CONSISTENT by Primal Potential

Elizabeth Benton

Why are we so stressed & overwhelmed? Why do we have clear & compelling goals but fail to reach them? How can we want to change so desperately yet make choices that keep us from that change? Because we keep focusing on the habits we want instead of building the skill of consistency that allows us to achieve them. Consistency is a skill. It's a superpower. It isn't one-size-fits all. It unlocks any door and makes every goal achievable. A more effective, realistic approach starts here.

  1. 3D AGO

    1290: How to Personalize Your Carbohydrate Approach for Fat Loss

    Episode Summary: When it comes to fat loss, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to carbohydrates. In this episode, we dive into how to personalize your carbohydrate intake based on key factors such as your baseline diet, body composition, activity level, and even your unique blood sugar response. By understanding how your body processes carbs, you can fine-tune your intake for sustainable fat loss and optimal energy levels. Before we get started, grab your copy of my new Fat Loss E-Book! Here's the link. And, head over to my new YouTube channel to subscribe and turn on notifications before the new Carb Series kicks off next week.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ How to assess your baseline carbohydrate intake before making adjustments ✔ Why muscle mass and body fat percentage impact carb tolerance ✔ The role of activity level in determining your optimal carb intake ✔ How health goals (fat loss, performance, hormone balance) influence carb strategy ✔ Why food sensitivities and individual blood sugar responses matter ✔ Practical strategies for tracking and adjusting your carb intake Key Factors to Consider When Personalizing Carb Intake 1. Your Baseline – Where Are You Starting? Before making changes, assess your current carbohydrate intake. Track what you eat for a few days and consider factors like: Blood sugar response (using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor) Insulin sensitivity (fasting glucose, HbA1c levels) Energy levels and hunger cues 💡 Example: If you currently eat 60% of your calories from carbs and experience energy crashes, adjusting your intake or choosing slower-digesting carbs may help. 2. Your Body Composition Your muscle mass and body fat percentage influence how efficiently your body processes carbohydrates. More muscle = better glucose storage and insulin sensitivity. Higher body fat = reduced carbohydrate tolerance. 💡 Example: A lean individual (12% body fat) might benefit from higher carb intake to fuel workouts, while someone at 25% body fat may do better with a moderate approach, limiting carbs to post-workout meals. 3. Your Health Goals Carbohydrate intake should align with your specific goals: Fat Loss: Lower to moderate carb intake may enhance fat oxidation. Performance & Recovery: Athletes or those with high-intensity workouts need sufficient carbs for energy. Hormonal Balance: Women experiencing menstrual irregularities or menopause may need strategic carb inclusion to support hormone health. 💡 Example: A woman with hypothyroidism may benefit from including 100-150g of carbs per day to support metabolism and thyroid function. 4. Your Activity Level Your carbohydrate needs should match your energy expenditure: High-intensity training (CrossFit, HIIT, weightlifting) requires more carbs. Low-intensity activities (walking, yoga) require fewer carbs. Sedentary lifestyles benefit from a lower-carb approach. 💡 Example: A marathon runner training daily may need 200-300g of carbs per day, whereas someone with a desk job may thrive on 50-100g. 5. Your Food Sensitivity & Blood Sugar Response Not all carbs affect people the same way. Some experience stable blood sugar after eating rice, while others see spikes and crashes. 💡 Example: Two people eat a banana: Person A: Blood sugar rises slightly (85 mg/dL → 95 mg/dL) – can tolerate bananas well. Person B: Blood sugar spikes significantly (85 mg/dL → 140 mg/dL) – may benefit from pairing the banana with protein or opting for lower-glycemic fruits like berries. Practical Takeaways: ✅ Track your baseline intake  ✅ Experiment with carbohydrate timing—many people do well eating carbs post-workout. ✅ Monitor blood sugar responses with a CGM or glucometer if needed. I've used Levels - you can check it out here  ✅ Consider carb cycling—higher carbs on training days, lower on rest days. ✅ Pay attention to biofeedback—adjust based on energy, sleep, and cravings. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to dial in your carbohydrate intake for your unique body and fat loss goals! Resources & Links: Fat Loss E-Book Follow Me on Instagram for daily tips! Subscribe to my YouTube channel and turn on notifications! 📩 Have questions? DM me on Instagram or email me at elizabeth@primalpotential.com Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let me know what you found most helpful!

