Fast Keto with Ketogenic Girl

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. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia: Save 75% on available ToneLUX and Tone products during the warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. They discuss how much protein may be optimal during body recomposition and fat loss, including research showing that higher-protein diets can help preserve lean mass, improve satiety, and in some cases even support muscle gain while losing body fat. Cassandra also shares fascinating protein-overfeeding research suggesting that increasing calories from protein may affect body composition very differently than overfeeding on fat or carbohydrates. They break down the myth that high-protein diets are harmful to bone health, including research in resistance-trained women, and explore the FTO "obesity gene," how it may influence hunger and food intake, and why exercise appears to reduce some of the differences associated with genetic risk. Try my favorite new electrolytes Cure Hydration! Head to curehydration.com/VANESSA and use code VANESSA to save 20% on your order.

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 per day actually gained lean mass while losing fat, while the lower-protein group maintained lean mass. Vanessa explains why resistance training was likely the most important signal, how higher protein intake may support muscle preservation during a deficit, and why body recomposition depends on much more than calories alone. 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 Analyzer. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia: Save 75% on available ToneLUX and Tone products during our warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. Vanessa also recaps Dr. Oikawa's step-reduction research, where older adults reduced their activity to just 750 steps per day. Even while consuming a high-protein diet, participants still lost lean mass—highlighting why protein cannot completely replace the stimulus of muscle contraction. Another major focus is protein quality. Vanessa breaks down research comparing whey protein isolate and collagen peptides, why they do not produce the same muscle protein synthetic response, and why simply counting total grams of "protein" may not tell you whether you are getting enough essential amino acids to support muscle. They also explore how aging, energy availability, periods of inactivity, illness, surgery, and aggressive calorie restriction can influence muscle loss and recovery.

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 Asia: Save 75% on available ToneLUX and Tone products during the warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. They discuss a fascinating 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 actually gained lean mass while losing fat, while the lower-protein group maintained lean mass. Sara also shares research showing how quickly muscle can be lost during severe inactivity, why protein cannot fully replace the stimulus of muscle contraction, and why high-quality protein becomes especially important during recovery. Try my favorite new electrolytes Cure Hydration! Head to curehydration.com/VANESSA and use code VANESSA to save 20% on your order.

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 Analyzer. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia: Save 75% on available ToneLUX and Tone products during our warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. Craig explains why fat loss is about more than simply lowering calories, including the role of fuel partitioning, protein, dietary fat, carbohydrate intake, and the Randle cycle. They also explore why traditional high-fat keto or carnivore approaches can initially work well yet eventually lead to plateaus—or even weight gain—for some people, and why shifting toward a higher-protein, lower-energy approach may help. A major focus is protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF): how Craig and Maria structure PSMF days, who may benefit most, how often they recommend using them, and why strategic maintenance days may help support long-term results. -

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 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 available ToneLUX and Tone products during the warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. Børge explains why many people are actually stopping their sets much farther from failure than they realize—and how Myo-Reps can help you recruit more muscle fibers, accumulate highly stimulating reps, and achieve comparable muscle growth to traditional training in significantly less time. They also dive into how to use Myo-Reps during a calorie deficit to help preserve lean mass, why training volume may naturally decrease as you get deeper into a fat-loss phase, and why more training is not always better. Vanessa also shares how incorporating Myo-Reps completely changed her own training, allowing her to make better progress while completing her workouts in under 45 minutes. Try my favorite new electrolytes Cure Hydration! Head to curehydration.com/VANESSA and use code VANESSA to save 20% on your order.

