How a Top Dog Eats: Fueling High Physical Output

How a Top Dog Eats: Fueling High Physical Output

Eating well is about matching your food to your effort. When you train hard and move a lot, your body demands quality fuel. Here’s a snapshot of what I ate today after a heavy workout and a day packed with walking. I’ll also share lower calorie options for cutting and lean bulking phases to fit different needs.

Meals and Foods

Lunch
4 extra lean turkey burger patties
4 slices Kraft mozzarella singles
2 lobster tails

Snack before supper
2 bags (140g total) pork rinds

Supper
~250g skinless roast chicken breast
1 piece KFC-style fried chicken rib (breaded, skin-on)
220g sliced mushrooms and onions with lime juice
4 butter packets melted into the meal

In coffee
6 butter packets

Total Estimated Macros (High Physical Output)
Calories: ~3,525–3,550 kcal
Protein: ~310g
Fat: ~230g
Carbs: ~23–26g


Today I walked about 36,000 steps at a brisk 3.0 mph pace. Earlier I worked out shoulders, biceps, and legs, so I earned this meal. It’s about matching fuel to effort.

Cutting ~1850 kcal
Lunch:
3 extra lean turkey patties
4 boiled eggs or a lean steak or pork chop (instead of lobster)
Snack:
1 bag pork rinds (70g) or a smaller portion of lean pork chop
Supper:
~150g skinless roast chicken breast
No fried chicken rib
110g sliced mushrooms and onions with lime juice
2 butter packets melted into the meal
In coffee:
3 butter packets
Estimated Macros:
Calories: ~1,850 kcal
Protein: ~160g
Fat: ~110g
Carbs: ~12–15g

Lean Bulking ~2,500 kcal
Lunch:
3 extra lean turkey patties
2 boiled eggs or lean steak or pork chop (instead of lobster)
Snack:
1.5 bags pork rinds (105g) or lean pork chop alternative
Supper:
~200g skinless roast chicken breast
No fried chicken rib
165g sliced mushrooms and onions with lime juice
3 butter packets melted into the meal
In coffee:
4 butter packets
Estimated Macros:
Calories: ~2,500 kcal
Protein: ~230g
Fat: ~160g
Carbs: ~18–20g


Keep in mind, even when cutting I have a high caloric demand due to my activity levels and training volume. Adjust accordingly but don’t starve yourself.

Marcus Aurelius said, ‘You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.’ Every meal is a choice, a small battle won or lost.

The Bushido code teaches that discipline and respect for your craft is everything. Eating this way isn’t just nutrition, it’s honor to the work done in the gym and the goals ahead.

Mike Mentzer reminded us that intensity and quality beat quantity. This isn’t about stuffing yourself but fueling for maximum effect. Precise protein, solid fats, and low carbs — all for a precise mission.

No fluff, no excuses. Just fuel, discipline, and results.

Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS
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Website: https://ironresilience.net

IRON RESILIENCE TRAINING LOG — MAY 17, 2025

IRON RESILIENCE TRAINING LOG — MAY 17, 2025

by Jon Stone

Woke up beat up. Legs were still wrecked from earlier this week. Knees stiff. Elbows sore from trying to rack a barbell in a squat rack that just doesn’t fit right. I had every reason to take it easy today, but I didn’t. I kept the promise. I showed up. Moved weight. Got it done.

I’m running a push, pull, legs routine. Yesterday was rushed, so I only got to hit my pull session. Today I made up what I missed from the last push day. Some shoulder and bicep volume, and even tossed in a bit of leg work. Nothing intense, just enough to keep things moving and stay in rhythm. If my joints calm down, I’ll aim for a proper leg session tomorrow.

Trained fasted this morning. Ate a lot yesterday, so I had the fuel in me. After the session, I’ll have one clean meal — shredded chicken breast, lobster, turkey burgers with cheese. That’s it. Then fasting the rest of the day. Clean food, no garbage. I always feel sharper when I keep it simple.

TODAY’S WORKOUT – PUSH / BICEPS / LEGS (CATCH-UP DAY)

Kept the pace steady. Didn’t chase numbers, just chased effort.

