Why Bodybuilders Are Getting Nutrition All Wrong (And What to Do Instead)

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I had the pleasure of going on a dive deep into an incredible conversation with Dylan Gemelli, a true pioneer in the biohacking and hormone optimization space. Dylan's journey, from training competitors to becoming a biohacking guru and speaker at Mr. Olympia, is packed with wisdom and real talk about nutrition, steroids, peptides, and the mindset needed for long-term health and success.

If you're someone who's ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice or curious about how to optimize your body and mind without falling into toxic cycles, then this article is for you. Dylan breaks down complex topics into simple truths while sharing his own story of transformation and resilience. Let's get into it!

Who is Dylan Gemelli?

Dylan is a biohacking expert who's been in the game for over a decade, talking about steroids, SARMs, peptides, hormones, and more. He's not just a content creator but also a certified nutritionist and someone who's overcome serious personal challenges. He's spoken at prestigious events like Mr. Olympia and now focuses on helping people optimize their health through science-backed methods.

The Core of Biohacking: Simplicity and Science

Biohacking sounds fancy, but Dylan reminded me it's really about doing simple, fundamental things consistently. Things like:

*   Getting outside for sunlight

*   Moving your body regularly

*   Eating real, nutrient-dense food

*   Grounding yourself by connecting with nature

He compared biohacking to Bitcoin in its early days—people think it's complicated until they spend a little time understanding it. Dylan's approach blends scientific curiosity with practical habits anyone can adopt. He said,

"The cliff note version of all this stuff is move your body, get outside, ground, and eat real food."

Nutrition Is Everything: Why Diet Makes up 70-75% of Success

One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was the emphasis on nutrition. Dylan and I agreed that no matter how good your training or supplements are, if your diet sucks, your hormones and overall health will suffer.

He shared his own experience working out for hours daily, doing tons of cardio, yet eating a very low-fat diet that left him drained. When he switched to a higher-fat, keto-style approach, his energy, hormones, and mental clarity improved dramatically.

Dylan explained,

"I'm burning over four thousand calories a day, and I'm eating like sixteen hundred, maybe seventeen hundred, and the only fat I'm getting is peanut butter… Not a good foundation for hormonal health by any means."

He now eats a fat-heavy diet with grass-fed butter, avocado, salmon, and egg yolks. This shift helped him regain vitality and mental sharpness, proving that fats are not the enemy—they're essential.

Why Fat Matters

Growing up, many of us were taught to fear fat, especially saturated fat. Dylan and I both remember the low-fat craze and how hard it is to shake that mindset. But science and real-life experience show that fats support hormones, brain health, and sustained energy.

Dylan highlighted a special fat source he uses called SCT oil, a short-chain triglyceride that boosts fat burning and energy without the downsides of traditional MCT oils. It's a game changer, especially for those on a ketogenic diet.

Understanding Hormones, Steroids, and Peptides

Dylan has a lot of experience with steroids and hormone optimization, but he's clear about the risks and long-term consequences. He explained that while steroids can give short-term gains, they often come with serious damage to the liver, kidneys, joints, and overall health.

He said,

"You get a pro card, you do all of this, you shorten your lifespan by ten to twenty years, if not more, and you degrade your quality of life over time."

He also shared that many bodybuilders regret using steroids too young because of the lasting impacts on fertility, joint health, and longevity.

On the other hand, Dylan is a big advocate for peptides as a safer way to support the body's natural functions. He's involved in developing tools to educate people on how to use peptides correctly to improve health without the harsh side effects of steroids or SARMs.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

TRT is a hot topic in the health community. Dylan supports TRT when it's medically necessary but warns it's often misprescribed. Many clinics rush to put people on testosterone without fully investigating underlying causes that might be fixed with lifestyle or nutrition changes.

He noted,

"If you're on it, you're on it forever. You don't just run TRT for a year or two and stop and think you're okay."

For women, he recommends trying natural hormone boosters first and ensuring proper balance because hormones like estrogen and progesterone also play vital roles.

The Mental Game: Spirituality, Stoicism, and Overcoming Adversity

Dylan's story is inspiring beyond just fitness. He went through serious struggles, including prison time, and came out stronger by taking accountability and embracing a spiritual and stoic mindset.

He shared a powerful moment with his mom that changed his outlook:

"She said, ‘You do all this complaining, and do you realize you don't care about the people you hurt? How selfish are you?' And I said, ‘No, I'm the piece of shit. I'm the one that made the decisions.'"

