Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina
Vanessa Spina, a Sports Nutrition Specialist and best-selling author, hosts this podcast focused on optimizing protein intake for metabolic health and fitness. The show features interviews with leading protein scientists, experts, and individuals with inspiring transformation stories. Topics include whole foods nutrition, exercise, and tools for achieving leanness and improved health.
Episodes
T2 and Fat Burning: What the Thyroid Research Really Shows with Dr. Amie Hornaman
What is T2, and why have researchers been investigating its effects on metabolism? In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, I'm welcoming back Dr. Amie Hornaman to explore 3,5-diiodothyronine, commonly called T2—a lesser-known thyroid hormone derivative studied for its effects on energy expenditure, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial function. Thank you to our sponsor, AirDoctor! Visit
7 Takeaways on Metabolic Flexibility, Fat Burning vs Fat Loss & Protecting Muscle
Burn More Fat—But Are You Losing It? 7 Takeaways on Metabolic Flexibility & Protecting Muscle Does becoming a better fat burner automatically mean you're losing more body fat? And do higher ketones mean better results? In today's episode, I'm unpacking seven of my biggest takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Mike T. Nelson about metabolic flexibility, sustainable fat loss, and protecting your h
Burning Fat vs. Losing Fat: Metabolic Flexibility Explained with Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Does burning more fat for fuel mean you're actually losing more body fat? And if you're in ketosis, does that mean the fat you're burning is coming from your body—or from the food you just ate? Today on the Optimal Protein Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Mike T. Nelson to unpack this important distinction and explore what metabolic flexibility really means for fat loss, muscle preservation, and perform
6 New Science Takeaways on Losing Fat Without Losing Muscle
Can you gain lean tissue while losing body fat? And if two people eat the same number of protein grams, will they necessarily get the same body composition results? In this episode, Vanessa shares six takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Drew Gonzalez on the science of fat loss, muscle retention, protein quality, creatine, and sustainable nutrition. BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, sav
New Study on Creatine During Fat Loss and Body Recomposition: Dr. Drew Gonzalez
Can you lose body fat while gaining lean tissue—even during a calorie deficit? And could the quality of your protein change how well you recover and protect muscle? Vanessa is joined by exercise and nutrition researcher Dr. Drew Gonzalez to explore new research on creatine, body recomposition, protein quality, and what it takes to make weight loss more than a lower number on the scale. Try my favo
Why Stubborn Fat Is So Hard to Lose + Protein-Sparing Fat Loss: Lyle McDonald Recap
Vanessa breaks down the biggest scientific takeaways and most actionable gems from her recent conversation with body-composition expert and author Lyle McDonald. Why does fat come off easily from some areas while other areas seem determined to hold on? And can we influence stubborn fat loss without simply getting leaner everywhere else? Create your own custom protein blend at truenutrition.com/van
The Stubborn Fat Solution: How to Mobilize Lower-Body Fat with Lyle McDonald
Why does body fat disappear quickly from certain areas while seeming almost impossible to lose from others? BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library™, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection and Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia: Save 75% on availa
My Postpartum Fat-Loss Progress + 10 Science-Backed Ways to Protect Muscle
Vanessa breaks down the biggest scientific takeaways and most actionable gems from her recent conversation with Dr. Lee Breen, one of the world's leading researchers in protein metabolism, resistance training and skeletal muscle health across the lifespan. Before diving into the latest research, Vanessa shares an exciting update from her postpartum fat-loss and body-recomposition journey: she has
Are You Losing Muscle Instead of Fat? The Protein Strategy That Protects Lean Mass: Dr. Leigh Breen
When the scale goes down, how much of that weight is actually body fat—and how much could be metabolically active muscle? BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection, and Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia: Save
My Current Fat Loss Plan & PSMF Update + You May Not Need 10,000 Steps
Vanessa breaks down the most surprising and practical lessons from her recent conversation with Dr. Amanda Paluch on daily steps, walking, cardiovascular health, longevity, fat loss, and body recomposition. She also shares a personal update on her current postpartum fat-loss journey — including exactly what she is doing right now, how much progress she has made, what she is prioritizing with calor
Do You Really Need 10,000 Steps to Lose Fat? The Science of Walking & Body Recomposition: Dr. Amanda Paluch
How many steps do you actually need every day—and do you really need 10,000 steps to support fat loss, health and body recomposition? BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection, and Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer. Australia, New Zealand & Southeas
Eat More Protein, Lose More Fat? 7 Science-Backed Body Recomp Lessons
Vanessa breaks down 7 of the biggest science-backed lessons from her recent conversation with Dr. Cassandra Evans on protein, body recomposition, fat loss, muscle preservation, genetics, caffeine, and women's iron health. BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Ligh
Eat More Protein, Lose More Fat? The Surprising Science of Body Recomposition: Dr. Cassandra Evans
Dr. Cassandra Evans joins Vanessa to break down the science of protein, body recomposition, fat loss, muscle preservation, genetics, caffeine, and women's iron health. BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection, and Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer.
