Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

This episode featured Dr. Dom D'Agostino- the world's pre-eminent ketone scientist! We discuss the concept of a PSMKD (Protein Sparing Modified Ketogenic Diet) to Optimize Protein Intake for Fat Loss & Protecting Muscle While Gaining the Benefits of Ketosis, Measuring Breath Acetone & More! His thoughts on breath acetone to monitor fat loss, having a glucose to breath acetone index, why having high BHB may not be optimal for health under certain scenarios, and much more!! Dr. Dominic D'Agostino is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida and Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC).  His laboratory develops and tests metabolic-based strategies for neurological disorders, cancer, and for enhancing safety and resilience of military personnel in extreme environments.  His research is supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Defense (DoD), private organizations and foundations. For more from Dr. D'Agostino, visit https://ketonutrition.org/ Some of the studies mentioned in this episode:  Measuring breath acetone for monitoring fat loss Study with measuring Acetone & Latency to Seizure George Cahill fasting study & what initiates ketosis. Ketones as a super fuel  Virta study long term BHB levels FAQ on the Acetone, Ketones & The Tone  Introducing the brand new TONE Device! Struggling to lose weight or reach your fitness goals? The TONE is a new breath acetone meter which lets you know if your body is burning fat!  All TONE devices are NOW SHIPPING Worldwide!! Order the TONE here. Now shipping worldwide!!  Order the Black & Gold TONE HERE Order the Black & Rose Gold TONE HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl - Prior to beginning a ketogenic diet you should undergo a health screening with your physician to confirm that a ketogenic diet is suitable for you and to rule out any conditions and contraindications that may pose risks or are incompatible with a ketogenic diet, including by way of example: conditions affecting the kidneys, liver or pancreas; muscular dystrophy; pregnancy; breast-feeding; being underweight; eating disorders; any health condition that requires a special diet [other conditions or contraindications]; hypoglycemia; or type 1 diabetes. A ketogenic diet may or may not be appropriate if you have type 2 diabetes, so you must consult with your physician if you have this condition. Anyone under the age of 18 should consult with their physician and their parents or legal guardian before beginning such a diet. Use of Ketogenic Girl videos are subject to the Ketogenicgirl.com Terms of Use and Medical Disclaimer. All rights reserved. If you do not agree with these terms, do not listen to, or view any Ketogenic Girl podcasts or videos.

This episode is featuring Dr. Dom D'Agostino- the world's pre-eminent ketone scientist! We discuss using breath acetone to monitor fat loss, understanding how to measure various ketones, fasting and ketosis, acetone's powerful effects on latency to seizure, acetone to BHB ratios and what determines the ratio of BHB to acetoacetate, why having high BHB may not be optimal for health under certain scenarios, and much more!! Dr. Dominic D'Agostino is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida and Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC).  His laboratory develops and tests metabolic-based strategies for neurological disorders, cancer, and for enhancing safety and resilience of military personnel in extreme environments.  His research is supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Defense (DoD), private organizations and foundations. For more from Dr. D'Agostino, visit https://ketonutrition.org/ Some of the studies mentioned in this episode:  Measuring breath acetone for monitoring fat loss Study with measuring Acetone & Latency to Seizure George Cahill fasting study & what initiates ketosis. Ketones as a super fuel  Virta study long term BHB levels FAQ on the Acetone, Ketones & The Tone  Introducing the brand new TONE Device! Struggling to lose weight or reach your fitness goals? The TONE is a new breath acetone meter which lets you know if your body is burning fat!  All TONE devices are NOW SHIPPING Worldwide!! Order the TONE here. Now shipping worldwide!!  Order the Black & Gold TONE HERE Order the Black & Rose Gold TONE HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl - Prior to beginning a ketogenic diet you should undergo a health screening with your physician to confirm that a ketogenic diet is suitable for you and to rule out any conditions and contraindications that may pose risks or are incompatible with a ketogenic diet, including by way of example: conditions affecting the kidneys, liver or pancreas; muscular dystrophy; pregnancy; breast-feeding; being underweight; eating disorders; any health condition that requires a special diet [other conditions or contraindications]; hypoglycemia; or type 1 diabetes. A ketogenic diet may or may not be appropriate if you have type 2 diabetes, so you must consult with your physician if you have this condition. Anyone under the age of 18 should consult with their physician and their parents or legal guardian before beginning such a diet. Use of Ketogenic Girl videos are subject to the Ketogenicgirl.com Terms of Use and Medical Disclaimer. All rights reserved. If you do not agree with these terms, do not listen to, or view any Ketogenic Girl podcasts or videos.

