Fat Won’t Kill You—But the Food Pyramid Will

Myth: Dietary Fat Clogs Your Arteries and Makes You Fat

Truth: Low-fat = high-carb. That advice gave us the obesity epidemic.

Healthy fats—animal fats, eggs, butter—don’t make you fat. They support your hormones, keep you full, and help you burn fat.


If you think:

  • Juice is hydration
  • Chocolate milk is a protein shake
  • Cereal is clean eating
  • Grains are the base of the food pyramid

You’re not following science. You’re following 1950s marketing and 1980s food lobby propaganda—designed to keep you addicted, inflamed, and dependent.


“Cereal is fortified with vitamins!”

Fat logic: “It’s basically medicine in a bowl.”

Reality: It’s “fortified” because they stripped all the nutrients out—then sprinkled synthetic ones back in like fairy dust.

The sugar and starch hit your bloodstream faster than cocaine in a Wall Street bathroom. You’re hungry again in an hour. Rinse, repeat.

If cereal is breakfast, diabetes is dessert.


“Whole grains are heart-healthy!”

Fat logic: “I switched from Frosted Flakes to granola and brown bread!”

Reality: Whole grains are better than white flour—like getting punched is better than getting stabbed.

They’re still high in carbs, spike insulin, and are loaded with anti-nutrients like phytic acid that block mineral absorption.

Most cereals are ultra-processed, sweetened, and marketed with cartoon animals or fake doctor endorsements.

Translation: You’re not eating health food. You’re eating corporate-approved kibble.


“Chocolate milk is the perfect post-workout drink.”

Fat logic: “It has protein and calcium, bro.”

Reality: It has more sugar than soda—up to 30g per cup. The protein is fine, but you’re pairing it with an insulin bomb.

Unless you’re lean, insulin sensitive, and lifting hard—it’s not fueling recovery. It’s fueling your gut.

Translation: Chocolate milk works great if you’re a 12-year-old playing peewee hockey. Otherwise, you’re just getting fat with a straw.


“Fruit juice is healthy because it’s fruit!”

Fat logic: “It’s basically a salad you can drink!”

Reality: Fruit juice is sugar water with a vitamin halo. One glass of OJ has the sugar of 4 oranges—without the fiber.

It spikes insulin, crashes your energy, and leaves you hungrier. Fructose hits your liver like alcohol—causing fatty liver and insulin resistance.

Translation: If fruit is nature’s candy, juice is nature’s crack.


Bonus Round: “Healthy snacks”

  • Granola bars: Candy bars in yoga pants.
  • Trail mix: Fat + sugar bombs you eat while sitting.
  • Smoothies: Fruit juice milkshakes with a vitamin label.

Translation: Just because it has “natural” on the label doesn’t mean it’s not naturally making you fat.


“Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast!”

Fat logic: “It lowers cholesterol! It’s fiber!”

Reality: Oatmeal is a high-GI carb bomb. Instant oats digest faster than sugar.

Most people drown it in brown sugar, raisins, banana, and milk—making it a dessert disguised as breakfast.

Translation: Oatmeal is a carb bomb in a cardigan. Fiber doesn’t make it holy—it just makes your colon busy.


“Fish and chips is healthy—it’s fish!”

Fat logic: “Omega-3s cancel out the deep fry!”

Reality: That “fish” is cheap white fillet, breaded and deep-fried in seed oil sludge. The fries? Carbs + trans fats + heart disease.

Translation: That fish ain’t swimming in your arteries. It’s drowning you in visceral fat and inflammation.


“Gatorade is healthy because electrolytes!”

Fat logic: “I need to rehydrate after walking to the fridge.”

Reality: Gatorade was made for athletes in Florida heat. A bottle has 34g of sugar—like soda with sodium.

Translation: It’s just sugar water with corporate permission.


“Protein bars and shakes are healthy snacks!”

Fat logic: “It’s protein, so it’s fine!”

Reality: Most protein bars are candy bars with whey and soy shoved in. Loaded with maltitol, sucralose, seed oils, and gut-wrecking fibers.

Gas station protein shakes? Syrupy sludge with 5g of protein and 30g of carbs.

Translation: You’re not eating like a bodybuilder. You’re eating like a diabetic toddler with a gym membership.


“Margarine and plant-based is healthier than butter and meat!”

Fat logic: “Saturated fat is bad!”

Reality: That logic is from the same era as asbestos and lead paint. Margarine = hydrogenated seed oil plastic. Plant meat = pea protein, sawdust, and 78 additives.

Butter, beef, and eggs? That’s what your great-grandparents thrived on.