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 ketogenicgirl.com—including the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library, ToneLUX Red Light Therapy Collection, and Tone Breath Ketone Analyzer—with code BACKTOSCHOOL40. Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia: Save 75% on available ToneLUX and Tone products during our warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. 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. Create your own custom protein blend at truenutrition.com/vanessa and use code VANESSA for 20% off your first order! Let me know what your custom blend is! Now shipping internationally! In this episode: Why you can build muscle while losing fat—even if you're already resistance trained Why protein becomes even more important during a calorie deficit How much protein may help maximize lean-mass preservation during fat loss Protein targets and per-meal dosing as we get older Whether to calculate protein from current weight, goal weight, or lean mass The surprisingly low minimum effective dose of resistance training Why you don't need to train to failure—but may not be training hard enough How 1–3 reps in reserve can support muscle growth without unnecessary fatigue Why muscle can come back surprisingly quickly after a training break How Vanessa is approaching postpartum fat loss and body recomposition without rushing the process The goal isn't simply to make the number on the scale smaller. It's to improve what that weight is made of—preserving and building metabolically active muscle while losing body fat and becoming stronger, leaner, and more metabolically resilient. 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 available ToneLUX and Tone products during the warehouse moving sale with code WAREHOUSE75, while supplies last. Follow Vanessa's postpartum body recomposition journey on Instagram @ketogenicgirl.

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

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 Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. We discuss how changes in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone may influence insulin sensitivity, sleep, motivation, muscle retention and fat distribution, and why preserving lean mass becomes increasingly important as we age. Maria also shares why she believes prioritizing protein, resistance training and a lower-fat approach can be especially helpful for women struggling with body composition during menopause. Create your own custom protein blend at truenutrition.com/vanessa and use code VANESSA for 20% off your first order! Let me know what your custom blend is! In this episode: • Why fat loss and body composition can change during menopause • The connection between estrogen, insulin sensitivity and visceral fat • Why declining muscle mass can make glucose regulation more difficult • The role of testosterone in muscle, motivation and body composition • How progesterone may influence sleep quality • Why protein becomes even more important as we age • Higher-protein, lower-fat approaches for keto and carnivore fat-loss stalls • Why resistance training is essential for preserving muscle and bone • Maria's perspective on hormone replacement therapy • Hormone testing and markers to discuss with your physician • Peptides, mitochondrial health and emerging biohacking strategies • The importance of protecting lean mass during fat loss after 40 Learn more about Maria and her newest book at KetoMaria.com. The PSMF Library is officially live

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 live

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 Art of Fat Loss, for a step-by-step guide to protein-sparing modified fasting. They break down how a PSMF differs from a traditional fast, how to determine your protein target, why dietary fat is kept low and how to incorporate PSMF days into a sustainable weekly plan. Craig explains why protein's powerful thermic effect and satiating properties make it uniquely valuable during fat loss. He also challenges the idea that higher blood ketones automatically mean greater fat loss—and explains why adding more dietary fat to "increase ketosis" can sometimes work against body-composition goals. They also discuss what happens to dietary fat after we eat it, why calories and hormones both matter, how dairy and nuts may contribute to a fat-loss plateau and why PSMF can be an effective short-term tool for breaking a stall. Create your own custom protein blend at truenutrition.com/vanessa and use code VANESSA for 20% off your first order! Let me know what your custom blend is! In this episode, you'll learn: What a protein-sparing modified fast is—and what "protein sparing" actually means How PSMF differs from water-only fasting How protein helps preserve lean mass during an energy deficit How to estimate your daily protein target using lean body mass Why PSMF days typically keep carbohydrates and dietary fat very low How often Craig recommends incorporating PSMF days What to eat on the days between protein-sparing fasts The role of strategic higher-energy days Why dairy and nuts can make fat loss more difficult for some people How protein's thermic effect influences net energy intake Why a very high-protein day can be surprisingly satiating Why low blood ketones do not mean a PSMF—or ketogenic diet—isn't working The difference between producing ketones and efficiently using them Why free fatty acids provide much of the body's energy during ketosis What happens to dietary fat after it enters the bloodstream Why dietary fat can be treated as an adjustable "energy lever" How high-fat keto can stall fat loss even when carbohydrates and insulin remain low Why calories, food quality, satiety and hormonal health all matter How PSMF may help break through a stubborn fat-loss plateau Whether you're new to protein-sparing modified fasting or want to refine your current approach, this conversation provides a practical foundation for using higher protein and lower dietary energy to support fat loss while protecting metabolically active lean tissue. About Craig Emmerich Craig Emmerich is an author and nutrition educator who works alongside his wife, Maria Emmerich, to help people implement ketogenic and protein-focused nutrition. Together, they are the authors of The Art of Fat Loss and numerous books and resources on ketogenic living. The PSMF Library is officially live

