These 10 “Healthy” Foods Are Halting Fat‐Loss Progress

Jay Cutler’s building buzz around the 2025 Olympia, Wesley Vissers is dropping underrated gym hacks, and Mitchell Hooper just gave Hafthor’s 505 kg deadlift his seal of approval.

July 31, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

These 10 “Healthy” Foods Are Halting Fat‑Loss Progress

Just because something wears a health halo doesn’t mean it’s helping you slim down. This nutrition coach uncovers TEN so‑called “healthy” foods—tagged low‑fat, no added sugar, or whole grain—that might secretly be stalling fat loss by being calorie‑dense or loaded with hidden sugar. Labels lure you into overeating bigger portions, thinking it’s guilt‑free, but your scale won’t care. Instead, opt for real whole foods, lean protein, and fibre‑rich choices that actually fill you up. Balance beats branding. [Dive into weight‑loss reality now!]

12 Upper‑Body Gym Hacks from Wesley Vissers You Probably Missed

Arnold Classic champ Wesley Vissers shares 12 little‑known training tweaks to build clean, high‑quality muscle—no gimmicks included. Expect insights like unconventional grip angles, tempo control, and rest‑pause timing that you can plug straight into your workouts. These are pro‑level refinements that cut through plateaus and polish your upper‑body lines. Perfect for coaches or lifters who want smarter gains, not just heavier weights. [Build better upper‑body gains today!]

In this leg workout deep dive, Jay Cutler runs through his signature pyramid scheme—gradually increasing weight while dialing down reps each set. It’s brutal, precise, and built for size. The pyramid approach hits muscles with varied tension ranges, pushing quads and glutes through volume, intensity, and metabolic stress all in one session. Expect serious soreness—and serious growth. Leg builders, this one’s for you. [Crush leg day Cutler‑style!]

An everyday trainee put carb cycling to the test—high‑carb on workout days, low‑carb on rest days—for a full month, tracking changes in bodyfat and muscle. The outcome: leaner, tighter, and better performance in training with no sacrifice in energy. Switching macros based on activity levels helped improve metabolic flexibility while preserving hard‑earned muscle. It’s a flexible, scalable strategy for anyone chasing recomposition. [See the body recomposition results here!]

Mitchell Hooper Backs Hafthor’s 505 kg Deadlift—and Sets His Sights

After Hafthor Björnsson nailed a massive 505‑kilogram (1,113 lb) deadlift world record at the Eisenhart Black Comp, Mitchell Hooper weighed in—and confirmed the lift was clean, legit, and deserving of the record. Hooper acknowledged strongman rules allow some hitch and softer lockout mechanics—Thor delivered within those margins. He also shared that he’s paused his own record attempt this year, prioritizing rest and strategic recovery. But rest assured, he’s plotting a return to chase world‑class heavy pulls. [Discover Hooper’s reaction now!]

The bodybuilding world lost a rising star as IFBB Pro Bikini competitor Lorena Blanco tragically passed away at just 37 due to a sudden heart attack. Her untimely death shocked fans and fellow athletes, sparking conversations around the cardiovascular risks even elite athletes may face. Blanco was known for her radiant stage presence and relentless discipline, and she had recently made strides in pro circuits. Her passing is a sobering reminder that health isn’t just about visible aesthetics. [Remember Lorena’s legacy here.]

The 2025 Van Pro/Am didn’t disappoint, with top-tier athletes storming the stage in Canada. Bikini icon Ashley Kaltwasser secured another dominant win, showcasing her world-class conditioning. Meanwhile, Gatsis crushed the Men’s Physique division, and Wilson claimed victory in Classic Physique, solidifying himself as a name to watch ahead of the Olympia. The event was a key Olympia qualifier, and these champions now punch their tickets for the sport’s biggest stage. [See who dominated the Van Pro/Am stage.]

Bodybuilding legend Lee Priest is back with wisdom from the trenches, this time comparing free weights to cables for hypertrophy. While free weights build raw mass, Priest argues that cables offer unmatched tension control—especially for isolating stubborn body parts. He emphasizes that form, range of motion, and intentionality matter more than just loading the bar heavy. If your rear delts, calves, or arms refuse to grow, isolation might be your secret weapon. [Get Lee’s honest training takes now.]

Jay Cutler isn’t just building quads anymore—he’s building hype for the 2025 Olympia. The 4x Mr. O shared his current top picks to win the crown, citing names like Derek Lunsford and Samson Dauda. But more interestingly, Cutler opened up about what it takes to walk away healthy and still on top—a rarity in bodybuilding’s punishing landscape. Staying relevant without wrecking your body? That’s the real flex. [See who’s on Jay’s Olympia radar.]

Want that cobra‑hood back? Rich Gaspari just dropped a superset combo built to do exactly that. The move pairs wide‑grip pulldowns with straight‑arm pushdowns to blast the lats from both angles, pumping up thickness and width. Gaspari says the key is short rest and strict form—no swinging, no shortcuts. It’s a pro tip from someone who walked the Olympia stage in his prime. [Expand your back with Gaspari’s go‑to superset.]

If you’re counting carbs on keto, the difference between “total” and “net” carbs can make or break your results. This advanced net carb calculator helps you dial in your macros by subtracting fiber, sugar alcohols, and other non-impact carbs—so you stay in ketosis without second-guessing your food labels. Whether you're targeting fat loss, stable blood sugar, or diabetic management, it’s a handy tool for anyone eating low-carb with intention. [Calculate smarter keto carbs now!]

Jeremy Buendia just dropped a shredded physique update 11 weeks out from the 2025 Olympia—and let’s just say, the comeback tour is looking diced and dangerous. 📹💪

Lunch Recipe of the Day: Tomato‑&‑Avocado Cheese Sandwich

Spread mashed avocado on a slice of whole‑wheat bread, top with tomato slices and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Pop both pieces into a toaster oven and toast for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is just beginning to melt and the plain slice is golden. Remove, pile mixed greens or baby spinach on the cheesy side, drizzle balsamic vinegar over the greens, then crown with the remaining toast. Cut in half and serve with a ripe pear on the side for freshness.

The Strength Bulletin

  • 2025 Xtreme Bodybuilding Mexico Pro Results — Galindo and Nava Punch Tickets to Olympia: Diego Galindo claimed the Classic Physique title and Lilian Nava won the Wellness division in Tijuana, earning their spots for the 2025 Olympia. [Catch the full breakdown here.]

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