Over 40? Stop Blaming Sugar

In this episode, Redha tackles the widespread myth that sugar is the ultimate villain of health and weight loss. Redha reveals why simple sugars and carbohydrates are actually essential sources of fuel for your body and brain after 40, and explains how poor digestion, rather than sugar consumption, is often the real cause behind blood sugar spikes, bloating, and stubborn weight gain.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Sugar Is Fuel, Not the Enemy: Your body and brain rely on glucose and oxygen for energy; cutting out sugar entirely can drain your energy and hinder physical performance. Digestion Dictates Blood Sugar: Blood sugar spikes often stem from slow or impaired digestion of hard-to-digest foods, rather than sugar consumption alone. Rest Your Digestive Tract: Implementing fasting or leaving longer gaps between meals allows your digestive tract to rest, recover, and naturally clean itself. Prioritize Gut-Friendly Foods: Focus on easily digestible proteins and reliable carbs over foods that cause gut stress. Use Sugar Strategically: Simple sugars from sources like dates, bananas, raisins, honey, or even a touch of sugar in your coffee can provide safe, efficient energy boosts in the morning, midday, or prior to workouts. BEST MOMENTS "Sugar is not your enemy. The real problem is not sugar; the real problem is how we use sugar." "Even when you eat something that doesn't have any sugar in it... your blood sugar goes high and lasts a long time... because that food hasn't been digested." "Our brain gets fed from sugar and oxygen... You got sugar, you feel awake, you feel full of energy, you feel focused." "Eating sugar doesn't mean your blood sugar is going to go high. It's completely the opposite—that means your cells are going to get fed properly." "Fast, feed yourself sugar at the right time, and you're going to be healthy and you don't have to worry." HOST BIO Redha Zertal is a strength coach and fitness educator who specialises in helping men over 40 rebuild their strength, energy, and confidence. With over a decade of coaching experience, Redha has worked with hundreds of busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and fathers who want to lose fat, build muscle, and improve their health without extreme training programmes or restrictive diets. As the founder of RZ Fitness in Formby, UK, Redha became known for his practical, results-driven approach to strength training and sustainable fitness for men in midlife. Through The Fitness Confessional podcast, Redha shares the lessons he has learned from years of coaching men navigating the realities of life after 40 — including stress, demanding careers, family responsibilities, and changing metabolism. His mission is simple: To help men build stronger bodies, clearer minds, and healthier lives long into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Redha’s coaching philosophy focuses on: • Strength training for longevity • Sustainable fat loss and nutrition • Building muscle after 40 • Improving energy, focus, and resilience His message is clear: fitness after 40 isn’t about extremes — it’s about consistency and smart training. LINKS: Website:    https://rzfitness.co.uk/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RZFitnessFormby  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rzfitness_formby/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@rzfitness