Translation: If margarine is your health food, you might as well eat sunscreen and call it a salad.


“Sugary lattes aren’t that bad—it’s just coffee!”

Fat logic: “I need my pick-me-up!”

Reality: Your “coffee” has more sugar than a donut—plus oat milk, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a selfie.

It’s not caffeine you’re addicted to—it’s the dopamine hit from dessert in a cup.

Translation: You’re not sipping energy. You’re sipping liquid self-sabotage in a $7 cup.


Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS
Instagram: @jonstone.ironresilience
YouTube: @ironresilience91
TikTok: @iron.resilience
Website: ironresilience.net

The Standard American Diet vs. Iron Resilience: A Data-Driven Comparison

The Standard American Diet vs. Iron Resilience: A Data-Driven Comparison

By Jon Stone | Iron Resilience

The Standard American Diet (SAD) isn’t just unhealthy—it’s anti-performance. Its effects on health, physique, and discipline are measurable, well-documented, and directly opposed to the Iron Resilience way of eating and training. Here’s a fact-based comparison of SAD versus the Iron Resilience protocol during a structured cutting phase.

1. Daily Caloric Intake & Macros

Category Standard American Diet (SAD) Iron Resilience Protocol (High-Intensity Day)
Calories/day ~2,700 kcal (USDA average) ~3,681 kcal
Protein ~70g/day (12–15%) 302g/day (33%)
Fat ~115g/day (35–40%) 252g/day (62%)
Carbohydrates ~340g/day (50–60%) 43g/day (mostly fiber and dairy sugar) (5%)
Caloric Deficit Often in surplus 500–1,000 kcal deficit with strategic refeeds

SAD Insight: The average American diet is carbohydrate-heavy with moderate fat and low protein, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and excess fat storage.
Iron Resilience: Prioritizes very high protein to preserve and build lean mass, very high fat to support hormonal health and energy, and very low carbs to promote fat oxidation. Despite higher calories, a controlled deficit is maintained by elevated energy expenditure.

2. Food Sources

Typical Iron Resilience Foods Include:

  • Pork (large fried pork chops, ground pork, pork fat, pork rinds)
  • Chicken (all parts, especially skin-on, bone-in)
  • Seafood (shrimp, trout, salmon)
  • Organ meats (calf liver)
  • Bacon, sausages, hot dogs, pepperoni sticks, hamburger patties
  • Dairy (cheese, Greek yogurt)
  • Nuts (almonds)
  • Vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, onions, avocados)
  • Coffee
  • Cooking fats like butter and animal fat

Breakfast Example:
Whey protein, Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter, ground flaxseed, almond milk, Himalayan pink salt

Lunch Example:
375g chicken breast (skin and bone-in)

3. Physical Activity & Energy Output

Category Standard American Male Iron Resilience Protocol (High-Intensity Day)
Steps/day ~5,000 (NIH average) 35,000 steps
Training Low intensity or inconsistent 1 hour of weightlifting and core training
Deficit Caloric surplus or maintenance 500–1,000 kcal deficit (with periodic refeeds)

SAD Impact: Most adults fail to meet minimum physical activity recommendations, contributing to chronic disease.
Iron Resilience: Combines high daily steps with focused resistance training for optimal fat loss and muscle retention.

4. Summary

The Standard American Diet supports excess fat gain, insulin resistance, and poor body composition due to high carbs, low protein, and low activity.

The Iron Resilience protocol counters this with:

  • Very high protein intake (over 300g/day) to maintain and grow muscle.
  • High fat consumption (over 250g/day) for sustained energy and hormonal health.
  • Low carbohydrate intake (~40g/day), mostly from fiber and dairy sugar.
  • High physical activity (35,000 steps and 1+ hour lifting) to create a moderate caloric deficit (500–1,000 kcal/day) with planned refeeds to maintain metabolism.

This approach maximizes lean mass retention while aggressively reducing fat, all backed by nutrition science and real-world experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Iron Resilience protocol a ketogenic diet?

A: Yes. It’s a targeted ketogenic diet designed to keep carbohydrate intake very low—around 40 to 50 grams per day—primarily from fibrous vegetables and dairy. The diet is high in fat (over 250 grams daily) from animal fats, nuts, butter, and cooking fats, which provides the main energy source. Protein intake is very high (300+ grams daily) to preserve and build muscle during a cutting phase with intense training. This combination supports fat burning and muscle retention while maintaining energy and performance.

Q: How does the Iron Resilience diet differ from the Standard American Diet?