    19 min
  2. 5D AGO

    1289: 3 Life Changing Blood Sugar Strategies That Will Help You Lose Weight

    In this episode of the Primal Potential Podcast, we’re diving into three powerful but simple strategies to help you optimize your blood sugar, improve your insulin sensitivity, and increase your energy levels. These are real-world, easy-to-implement hacks that go beyond the usual “eat less sugar” advice. Before we get started, grab your copy of my new Fat Loss E-Book! Here's the link. And, head over to my new YouTube channel to subscribe and turn on notifications before the new Carb Series kicks off next week.  Hack #1: Get Sunlight First Thing in the Morning ☀️ Did you know that getting direct sunlight within the first hour of waking helps reset your circadian rhythm, which plays a major role in blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity? Pairing this with light movement (like a 10-minute walk or some gentle stretching) can improve how efficiently your body uses glucose before breakfast. What the Science Says: On average, exposure to sunlight improved insulin sensitivity by 18.75%. Median improvement was 18%, meaning half of people experienced even greater benefits. Range of effects: Sunlight exposure improved insulin function by 15-22%. Glucose tolerance: Participants who got more sunlight saw a 12-16% improvement in how well their bodies processed carbohydrates. 💡 Want to learn more? Stay tuned for my upcoming Carb Series on YouTube (launching April 1st), and check out Episode 1200 of the Primal Potential Podcast for more deep dives on blood sugar optimization. Hack #2: Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to Track Your Blood Sugar 📊 One of the most eye-opening things I’ve done for my health is using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). Seeing how things like poor sleep, stress, and even "healthy" foods impacted my blood sugar completely changed how I eat and manage my energy. What a CGM Can Reveal: Which Foods Spike YOUR Blood Sugar the Most – You might assume all carbs affect you the same, but a CGM might show oatmeal spikes you more than rice or bananas spike you more than berries. Your Personal “Glucose Tolerance Window” – Some people handle carbs better in the morning, while others see better stability when eating them at night. How Stress Impacts Your Blood Sugar – Blood sugar can spike from stress alone, even without food. A CGM can help identify triggers. The Effect of Exercise on Blood Sugar – Some people see big drops after walking, while others might experience spikes after intense workouts. Hidden Nighttime Spikes – Poor sleep or late-night eating can lead to high fasting blood sugar in the morning. Do You Need a CGM? You don’t need one, but it can be a game-changer. You can also track your patterns with a glucometer and test strips or keep a journal of your energy, cravings, and mood swings for free. 👉 Want to try Levels CGM? Use my affiliate link: levels.link/PRIMALPOTENTIAL 🔍 Check out Episode 1073 for my deep dive on CGMs. Hack #3: Move After Meals – Even Just 10 Squats! 🏋️‍♀️🚶‍♂️ You don’t need to overthink this one. Just a few minutes of movement after eating can significantly reduce blood glucose spikes and improve insulin sensitivity. What the Data Says: Average blood glucose reduction from post-meal movement is 19.2%. The most effective movement was a 3-minute walk, which reduced blood sugar by 25%. Even standing at a desk helped, reducing blood sugar by 12%. Simple movement like walking or squats consistently reduced post-meal glucose spikes by 15-25%. Why This Works: Muscle Uptake of Glucose – Moving after a meal forces muscles to use glucose for energy, reducing blood sugar levels. Activation of GLUT-4 Transporters – Physical activity activates GLUT-4 transporters, which help pull glucose out of the bloodstream. Prevents Sugar Crashes & Fatigue – Movement blunts post-meal glucose spikes, preventing crashes, brain fog, and cravings. Easy Ways to Implement This Hack: ✅ Take a 10-minute walk 🚶‍♂️ – Walking at an easy-to-moderate pace within 30 minutes of eating can reduce blood sugar spikes by up to 25%. ✅ Do 10-20 bodyweight squats 🏋️ – No time to walk? Squats or calf raises are just as effective. ✅ Use a standing desk 🖥️ – If walking or squats aren’t an option, just stand and shift your weight instead of sitting. ✅ Pace around your house 🚶‍♀️ – Walking inside for just 3 minutes can make a difference. Resources & Links from This Episode 📖 Fat Loss E-Book – Get my 2025 Fat Loss Guide for practical strategies on metabolism, mindset, and lasting progress. 📺 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel – Turn on notifications for my upcoming Carb Series (Launching April 1st!). 🎙️ Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 1073: Continuous Glucose Monitors – Do You Need One? Episode 1200: The Hidden Impact of Sunlight on Metabolism 💡 What was your biggest takeaway from today’s episode? DM me on Instagram @ElizabethBenton and let me know!