Start of episode recap is at 13.41 In today's Friday solocast, Vanessa Spina breaks down the biggest takeaways from her interview with Dr. Paul Moughan—one of the world's leading experts on protein quality, amino acid digestibility, and how much of the protein you eat actually becomes usable by the body. If you've ever wondered why fat loss stalls in a deficit, why muscle can drop even when you "hit your protein," or why metabolic rate seems to slow during dieting—this episode explores a rarely discussed variable: utilizable protein and amino acid delivery to tissues.  🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code What you'll learn in this episode: Why protein grams on labels don't equal protein your body can use The difference between total protein vs. utilizable protein (what actually reaches tissues) How DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) upgrades outdated protein scoring systems Why fat loss diets can unintentionally accelerate lean mass loss if protein quality is low How the body prioritizes amino acids (and why muscle can become the "last resort") The overlooked role of the gut's massive protein turnover and amino acid demand Why low protein quality can contribute to metabolic adaptation (lower RMR over time) Why women in perimenopause/menopause, dieters, vegans, and older adults may be more vulnerable The collagen "protein" mistake: why collagen is not a primary protein source for preserving muscle Practical strategies to improve outcomes without simply "eating more protein" The future of protein labeling: why "digestible protein" may eventually replace total protein on labels BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Protein grams don't tell the full story. In this episode, Vanessa Spina is joined by Paul Moughan, a world authority on protein quality and amino acid digestibility, to explore why fat loss can stall and muscle can be lost — even on a high-protein diet. Dr. Moughan, a Distinguished Professor at Massey University and architect of DIAAS, explains why protein absorbed and delivered to muscle matters more than protein consumed. Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa You'll learn: Why identical protein intakes can produce very different body composition outcomes How low-quality protein may drive hunger and muscle loss during dieting Why protein grams on labels are misleading for fat loss and recomposition This episode isn't about eating more protein — it's about eating protein that actually counts. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the Optimal Protein Podcast to support the show and help bring you more evidence-based conversations on fat loss, protein, and muscle-centric nutrition. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Start of Arny Ferrando's episode recap is at 14:00 minutes. In today's Friday solocast, Vanessa Spina recaps her recent interview with Arny Ferrando, one of the world's leading experts on human muscle protein metabolism — and explains why fat loss problems are often muscle problems in disguise. The episode opens with two brand-new studies that challenge common fat-loss assumptions, including new findings on hydration and body fat loss, and surprising research linking resistance training with intelligence and cognitive performance. From there, Vanessa distills the most important insights from her conversation with Dr. Ferrando, including why simply eating less often backfires, how aging and hormonal changes impair muscle metabolism, and what most people misunderstand about protein needs, circulation, and metabolic slowdown. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn Why a basic habit most people overlook can quietly stall fat loss How strength training affects far more than muscle and appearance Why eating less often worsens metabolic adaptation over time What actually changes in muscle as we age — especially in women Why protein intake becomes more important, not less The missing link between circulation, amino acids, and body recomposition 🔬 Studies Mentioned Water intake and body fat loss (PubMed ID: 39585691) Resistance training and intelligence (Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2025) BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina welcomes back leading muscle metabolism researcher Dr. Arny Ferrando for a deep dive into protein, muscle, and women's physiology across the menopause transition. Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa They explore why perimenopause represents a critical turning point for whole-body protein balance, how muscle loss accelerates during midlife, and why protein quality, dosing, and movement become essential for preserving lean mass and metabolic health. Dr. Ferrando also shares insights from forthcoming research comparing animal-based and plant-based proteins, and explains why muscle is the body's primary survival tissue during stress and aging. This conversation delivers clear, evidence-based strategies for improving body composition, fat loss, and long-term health in women. Topics include: Why menopause changes protein utilization and muscle retention Perimenopause as a muscle-critical intervention window Protein intake vs. protein optimization Essential amino acids (EAAs): when supplementation is useful Muscle loss, fat gain, and metabolic slowdown in midlife Why muscle preservation matters more than scale weight The role of circulation, blood flow, and resistance training Fat loss without muscle loss: what the science shows GLP-1 weight loss drugs and concerns around lean mass loss Emerging research on beef-based vs. plant-based proteins for women Dr. Arny Ferrando is a world-leading researcher in human protein metabolism, muscle physiology, and aging. His work has helped define how amino acids, protein intake, and exercise influence muscle preservation, recovery, and metabolic health across the lifespan. