Hunter Stoler's journey from an overweight college student to a certified health coach and influential social media presence offers profound insights for anyone seeking to improve their health. During our recent Frontline Health Podcast, Hunter shared how the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for his transformation – a time when many became more sedentary, but he chose a different path.
Hunter's approach to health is refreshingly practical. His central philosophy hinges on "controlling the controllables" and not "majoring in the minors." Too often, people obsess over minor details like whether to intermittent fast or which exercise should come first in their routine, while neglecting fundamental habits like adequate sleep, proper hydration, protein intake, and consistent movement. This misplaced focus not only prevents progress but creates unnecessary stress, further compromising health goals.
One of the most compelling aspects of Hunter's story involves his struggle with skin health. Despite undergoing two rounds of Accutane prescribed by a top dermatologist who never inquired about his nutrition or lifestyle, Hunter's acne persisted. It wasn't until he addressed the root causes – eliminating seed oils, using filtered shower heads, switching to organic cotton towels, and identifying specific food triggers (notably Chipotle, which uses inflammatory seed oils) – that his skin truly improved. This experience highlights a critical gap in conventional healthcare, where physicians typically receive only 2-3 hours of nutrition education throughout their entire medical training.
When discussing healthy eating habits, Hunter emphasizes quality and balance. His typical day includes protein-rich meals with fiber and healthy fats – from morning yogurt bowls with wild blueberries to dinners centered around quality proteins and vegetables. For eating out, he recommends simple strategies like asking restaurants to go light on oils and avoiding blood sugar-spiking appetizers like bread baskets. These practical approaches make healthy eating sustainable rather than restrictive.
Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of nutrition that Hunter addresses is the distinction between "healthy eating" and "eating for weight loss." While avocados, olive oil, and grass-finished meats are nutritious, consuming them in excess can still lead to weight gain if you're in a caloric surplus. Sometimes achieving body composition goals requires balancing perfectly clean eating with calorie awareness – a nuance often lost in health discussions.
Hunter's final advice resonates deeply: health improvement is ultimately a solo journey. Despite external support or criticism, you alone control what you eat, how much you move, and the thoughts in your head. Many people may try to discourage your health journey – a phenomenon similar to crabs pulling down others trying to escape a bucket – but this resistance often signals you're on the right path. Sometimes, keeping your health goals private until you've achieved them can protect your momentum from well-meaning but undermining influences.
The conversation with Hunter Stoler reinforces our core philosophy of taking ownership of your health. By focusing on fundamentals, addressing root causes, making practical food choices, understanding the nuances of healthy eating, and owning your journey despite external pressures, anyone can transform their health one small improvement at a time.
