Ep. # 64 Discuss the secrets to transforming your health and fitness journey with Sal Di Stefano, the host of Mind Pump, as we discuss the shift from aesthetics to holistic wellness. Sal shares his personal evolution, from opening his own wellness facility to overcoming gut health challenges, and how these experiences informed his mission to guide others toward mindful practices for their bodies. As we delve into his story, listeners are invited to reshape their perspective on health, valuing overall well-being over mere physical appearance, and discovering the unexpected physical benefits of such an approach. Sal dismantles common myths that often discourage women from weightlifting, shedding light on how it can be a powerful tool for empowerment and body image transformation. We also tackle the art of mindful eating, emphasizing the importance of whole foods and protein-rich diets to achieve sustainable weight loss without the need for obsessive tracking. This episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt advice for those seeking a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and exercise. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or someone embarking on a new wellness journey, this conversation promises to be a trove of wisdom, laughter, and genuine passion for aiding in the achievement of your health goals. Join us for a conversation that's as impactful as it is entertaining, providing a fresh, holistic view on the fitness landscape. Products Mentioned: Mind Pump MAPS Fitness Program Mind Pump Media Free Resources Mind Pump Podcast Leave Me a Message - click here! For Mari’s Instagram click here! For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here! For Mari’s Newsletter click here! For Sal Di Stefano’s Instagram click here! For Mind Pump podcast click here! For Mind Pump free resources click here! For Mind Pump’s MAPS fitness program click here! Bite is offering our listeners 20% off your first order. Go to trybite.com/POW or use code POW at checkout to claim this deal.  Visit BetterHelp.com/POW today to get 10% off your first month. Go to Chomps.com/POW, to see all the delicious flavors and get 20% off your first order and free shipping.  Topics Discussed: 01:24 - Meet Sal Di Stefano, host of the Mind Pump Podcast 01:43 - Talking all things health, fitness, weightlifting, fat loss, muscle gain, protein and more 02:09 - Women have been misled more than men in the fitness and health space 04:16 - Mindset shift from aesthetic bodybuilding to more of a wellness approach 04:42 - Dangers of insecurity being a driving force and listening to your body’s signals 08:19 - Freedom in being the healthiest version of yourself on the inside 08:50 - Start of Mari’s fitness journey  09:31 - Food is medicine 10:20 - Looking your best vs feeling your best 11:37 14:15 - Social media paints a picture of comparison that doesn’t exist in the real world 14:36 - Benefits of looking through a lens of self care and balance 16:33 - 2024 moving towards importance of ingredients and food in your body 18:23 - Food sensitivity testing and leaky gut syndrome 21:43 - Bodybuilding and mindfulness 23:26 - Intuitive eating 29:15 - The importance and effectiveness of weightlifting 31:11 - Habits of Hadza tribe, a modern hunter-gatherer tribe in Northern Tanzania 32:56 - Fat vs muscle  35:53- Pro Active Tissue Growth 37:11 - Empowering women to strength train  41:56 - The impact of bodybuilding on body image and food 42:32 - Best body acceptance age 43:26 - We are attracted to health and vitality  46:26 - Advice for beginners with strength training 51:08 - Value of tracking your food and when not to 55:22 - Four stages of learning 57:15 - Making sustainable changes 59:25 - The right amount of weight to lose a week 01:05:02 - Advice for beginners intimidated at the gym 01:11:08 - Where Sal is at in his fitness journey