Episode #24: Amber Bendle: Champion's Journey in Jiu-Jitsu and Wellness

1. About the Guest(s):

   Amber Bendle is an accomplished athlete, renowned for her achievements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is a three-time Pan American Jiu-Jitsu champion and a world champion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter. Beyond the mats, Amber operates as a certified health coach, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, and self-defense trainer. With a diverse background including Muay Thai and kickboxing, Amber also runs her side business, Self Well Fed, providing virtual and in-person nutrition coaching in Florence, South Carolina.

   Episode Summary:

   In this engaging episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter welcomes an exceptional guest, Amber Bendle, a distinguished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion and dedicated health coach. Amber shares her inspiring journey from being a high school swimmer to becoming a world-class Jiu-Jitsu athlete and champion. Alongside, she highlights how martial arts transformed her life and provided profound health benefits beyond physical strength.

   Amber provides detailed insights into her rigorous daily routine, emphasizing the importance of planning and consistent self-care. The discussion reveals how her strategic nutritional and training practices played a crucial role in her rise to athletic success. With Dr. Hieshetter's expert guidance, they delve into the significance of sustainable lifestyle changes over temporary diets, and how to maintain muscle mass as women age. Amber also shares her tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how to inspire others to ignite their own potential.

   Key Takeaways:

   • Consistency and Community: Regular training and a supportive community are pivotal in fostering confidence and improving self-worth.
   • Holistic Health Approach: Emphasize balanced nutrition, adequate supplementation, and tailored physical training for optimal health and performance.
   • Planning and Routine: Effective time management and planning are crucial for balancing a busy schedule and ensuring all aspects of health and fitness are addressed.
   • Mindset and Goals: Adopting a flexible yet determined mindset is key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals.
   • Support Systems: Having a reliable support system is essential for personal and professional growth, providing motivation and accountability.

   Notable Quotes:

   1. "The US spends $12,530 per person per year on healthcare. What's wrong? How do we fix it? What do we expect along the way?" - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter
   2. "After that first class, I was sold. The camaraderie, the energy in the room… It's incredibly healing." - Amber Bendle
   3. "We do hard things. We have to believe it and show up for ourselves because no one else is going to do that for us." - Amber Bendle
   4. "Plan the plan and work the plan. The only way I can be successful is to work my plan." - Amber Bendle
   5. "Knowing your body is step one. Weightlifting is important… Focusing on protein… And checking on the supplements that might be good for your body." - Amber Bendle

   Resources:

   • Self Well Fed on Instagram: @selfwellfed
   • Gut Check Garage on Instagram: @gutcheckgarage
   • Functional Health Mastery Group

   Listen to the full episode to dive deep into Amber Bendle's incredible journey, expert tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and advice for inspiring self-love and connection. Stay tuned for more enlightening episodes of Functional Health Radio!