From Chef to Coach - Mike Denman's 50kg Transformation

From Chef to Coach - Mike Denman's 50kg TransformationSpecial Guest: Mike Denman, owner of the FitDad programIan's Update:15 days into fatherhoodRoutine completely disruptedStill hitting gym 4-5 times a week but struggling with diet disciplineWeight hovering in the 130s (kg), down from peak of 168kgMike's Story:The Rock Bottom Moment:Peaked at ~23+ stone during COVID lockdownWorked as a chef with constant food access and wine obsessionThe turning point: His 2-year-old daughter hugged a fat Buddha statue at a garden centre and shouted "daddy"Wife sent him the photo thinking it was hilarious - it flipped a switchThe Journey:Lost 50+ kilos over time through high protein, moderate fat, balanced carbsStarted with basic changes: cutting snacks, smaller portions, more walkingTried multiple approaches: intermittent fasting, even veganism brieflyCarried up to 30kg in a backpack during walks to burn more caloriesThe secret: "I just didn't give up" - pushed past the plateau when others quitLife as a Chef:Constant food availability and temptationTasting all day as part of the jobLong shifts (midnight finishes), poor sleep, stress eatingWine qualifications and massive personal collectionThe environment enabled every excuse: shifts, stress, fatigueGiving Up Alcohol:Still owns 100+ bottles of wine with qualifications in wineQuit because he genuinely didn't want it anymore - no struggleOccasionally has half a glass of exceptional wine (Sassicaia, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir)"I was drinking a high-calorie depressant that ruined my sleep while trying to get healthy"Once you become a "fit person" rather than a "fat person giving stuff up," the logic is clearCurrent Business:Left hospitality, now coaching full-time60 active clients, helped 500-600+ through programsRuns free 5-day "Fat Loss Kickstart" challenges every fortnight (100-200 participants)Maintains free WhatsApp community for ongoing supportFocus: Online coaching for dads (more contact than traditional PT)The Fatherhood & Diet Debate:Ian's Dilemma:Treats sugar as an addiction requiring complete abstinencePatterns show: alcohol OR sugar leads to self-destruct buttonMental clarity on sugar-free diet was transformativeChildhood filled with sugar once he could earn moneyQuestions whether restriction created the problem or would have prevented itThe Kid Question:Mike's coach raised 3-4 kids totally sugar-free with fewer illnesses and better focusIan planning: homemade baby food, blended veg/meat, avoid ultra-processedThe counterpoint: Ian's wife ate everything as a kid and has no weight issuesRisk: Will total restriction cause rebellion later?Mike's take: Personality matters more than restrictionsKey Insights:"The last 10 kilos are the hardest - people stop too early"Online coaching provides more touchpoints than traditional PTSobriety happened naturally when identity shifted from "fat person restricting" to "fit person living"Instagram/influencer advice can be "ludicrous and borderline dangerous"Podcast Announcement:This is one of the last "50kg Drop" episodes - rebranding to "Three Fat Dads" to focus on weight loss while navigating fatherhood. Looking to collaborate with Mike as a coach for the journey.Connect with Mike:Instagram: @MikeDenmanFitnessFree 5-Day Fat Loss Kickstart (link in bio, runs every fortnight)Join the 50kg & Zero % Drop Podcast for Inspiring Weight Loss, Sugar Addiction Recovery, and Sobriety Stories!Discover powerful strategies and real-life success stories focused on losing 50kg without setbacks. Our podcast offers expert advice on sustainable weight loss, overcoming sugar addiction, and maintaining sobriety. Whether you're battling cravings or seeking motivation to transform your life, each episode provides actionable tips, science-backed insights, and inspiring interviews to support your journey. Perfect for anyone committed to health, sobriety, and breaking free from sugar dependency. Subscribe now for motivation, education, and community support on your path to lasting change! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.