Do I need to track my calories?

Do you need to track your calories?

Let’s put it this way – think of your calorie tracking as finances. Some people just have a natural sense for budgeting and some of us don’t. Because of this, you really have to sit down and write out a plan and follow it.

The same is true with your nutrition.

My #1 question to you is: Are you comfortable in your own skin? Do you like how you feel? Do you like how you look? Do you like how you’re performing?

If the answer is no, then you need to come up with a plan and start tracking.

That doesn’t mean you need to use a food scale for the rest of your life but it definitely means using one for the time-being and using an app to track your caloric intake. Doing this even for a couple of weeks will completely change your mindset and your understanding of nutrition.

So – do you need to track? That really depends on where you’re at and where you want to go.

You’re always going to look at your bank statements, but you don’t necessarily need to track that stringently if you’re in a good place.

#shorts #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #healthyeating #healthyeatinghabits #healthyeatingtips #healthyeats #trackingmacros #macrocounting #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #caloriesincaloriesout #weightloss #weightlosstips #dietingtips #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Surgeon General warns about alcohol

Over the next few decades, I believe more and more people will choose to opt out of drinking alcohol.

In my lifetime alone, we’ve seen cigarettes and tanning beds fall out of favor as research revealed their long-term health risks. Remember when smoking on airplanes was the norm? I used to use a tanning bed regularly! Now, both are classified as Group 1 carcinogens—and so is alcohol.

Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General released a statement highlighting alcohol as the third-leading cause of preventable cancer in the United States, linking it to seven different types of cancer. He’s even proposing that alcohol carry a warning label, similar to those on cigarette packaging.

We’re already seeing a cultural shift, with younger generations leading the way in rethinking alcohol consumption.

📲 What do you think? Will more people start giving up alcohol in the years ahead? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#shorts #alcohol #drinking #smoking #tanning #carcinogens #healthyliving #health #healthy #wellness #fitness #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Favorite ways to eat Greek yogurt at Trader Joe’s

Greek yogurt is one of my favorite sources of protein.

I’m here at @TraderJoes to show you some things you can add to your Greek yogurt for nutrients and taste:

1️⃣ Sunflower Seed Butter – Adds healthy fats and makes the yogurt more satiating and creamy with a nutty flavor.

2️⃣ Berries – Provide antioxidants, fiber, and natural sweetness while adding a refreshing, juicy texture.

3️⃣ Cacao Powder – Easy to mix in and rich in polyphenols, iron, and magnesium.

4️⃣ 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate Chips – Adding dark chocolate to your diet has a ton of health benefits. Not only does it taste amazing, it also adds varied texture.

5️⃣ Chia Seeds – Not a personal favorite topping but a powerhouse of fiber, omega-3s, and protein. I actually start my day every morning with 2tbsp of chia seeds despite not being my preference of taste.

#shorts #traderjoes #traderjoesfinds #traderjoeslist #traderjoeshaul #grocerylist #groceryshopping #protein #trackingmacros #macrocounting #macros #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #caloriesincaloriesout #weightloss #weightlosstips #dietingtips #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

I’m sick of the ancestral fallacy

Did you know that dogs now live long enough to die from age-related diseases?

Wolves in the wild, however, only live 6–8 years. Why? They face threats like untreated illnesses, predators, and harsh environmental conditions—factors that significantly shorten their lifespan.

This illustrates a concept called the Ancestral Fallacy—the mistaken belief that early humans or animals lived longer, healthier, or more fulfilling lives simply because of their “natural” lifestyles.

For example, domestic dogs live 12–15 years. Do you know how long wolves in captivity live? The same—12–15 years. And just like domestic dogs, they ultimately succumb to cancer or other age-related diseases.

Why bring up animals? Because this flawed reasoning is often used to promote the idea of returning to a “primal” or “ancestral” way of living.

Consider this: Paleolithic males had an average life expectancy of 33 years. Compare that to modern Americans, who now live well into their 70s, thanks to advances in medicine, better nutrition, and an improved understanding of health and wellness.

In short, don’t fall for the Ancestral Fallacy. It’s a marketing tactic designed to sell you on the romanticized notion of a naturalistic lifestyle—often tied to overpriced products or gimmicks. All it really does is promote distrust in modern medicine and the food we eat. Be smarter than that.