    24 min
  3. MAR 17

    1287: "I Know What to Do… So Why Am I Not Doing It?"

    🔥 Brand New Fat Loss E-Book Available - Get it Here 🔥 Breaking Through Self-Sabotage, Excuses, and Inconsistency to Finally See Results Introduction Ever felt like you have all the information, yet you’re still not implementing? You’re not alone. I used to think more knowledge was the answer—I’d read every book, take every course, listen to every podcast, and yet… nothing changed. I stayed stuck in a cycle of inconsistency, self-doubt, and frustration. The harder I tried to find the “perfect” solution, the worse it got. This isn’t about knowing what to do—it’s about actually doing it. Today, we’re breaking down exactly how to close the gap between knowing and doing so you can stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real results. Which bank are you building? Are you investing in your excuses, or in your action? Let’s talk about how to make deposits into the right account. Segment 1: The Mindset Shift You MUST Make Your struggle isn’t about discipline or motivation—it’s about how you think. There’s a story about a gambling man who had two dogs he raced. With startling accuracy, he could always predict which dog would win. When he retired, someone asked him how he did it. "Oh, that’s easy. I just alternated the feedings. Whichever dog I fed would win." We all have two “dogs” in our minds: One is fueled by excuses, procrastination, and self-doubt. The other is fueled by action, consistency, and belief in ourselves. Which one are you feeding? Mind the Gap – The frustration isn’t from not knowing what to do; it’s from the gap between what you know and what you do. Every small action closes the gap. Why We Keep Delaying Change: We say, "I’ll start tomorrow," but we’d never say that about work. We treat our health like an optional hobby instead of a priority. Reframing Motivation: Think about Deal or No Deal. Are you taking a bad deal because it’s easy? Sin and Archery— missing the bullseye - the best part of this whole episode Action Step for Listeners: Identify one “I’ll start tomorrow” excuse you frequently use. SEE THE DEAL-MAKING. Don’t take the bad deal. Make this a practice. Do the reps to get good at spotting and rejecting excuses. Segment 2: STOP TRYING TO SCORE ON EVERY PLAY Success isn’t a Hail Mary pass—it’s a game of inches. Imagine if an athlete walked off the field every time they didn’t score. Ridiculous, right? But we do this in our own lives. We think if we can’t be perfect, it’s not worth trying. But success isn’t about one big thing—it’s about small, consistent wins. Moneyball Mentality – Just get on base. Do the Small Thing When You Can’t Do the Big Thing: Maybe you can’t overhaul your diet, but you can swap out the Splenda in your second coffee. Maybe you can’t make 20 sales calls, but you can call two people today. Maybe you don’t have an hour for the gym, but you have five minutes. Trust isn’t built in one grand gesture. It’s built in small, consistent choices. Action Step for Listeners: Write down ONE small promise you can keep every day for the next week. Focus on proving to yourself that you follow through, not that you’re perfect. Segment 3: How to Break the Excuse Loop The story you tell yourself determines your choices. If you keep saying, "I’m too tired, too stressed, too busy," that will always be true for you. But what if you shifted to data over drama? Your brain defaults to excuses. The key is to shift to facts: What CAN I do today? The Drama-Free Re-Engagement Plan: The only thing that matters is your next choice. Not the last 10. Not tomorrow. Just the next choice. Ask yourself: "How can I respond to this well?" The 3-Minute Rule: Don’t want to work out? Commit to just three minutes. Don’t feel like prepping food? Just get started for three minutes. Action creates momentum. Motivation follows action, not the other way around. Action Step for Listeners: The next time you feel an excuse creeping in, ask yourself: "How can I respond to this well?" Closing Thoughts Your struggle isn’t about knowing what to do—it’s about actually doing it. Self-sabotage often comes from identity. Become the person who follows through. Small steps matter. Every action you take is a deposit into your future. Your past failures don’t define you. Your next choice does. If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or tag me on Instagram with your small daily commitment. Let’s start closing the gap together.