  • Seated Barbell Press: 15, 12, 2, 13
  • Barbell Curl: 12, 12, 12, 2
  • Lateral Dumbbell Raise: 15, 6, 12
  • Dumbbell Hammer Curl: 12, 5, 12, 12
  • Dumbbell Concentration Curl: 15, 8, 12
  • Hack Squat Machine: 12, 12
  • Leg Extension Machine: 12, 12, 12, 12
  • Seated Leg Curl Machine: 15, 15, 15, 15
  • Rear Delt Machine Fly: 10, 10, 10
  • Hanging Leg Raise: 20, 20, 20, 20

Nothing fancy. Just work.

YESTERDAY’S PULL DAY

Didn’t have much time so I focused on quality and volume.

  • Barbell Row: 8, 9, 6, 12
  • Barbell Shrug: 5, 5, 12
  • Pull Up: 12, 12, 12
  • Lat Pulldown: 12, 12, 12
  • Close-Grip Underhand Lat Pulldown: 12, 12, 12
  • Seated Cable Row: 10, 10, 10, 10
  • Straight-Arm Cable Pushdown: 12, 12, 12

THURSDAY’S PUSH DAY

Solid pressing session. Just ran out of gas and missed a few shoulder sets.

  • Flat Barbell Bench Press: 12, 5, 6, 12
  • Close Grip Barbell Bench Press: 8, 8, 8
  • Incline Dumbbell Bench to Flyes: 12, 12, 12, 12
  • Barbell Overhead Tricep Extensions: 12, 12, 12
  • Cable Pushdowns: 12, 12, 12, 12
  • Cable Flyes: 12, 12, 12, 12
  • Lateral Dumbbell Raise: 12, 12, 12
  • Dumbbell Shrugs: 12, 12, 12

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’m not here to impress anyone. I just don’t want to let myself down.

Some days feel heavy. Some days hurt. But showing up means something.

I’m not perfect — just consistent.

Trained fasted, ate clean, kept my mind clear.

Not chasing greatness. Just trying to live with discipline, one session at a time.

Not every day is about being a beast. Some days are about showing up when it’s hard. That’s what builds resilience.

— Jon Stone

Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS

What a Top Dog Has for His Morning

What a Top Dog Has for His Morning

For men who want to shred fat, build strength, and start their day like warriors. No fluff. No clown food. Just real fuel to dominate.

Most guys don’t choose what fuels their day. They reach for what feels good, not what works. Sugar, caffeine, weed, kratom, cereal, vapes — all different flavors of the same weakness.

I used to be that guy. Not anymore.

Now I drink this first thing in the morning:

Basic Keto Whey Shake — Ingredients and Macros

  • 1 scoop whey protein (about 25 grams protein, 120 calories)
  • 1 tsp milled flaxseed (2.5 grams fat, 1 gram protein, 13 calories)
  • 1 tsp olive oil (4.5 grams fat, 40 calories)
  • 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt (for electrolytes, no calories)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (1 gram carbs, 30 calories)
  • 1 tsp chicory coffee (optional, zero calories)
  • Water to mix (no calories)

Total calories: About 200-210
Macros roughly: 25g protein, 7g fat, 1g carbs (mostly fiber)

Step-by-step for Dummies

  1. Put 1 scoop whey protein into a shaker or blender.
  2. Add 1 tsp milled flaxseed.
  3. Pour in 1 tsp olive oil.
  4. Add 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt.
  5. Pour 1 cup unsweetened almond milk.
  6. Add 1 tsp chicory coffee if you want that bitter coffee kick.
  7. Add water as needed to make it a smooth shake (about 1/2 cup or more).
  8. Shake or blend well until mixed.
  9. Drink it right away.