Can You Build Muscle While Losing Fat? The Science of Body Recomposition
Vanessa breaks down the biggest takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Sara Oikawa, including what the research says about losing body fat while preserving—or even gaining—lean mass. A major focus is a tightly controlled body recomposition study in which young men followed a 40% calorie deficit while completing intensive resistance and interval training. The group consuming 2.4 g/kg of protein p
The Science of Losing Fat Without Losing Muscle: Dr. Sara Oikawa
Dr. Sara Oikawa joins Vanessa to break down the science of protein, body recomposition, muscle preservation, and protein quality. BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection, and Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast As
PSMF Series: The Fat Loss Spectrum: PSMF, Keto, Carnivore & Finding What Actually Works | Craig Emmerich
Vanessa is joined by Craig Emmerich, co-author with Maria Emmerich of The Art of Metabolic Health, for a deep dive into how to lose body fat while protecting lean mass and hard-earned muscle. Back-to-School Sale! Save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection, and Tone Breath Ketone Analy
Build Muscle in 70% Less Time? The Myo-Reps Method for Fat Loss & Body Recomposition with Børge Fagerli
Can you build and preserve muscle while spending dramatically less time training? In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Børge Fagerli, creator of the Myo-Reps training method, to break down one of the most time-efficient approaches to hypertrophy and body recomposition. BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTO
How to Lose Fat & Build Muscle at the Same Time: 7 Body Recomposition Rules
Vanessa is back with her first solocast since welcoming baby Taylor! In this episode, she breaks down the seven biggest takeaways from her recent conversation with world-renowned muscle hypertrophy and body composition researcher Dr. Brad Schoenfeld—and shares how she's applying them to her own postpartum body recomposition journey. Back-to-School Sale! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ket
The Science of Body Recomposition: How to Lose Fat & Build Muscle with Dr. Brad Schoenfeld
Today I'm joined by Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, one of the world's leading researchers in muscle hypertrophy and resistance training, to break down the latest science on body recomposition, protein intake, fat loss and training. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA Can you actually build muscle while losing fat — even if you're already resistance train
PSMF Series: How Hormones Change Fat Loss, Muscle & Metabolism After 40 with Maria Emmerich
Why does fat loss suddenly feel harder during perimenopause and menopause—even when you're still exercising and watching what you eat? In today's Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Series episode, I'm joined once again by bestselling author and nutrition expert Maria Emmerich for a fascinating conversation about hormones, metabolism, protein, muscle and body composition in midlife. Check out the Pro
Are Micronutrient Gaps Making You Hungrier? Protein, Satiety & Body Composition with Dr. Ty Beal
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Ty Beal, a global nutrition scientist and research advisor at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), to explore the widespread problem of "hidden hunger"—getting enough or even too many calories while still falling short on essential vitamins and minerals. The PSMF Library is officially
PSMF 101: How to Burn Body Fat While Protecting Muscle with Craig Emmerich
PSMF 101: How to Burn Body Fat While Protecting Muscle with Craig Emmerich What exactly is a protein-sparing modified fast—and how can it accelerate fat loss without sacrificing precious lean mass? Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. In this episode of the PSMF series, Vanessa is joined by Craig Emmerich, co-author of The Ar
How Obesity Changes Muscle Metabolism—and How to Protect Muscle During Fat Loss with Dr. Paul Morgan
What happens inside skeletal muscle during obesity—and how can we protect lean mass while losing fat? The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA In this episode, Vanessa speaks with Dr. Paul Morgan about the hidden effects of obesity on muscle metabolism, including anabolic resistance, fat infiltration, inflammation, and changes in muscle protein turn