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the Optimal Protein Podcast to support the show and help bring you more evidence-based conversations on fat loss, protein, and muscle-centric nutrition. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Most people think creatine only affects muscle strength and performance. But what if creatine also plays a role inside fat cells themselves—and could subtly influence fat loss and body recomposition? In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina I recaps the key takeaways from the interview with Dr. Scott Forbes, focusing on fat loss, body recomposition, muscle preservation, protein intake, creatine supplementation, sleep, and aging. This episode breaks down brand new research on how different training modalities, recovery, and evidence-based supplements influence fat loss and body composition—and why scale weight alone is a poor marker of fat loss success. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa Most fat-loss advice focuses on the scale — but what if that's the wrong metric entirely? In this episode, Vanessa Spina is joined by Dr. Scott Forbes, exercise physiologist and professor at Brandon University, whose research challenges many of the assumptions behind traditional weight-loss approaches. Dr. Forbes has authored and co-authored numerous randomized controlled trials and large meta-analyses examining how training style, protein intake, creatine supplementation, sleep, and aging influence fat loss, muscle retention, and metabolic health. Rather than chasing weight loss, this conversation explores what happens when the goal shifts to body recomposition — losing fat while preserving or building muscle — and why that distinction changes everything. In this episode, we explore: Why weight loss and fat loss are not the same thing The surprising differences between cardio, resistance training, and combined approaches Why some people lose weight but stall metabolically How protein and creatine fit into a muscle-centric fat-loss strategy Why fat loss becomes harder with age — and what still works A largely overlooked factor that influences where fat is stored If you've ever done "everything right" and still felt stuck, this episode offers a science-backed reframe that may completely change how you approach fat loss. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the Optimal Protein Podcast to support the show and help bring you more evidence-based conversations on fat loss, protein, and muscle-centric nutrition. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Skip to the start of the recap: 13:41 In today's Friday solo episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa breaks down the science of leptin — the hormone that determines whether your body will burn fat or protect it. Leptin isn't just about appetite. It's a metabolic permission signal, and when leptin signaling is disrupted, fat loss can stall even in a calorie deficit. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code Vanessa explains how sleep, circadian rhythm, and light exposure affect leptin, why dieting can feel harder than it should, and walks you through a practical 7-Day Leptin Reset Protocol designed to reduce hunger, improve satiety, and make fat loss feel easier. This episode connects leptin science with protein-forward nutrition, calories in vs. calories out, resistance training, and circadian alignment for sustainable fat loss. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Catherine Clinton to explore how circadian biology, light exposure, and cellular electrical charge regulate metabolism, hormones, and fat loss — often beyond calories alone. We discuss how morning light impacts leptin signaling, insulin sensitivity, cortisol, and melatonin, why modern indoor living disrupts metabolic health, and how maintaining a strong negative cellular charge is critical for mitochondrial function. We also cover red and infrared light therapy, optimal timing, metabolic benefits, and key considerations during pregnancy — plus how to integrate protein intake, calories in vs. calories out, and resistance training with circadian alignment for sustainable fat loss. Topics include: Light exposure and leptin signaling Circadian rhythm and fat loss Cellular charge and mitochondrial health Grounding and infrared light Red light therapy timing and pregnancy considerations Balancing calories, protein, and training with circadian biology 🔗 Dr. Catherine Clinton's book Optimize: drcatherineclinton.com/optimize Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Skip to the start of the recap: 11:40 In today's solo recap, Vanessa unpacks the most important takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Nick Barringer—former U.S. Army officer, researcher, and Registered Dietitian—whose work with tactical athletes and elite military populations reveals what really happens to the body during fat loss, stress, and recovery. This episode explores why so many people lose muscle when dieting, how PSMF and ketosis fundamentally change the equation, and what most fat-loss advice gets wrong. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code You'll Discover: Why cutting calories alone often backfires What makes PSMF different from standard low-calorie dieting The overlooked role of protein quality—not just protein quantity What elite military research reveals about recovery and resilience The truth about seed oils vs butter when you look at human data Why collagen may support more than just joints and skin The most common mistakes women make when trying to get lean If you're working hard but not seeing the results you expect—or you're tired of fear-based nutrition rules—this episode will change how you think about fat loss, muscle, and recovery. