Ep 35. 60lbs Down and Feeling Amazing with Erik Zotter
Welcome back to another episode of "Everyday Epigenetics. Raw. Real. Relatable!" I’m excited to catch you up on Erik Zotter’s amazing progress since he last joined us. Erik’s been on quite the journey, ditching 60 pounds and diving deep into epigenetics to overhaul his health. We had a great chat about how he’s fine-tuning every aspect of his life for better wellness.
Dialing In on Diet and Protein Power
Erik’s approach to food is super focused. He’s sticking with foods that help him hit his daily protein target of 150 grams. He’s all about those complex carbs and veggies, adjusting his intake based on his workout days—which usually include weightlifting and walks. With a high base metabolic rate and careful caloric management, he’s managing to shed pounds while keeping his muscles strong.
Dealing with Diet Dilemmas and Holiday Feasts
One impressive thing about Erik is his ironclad self-discipline. At work, he swaps unhealthy snacks for coffee to stay on track. Holidays don’t trip him up, either. Instead of overindulging, he cooks up healthy versions of traditional dishes and indulges moderately. It’s all about balance for him these days.
The Support System is Key
Big lifestyle changes need a strong support system, and Erik has built one around him. He’s got coworkers cheering him on and a community that celebrates his progress. I always stress how crucial this community vibe is. It’s like having a built-in cheer squad that keeps you accountable and motivated. This is also a key for his Guardian Healthtype!
Biohacking His Way to Peak Health
Erik’s also gone deep into biohacking—think self-experimentation with health and fitness. With his Garmin watch, he tracks everything from his VO2 max to heart rate variability (HRV), keen on every little detail of his physical response to stress. He’s seen his VO2 max jump from 28 to 40—now that’s impressive! Plus, we’ve got tests lined up to dive into his epigenetic age soon.
Breathing Right and Genetic Insights
Genetic testing has dropped some knowledge bombs on Erik, like his tricky nitric oxide production due to a smaller nasal cavity. We’ve talked about practical fixes like nasal breathing and mouth taping. It’s all about finding what works best for his body.
Nixing Alcohol and Going Holistic
Erik’s also given up alcohol, which has been a game-changer for control over his diet. This decision fits into his bigger picture of physical and mental wellness. It’s all about creating a lifestyle that feels as good as it is healthy.
Eyes on the Prize
Erik has made huge strides, from dropping down to 254 pounds to seeing his BMI and body fat percentage shrink. But he’s not stopping there. We’ve got more assessments coming up, and he’s set his sights on better muscle mass, stress reduction, and personal growth. It’s all about setting realistic goals and chasing them down.
Takeaways for Our Listeners
Talking with Erik proves that you can transform your life with the right mix of diet, epigenetic insights, community support, and a personalized approach to health. His story is a great reminder of the power of discipline, self-awareness, and solid support. I always encourage you to take those proactive steps toward better health. Check out our upcoming wellness programs that bring together different methods for a holistic approach.
Stick around for more updates on Erik’s journey and explore the coaching practices here at "Everyday Epigenetics. Raw. Real. Relatable."
Learn more about Erik Zotter:
Erik Zotter, 45 Years Old. Vice President of People, Organization & Communications at Ellab, Inc. Father of 3 girls 17, 16 and 10 + 1 8 year old Boy. Born and raised in Eastern PA and in Colorado since 2018. Interests include Hiking, DiscGolf, Photography and Record Collecting