From that moment, Dylan made his word gold—if he says he'll do something, he does it. He also learned to appreciate time and not waste energy on things outside his control.

I truly felt his passion when he said,

"Every time I even leave the gym, I thank God just for letting me go be able to work out, have the luxuries I have to work out in a nice gym. These things you should never take for granted."

What's Hot in Nutrition and Biohacking Now?

Dylan sees a big push on protein and fats in the biohacking world, with lots of debate around carbs. He encourages people to keep an open mind and understand that what works for one person might not work for another.

He also mentioned the importance of questioning everything and not getting defensive when discussing nutrition or spirituality. That openness to learning is key to growth.

Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dylan

Dylan Gemelli is a force in the biohacking and nutrition space because he combines deep scientific knowledge with real-world experience and humility. If you want to learn more about optimizing your health naturally and sustainably, Dylan's content is a goldmine.

You can find Dylan on Instagram and YouTube under @DylanGiamelli and Dylan Giamelli Biohacking. He's also running a podcast with some amazing guests.

Before you go, if you're serious about getting shredded and mastering your body naturally, I invite you to join my FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass. This training reveals the exact 7-Phase System I used to drop from 16% to 3.9% body fat, earn my WNBF Pro-Card, and build sustainable health.

Click here to register for the FREE Masterclass!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is biohacking?

Biohacking is about using simple lifestyle changes and scientific tools to improve your body and mind's performance. It includes things like nutrition, exercise, sleep, and sometimes advanced therapies like peptides.

Are steroids safe for bodybuilding?

Steroids can have serious long-term side effects, including liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and shortened lifespan. They may offer short-term muscle gains but come with high risks.

What are peptides, and are they safe?

Peptides are small proteins that can help regulate the body's natural processes. When used correctly, they offer benefits with fewer side effects compared to steroids. Dylan is a strong advocate for responsible peptide use.

Is TRT safe and recommended?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be beneficial if medically needed but is often overprescribed. It should be carefully managed by a healthcare professional, as it can suppress natural hormone production permanently.

How important is nutrition compared to training?

Nutrition accounts for about 70-75% of your success in fitness and health, while training is around 15%. Supplements and other modalities make up the rest. Without proper diet, gains and health suffer.

What diet does Dylan recommend?

Dylan favors a higher-fat, moderate-protein, and lower-carb diet tailored to individual needs. He emphasizes real, whole foods, healthy fats like avocado and grass-fed butter, and minimizing processed foods.

To watch the entire conversation, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/Gu8-4JKYGCo

Remember, the journey to your best self starts with the right knowledge and mindset. Take control of your health and join my FREE Masterclass to learn how to build a savage physique the right way.

Register now for the FREE Masterclass!

Chapters:

0:00 Keto for Muscle and Fat Loss

1:36 Transitioning from Competitor Training to Biohacking

5:09 Simple Steps to Stay Healthy on Keto

6:58 How Diet Drives Muscle Growth and Fat Loss

10:43 The Impact of Low-Calorie Diets on Hormones

12:39 Benefits of High-Fat Eating for Muscle Gain

16:08 Boost Your Keto Diet with Healthy Fats

17:32 Unlocking Energy Through Fat Adaptation

20:44 The Power of Thoughtful Conversations

22:17 Finding Personal Growth Through the Holy Spirit

25:36 How Accountability Fuels Your Success

27:13 Understanding Impact: A Lesson in Empathy

30:09 Growth Through Adversity: Real-Life Lessons

31:57 Diet Changes for Better Focus and Well-Being

35:24 Simplifying Peptide Use with Our New App

36:55 Insights from the Keto CTA Trial Study

40:05 Performance Drugs vs. Longevity in Bodybuilding

41:45 The Health Risks of Long-Term Steroid Use

45:06 Short Gains, Long-Term Health Risks of Steroids

46:44 Critique of Bodybuilding Culture and Its Effects

49:45 Long-Term Consequences of Steroid Use on Life Choices 

51:34 Evaluating the Need for Testosterone Replacement Therapy

54:49 Importance of Hormonal Balance in Overall Health

56:28 Exploring Peptides for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss

59:43 Scrutinizing Food Sources for a Healthier Keto Diet

1:01:04 Understanding Hormones: Key to Health and Performance