Follow Us
Subscribe to our newsletter
Contact Us
Embracing Bacon and Shattering Fitness Myths: A Review of “Eat Bacon Don’t Jog”
TAKU • July 25, 2023
Introduction:
In a world that constantly bombards us with fitness fads and diet trends, it's easy to become overwhelmed and confused about the right approach to leading a healthy lifestyle. "Eat Bacon Don't Jog" by Grant Petersen challenges conventional wisdom, proposing a radical departure from traditional fitness norms. In this blog article, we'll explore the ideas presented in this intriguing book, delving into its unique perspective on exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being.
The Author's Unconventional Philosophy:
Grant Petersen, an avid cyclist and founder of Rivendell Bicycle Works, has garnered attention with his contrarian views on exercise and diet. "Eat Bacon Don't Jog" offers a refreshing departure from the typical fitness books that advocate for rigorous workouts and restrictive eating habits. Petersen encourages readers to embrace their natural instincts, advocating for a more enjoyable and sustainable approach to staying healthy.
FOOD BASICS & FOOD PARTICULARS: The Anti-Diet Approach
Petersen starts the book by questioning the effectiveness of traditional diets and their ability to provide long-term results. He believes that most diets are restrictive, unsustainable, and often lead to feelings of guilt and failure. Instead, he advocates for a balanced, intuitive approach to eating that prioritizes higher fat adequate protein real, whole-foods over processed, low-fat alternatives.
Contrary to popular belief, Petersen supports the consumption of saturated fats, including bacon, and challenges the prevailing notion that fat is inherently harmful. He discusses how fats can be an essential part of a balanced diet, providing a more sustained and satisfying source of energy compared to carbohydrates. While it's important to emphasize the quality of fats and moderation in consumption, Petersen's perspective stands in stark contrast to the low-fat diet trends that have dominated the health and fitness industry for decades.
The Myth of Calorie Counting
"Eat Bacon Don't Jog" takes a critical stance on calorie counting, which has been a cornerstone of many weight loss and diet programs. Petersen highlights the limitations and inaccuracies of this approach, emphasizing the importance of mindful eating instead. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and listening to our bodies' hunger and satiety cues, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with food.
EXERCISE BASICS & EXERCISE PARTICULARS: Reimagining Exercise
The title of the book says it all: "Eat Bacon Don't Jog." Petersen boldly challenges the conventional idea that relentless cardio workouts and marathons are the pinnacle of fitness.
At the core of Petersen's philosophy lies the idea that strenuous jogging or other high-impact exercises may not be necessary for everyone to achieve optimal health. He argues that activities like cycling, walking, and gardening can be just as effective, if not more so, in improving overall fitness. By promoting activities that are enjoyable and easy to integrate into daily life, Petersen aims to break the cycle of guilt and frustration often associated with traditional workout routines.
He also recommends against high rep resistance training workouts and instead advocates learning to lift heavy enough to challenge your current capacity if strength is the goal (which it should be). He outlines some simple workout concepts using low-tech tools such as body-weight, kettlebells and medicine balls. Petersen argues that finding joy in movement is essential for maintaining long-term fitness habits.
Embracing Playfulness and Adventure
Petersen reminds readers of the importance of embracing their inner child and finding time for playfulness and adventure. Whether it's rediscovering the joy of riding a bike or engaging in recreational sports, he encourages readers to incorporate fun into their daily lives. According to Petersen, the benefits of play extend beyond physical health, contributing to mental well-being and overall happiness.
Conclusion:
In "Eat Bacon Don't Jog," Grant Petersen offers a compelling alternative to the conventional wisdom surrounding exercise and diet. By challenging prevailing fitness norms and advocating for a more enjoyable and personalized approach to health, Petersen provides readers with an empowering perspective on how to achieve overall well-being.
While his ideas may not resonate with everyone, the book serves as a valuable reminder to critically assess the numerous health and fitness trends that inundate our lives. Rather than succumbing to societal pressures, "Eat Bacon Don't Jog" encourages readers to listen to their bodies, enjoy the process, and ultimately discover a path to health that suits their unique needs and preferences. So, whether you're a bacon enthusiast or simply seeking a fresh perspective on fitness, this book is definitely worth exploring.