A: The typical American diet is high in carbohydrates (around 340 grams per day), moderate in fat, and low in protein. This leads to excess fat gain and poor metabolic health. Iron Resilience flips this by prioritizing high protein, high fat, and very low carbs, paired with high physical activity to create a controlled calorie deficit and optimize body composition.

Q: What kind of foods do you eat on the Iron Resilience protocol?

A: Foods focus heavily on animal proteins and fats such as pork chops, chicken (all parts), seafood (shrimp, trout, salmon), organ meats (calf liver), bacon, sausages, cheese, and eggs. Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, onions, and avocado provide fiber and micronutrients. Cooking fats include butter and animal fat. Coffee and nuts are also part of the diet.

Q: What does a typical high-intensity day look like?

A: An example high-intensity day involves:

  • 3,681 calories consisting of 302g protein, 252g fat, and 43g carbohydrates.
  • 35,000 steps of walking or movement.
  • 1 hour of weightlifting and core training.
  • A caloric deficit of 500 to 1,000 calories, depending on the day, with strategic refeed days to maintain metabolic health.

Build your body like it’s your last chance. Because it is.
Iron Resilience isn’t just a diet. It’s a declaration.


Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS

The Missing Links to Peak Health and Anti-Aging

The Missing Links to Peak Health and Anti-Aging

By Jon Stone | Iron Resilience

Most people chasing “health” or “fitness” don’t realize they’re doing it with a half-empty toolkit. They track macros, go to the gym, maybe even fast—but they’re still inflamed, tired, low-testosterone, and biologically aging fast.

This is Iron Resilience. We train hard, eat harder, and live disciplined—but we also go deeper. We optimize every system in the body to build aesthetics, strength, endurance, and longevity—without excuses, without substances, without weakness.

Here’s what you need for true peak health and to reverse aging from the inside out.


WATER, ELECTROLYTES & FIBER: THE FOUNDATION

Daily Targets for Bodybuilders:

  • Water: 3.5–5+ liters/day. More if you sweat. No exceptions.
  • Sodium: 4,000–6,000 mg/day or more. Especially on keto.
  • Potassium: 3,500–5,000 mg/day. Use potassium salt or avocado and leafy greens.
  • Magnesium: 400–600 mg/day. Glycinate or citrate at night.
  • Fiber: 15–30g/day. From flaxseed, greens, and cruciferous veg. Don’t wreck your gut.

Hydration is not about sipping water—it’s about retaining it with sodium and potassium. Cramping, fatigue, or brain fog? You’re low. Fix it or suffer.


THE MICRONUTRIENTS THAT MATTER

You train like a beast, so fuel like a machine. Here’s what your body needs beyond protein and fats:

  • Magnesium: Sleep, muscle recovery, ATP.
  • Zinc: Testosterone, immunity, anabolic drive.
  • Vitamin D3 + K2: Bone, mood, hormone health.
  • Potassium & Sodium: Pumps, hydration, muscle contraction.
  • Calcium: Muscle firing, bone strength.
  • B-Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate): Energy, red blood cells.
  • Selenium & Iodine: Thyroid function.
  • Chromium & Vanadium: Bonus for keto lifters—blood sugar control.

BEYOND THE BASICS: DEEP OPTIMIZATION

1. Mitochondrial Power = Energy + Longevity

  • Train hard (especially HIIT and fasted cardio).
  • Supplement CoQ10 and PQQ if depleted.
  • Use cold exposure and walk fasted to trigger mitochondrial biogenesis.

2. Autophagy: Clean the System

  • Fast daily. OMAD or 18:6 windows.
  • Train fasted and hard.
  • Consider berberine or spermidine for deep cellular cleanup.

3. Inflammation Control

  • Cut seed oils and processed carbs.
  • Load up on omega-3s, turmeric, ginger.
  • Train, walk, sleep, and stay calm under fire.

4. Natural Testosterone & Growth Hormone Boost

  • Deep sleep + heavy lifting = highest test.
  • Ashwagandha, zinc, sunlight, cold exposure.
  • Have sex, not smut. Stay off the hub. Focus your energy.

5. Collagen and Skin Health

  • Collagen + vitamin C daily.
  • Bone broth, sardines, gelatin.
  • Red light therapy if available.

6. Gut Health

  • Add fermented foods: kefir, sauerkraut, unsweetened yogurt.
  • Use ACV or enzymes if digestion lags.
  • Avoid zero-cal sweeteners that nuke your microbiome.

7. Liver Support

  • Eat liver or egg yolks for choline.
  • Use milk thistle or TUDCA if overloading your system.
  • Sweat daily. Train, sauna, or hot showers.