#shorts #seedoil #carnivorediet #carnivore #primal #ancestral #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #healthyeating #healthyeatinghabits #healthyeatingtips #healthyeats #dietingtips #caloriecount #caloriedeficit #caloriesincaloriesout #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Fish oil at Costco

Here at @Costco reviewing fish oil. Here’s what you should consider buying and what you should stay away from.

@SportsResearch and @NaturesBounty are both great. The Kirkland brand, however, is not so great.

Here are some considerations when choosing Fish Oil:

🔘 Has it been third-party tested?
🔘 Does it list out each form of Omega-3?
🔘 Are EPA and DHA listed separately?
🔘 What’s the potency? You want around 500mg of EPA and DHA.

If I’m at Costco, I’m going with Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil from Sports Research. Nature’s Bounty is a close second, but I’m staying far away from the Kirkland brand.

#shorts #costco #costcofinds #costcodeals #fishoil #supplements #supplement #dietarysupplement #supplementsmarter #supplementsthatwork #hairloss #fitnesstips #fitnesstip #fitness #bodybuilding #muscle #training #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Favorite Target finds

I’ve mastered diet-friendly grocery shopping at @Target. Here are my staples:  

🔹 Good & Gather: Premade meats (shredded chicken, grilled fajita strips), triple berry blend, salmon burgers.
🔹 @Good_Culture: Nonfat cottage cheese for a protein-packed snack.
🔹 @Oikos Triple Zero & Chobani Complete: Easy high-protein yogurt and shakes.
🔹 Fat-Free @Fairlife Milk: A fridge must-have.
🔹 @MissionFoodsUS Carb Balance Wraps & @SchmidtOldTyme 647 Bread/Buns: High-fiber essentials for sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.
🔹 @KodiakCake Mix: Boost protein with egg whites.
🔹 @DrinkOlipop Soda: Soda alternative for a fiber boost.
🔹 Favorite Day Ice Cream: Mocha Cold Brew is my favorite.
🔹 @PremierProtein Shakes: Perfect for on-the-go.
🔹 @QuestNutrition Protein Chips: Spicy flavors are the best.
🔹 @AllGoodles Pasta: Protein and fiber-rich perfection for pasta night.

Comment ‘JZGROCERY’ below for more of my grocery list staples.

#protein #highprotein #target #targetfinds #targetrun #targethaul #dietingtips #weightlosstips #macros #trackingmacros #caloriecount #caloriedeficit #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Tatum Sharp

Director of Social Media

"For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it."
- Amanda Gorman

Tatum is the mastermind behind Jacob Zemer’s social media. Every post you come across has its journey through her creative touch. From crafting compelling content and refining videos and reels to composing captivating captions, overseeing videographers, and meticulously planning release schedules – she’s constantly immersed in curating the Jacob Zemer content that captivates our audience!

Away from the digital buzz of social media, Tatum enjoys taking the stage, wielding her bass in her hardcore band, Volition, and indulges her passion for all things horror by frequently cozying up with scary movies.

Specialities:

  • BS Exercise Science minor in Communications
  • EXOS Performance Specialist
  • ACE Group Fitness
  • Creative writing
  • Visual communication

Elise Ladaw

Director of Coaching

“Science is Stronger”

Elise’s primary role as Director of Coaching is to ensure that the coaching business runs smoothly and is driven by science based principles concerning nutrition and exercise science. Her goal is to continually work to enhance the overall client experience, educate the clientele, monitor key performance indicators related to the coaching services, and foster a company culture of continuous learning among coaching staff.

When Elise is not helping the company with all things coaching she is either in the gym lifting weights or taking long walks through the grocery store finding new tasty and macro friendly nutrition products.


Specialities:

  • BAS Food Science 
  • NQ NPC Figure Competitor 
  • ACE CPT 
  • J3 University

Michelle Freedman

Chief of Operations

“Practice not perfection”

Michelle holds a crucial position in supervising the daily operations, aiming for operational efficiency, fostering growth, and contributing to the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives. Beyond providing structure, Michelle is actively involved in coaching and managing social media activities.

Away from refining policies and operations at Jake Zemer, LLC, you’ll discover Michelle outdoors, often barefoot with her kettlebells, engaging in adventures alongside her husband, two children, and two bulldogs.

Specialities:

  • BFA Graphic Design 
  • 10 years Corporate Fitness Management 
  • ACE CPT & GFI 
  • ACE Nutrition Specialist 
  • Kettlebell Master Instructor 
  • FMS I & II
  • USA Weightlifting 
  • Pre/Post Natal Certified  
  • TRX 
  • Schwinn & Maddog Cycling