    22 min
  4. MAR 10

    1285: The Inflammatory Reset Diet - Reducing Inflammation, How & Why

    The Inflammatory Reset: My Experience Following the Protocol It’s been a while since we’ve done a book club episode, and I’m excited to dive into The Inflammatory Reset by Dr. Josh Redd. This book is all about reducing chronic inflammation through diet, lifestyle changes, and functional medicine approaches. I’ve been following the protocol for at least 30 days - in the episode I'll share more about why. 📚 Buy the book 📚 About The Book & Key Takeaways Dr. Josh Redd is a chiropractic physician and functional medicine practitioner specializing in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, particularly thyroid disorders. His book explores: The impact of chronic inflammation on various health conditions, including autoimmune diseases. How diet and nutrition can help reset inflammation. The connection between gut health and inflammation. Functional medicine strategies to address root causes of inflammation. Lifestyle adjustments, including stress management and sleep optimization, to support healing. What Is Inflammation? Inflammation is a protective physiological response that alerts our immune system to threats, like viruses, environmental irritants, or cell damage. It’s designed to trigger pathways that combat harm. In the short term, this response is beneficial—think of a bee sting or a cut. However, when this pathway is repeatedly activated without an external threat (like an internal imbalance), it can lead to chronic inflammation, which is linked to nearly every chronic disease we know of. Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, chronic inflammation could be at play: Brain fog, fatigue, depression, low motivation, memory loss, irritability GI issues, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions Poor gut health (increased permeability, leading to infections and food intolerances) Hormonal imbalances (hair loss, infertility, complications in pregnancy) Metabolic issues (weight gain, blood sugar instability, high cholesterol, heart disease) Major Causes of Inflammation Dr. Redd breaks inflammation down into five key categories: Dietary: Processed foods, sugar, seed oils, gluten, and blood sugar imbalances are big culprits. Lifestyle: Poor sleep, chronic stress, and lack of movement contribute to inflammation. Physiological: Gut health, hormone imbalances, and poor detoxification impact inflammation. Neurological: Head trauma, addiction, excessive screen time, and light exposure can all trigger inflammation. Emotional: Trauma, abuse, neglect, and unresolved grief play a significant role in keeping the body in an inflammatory state. The Three Horsemen of Inflammation Chronic inflammation is often driven by imbalances in three key hormones: Cortisol: The body’s primary stress hormone, which is linked to adrenal fatigue and sleep deprivation. Estrogen: Too high, too low, or erratic fluctuations can create an inflammatory response. Insulin: Chronically high insulin from poor blood sugar regulation contributes to inflammation in both the body and brain. Reducing Inflammation: My Personal Reset Here’s what I’ve been focusing on: Prioritizing sleep and stress management (guitar, time outside, alone time). Addressing past trauma (I’ve gone back to counseling). Reducing environmental toxins (swapping personal care and household products for non-toxic options). Using movement, meditation, and infrared sauna for healing. Diet is one of the biggest levers in reducing inflammation, so I’ve made major shifts in my eating habits. The Inflammatory Reset Diet Here’s what the protocol recommends avoiding: 🚫 Anything you're sensitive to 🚫 Dairy, eggs, gluten, oats, tomatoes, dehydrated fruit, rice, corn, potatoes 🚫 Alcohol, coffee, tea, soda, fruit juice, table salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners 🚫 Soy, peanuts, beef, pork, shellfish, processed meats Instead, the diet focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods: ✅ Chicken, turkey, lamb, fish (not shellfish) ✅ Quinoa, buckwheat, sweet potatoes, peas, beans ✅ Raw cashews, almonds, macadamias, walnuts etc ✅ Fresh fruits & vegetables ✅ Herbal tea, decaf green tea, unsweetened coconut or cashew milk ✅ Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil In this episode I'll discuss what I've been eating, non-dietary changes I've been making, what's hard and the mindset I'm bringing to the challenge as well as if I think you should consider it (or not).  Want to learn more about working with me? Head to primalpotential.com/work-with-me/ If you haven't yet, please subscribe to my new YouTube channel and turn on notifications!