8. DNA Repair and Glycation Control

  • NAC, alpha-lipoic acid, and resveratrol (optional).
  • Keep blood sugar low and stable.
  • Avoid charred meats and artificial junk.

THE UNSPOKEN FACTORS THAT MAKE OR BREAK YOU

  • Sleep: 7–9 hours. Magnesium + indica before bed. Cold room. No screens.
  • Sunlight: Every morning. Set circadian rhythm. Boost testosterone.
  • Teeth and gums: Floss like it’s life or death—because it is.
  • Posture, mobility, and joint health: Don’t lift like a beast if you can’t move like a man.
  • Mental resilience: Music, solitude, mission. No victim talk. No dopamine chasing.

CONCLUSION: LIVE LIKE A KING, TRAIN LIKE A WOLF

Peak health isn’t about hacks. It’s about discipline, awareness, and ruthless consistency.

If you’re walking 30,000 steps, lifting heavy, fasting, eating primal, and optimizing these systems—you’re not aging. You’re evolving.

That’s Iron Resilience: built from the ground up, from cells to soul.

Jon Stone
Iron Resilience
Train. Build. Dominate.

Is Peanut Butter Good for Cutting Weight?

Is Peanut Butter Good for Cutting Weight?

By Jon Stone | Iron Resilience

Peanut butter is one of those foods that gets thrown around in cutting diets like it’s a magic bullet. Some claim it keeps you full, others act like it’s diet kryptonite. The truth, as always, lies in discipline, intent, and how dialed in your protocol is.

Peanut Butter: The Good, the Bad, and the Fat

The Pros:

  • High in fat, moderate in protein
  • Low in carbs (if you buy natural, no-sugar versions)
  • Decent micronutrient profile—magnesium, potassium, vitamin E
  • Helps kill cravings if used tactically

The Cons:

  • Extremely calorie-dense: 2 tablespoons = ~200 calories
  • Low protein-to-calorie ratio—not ideal for muscle retention during a deficit
  • Easy to overeat, especially when you’re deep in a cut
  • Many commercial versions are filled with sugar and trash oils

For the average guy? Peanut butter is fine in moderation.
For a serious cut? It’s a side character—not the hero.

Iron Resilience Protocol Reality Check

I’m on an extreme cut right now. I’m maintaining 250g of protein and 180–200g of fat per day while creating a 5,000-calorie daily deficit. I’m walking over 25,000 steps a day, training with high output, and my food is weighed, tracked, and planned with intent.

Peanut butter might make an appearance—but it doesn’t lead the charge. Steak, eggs, Greek yogurt, ground beef, sausages, and custom keto desserts get the job done better.

That said, for taste and variety, I built a few spreads that hit my macros clean.

High-Protein Peanut Butter-Style Spread

Macros (per 50g):
300 calories
20g protein
24g fat
3g net carbs

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (32g)
  • 1 scoop whey isolate (~30g)
  • 1 tbsp melted margarine or coconut oil (15g)
  • 1–2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
  • Dash of salt and cinnamon (optional)
  • Stevia or erythritol to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix peanut butter and melted margarine.
  2. Stir in whey isolate slowly.
  3. Add almond milk for texture.
  4. Season to taste.
  5. Store in fridge up to 5 days.

Use it on keto pancakes, with eggs, or frozen into molds for a fat bomb boost.

Zero-Peanut Butter Anabolic Keto Spread

Macros (per 50g):
~280 calories
~25g protein
~21g fat
1–2g net carbs

Ingredients:

  • 1 scoop whey isolate (30g)
  • 1 tbsp margarine or coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
  • 1–2 tbsp almond milk
  • Salt, sweetener, and cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Melt margarine and mix with yogurt or cottage cheese.
  2. Add whey isolate and almond milk—stir until creamy.
  3. Sweeten and spice to taste.
  4. Chill and store cold.

This is a clean fat-and-protein bomb that fits any deep cut. Add flaxseed, crushed nuts, or cocoa powder to customize the flavor without wrecking your deficit.

Final Word

Peanut butter isn’t evil. But it’s not a cornerstone food during a serious cut.
If you’re the type of man who’s cutting on war footing—no cheat meals, no margin for error—then peanut butter is just another tool. Respect the macros, weigh every gram, and don’t lie to yourself about portion size.

You want results? Then treat every bite like it’s part of a mission.
Track it. Earn it. Dominate the day.

