A Conversation with Maxwell McNutt

From Sedentary Gamer to USPSA Grand Master: Maxwell's Transformation Through Discipline and Carnivore

Commit 250 is dedicated to fostering lasting health changes, inspired by America's enduring spirit as we near the 250th anniversary in 2026. In this series, we spotlight individuals who've overhauled their lives through consistent effort. Today, we feature Maxwell McNutt (@nuttymaxwell), a 20-year-old former professional gamer turned competitive shooter. Maxwell has shed over 100 pounds since starting his journey, crediting a strict carnivore approach, increased activity, and a shift in mindset. His story exemplifies how ditching excuses and embracing responsibility can lead to profound change.

Breaking Free from Sedentary Habits

Maxwell's transformation began with self-reflection after years of gaming-induced inactivity.

"My solution was to a problem I created myself. I'm only 20 years old, just recently turned 20. As a younger kid with internet influence, I found hobbies that caused me to be sedentary: staying inside and gaming. I had this house setup from when I was younger; I did professional gaming [in Fortnite], and when I didn't enjoy it anymore, I used it as an escape, hiding behind 'It's going to make me money.' But it was just an escape, and I hated it.

"In doing so, I created a health issue: sedentary, overeating, finding excuses not to go outside and do what I love, like being in the woods. When I turned 16, I thought, 'I need to turn my life around.' For three straight years, I fed myself pure bullshit—straight garbage, thinking I was doing the right thing to get back in shape, but none of it worked. Last year, around November, I stepped back: 'What am I actually doing? I'm not going anywhere.' For a year straight, I was at exactly 355 pounds—didn't move, up or down by 0.2 or 0.3, but always 355."

This stagnation prompted a radical reset, aligning with Commit 250's emphasis on discipline over perfection.

Never Going Back

Maxwell adopted an extreme carnivore diet, focusing on high-protein, low-calorie venison to kickstart his progress.

"I took an extreme approach: threw out everything and said, 'I'm going to eat venison, and I'm not going to touch anything else.' Later, I added some steak for healthy fats. For two straight months, it was two pounds of venison a day—240-something grams of protein, two meals. That's it. When I lost around 50 pounds, I started allowing off days, like when family was in town for dinner—I'm going out, having a meal, not feeling bad, and getting right back on tomorrow. It's not going to make me gain a bunch; just hold more water weight.

"Also, trying to be more active: just walking more instead of sitting. That's huge. I didn't start the gym until two-ish months ago, because my shooting coach said, 'While you're losing weight, build and retain muscle to be a better shooter.' My goal is to win national championships in competitive shooting—he's done it for 20 years and knows what it takes."

Recent X posts echo this: Maxwell frequently shares venison as his staple, noting packs from Whole Foods provide 520 calories and 100+ grams of protein. In July 2025, he celebrated being "DOWN 100LBS+ AND I WILL NEVER GO BACK!!!" with before-and-after videos, attributing it to consistent carnivore eating and movement.

He advises simplicity: "People say, 'You have to buy a bike' or 'Go to the gym.' You just have to stop buying into your own garbage, cut out the bad stuff, and walk more. My weight flew off."

"Take advantage of your youth. If you're a 20-year-old male, your testosterone is probably three to four times that of a 40-year-old. My coach says, 'Get set while young; when older, it's easier to maintain than add or lose.'"

His goal: "Get down to 220 pounds, then bulk to 230-240, put on 30-40 pounds of muscle to fill out my 6'3" frame, and maintain."

Workout Routine: Starting Strength for Functional Power

Maxwell follows the Starting Strength program, emphasizing basic lifts for overall health and shooting performance.

"I do Starting Strength—they're on X, have books. Basically, when you go to the gym, there's a million things; it's complicated. They say, 'Just do the basic lifts; it's all you need for simple health.' If you want bodybuilding or specific muscles, add that later.

"I squat every time without fail. Then either press and power clean, or bench and deadlift. Today's sets: Back squat—bar (2x5), 95 (5), 135 (3), 155 (3x5). Press—bar (2x5), 65 (5), 85 (3x5). Power clean—bar (5), 65 (5), 85 (5x3). Added assisted pull-ups to work toward unassisted.

"Keep it simple, stupid. Later, when bulking, add specifics. This helps shooting: heavy focus on legs to run courses like a freak of nature."

He credits functional strength for shooting, noting similarities to CrossFit derivatives used in Special Ops.

Competitive Shooting: From Gamer Focus to Real-World Skill

Maxwell transitioned from Fortnite pro to USPSA Grand Master, applying his concentration skills.

"I predominantly shoot USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association)—set up stages, main rule: don't break the 180 (muzzle forward). Figure it out; whoever's fastest wins. Lots of creative freedom.

"IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) is second—mimics real scenarios, like ATM robbery. More rules, good for older folks. Long-range rifle: accuracy at distance. Three-gun: rifle, pistol, shotgun—lots of cardio.

"USPSA has cardio: running arrays, winded means shaky/less accurate. Fitness helps, but concentration? No change for me—gaming trained me to focus on 99 people at once. Shooting's more practical and fulfilling."

"I'm not stopping anytime soon. Allowing more in moderation—like low-cal popcorn after range/gym. Goal: 220, then bulk. Not focused on followers (hit 2K recently); goal is best shooter in the world, post the journey."

Key Takeaways for Commit 250 Participants

• Ditch Excuses: Start with basics—walk more, cut junk—no fancy gear needed.
• Carnivore Simplicity: High-protein venison/steak for satiety and results; allow flexible off-days.
• Youth Advantage: Build habits now for easier maintenance later.
• Functional Training: Programs like Starting Strength build strength for life and goals.
• Mindset Shift: From escape to purpose—gaming to shooting shows transferable focus.
• Track Progress: Maxwell's X updates (e.g., 100lb loss milestone) inspire accountability.

Follow @nuttymaxwell for real-time updates on his journey. If you're in Commit 250, let his story fuel your discipline—experiment with carnivore tweaks, build strength, and stay consistent. Onward to 250 days of transformation!