PSMF SERIES: Protein Nutrition 101: How to Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle
In this foundational solocast, Vanessa breaks down the basics of protein nutrition and explains why protein is essential for fat loss, body recomposition, metabolic health, and preserving lean muscle. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. You'll learn how dietary protein is broken down into amino acids, why essential amino aci
Why Women Over 40 Need Muscle for a Faster Metabolism & Healthier Brain with Dr. Tommy Wood
The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa welcomes back neuroscientist, physician, performance coach, and author Dr. Tommy Wood to discuss his new book, The Stimulated Mind. Try my favorite new electrolytes Cure Hydration 💙 Now available at Amazon! If you'd like to try Cure for yourself, head to
PSMF Series: The Art of Fat Loss—PSMF, Protein & Preserving Lean Muscle with Maria Emmerich
Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. Today's episode of the PSMF series is a special conversation from the archives with bestselling author and nutrition expert Maria Emmerich. We explore how a protein-sparing modified fast can be used strategically to accelerate fat loss while prioritizing protein and protecting precious lea
Why Training Every Day May Be Hurting Your Fat Loss & Muscle Growth with Dr. Katie Vasenina
What if training more is actually slowing your progress? The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA In this episode, Vanessa is joined by exercise scientist Dr. Katie Vasenina to explore why fatigue is not the same as progress—and why recovery is essential for fat loss, muscle growth, and body recomposition. Try my favorite new electrolytes Cure Hydra
How Fighters Reach 6–8% Body Fat with Dr. Corey Peacock
This episode is part of our special summer series, The Secrets of Fat Loss from Elite Athletes, where we explore what some of the world's highest-performing athletes can teach us about fat loss, muscle preservation, and body recomposition. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. How do elite MMA fighters get down to just 6–8% bo
The Truth About MMA Weight Cuts: Fat, Water & Performance: Dr. Anthony Ricci
In this fascinating episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina is joined by Dr. Anthony Ricci, lead author of the International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand on nutrition and weight cutting in combat sports. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA Vanessa and Dr. Ricci unpack how elite fighters can drop 5, 10, or even 19 pou
PSMF SERIES: Burn More Belly Fat? The Protein Pacing Study Explained
🇺🇸 4th of July Sale Starts Now! Celebrate Independence Day with our biggest sale of the summer! 🎉 Save 40% on: 📘 The PSMF Library ❤️ Tone LUX Red Light Therapy 💨 The Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer Use code: INDEPENDENCEDAY40 ⏰ Limited-time offer. 👉 Shop now at ketogenicgirl.com Welcome back to the Optimal Protein Podcast Summer PSMF Series, where we're exploring the science, history, and practical
The Truth About Menopause, Belly Fat & Insulin Resistance with Cynthia Thurlow
In this episode, Vanessa sits down with bestselling author, nurse practitioner, and Everyday Wellness host Cynthia Thurlow to discuss why women who enter perimenopause with more muscle and better metabolic health often experience a smoother transition. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA They explore protein intake, intermittent fasting, testos
PSMF SERIES: PSMF Explained—Burn Fat, Stay Full & Preserve Lean Mass with Dr. David Jockers
Protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF) has been used for decades as one of the most effective evidence-based approaches for rapid fat loss while preserving lean muscle. But how does it actually work, and who is it best suited for? Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. In this episode, Vanessa sits down with returning guest Dr
The Amino Acid Truth for Fat Loss: Why Protein Labels Are Misleading with Dr. Hans Stein
In this episode, Vanessa Spina interviews Dr. Hans H. Stein, Professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, about protein quality, amino acid digestibility, and why "grams of protein" on a label do not always reflect what the body can actually use. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA . Stein explains why we do not