Stay hard. Stay disciplined.
—Jon Stone | Iron Resilience

The Legal Alternative to Meth and Adderall: How to Get Focus and Appetite Suppression Without the Risks

The Legal Alternative to Meth and Adderall: How to Get Focus and Appetite Suppression Without the Risks

If you’ve ever seen what Adderall or meth can do to your focus and appetite, you know it’s like flipping a switch. Suddenly distractions vanish, hunger dies, and your brain locks in. But those drugs aren’t gifts — they’re traps. Addiction, heart strain, mental breakdowns, and crashes that wreck your life.

Most guys chasing that edge don’t need to destroy themselves to get results. There’s a legal, safer way to get razor-sharp focus and curb your appetite — and stay standing.

Here’s the real deal on the legal stimulant stack that works.

Caffeine — The Classic Powerhouse

Caffeine is the foundation. Between 200 and 400 mg a day wakes your mind and helps shut off hunger. But go over 400 mg and you risk anxiety, jitters, and heart issues. It’s a fine line.

Pair caffeine with L-theanine, an amino acid from tea, to smooth out the buzz and lock in calm focus that lasts.

Nicotine Pouches or Gum — The Underrated Weapon

Nicotine, used right, is one of the strongest legal appetite suppressants and focus boosters out there. Low doses around 1 to 6 mg can kill hunger and sharpen your alertness.

But nicotine’s addictive. Treat it like a tool — not a habit. Use sparingly.

Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine — The Old School Boost

These are legal but regulated stimulants that have been around for ages. Ephedrine can crank up your energy and suppress appetite hard, but it comes with risks — heart strain, jitters, and tolerance build-up fast. Pseudoephedrine is milder and found in some cold meds, but it can still give a mild stimulant effect.

If you’re thinking about these, be smart, cycle them carefully, and don’t push too far. They’re closer to the effects of Adderall than caffeine or nicotine alone, but not without downsides.

Adaptogens and Nootropics — The Mental Armor

Supplements like Rhodiola Rosea, Theacrine, and Bacopa Monnieri don’t hit hard instantly, but they help reduce fatigue, improve mood, and sharpen cognition over time. They build steady energy without crashing or burning you out.

How to Stack Them for Maximum Effect

Here’s a no-bullshit routine to get serious focus and appetite control:

  • Morning: 200 mg caffeine (coffee or strong tea) plus 200 mg L-theanine
  • Midday: 1–3 mg nicotine pouch if appetite or focus drops
  • Afternoon: Optional 100–200 mg caffeine with L-theanine for another push
  • Daily: Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea or Theacrine for steady mental resilience
  • Ephedrine cycles only if you know what you’re doing, sparingly and carefully

This stack is strong, legal, and sustainable. It won’t blast you off like Adderall or meth, but it will get you locked in without wrecking your body.

Final Warning: Don’t Chase Speed

Chasing the rush of meth or Adderall will burn you down. There is no legal substitute that gives you that exact fire — and that’s good. Use these legal stimulants smartly, respect their limits, and build your focus and appetite control over time.

If you want a customized legal stack to dominate your day and control hunger without risking your health, I’m here to help.

Stay sharp, stay disciplined, and keep your edge on your terms.

Jon Stone
Founder, ironresilience.net
Discipline, Not Genetics

IRON RESILIENCE LINKS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonstone.ironresilience?igsh=MWVyeDdmNjIyZzlzYg==
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ironresilience91
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iron.resilience
Website: https://ironresilience.net

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
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonstone.ironresilience?igsh=MWVyeDdmNjIyZzlzYg==
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ironresilience91
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iron.resilience
Website: https://ironresilience.net

How I Eat

How I Eat

I follow a disciplined way of eating that’s evolved over time — not from trends or fads, but through lived experience, experimentation, and necessity. My approach is grounded in simplicity, self-control, and function. I don’t eat for pleasure or social ritual. I eat to fuel training, sharpen mental clarity, regulate blood sugar, and maintain lean muscle mass without constantly battling cravings or energy crashes.

Foundations of My Diet

Most of what I eat is whole, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense. I stay away from grains, sugars, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods. I don’t eat fruits or starchy vegetables, and I don’t snack recreationally. My meals are built around:

  • Meat: beef, pork, chicken, turkey, sausage, ground meat, fish, bacon, weiners, and burger patties.
  • Eggs and cheese: nutrient-dense, complete proteins that also provide healthy fats.
  • Fats: butter, coconut, and sometimes dairy fats — clean sources of fuel that support energy and hormone function.
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, pecans, peanut butter, milled flaxseed — used sparingly and strategically.
  • Minimal vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers — enough to aid digestion and provide fiber.
  • Drinks: unsweetened almond milk and black coffee.
  • Supplements: whey protein when macros call for it, vitamin C tablets on occasion, and generous use of Himalayan pink salt for electrolytes.