___________________________________________________________________________________
If you are Looking for a simple, safe and efficient Strength Training tool for in Home Training I Highly recommend that you check out the Iso-Max from Dragon Door As far as I am concerned it is one of the best training tools on the market.
For more ideas about creating simple effective strength training and conditioning programs check back here frequently or visit us at: www.tntstrength.com
Register your name and email address on the site to Get Our Free Nutrition & Training PDF! And so you can be kept up-to-date on the latest news from TNT Strength.
TNT has over 40 years of combined fitness experience, so if you’re looking for a coach who can train you in person in our Oakland California Studio or online from anywhere in the world, visit our online training page to book a consultation.
Recent Articles
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements available.
This week I’m thrilled to share another exciting installment of the TNT Client Success Series in Episode #186 of the Truth Not Trends Podcast
Insights from Ryze HRT’s Matt Cusano - Podcast Episode 185
Insights from Episode #184 of the Truth Not Trends Podcast
The first of our client success series
Recent research published by George A. Bray and his colleagues
By TAKU In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to hit the gym can be a challenge. But what if you could bring the gym to you? Enter the INNODIGYM, a revolutionary home strength training system that’s changing the game for fitness enthusiasts worldwide. From convenience to versatility, let’s delve into the […]
By TAKU In the arena of sports ethics, few topics evoke as much controversy and debate as the issue of doping. For decades, athletes, coaches, and sporting organizations have grappled with questions surrounding fairness, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. In the midst of this ongoing dialogue, Alexander Hutchison, PhD, offers a provocative perspective in […]
BY TAKU As of this writing I have been strength training consistently for over 35 years. Like so many on this journey I have tried practically every possible approach, every hip and cool workout program “designed by the newest bodybuilding champ, every set & reps scheme, every split routine, every type of periodization. I have […]
No Time To Work Out? Think Again… One of the most common things we hear as Strength Coaches is “I don’t have time to workout” In the information age with the internet overflowing with ideas, we hear things like we need to do strength training and cardiovascular exercise, stretching or “mobility” work, warming up, […]
Creatine monohydrate is one of the most researched and effective supplements available.
This week I’m thrilled to share another exciting installment of the TNT Client Success Series in Episode #186 of the Truth Not Trends Podcast
Insights from Ryze HRT’s Matt Cusano - Podcast Episode 185
Insights from Episode #184 of the Truth Not Trends Podcast
The first of our client success series
Recent research published by George A. Bray and his colleagues
By TAKU In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to hit the gym can be a challenge. But what if you could bring the gym to you? Enter the INNODIGYM, a revolutionary home strength training system that’s changing the game for fitness enthusiasts worldwide. From convenience to versatility, let’s delve into the […]
By TAKU In the arena of sports ethics, few topics evoke as much controversy and debate as the issue of doping. For decades, athletes, coaches, and sporting organizations have grappled with questions surrounding fairness, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. In the midst of this ongoing dialogue, Alexander Hutchison, PhD, offers a provocative perspective in […]
BY TAKU As of this writing I have been strength training consistently for over 35 years. Like so many on this journey I have tried practically every possible approach, every hip and cool workout program “designed by the newest bodybuilding champ, every set & reps scheme, every split routine, every type of periodization. I have […]
No Time To Work Out? Think Again… One of the most common things we hear as Strength Coaches is “I don’t have time to workout” In the information age with the internet overflowing with ideas, we hear things like we need to do strength training and cardiovascular exercise, stretching or “mobility” work, warming up, […]
Find us on social media
Subscribe and get our strength and nutrition guide for free
Contact Us
TNT Strength is an interchangeable team of evidence-based strength coaches committed to helping people become the best versions of themselves through supervised strength training. We work with everyone from professional athletes to adults in their 90s both in our studio located in Oakland, California and around the world through virtual coaching.
Contact Us
5255 College Avenue
Oakland, California
(510) 768-5421
contact@tntstrength.com
© 2025 TNT Strength and Truth Not Trends, LLC