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The Be Battle Ready podcast is where everyday athletes, adventurers, and seekers of strength come to forge resilience - in body, mind, and spirit.
Hosted by coach Simon Ward, each episode explores the true pillars of endurance: purposeful training, nourishing nutrition, restorative sleep, a resilient mindset, and the art of recovery. It’s designed especially for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond who refuse to rust - men and women who know that age is no excuse to stop sharpening the blade.
Whether you’re preparing for your next Ironman, rebuilding after setback, or simply training for the demands of life itself, this show will help you stay Battle Ready: strong, adaptable, and unbreakable.
Expect conversations with world-class coaches, scientists, and everyday warriors - those who walk the path of longevity and high performance - sharing wisdom, tactics, and stories from the front line of endurance.
👉 Subscribe now and step inside the ranks of the Battle Ready Society - where strength is forged, and rust never wins.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
In part two of my conversation with Harvey Fortis – nutritionist, researcher, and performance specialist working with INEOS Cycling – we move from theory into practical action. Harvey and I dig into the specific foods, habits, and daily choices that nourish the microbiome and help it thrive.
We talk about fibre, fermented foods, stress, sleep, pre- and probiotics, the Mediterranean diet, and how simple, consistent choices can transform gut health for athletes and everyday individuals alike.
Key Topics
- Why variety in your diet is key to microbial diversity
- Fibre vs fermented foods – understanding their different roles
- How to audit your current diet and identify triggers
- The truth about IBS, intolerances, and exclusion diets
- Prebiotics vs probiotics vs symbiotics – what they actually do
- How stress, sleep, and lifestyle shape gut balance as much as food does
- The Mediterranean diet as a model for long-term gut health
Key Quote ( 01:27:58 )
“Every meal needs to feed you – and your microbes. When you look after your gut, you’re really looking after your whole body.” – Harvey Fortis
Key Message
Gut health isn’t about cutting things out – it’s about adding the right things in. Feed your microbes with colour, fibre, and variety, and you’ll build the foundation for lasting health and performance.
How to Connect with Harvey:
Instagram – @fortis.sportsci
Website – www.totalendurancenutrition.com
Recommended resources for listeners:
A couple mod highly recommended books
Gut by Giulia Enders
The Athlete’s Gut: The Inside Science of Digestion, Nutrition, and Stomach Distress – Patrick Wilson
2 interesting research documents
The Athlete Gut Microbiome and its Relevance to Health and Performance: A Review
GSSI Sports Science Exchange: Gut Microbiome Function, Stability, and Profiling and Relevance to Athletes
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The SWAT Inner Circle is now open. It is the community for athletes and adventurers over 50 who want to train smart, live well, and extend their health span. You can join today CLICK HERE TO START YOUR MISSION
Connect with me HERE: https://linktr.ee/simonward
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