This way of eating isn’t restrictive to me. It’s a system that creates freedom — freedom from cravings, energy dips, and constant thinking about food.

Blood Sugar Control

I’m hypoglycemic. That means my blood sugar used to swing unpredictably — I’d get shaky, irritable, unfocused. Carbohydrates, even in moderate amounts, made this worse. By eliminating sugar and starches and eating high-fat, high-protein meals, I keep my blood sugar stable all day. No spikes, no crashes. My energy is calm and consistent, whether I’ve just eaten or haven’t eaten for 18 hours.

Fat and protein digest slower, don’t trigger insulin spikes, and keep me fuller longer. That’s why this diet works so well for me — it keeps my physiology on an even keel.

Fasting and Meal Flexibility

Some days I eat one meal. Other days, two to four depending on my training and hunger levels. I fast often, both for clarity and for practicality. I’m not bound by a clock or food schedule — I eat when I’ve earned it or when my body needs it.

A couple of times a week, I’ll do a clean refeed. Still strict keto, just higher calories. This helps refill glycogen stores, support recovery, and prevent the metabolic slowdown that can come with long-term deficits. It’s not a cheat. It’s a strategy.

Sparingly Snacking With Purpose

I don’t snack casually. If I do, it’s after a light meal and a hard gym session, when I’ve got a full day of work ahead and a few hours before I’ll be able to eat again. Even then, I keep it clean and minimal — enough to function, not enough to put me in a surplus. It’s always strategic, never impulsive.

Hunger and Leanness

Most of the time, I run a calorie deficit — around 500 to 800 calories below maintenance. It keeps me lean. Yes, I feel hungry sometimes, but I see that as a signal I’m on track, not a problem to solve. I don’t respond to every hunger pang. I let them pass. Hunger sharpens me. It reminds me I’m in control.

This approach helps me avoid overeating because I’m never chasing blood sugar spikes. I don’t use food for comfort. I use it as fuel. That mindset shift is everything.


This is how I eat. It’s not a recommendation or a prescription. It’s just what works for me — a method built on discipline, observation, and years of fine-tuning. It keeps me clear, lean, and focused. No fluff. No noise. Just fuel.

The Hybrid Intuitive & Tracked Metabolic Approach

The Hybrid Intuitive & Tracked Metabolic Approach

Intuitive metabolic feedback is when you actually listen to your body’s signals—like hunger, energy, focus, or cravings—to adjust how you eat and train. On keto, that steady energy and clear head means you’re burning fat clean. But if you’re feeling foggy or you start craving garbage, it usually means you need more salt, fat, or both. On a high-carb diet, you’ll know it’s working if your pumps are sick and recovery is fast—but crashes, cravings, and nonstop hunger mean your blood sugar is jacked up. Balanced diets fall somewhere in between: if your hunger, energy, and performance line up, you’re probably doing it right.

Basically, your body tells you what fuel it needs if you’re smart enough to listen.

I first recognized this in myself when I slammed a bunch of fat with just a trace of carbs. I could feel it—like the fat was literally flowing through my veins. There’s this specific feeling in ketosis, like a calm fire. It’s clean. Later, when I started strategically cycling carbs—mostly from dairy, nuts, or fruit—I could feel the glycogen rush. My muscles filled out, my body heat changed, and I felt like I was burning hot fuel instead of steady oil.

I used to crave sugar bad. I’d get hypoglycemic and hit this panic-eat mode—shoveling chocolate bars, muffins, fries, and fried chicken into me just to make it through work. I’d hit these massive highs and then crash, angry and drained. Most people are addicted to that loop. Sugar, caffeine, quick hit, then crash, then repeat.

But during what I call Holy Shit Week, I basically quit all carbs cold turkey. It wasn’t pretty. I slipped up a couple times, but that week broke the addiction cycle. That’s when I jumped headfirst into keto and haven’t looked back. Now, I barely even touch zero-cal sweeteners. I don’t need fake sweetness to cope—I crave salt, fat, and food that fuels me for real. My body runs on fat now, and trace carbs just get cycled in for bursts of intensity.

There’s also something I call the Fat Synergy Effect. You feel it when you go all in—eggs, bacon, butter, and cheese. It hits different. It’s not just fuel, it’s momentum. You feel anabolic, calm, and focused at the same time. It’s a clean burn, a warrior’s breakfast.