PSMF SERIES: Burn Stored Body Fat: The Science Behind Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting: Dr. Brian Mowll
In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa is joined by Dr. Brian Mowll for a deep dive into protein-sparing modified fasting, or PSMF, as part of the Friday Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Series. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. Dr. Mowll explains the origins of PSMF, how it was first developed in clinical
New Research on Muscle, Pregnancy, Menopause & Aging Strong: Dr. Christina Prevett
In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina is joined by Dr. Christina Prevett, physiotherapist, researcher, and expert in women's health, strength training, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and healthy aging. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA Dr. Prevett shares why women are not fragile — and why strength training can be one
PSMF SERIES: Protein Sparing Modified Fasting 101: Burn Fat, Preserve Muscle & Break Through Fat Loss Stalls
Welcome to the first episode of the Summer Protein Sparing Modified Fasting Series on the Optimal Protein Podcast. In this episode, Vanessa introduces the science, history, and practical application of protein sparing modified fasting, or PSMF, as a powerful tool for fat loss and body recomposition. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA fo
Episode #800! Why Low-Carb Burns More Fat in a Calorie Deficit with Dr. Fernando Naclerio
In this fascinating episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina is joined by Dr. Fernando Naclerio, Professor in Strength Training and Sports Nutrition at the University of Greenwich and Centre Lead for the Centre for Exercise Activity and Rehabilitation. Vanessa and Dr. Naclerio dive into a brand new meta-analysis comparing higher-carb and lower-carb diets when calories and protein are
Why Low-Protein Diets Backfire for Fat Loss: Dr. Dan Moore Recap
In this solo episode, Vanessa breaks down the biggest takeaways from her conversation with Daniel R. Moore, Professor of Muscle Physiology at the University of Toronto. This episode is a deep dive into muscle protein synthesis, protein intake, fat loss, aging, and why preserving lean mass is one of the most important factors for long-term metabolic health and body composition. Check out the Protei
Why Low-Protein Diets Can Backfire for Fat Loss: Dr. Dan Moore
In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Daniel R. Moore, Professor of Muscle Physiology at the University of Toronto, for a deep dive into protein, muscle protein synthesis, fat loss, and aging. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA Dr. Moore explains what muscle protein synthesis actually is, how it's measured in research using metabolic tracers
Maria Emmerich Recap: The Hormone Changes Affecting Fat Loss
Why does fat loss suddenly become harder after 40 — even when women are dieting and exercising? In this Friday solocast recap, Vanessa breaks down the biggest takeaways from her conversation with Maria Emmerich on menopause, hormones, insulin resistance, body composition, HRT, peptides, and metabolic health. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code V
Maria Emmerich: HRT, Peptides & Why Fat Loss Changes in Menopause
Why does fat loss suddenly become harder in perimenopause and menopause — even when women are dieting and exercising? In this episode, Maria Emmerich joins Vanessa to unpack the hormonal and metabolic shifts driving changes in body composition after 40. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA They discuss estrogen and insulin resistance, testostero
New Rapid Fat Loss Study, Menopause Weight Loss Resistance & More: Dr. Bill Campbell Recap
In this Friday deep dive recap, Vanessa Spina breaks down the biggest takeaways from her recent interview with leading body composition researcher Dr. Bill Campbell. 🎉 The Memorial Day Sale starts early! Use code MEMORIALDAY40 for 40% off Tone devices & red light therapy, and MEMORIALDAY25 for 25% off the brand new PSMF Library including the digital download, printed book, and 2 months free commun
New Rapid Fat Loss Study, Menopause Weight Loss Resistance & More | Dr. Bill Campbell
