Menstrual Cycle Adaptation, Creatine Benefits & Fueling Strategies - with Professor Abbie Smith-Ryan
Description
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Professor Abbie Smith-Ryan's research reveals why individual variation in women's training and nutrition response matters more than group averages - and why rigid protocols often miss the mark.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Why menstrual cycle training needs vary dramatically between women (and how to track your own patterns)
When body composition measurements provide useful feedback versus create psychological problems
Creatine for women: dosing, timing, and benefits for muscle, cognition, and bone health
Strategic fueling around training sessions while maintaining fat loss goals
Low energy availability in midlife: why some women eating 1,400 calories still aren't fueling adequately around training
How chronic energy deficit suppresses metabolic rate by 300-400 calories
Case studies: world champions who fuel strategically versus chronic under-fuelers with suppressed metabolism
Key insights:
Individual response to menstrual cycle changes varies significantly - some women need training modifications, others don't notice differences. Track your own patterns rather than following rigid protocols.
You can maintain calorie restriction for fat loss while still fueling strategically around training sessions. The timing matters for body composition and metabolic health.
Guest:
Professor Abbie Smith-Ryan is co-director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory at UNC Chapel Hill, with 230+ peer-reviewed publications on women's health, performance nutrition, and body composition.
Resources:
Professor Abbie Smith-Ryan → @asmithryan (Instagram)Professor Abbie Smith-Ryan - Website → https://asmithryan.com/Applied Physiology Laboratory → https://exss.unc.edu/
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