I also started noticing how backwards the whole fitness and medical industry is. You go into a gym or a doctor’s office, and half the people giving advice are either overweight, skinny-fat, or clearly unhealthy. That’s when I realized: the real scam is the diet and training advice they’re pushing. It’s a loop of bad food, bad prescriptions, and surface-level workouts that keep people stuck. The truth is buried under marketing, sponsored supplements, and weak guidance. And I called it out.

So Where Does Tracking Come In?

Even if you’re eating intuitively, you still want to track your macros—especially your protein. That’s your foundation. Nail your protein first, minimize your carbs to stay in or near ketosis, and then fill the rest with fat depending on your goal: cutting, maintaining, or bulking.

Why? Because your instincts can only take you so far. You might feel full but still be under-eating protein. Or you might think you’re low-carb, but a few sauces, snacks, and nut binges push you over. Tracking gives you the truth. It’s your map, while intuition is your compass.

Together, they make the most powerful approach: listen to your body, but back it up with numbers. Let the signals and the data shape your strategy.

That’s the Hybrid Intuitive & Tracked Metabolic Approach. And once you master it, you’re not dieting anymore. You’re fueling with purpose.

IRON RESILIENCE: The Blueprint for Reforging the Modern Man – Coming August 1st

IRON RESILIENCE: The Blueprint for Reforging the Modern Man – Coming August 1st

By Jon Stone

Most men today are drifting—physically weak, mentally scattered, spiritually numb.

I’ve been there. I lived it in stages:

  • Age 18: 245 lbs — overweight, undisciplined, and headed nowhere fast.
  • Age 24: 155 lbs — skinny-fat, malnourished, with no muscle or strength.
  • Age 28: 175 lbs — lean, but still small, directionless, and mentally flat.
  • Age 30: Rock bottom — back to 276 lbs, obese again, physically and spiritually broken.
  • Age 34 (Today — My Birthday): 205 lbs at 8–10% body fat. Strong, focused, dangerous again. From barely benching 95 lbs to pressing 285 lbs for 2 reps.

This isn’t just fitness. It’s resurrection.

Iron Resilience: A Blueprint for Reforging the Modern Man is a manual for the man who refuses to stay broken. It’s part story, part strategy—a system built from real scars and tested through war, not comfort.

This book isn’t a pitch. It’s a call to arms.

  • The full story behind my body and mindset transformation
  • Training, nutrition, and lifestyle broken down by phase (from obese to skinny-fat to lean and powerful)
  • My evolution in mindset, faith, and identity as a man
  • The Iron Resilience code: Christian masculine principles, unapologetic discipline, and purpose

Launch Date: August 1st, 2025.

If you’ve ever felt weak, lost, or angry at the man in the mirror—this is your blueprint.

Previews, sample chapters, and exclusive tools coming soon. Stay locked in.


Follow & Connect:

Contact Me:

Discipline, not genetics.

— Jon Stone
Founder, Iron Resilience

The Top Benefits of Natural Peanut Butter for Keto Bodybuilding

The Top Benefits of Natural Peanut Butter for Keto Bodybuilding

Natural peanut butter isn’t just a delicious spread; it’s a powerhouse addition to any keto bodybuilding diet. When used correctly, it can be a fantastic way to fuel your body with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients while keeping your carb count low. If you’re on a ketogenic diet and striving for muscle growth, fat loss, or both, here’s why peanut butter should be a staple in your meal plan.

Top 5 Benefits of Natural Peanut Butter

  1. High in Healthy Fats
    On a keto diet, fats are your primary energy source, and natural peanut butter is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats not only help fuel your workouts but also support testosterone production, a key hormone for muscle growth and recovery. The fat content keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to maintain a caloric surplus or deficit as needed for bodybuilding goals.
  2. Decent Source of Plant-Based Protein
    While peanut butter isn’t a complete protein source, it provides a solid contribution to your overall protein intake. With 8 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons, it can complement animal protein sources and help in muscle repair and growth. Including peanut butter in your meals is a convenient way to boost your protein numbers without overloading on carbs.
  3. Energy-Dense & Calorie-Rich
    One of the most beneficial aspects of peanut butter on keto is its high calorie density. At around 190 calories per 2 tablespoons, it’s a great way to add those extra calories needed in a cutting or bulking phase without going overboard on carbs. Its fat content ensures that those calories come from the right macronutrient, making it a perfect fit for any high-calorie bodybuilding diet.
  4. Contains Magnesium & Other Micronutrients
    Peanut butter is not only a source of healthy fats and protein but also a good source of essential micronutrients like magnesium, which plays a vital role in muscle contraction, recovery, and insulin sensitivity. These benefits are crucial for bodybuilders looking to maximize workout performance and nutrient absorption while maintaining overall health on a ketogenic diet.
  5. Versatile & Easy to Use
    Beyond being a tasty spread, natural peanut butter is incredibly versatile. It can be added to shakes, baked goods, and even savory meals. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, peanut butter can make your meals more enjoyable and varied while ensuring you hit your fat and protein targets.