In this episode, Vanessa Spina is joined again by leading body composition scientist Dr. Bill Campbell for a deep dive into menopause, weight loss resistance, rapid fat loss, protein, muscle preservation, and the newest research coming out of his lab. 🎉 The Memorial Day Sale starts early! Use code MEMORIALDAY40 for 40% off Tone devices & red light therapy, and MEMORIALDAY25 for 25% off the brand n
The Muscle-First Approach to Fat Loss, Protein & Healthy Aging - Dr. Antonella Schwarz Recap
In this Friday solo recap, Vanessa breaks down the biggest takeaways from her recent interview with Dr. Antonella Schwarz on why the goal should not simply be to lose weight, but to build and preserve muscle. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. Vanessa explores the critical difference between weight loss and fat loss, why th
Build Muscle to Burn Fat & Age Better with Dr. Antonella Schwarz
Dr. Antonella Schwarz returns to the Optimal Protein Podcast to discuss her latest study restuls and why building muscle—not simply losing weight—is one of the most powerful things we can do for longevity, metabolic health, and body composition. The PSMF Library is officially live 🎉 👉 Check it out here + get 20% off with code VANESSA In this episode, Vanessa and Dr. Schwarz dive into why the scale
The Real Reason Keto Stops Working for Fat Loss & The Protein Shift That Fixes Keto Fat Loss Stalls (Craig Emmerich Recap)
Why do so many people lose weight at first on keto or carnivore… only to eventually stall or even gain weight? In this Friday recap episode, Vanessa breaks down the biggest takeaways from her interview with Craig Emmerich, co-author of The Art of Metabolic Health. She explains why ketosis alone does not guarantee body fat loss, why high dietary fat can prevent the body from tapping into stored fat
Why You're Not Losing Fat on Keto — and How to Fix It: Craig Emmerich
Why do so many people lose weight on keto… only to stall—or even gain it back? In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Craig Emmerich to break down one of the biggest misconceptions in fat loss: that simply eating high fat will keep the weight coming off. Together, they unpack why high-fat keto can stall fat loss, how fuel partitioning actually works, and what your body is being driven to burn bas
The Fat Loss Formula: Why Protein + Fiber Work Better Together (Plus How Much Fiber You Actually Need)
You've been told to eat more fiber… But what if that's not why you're still hungry? In this Friday recap, Vanessa breaks down the biggest insights from her conversation with Dr. Joanne Slavin — a leading fiber researcher who still says most people are focusing on the wrong thing for fat loss. This episode unpacks why some "high fiber" diets backfire, what actually controls appetite, and the simple
Fiber Expert Says THIS Matters More for Fat Loss… (It's Not Fiber) | Dr. Joanne Slavin
In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Joanne Slavin, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota and one of the most highly cited researchers in nutrition science on fiber, satiety and protein. 👉 Extended one more day: The PSMF Library is available at ketogenicgirl.com — use code PSMFLAUNCHDISCOUNT70 to save $70! With decades of research on dietary fiber, satiety,
New Meta-Analysis: The EXACT Protein Intake During Fat Loss for Muscle Preservation
In today's Friday deep dive, Vanessa breaks down one of the most important new studies in fat loss and body recomposition — along with her recent interview with Dr. Eric Helms. This episode explores a cutting-edge meta-regression by Dr. Eric Helms, Dr. Eric Trexler, and Dr. Martin Refalo on protein intake during caloric restriction — and what it means for preserving muscle while losing fat. Last
New Meta-Analysis: How to Burn Fat & Preserve Muscle While Dieting | Dr. Eric Helms
Vanessa Spina is joined by Dr. Eric Helms to break down the latest research on protein intake during fat loss and what it really takes to preserve muscle while dieting. 🔗 PSMF LIBRARY (PRE-ORDER)Time Limited Offer The PSMF Library is officially live for pre-order 🎉 get the LAUNCH discount HERE They discuss Dr. Helms' new meta-regression, whether more protein always leads to better outcomes, how
New Study Changes Everything About Protein, Fat Loss & Muscle: Dr. Carlene Starck Recap!
