🧱 Basics That Work: The Big 5 Foundations
The stuff that fixes 80% of problems (before you buy another “miracle” supplement) Most people don’t need more supplements. They need better inputs. If you’re dealing with fatigue, cravings, poor sleep, stubborn fat loss, stress, low mood, bad recovery, or “I just feel off”… this is where you start. These are the Big 5 Foundations we use in-store and in clinic-style Q&As because they work for real humans, not just fitness influencers with perfect routines. 1) 😴 Sleep: The 4 Non-Negotiables Sleep is the multiplier. Fix this and everything improves: appetite, recovery, mood, training, energy. ✅ The 4 Non-Negotiables 1) Same wake time (±30 minutes, 7 days a week) Your body clock likes consistency more than it likes your weekend lie-ins. 2) Caffeine cut-off - Aim for no caffeine after 12pm - If you’re sensitive: 10–11am If you’re “wired at night” and still drinking caffeine mid-afternoon, that’s not insomnia, that’s chemistry. 3) Wind-down routine (45–60 mins) Boring = effective: - dim lights - no work - no doom scrolling - shower, stretch, read, breatheSame steps every night. Your nervous system learns the cue. 4) Cool room Sleep quality improves when you’re not overheating. - cool, dark, quiet - breathable bedding - lower thermostat or crack a window Mini challenge: Do these 4 things for 7 nights and watch energy and cravings shift. 2) 🍗 Protein Basics: How much and why it matters Protein is the “grown-up” macronutrient. It drives recovery, helps fat loss, supports muscle, and controls hunger. ✅ Why it matters - better satiety (fewer cravings) - muscle retention (especially during fat loss) - better recovery and strength - stabilises blood sugar swings ✅ Easy targets Per meal: - 25–35g protein per meal (most people do well here) - Daily baseline: - If you train: aim roughly 1.6g per kg body weight as a ballpark - If you don’t want maths: hit 3–4 protein hits/day and you’ll already be ahead of 90% of people