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa is joined by Dr. Nick Barringer, former U.S. Army officer, researcher, Registered Dietitian, and Chief Academic Officer at Lionel University. Dr. Barringer has led cutting-edge research on protein intake, recovery, and resilience under extreme physical and psychological stress, working with tactical athletes including Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, and West Point cadets. This conversation goes far beyond the military. Dr. Barringer breaks down how women and everyday high performers can apply the same evidence-based strategies to lose fat without losing muscle, recover more effectively, and avoid the biggest pitfalls of aggressive dieting. Together, Vanessa and Dr. Barringer cut through fear-based nutrition messaging and explore what human research actually shows about protein intake, recovery, seed oils, supplements, and collagen. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Skip to the start of the episode: 11:52 In today's Friday solo recap on the Optimal Protein Podcast, I break down the most important takeaways from my recent conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon — and why this episode has major implications for fat loss, metabolic health, and women's body composition. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code One of the biggest themes of our discussion was that muscle is not just about aesthetics. It's a metabolic organ, and preserving it is foundational for long-term health — especially for women as we age. I also connect this conversation to the new protein recommendations reflected in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines, which now align far more closely with modern protein science. For the first time, official guidance is moving beyond minimums designed to prevent deficiency and toward intakes that actually support muscle preservation, metabolic health, and satiety. We also cover a brand new study on weight loss drugs and fat regain. In this recap, I cover: Why we don't have an "overfat" problem — we have an undermuscled problem Why midlife fat gain is not inevitable (and not just about hormones) How carb tolerance and activity level influence fat storage Why excess carbohydrates quietly work against fat loss when muscle demand is low The overlooked role of muscle blood flow and intramuscular fat Why under-eating accelerates muscle loss in women How weight loss drugs can worsen fat regain if muscle isn't protected Why strength training is non-negotiable — but must be appropriate Why protein isn't just calories, but a signal for muscle and metabolism If your goals include fat loss, body recomposition, and aging strong, this episode will help you rethink how protein, carbs, and muscle fit together — and why preserving muscle is the real long-term strategy. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to break down the muscle-centered strategy every woman needs for fat loss, metabolic health, and long-term strength. We unpack why muscle — not hormones alone — is the key driver of body composition, why midlife fat gain is not inevitable, and how protein intake, movement, and muscle blood flow shape metabolism as women age. Dr. Lyon also explains her much-discussed concept of carb tolerance, how to "earn your carbs," and why excess carbohydrates can quietly work against fat loss when muscle demand is low. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Dr. Lyon also shares key insights from her new book, The Forever Strong Playbook, including her 24-hour muscle-building framework and why strength training is not optional at any age. If your goals include fat loss, body recomposition, and aging strong, this episode will completely reframe how you think about muscle. Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast Mentioned in this episode: Website: https://drgabriellelyon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa Most people don't fail at their goals because they lack discipline — they fail because they were never taught how to set goals that actually work. In this New Year solo episode, Vanessa shares a powerful, step-by-step goal-setting masterclass inspired by Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, applied specifically to fat loss, body recomposition, strength, energy, and long-term metabolic health. You'll be guided through the actual Tony Robbins Priming Exercise, learn how to set identity-based goals that stick, and discover how to turn motivation into simple, repeatable systems that work even on imperfect weeks. In this episode, you'll learn: Why most health goals fail by February How to set goals from the right nervous system state Tony Robbins' RPM Method applied to body recomposition Brian Tracy's framework for turning goals into daily action How to create motivation-proof plans for fat loss and consistency This episode isn't about perfection — it's about building systems you can repeat all year long. 🎧 Listen now and set your 2026 goals with clarity, intention, and confidence. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 25% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code HOLIDAY25! