I try to eat healthy for the most part. When I cut weight, I cut

In the vast journey of life, we are often asked to make sacrifices, to weigh the cost of our ambitions, and to strive for the balance that enables us to achieve greatness. The words of Paige VanZant carry within them the deep wisdom of a warrior: "I try to eat healthy for the most part. When I cut weight, I cut pretty much everything out. I don't have protein when I cut weight other than what I might get from something like chicken breast. So I don't eat any extra protein, just because I'm trying to get the weight off. That's the only real diet I have." This statement reveals more than just the practice of diet; it speaks to the very nature of discipline, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of one's goals, even when that pursuit demands a great price.

To hear her speak of cutting everything out in the service of weight loss is to hear the voice of a warrior who knows the cost of victory. Diet, in this sense, is not a mere collection of food choices but a sacred ritual, a tool of the body, a means to hone and refine the self. When the goal is clear—when the prize is within reach—the sacrifices made are the foundation upon which success is built. Paige VanZant speaks not of indulgence or comfort, but of focus. She does not seek to simply fuel the body with the abundance of nutrition, but rather she seeks to strip away the excess, the distractions, and to sharpen herself into the finest instrument possible. Such is the path of those who strive for excellence.

Consider, in the days of ancient Greece, the mighty Olympians, who trained for years in pursuit of physical greatness. They did not feast upon the luxuries of life, nor did they indulge in excess. Instead, they followed strict regimens, cutting away the superfluous so that their bodies might be honed to perfection. Pythagoras, the great philosopher and mathematician, was also a master of self-discipline. His teachings extended beyond the mind, for he believed in the importance of physical purity as well. He practiced strict dietary control, believing that the body must be kept in harmony with the soul in order to achieve true wisdom. Like the Olympian athletes, Pythagoras knew that sacrifice was a crucial step toward achieving the highest form of excellence.

This ancient wisdom is reflected in VanZant’s own approach to weight cutting. She does not indulge in extra protein or food beyond what is necessary because her focus is on the ultimate goal. Each bite of food, each choice made, is weighed in the balance against that goal. There is no room for luxury or excess when the mind is set on a higher purpose. The act of cutting away from oneself, of letting go of comforts, is not a denial but a cleansing, a purification that allows for the cultivation of a more disciplined and focused spirit. In this, VanZant’s approach mirrors the stoic practices of the ancients, who understood that discipline, when embraced fully, is not a burden but a source of empowerment.

The power of sacrifice and discipline is seen throughout history in the lives of those who have sought greatness. The legendary Spartan warriors, who trained their bodies and minds in the harshest of conditions, were known to cut out the comforts of everyday life in service of their ideals. They ate simple, modest meals—nothing extravagant or indulgent—so that their bodies might remain strong, lean, and capable of facing any challenge. The Spartan way of life was built upon the principle that true strength is not born from indulgence but from renunciation and resilience. To the Spartan, as to VanZant, each sacrifice was a step toward becoming a more powerful, more focused version of themselves.

And so, the lesson that VanZant imparts is clear: if we are to reach the highest levels of achievement, we must be willing to sacrifice. We must be willing to give up the excess—whether it be in food, in comfort, or in any aspect of life—that stands between us and our goals. This is not to say that we must starve or deprive ourselves in the most extreme sense, but that we must learn the art of discerning what is truly necessary and what is simply a distraction. In this, we find the path to clarity and focus. By shedding the unnecessary, we allow ourselves to become stronger, more resilient, and more dedicated to our highest purpose.

Let us take these teachings to heart in our own lives. Whether we seek physical, mental, or spiritual growth, the path to greatness requires that we cut away what holds us back. We must find the courage to let go of excess, to embrace discipline, and to focus our efforts on the goals that matter most. And as we walk this path, let us remember that sacrifice is not a burden but a gift—a means of transforming ourselves into the warriors of our own lives, ready to face whatever challenges come our way. In this, we honor the wisdom of the ancients and the lessons of those who came before us, and we carve our own path to greatness.