In this episode, Vanessa breaks down one of the most important conversations on the podcast to date — her interview with Dr. Carlene Starck on newly published research suggesting that protein requirements may be significantly higher than current guidelines. 🔗 PSMF LIBRARY (PRE-ORDER) The PSMF Library is officially live for pre-order 🎉 get the LAUNCH discount HERE Vanessa dives into what this new
New Study: Protein Requirements May Be Too Low — What This Means for Muscle, Fat Loss & Health | Dr. Carlene Starck
In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Dr. Carlene Starck to break down her newly published research on protein and essential amino acid requirements — and why current recommendations may be too low. 🔗 PSMF LIBRARY (PRE-ORDER)Time Limited Offer The PSMF Library is officially live for pre-order 🎉 get the LAUNCH discount HERE They explore how protein needs have traditionally been calculated, what's
The Real Macros Behind the 5 Most Popular Diets — Rating Them for Fat Loss & Muscle Preservation
In today's episode, Vanessa breaks down five of the most popular diet protocols of the last 50 years — and compares them directly to Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days. 🔗 PSMF LIBRARY (PRE-ORDER) The PSMF Library is officially live for pre-order 🎉 get the LAUNCH discount HERE She unpacks: The Bernstein Diet The Zone Diet (40/30/30) The Ornish Diet (very low fat) The HCG very low
The PSMF Library Is Live! Special Announcement
The PSMF Library is officially live for pre-order — and I'm so excited to finally share this with you! This is a resource I created based on what worked so effectively for me for fat loss and body recomposition — using a structured, high-protein approach instead of trying to restrict calories every single day. Instead of guessing what to eat or constantly starting over, this framework helps you st
Monday Special AMA #22: Fat Loss, Protein & PSMF — Your Top Questions Answered (Part 2 of 2)
In Part 2 of this AMA, Vanessa answers your most asked questions on protein, fat loss, muscle, and metabolism — including digestion issues, emotional eating, protein myths, and how to optimize your intake for better body composition results. 📩 Join the waitlist for Vanessa's upcoming Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library and receive the special LAUNCH DISCOUNT! Join HERE If you've been struggli
Secrets of Popular Diets: Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) — Calories, Macros & the High-Protein Advantage for Fat Loss & Muscle
In this episode, Vanessa breaks down the fasting mimicking diet (FMD) — including the exact calories, macros, and protein intake used in the research — and compares it to higher-protein fat loss approaches like protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF) days. 📩 Join the waitlist for Vanessa's upcoming Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library and receive the special LAUNCH DISCOUNT! Join HERE You'll l
Special AMA #22: Fat Loss, Protein & PSMF: Answering Your Top Questions (Part 1 of 2)
In this AMA episode, Vanessa answers your questions on fat loss, protein intake, PSMF, keto, pregnancy nutrition, and muscle preservation. Topics include perimenopause fat loss, protein timing, ketosis myths, GLP-1 considerations, and how to structure high-protein days for body recomposition. 📩 Join the waitlist for Vanessa's upcoming Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library and receive the specia
New Study Changes Everything About Carbs, Fat Loss & Performance (Explained, Dr. Andrew Koutnik Recap)
Vanessa breaks down a groundbreaking new study on carbs, fat loss, metabolism, and performance — and what it means for high protein, low carb, and ketogenic approaches. 📩 Join the waitlist for Vanessa's upcoming Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library and receive the special LAUNCH DISCOUNT! Join HERE Vanessa breaks down one of the most important conversations on fat loss, metabolism, and perform
Groundbreaking New Study Changes Everything About Carbs, Fat Loss & Performance | Dr. Andrew Koutnik
Why protein + ketones reduce hunger, how fat-adapted athletes perform without carbs, and what this new study reveals. 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, Vanessa breaks down one of the most controversial and important new papers in metabolism and sports nutr
Can You Lose Fat Eating MORE Calories? Shocking Protein Studies Explained (Dr. Jose Antonio Recap)
📩 Join the waitlist for Vanessa's upcoming Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library and receive the special LAUNCH DISCOUNT! Join HERE What if eating more protein — even more calories — didn't cause fat gain? What if it did the opposite instead? In this episode, Vanessa recaps her conversation with sports nutrition researcher Dr. Jose Antonio, whose groundbreaking studies on protein overfeeding fo
More Protein, More Fat Loss? | Dr. Jose Antonio
In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa sits down with sports nutrition scientist Dr. Jose Antonio, one of the world's leading researchers on protein metabolism and body composition. Dr. Antonio is widely known for his groundbreaking protein overfeeding studies, which found that participants consuming extremely high protein diets did not gain body fat — and in some cases actually l
Hormones, Fasting & Fat Loss: Dr. Jason Fung Recap