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In today's episode, I'm continuing our Best of 2025 series with a powerful follow-up to Friday's episode. Instead of an interview, this is a curated masterclass pulling together the most important breakthroughs of 2025 in body recomposition, fat loss, and protein metabolism — especially for women navigating perimenopause and midlife metabolic change. You'll hear standout moments from conversations with Dr. Hannah Cabré, Dr. Arny Ferrando, and Dr. Mike Ormsbee, alongside a solo deep dive into one of the most exciting human randomized controlled trials published in 2025 on high-protein diets, accelerated belly-fat loss, and autophagy. Full Episode with Dr. Hannah Cabré Full Episode with Dr. Arny Ferrando Full Episode with Dr. Mike Ormsbee Full Episode on New Study on Protein Fasting Mimicking and Autophagy/Longevity OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide  Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 25% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code HOLIDAY25 Get 25% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code HOLIDAY25 HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Study takeaways start at 18:00 mark Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this special end-of-year solo episode, Vanessa shares a brief personal announcement, followed by the five biggest scientific takeaways from 2025 that reshaped how she thinks about fat loss, longevity, and metabolic health. This episode highlights the studies and expert conversations featured on the Optimal Protein Podcast that had the most meaningful impact this year — including new research on autophagy and protein intake, the real drivers of longevity benefits, menopause-related body composition changes, resistance training, and long-term fat loss maintenance. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 25% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code HOLIDAY25! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa is joined by Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and women's health expert, for a deep dive into why fat loss and muscle maintenance become more challenging during perimenopause and menopause. Cynthia explains how hormonal shifts drive anabolic resistance, reduce blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscle, and accelerate changes in body composition. We discuss how to adapt intermittent fasting for female physiology, why over-fasting can backfire in midlife, and the critical role of protein intake in preserving lean mass. The conversation also explores key insights from Cynthia's upcoming book, The Menopause Gut, including how gut health, inflammation, and hormonal balance are deeply connected—and why optimizing the microbiome can improve metabolic health, body composition, and overall vitality in midlife. OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide  Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 25% off Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code HOLIDAY25 HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa What if the real driver of skin aging isn't wrinkles or sun damage — but "zombie" senescent cells hiding in your skin? In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Alessandra Zonari, PhD — a stem cell biologist and longevity scientist — for a fascinating deep dive into the new peptide science behind skin aging, inflammation, and biological age. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 25% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code HOLIDAY25! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete You'll discover: What senescent "zombie" skin cells actually are — and why they don't just age themselves, but affect the surrounding tissue How inflammation in the skin can quietly accelerate collagen breakdown and visible aging Why skin aging speeds up during fat loss, perimenopause, and menopause How scientists are now measuring the biological age of skin, not just how it looks The surprising role of peptides in signaling skin cells to behave more youthfully Why some common "anti-aging" approaches may miss the real drivers of aging What makes lip skin biologically different — and why it tends to age faster than the rest of the face Why nighttime repair, autophagy, and even red light therapy may matter more than you think This conversation goes far beyond skincare routines. It explores the mechanisms of aging at the cellular level, how lifestyle choices influence skin health, and why skin may be one of the most overlooked markers of longevity. If you're interested in skin health, peptides, collagen, inflammation, fat loss, or aging well, this episode will completely change how you think about your skin. Mentioned in this episode: OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. Vanessa discusses how red light therapy supports mitochondrial health, muscle recovery, circulation, and skin health as part of an evidence-based approach to fat loss and metabolic optimization. Explore the Tone LUX red light therapy collection at 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa Why do so many people lose weight — only to regain it later? In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina sits down with Dr. Holly Wyatt, physician, endocrinologist, and longtime researcher with the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) — the world's largest and longest-running study of people who have lost weight and kept it off. Building on the audience-favorite episode with Dr. James Hill, this conversation focuses on what the data from over 10,000 successful maintainers actually shows — and why staying in fat-loss mode forever is one of the biggest reasons diets fail. OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • Why losing weight and keeping it off require completely different skills • The exact reason staying in fat-loss mode too long backfires • What 10,000 successful maintainers had in common • The identity shift that makes maintenance stick • How environment beats willpower every time NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide  Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 25% off Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code HOLIDAY25 HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.