    35 min
  5. MAR 3

    1283: Minimalism & Metabolism: Why Less Stuff = More Energy

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between decluttering your space and achieving weight loss success. Our environment shapes our mindset, habits, and overall well-being. By organizing our physical surroundings, we create space for better decisions, healthier choices, and a calmer mind. Tune in to discover how a clutter-free home can support your weight loss journey. Listener Question: “I am working on decluttering my home, changing my relationship to home and possessions. Any advice or guidance in that area would be great!” Key Topics Covered: How your external environment impacts your internal state. The psychological effects of clutter: stress, overwhelm, and decision fatigue. The identity shift: Becoming a person who takes care of their space and themselves. The financial aspect: Clutter represents money you once had—rethinking purchases. Practical strategies to start decluttering and regain control. Practical Approaches to Decluttering: Stop Spending on Non-Essentials Implement a budget and a 24-hour hold rule before making purchases. Reflect on past purchases: Did they bring lasting joy or just add to clutter? Consider: Would I rather have this item or the money in savings? Ditch and Donate Like It’s Your Job Declutter small spaces daily (drawer, shelf, cabinet) to avoid overwhelm. Use the 20-item rule: Find and remove 20 items per day (expired food, unworn clothes, broken items, etc.). Give items to friends, donate to charity, or sell locally for extra cash. Why This Matters for Weight Loss: Decluttering fosters a sense of control and reduces stress-related eating. A tidy kitchen encourages healthier eating and meal prep. Removing distractions makes it easier to focus on self-care and movement. Action Step for Listeners: Pick one small area to declutter today and reflect on how it makes you feel. Share your progress with us on social media or email!

    20 min
  6. FEB 22

    1280: The Root Work for True Transformation - Let's Talk About It

    For the longest time, I was chasing change but not true transformation, and my results showed it. I stayed in the struggle for decades.  So many of us find ourselves chasing the same goals for months—maybe even years—without ever feeling like we truly get there. But what if the issue isn’t a lack of effort, but rather the approach itself? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the crucial difference between change and transformation and why this distinction matters more than you might think. I’ll share my own personal experience of shifting from temporary change to deep, lasting transformation and how identity-based consistency plays a key role in making sustainable progress. Plus, we’ll dive into the power of setting personal standards, why root work is essential for breaking free from old habits, and a simple but powerful mindset shift that can help you create real, lasting results. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of “starting over,” this episode is for you! Episode Highlights: 🕒 [00:59] – The key reason we struggle to maintain progress over time 🕒 [02:22] – Why focusing on just “what to do” isn’t enough for real change 🕒 [04:23] – Identity-based consistency: shifting from actions to self-definition 🕒 [06:08] – Setting personal standards and why they matter in every area of life 🕒 [07:57] – The hidden beliefs that keep us stuck in cycles of frustration 🕒 [10:26] – The “I’ll deal with it later” trap—and how it prevents transformation 🕒 [12:19] – Why successful people ask for help and how to access free resources Links & Resources: 🔗 Join the Consistency Course Waitlist: Click here 🔗 Start the Upgrade Program Now: Click here 🔗 Download the Free Consistency Workbook: primalpotential.com/consistencyquestions 🔗 Follow Me on Instagram: @ElizabethBenton The truth is, you can’t create lasting results without doing the deep, root-level work. Whether you choose to go it alone, work with me, or find another resource, the key is to start—because transformation isn’t about chasing change, it’s about becoming the person who naturally creates the results you want. If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with a friend, leave a review, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 🚀

    15 min

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    Why are we so stressed & overwhelmed? Why do we have clear & compelling goals but fail to reach them? How can we want to change so desperately yet make choices that keep us from that change? Because we keep focusing on the habits we want instead of building the skill of consistency that allows us to achieve them. Consistency is a skill. It's a superpower. It isn't one-size-fits all. It unlocks any door and makes every goal achievable. A more effective, realistic approach starts here.

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