📩 Join the waitlist for Vanessa's upcoming Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library and receive the special LAUNCH DISCOUNT! Join HERE In this episode, Vanessa Spina breaks down the biggest insights from her recent conversation with Dr. Jason Fung, one of the leading voices in fasting and metabolic health. The episode also covers fasting strategies, emerging research on protein-supported fasting a
The NEW Era of Fasting: PSMF vs Water Fasting & The 3 Types of Hunger | Dr. Jason Fung
In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Dr. Jason Fung, author of The Hunger Code, to unpack the hormonal science behind fat loss — and how fasting may be entering a new era. They start with the three types of hunger and why obesity is not simply about willpower, but disrupted hormonal signaling. We break down insulin's role in fat storage, obesity, and how ultra-processed foods blunt satiety hormon
6 Fat Loss Secrets from Elite Athletes: Why They Don't Diet, Eat More Protein & Time Carbs
What do elite athletes do differently when it comes to fat loss? In this episode, Vanessa breaks down the most surprising takeaways from her conversation with sports dietitian Emily Mitchell, who has worked with professional teams including UCLA Athletics, the LA Galaxy, the Clippers, and the Buccaneers. While many people think getting lean requires constant dieting, eliminating carbohydrates, and
The Elite Fat Loss Formula: Nutrition Secrets of Elite Athletes
What do elite athletes do differently when it comes to fat loss and body composition? In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Emily Mitchell, RD, CSSD, CDCES — former Director of Sports Nutrition at UCLA Athletics, Sports Performance Dietitian for the LA Galaxy, and current Registered Dietitian at Love.Life — to unpack the real nutrition strategies used at the highest levels of sport. You'll learn
Burn Fat Faster: The Protein Strategy That Changes Everything
Is fasted cardio really better for fat loss? Or could eating protein before your workout actually improve fat burning, muscle retention, and long-term metabolic health — especially for women? In this deep-dive masterclass recap, Vanessa breaks down the science from her interview with exercise physiologist Dr. Katie Hirsch and unpacks the research on: Fasted vs fed training Essential amino acids b
Stop Training Fasted? Protein Timing That Boosts Fat Loss in Women — Dr. Katie Hirsch
Fasted training is one of the most persistent fat-loss myths—and in this episode, Dr. Katie Hirsch breaks down what actually matters for women: training quality, muscle preservation, and metabolic health. We unpack why "burning more fat during a workout" is often the wrong target, and how a small amount of protein (or EAAs) before training can change perceived exertion, improve workout output, and
Protein Fasting: The Upgrade to Intermittent Fasting for Sustainable Fat Loss
Is fasting really the best way to lose fat — or is there a smarter, more strategic approach? In this masterclass episode, Vanessa introduces a powerful new concept: Protein Fasting — a structured approach using PSMF (Protein-Sparing Modified Fast) days to optimize fat loss, suppress appetite naturally, protect muscle, and potentially tap into fasting-like cellular signaling. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ulti
Ketosis for Perimenopause: Burn Fat, Fix Blood Sugar & Support Fertility — Dr. Nicole Huffman
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 Perimenopause isn't just about estrogen. If you're eating less, working out more, and still gaining belly fat or losing muscle, the real issue may be metabolic — not hormonal. In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Nicole Huffman to u
Why Fat Loss Stalls Despite High Protein: Protein That Actually Counts - Dr. Paul Moughan Recap
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 "h
The Missing Link in Fat Loss: Protein Quality vs Protein Intake — Dr. Paul Moughan
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
Two NEW Studies Change How We Think About Fat Loss & Training + Dr. Arny Ferrando Recap!
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
Protein, Muscle & Women: New Science on Menopause & Body Composition - Dr. Arny Ferrando
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 w
Creatine, Fat Cells & Body Recomposition: New Science You Haven't Heard — Dr. Scott Forbes
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, protei
Body Recomposition vs Weight Loss: What Fat Loss Science Reveals — Dr. Scott Forbes
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 ma
The Fat Loss Hormone: New Science on Leptin + a 7-Day Leptin Reset Protocol
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 Ultima
Light, Leptin & Fat Loss: How Circadian Biology Controls Metabolism — Dr. Catherine Clinton
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 i
Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle, PSMF VS Low Calorie, Protein Quality, Seed Oils vs Butter & Recovery Science —Recap of Dr. Nick Barringer
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
How To Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle, Seed Oils vs Butter, Surprising New Research on Collagen for Mood & Recovery — Dr. Nick Barringer
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 resear
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