedules (hello, 12-hour shifts), your diet should work for you. Whether you're intermittent fasting, eating every 3 hours, or living on Quest bars—what matters most is consistency and sustainability.

💬 Final Thoughts: Simple Wins

Ben Bruno’s Common Sense Diet is the breath of fresh air we all need. No fads. No BS. Just practical advice that works in the real world—without making you miss out on life.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Ready to work with Nacho Fitness Coach?

Let's connect! We’re here to help.

Send us a message and we’ll be in touch.

Or give us a call today at 913-788-6511

Agency Contact Form

More Marketing Tips, Tricks & Tools

Is Obesity a Disease? Understanding the Health vs. Feelings Debate

July 28, 2026

Is obesity a disease or a sensitive topic? Explore health risks, body positivity, and the debate between science and feelings.

Dry Needling: Are You Ignoring the Real Problem Behind Your Pain?

July 22, 2026

Let’s be honest— dry needling has become one of the hottest trends in recovery and pain relief. But here’s the real question: 👉 Is it actually fixing the issue… or just poking at the symptoms? 💉 What Is Dry Needling (Really)? Dry needling is a technique used to relieve muscle tightness and trigger points by inserting thin needles directly into the muscle. It’s often praised for: Reducing pain quickly Improving mobility Releasing muscle tension Sounds like a magic fix, right? Not so fast. ⚠️ The Problem: Relief vs. Real Results Here’s where things get interesting. Dry needling can absolutely make you feel better —but that doesn’t always mean it’s solving the root cause of your pain. 👉 Think of it like this: It’s great at turning off the alarm, but not always great at fixing why the alarm went off in the first place. 🧠 Are You Treating the Symptom… or the Cause? Most muscle pain doesn’t just “happen.” It’s usually caused by: Poor movement patterns Muscle imbalances Weakness or instability Overuse without proper recovery If those aren’t addressed, the pain will likely come back—no matter how many needles you use. 🔄 When Dry Needling Actually Helps To be clear—dry needling isn’t useless. It can be incredibly effective when used as part of a bigger plan that includes: ✔ Strength training ✔ Mobility work ✔ Proper recovery strategies ✔ Movement correction 👉 In other words, it should support your progress—not replace it. 🚫 The Denial Trap Here’s the hard truth: It’s easy to rely on quick fixes because they’re convenient. But long-term results require addressing the habits and patterns causing the issue. So ask yourself: 👉 Am I fixing the problem—or avoiding it? ✅ The Bottom Line Dry needling can be a helpful tool—but it’s not the whole solution. If you want lasting results: Focus on movement quality Build strength where you’re weak Stay consistent with your routine 👉 Because real progress doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from strategy.