Natural Peanut Butter vs. Powdered Peanut Butter: Why Natural Wins for Keto Bodybuilding

When it comes to choosing peanut butter for your keto bodybuilding plan, natural peanut butter is by far the better choice compared to powdered peanut butter. Here’s why:

Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter is made from just peanuts (and sometimes a bit of salt). It contains all the natural oils and fats from the peanuts, providing you with a full spectrum of nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. These healthy fats are key to staying in ketosis, supporting hormone production, and fueling muscle recovery and growth.

Powdered Peanut Butter

On the other hand, powdered peanut butter is a processed product that has had most of its fat content removed. This makes it lower in calories, but it also means that you lose many of the benefits of natural peanut butter, such as the healthy fats and essential micronutrients. While powdered peanut butter can be useful in certain circumstances (like for a high-carb, low-fat diet), it’s not ideal for those on a keto bodybuilding regimen.

Why Powdered Peanut Butter is Not Ideal for Natural Bodybuilding on Keto

  1. Lack of Healthy Fats
    One of the foundational principles of a ketogenic diet is getting most of your calories from fats. When you remove the fat from peanut butter, as in the case of powdered versions, you compromise the energy-dense nature of the food, which can make it harder to meet your high-fat requirements. This is a key issue for those trying to build muscle while staying in ketosis. Without adequate healthy fats, your body may struggle to maintain the energy needed for intense training sessions and recovery.
  2. Nutrient Depletion
    The processing of powdered peanut butter removes not only the fat but also a significant portion of the micronutrients that are present in the natural version, such as magnesium and vitamin E. These micronutrients play crucial roles in muscle recovery, immune function, and overall health. By opting for powdered peanut butter, you’re sacrificing these benefits.
  3. High-Carb and Low-Fat Diets Aren’t Ideal for Bodybuilding
    A high-carb, low-fat approach generally isn’t the best for those pursuing natural bodybuilding goals, especially for fat loss or muscle preservation. While carbs are essential for energy, especially for intense training, prioritizing fats is crucial for hormone balance, maintaining energy reserves, and overall muscle growth. Powdered peanut butter, with its reduced fat content, may fit into a high-carb plan, but it falls short when trying to achieve the optimal fat-to-protein ratio for keto bodybuilding.

How to Incorporate Natural Peanut Butter into Your Keto Meal Plan

Here are some simple and effective ways to add natural peanut butter to your keto bodybuilding diet:

  1. Peanut Butter & Cottage Cheese Bowl
    – 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
    – 1/2 cup cottage cheese
    – 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
    This combo is perfect as a nighttime snack, offering a balance of protein, fats, and fiber to keep you satisfied until the morning.
  2. Peanut Butter Shake
    – 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
    – 1 scoop protein powder
    – 1/2 cup almond milk
    – Ice cubes
    Blend until smooth for a post-workout or meal replacement shake that will help you recover and refuel.
  3. Peanut Butter Fat Bombs
    – 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
    – 2 tbsp coconut oil
    – 1 tbsp cocoa powder
    – Stevia or erythritol to taste
    Freeze into bite-sized portions and have these fat bombs on hand for a quick snack that supports your keto macros.
  4. Peanut Butter Wrap
    – 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
    – 1 large lettuce leaf or low-carb tortilla
    – Add turkey or chicken slices for extra protein
    Wrap it up for a portable, protein-packed, and high-fat snack on the go.
  5. Peanut Butter with Veggies
    – 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
    Pair it with celery sticks, cucumber slices, or any other low-carb veggie. This is a simple and satisfying snack to keep your cravings in check while fueling your body with the right nutrients.

Conclusion

Natural peanut butter is a game-changer for anyone on a keto bodybuilding diet. Its high fat content, decent protein levels, and calorie density make it an ideal food to help you meet your daily macros while supporting muscle growth, recovery, and overall health. In comparison, powdered peanut butter, while lower in fat and calories, lacks the essential nutrients that are key to a successful ketogenic bodybuilding diet.

By incorporating natural peanut butter into your meal plan, you can stay on track with your keto goals, whether you’re cutting or bulking, and keep your meals both nutritious and delicious. So, go ahead, add some peanut butter to your day—your muscles (and taste buds) will thank you.