If You Don’t Have These Ingredients

  • Whey protein: Use any clean protein powder with low carbs and fats (pea, egg, or beef protein works). Or if whey is too expensive, you can use pasteurized egg whites (about 3-4 tbsp for 25 grams protein) or heavy cream with extra eggs for calories.
  • Milled flaxseed: Use chia seeds or hemp hearts instead (similar macros and fiber).
  • Olive oil: Substitute with MCT oil, avocado oil, or melted butter/ghee.
  • Unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream (adjust calories) work.
  • Chicory coffee: Use instant coffee or black coffee powder.

Warm or Hot Version

Make the same shake but heat the almond milk before mixing. Blend or whisk everything together while warm. Keeps you warm, helps digestion, and still keto.

Pudding Version

Mix the shake base with:

  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese, or
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full fat, unsweetened), or
  • 1/2 mashed avocado

Add hemp hearts, chopped mixed nuts, or chia seeds for texture and extra healthy fats. You get a creamy, filling keto pudding.

Pudding Macros (approx): 300-350 calories, 25-30g protein, 15-20g fat, 3-5g net carbs depending on additions.

Hot Cereal Version

Use 2 tbsp milled flaxseed with warm water or almond milk to make a porridge. Add a scoop of whey and olive oil or butter. Stir until thickened.

Hot Cereal Macros (approx): 250 calories, 25g protein, 10g fat, 2g net carbs.

Minimalist Coffee Version

Just coffee with 1 tsp olive oil or butter and a scoop of whey protein. Stir well and drink.

Extras You Can Add

Zero calorie or very low calorie sweeteners like Splenda, Sugar Twin, stevia, or monk fruit are fine in moderation.

Also cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or chia seeds work great with minimal carbs.

Always check labels for hidden sugars, soy, chemicals, or carbs. Pay attention to serving sizes, especially for high fat or low protein products.

Macros and Calories Matter

Keep your protein and fat roughly equal in grams to balance hormones and energy.

Remember, calorie deficit causes weight loss. Surplus causes gain. Macros shape your body composition.

Keto is the textbook alpha shredding diet but choose what fits your goals.

My Ideal Breakfast

I’m not perfect but when I have an ideal morning I start with this shake and a skillet of spinach, pork fat or bacon, cheese, eggs, fish, beef, or pork.

I also add a spoon of unsweetened natural peanut butter either in the shake or on the skillet.

Budget Shopping List

  • Whey protein: Look for sales on bulk powders online or at discount stores. If too pricey, use pasteurized egg whites or heavy cream plus eggs.
  • Flaxseed, chia, hemp hearts: Buy in bulk at health food stores or online for cheaper prices.
  • Olive oil or MCT oil: Use whatever healthy fat fits your budget, butter/ghee also works.
  • Unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk: Store brands or make your own at home.
  • Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, avocado: Available in most grocery stores, avocado prices vary seasonally.
  • Chicory coffee or instant coffee: Usually inexpensive at supermarkets or online.
  • Natural peanut butter: Look for unsweetened, no sugar added types.

My Thoughts on Sweeteners

I like Splenda and Sugar Twin myself but use them in moderation.

It’s a myth that artificial sweeteners are dangerous — studies show they aren’t.

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good. Cocaine is natural, meth is natural (ephedrine), and poison grows in nature (nightshade).

None of those are healthy, even in their herbal forms. Tobacco plants can still kill you.

Adjusting for Your Goals — Cutting, Bulking, Maintenance

If you want to lose fat, keep this shake low-calorie and keto-focused like above. Use mostly protein and fat, keep carbs under 5 grams. Stay in a calorie deficit overall.

For maintenance, add more fats like extra olive oil or nuts, keep protein solid to maintain muscle.

For bulking, increase calories with heavy cream, extra nuts, or add an extra egg or two. Keep protein high to build muscle but don’t go crazy on carbs.

Timing wise, this shake is great first thing for fasted training or morning energy. You can also sip it later as a meal replacement or post-workout.

Final Thoughts

Your morning fuel sets your whole day’s tone. You can start weak or start strong.

Don’t waste your first 10 minutes with bullshit. Build your body, build your discipline.

Follow the new Instagram: @jonstone.ironresilience

— Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ironresilience91
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iron.resilience
Website: https://ironresilience.net