What happens inside skeletal muscle during obesity—and how can we protect lean mass while losing fat? The PSMF Library is officially live

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 acids must come from food, and how leucine helps trigger muscle protein synthesis. Vanessa also explains protein turnover, the balance between muscle protein breakdown and rebuilding, and why protein needs may increase during dieting, aging, illness, surgery, and other forms of physiological stress. The episode also explores why water fasting can result in the loss of both fat and lean mass, while protein-sparing modified fasting provides the amino acids needed to better protect muscle during a calorie deficit. Create your own custom protein blend at truenutrition.com/vanessa and use code VANESSA for 20% off your first order! Let me know what your custom blend is! In this episode: • Why protein is the only essential macronutrient • How amino acids support muscle, hormones, organs, and tissues • Muscle protein synthesis, protein breakdown, and protein turnover • Why leucine matters for building and preserving muscle • Why the body still needs dietary protein during fat loss • Protein-sparing modified fasting vs. water fasting • How extended fasting may increase the risk of lean-mass loss • Why protein's thermic effect can support greater fat loss • How preserving muscle supports metabolism and healthy aging • A practical starting point for setting your daily protein target The PSMF Library is officially live

The PSMF Library is officially live

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 lean muscle. Maria explains the important difference between losing weight and losing body fat—and why simply adding more dietary fat may work against your goals when fat loss is the priority. We discuss how PSMF differs from traditional keto, fat fasts, egg fasts, intermittent fasting and extended fasting, as well as why protein should remain at the center of a body-recomposition plan. True Nutrition Build your own custom protein blend with the exact protein source, flavor, sweetener, and ingredients you want. Choose from 20+ protein options, customize every detail, and have your personal formula saved for easy reordering. Get 20% off your first custom protein blend at truenutrition.com/VANESSA with code VANESSA. Maria also shares practical strategies for overcoming sugar cravings, creating a supportive food environment and making satisfying high-protein meals easier. We talk about common obstacles such as relying on packaged "keto" foods, drinking high-fat coffees, overeating dairy and nuts, underestimating dietary fat and trying to obtain an entire day's protein in one meal. In this episode, we cover: What a protein-sparing modified fast is and how it differs from traditional keto The difference between weight loss and true fat loss How lowering dietary fat can encourage the body to draw upon stored body fat Why adequate protein is essential for preserving lean mass PSMF versus fat fasts, egg fasts and extended fasting Why prolonged fasting may not be ideal when muscle preservation is the goal Whether PSMF is appropriate for highly active people and endurance athletes Why higher ketones do not necessarily mean greater body-fat loss The problem with adding unlimited butter, cream, oils and fat bombs Why bulletproof-style coffee may quietly stall fat-loss progress The challenges of obtaining sufficient protein with one meal a day Intermittent fasting, meal frequency and protein distribution Hunger versus "hangry" blood-sugar swings How sleep can influence hunger and sugar cravings The role of movement, strength and an active lifestyle in body composition Electrolytes and hydration when lowering carbohydrates Foods that may be easy to overconsume, including dairy and nuts Preparing high-protein foods in advance to make consistency easier Maria's favorite PSMF-friendly recipes, including protein-sparing bread How to build an approach that supports your goals, preferences and lifestyle This conversation is full of practical insights for anyone interested in using PSMF as a targeted fat-loss tool—or simply learning how to place protein at the center of a smarter body-recomposition strategy. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, fasting routine or health plan. The PSMF Library is officially live

What if training more is actually slowing your progress? The PSMF Library is officially live

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% body fat while preserving the strength and performance needed to compete at the highest level? Vanessa is joined by Dr. Corey Peacock, researcher at Nova Southeastern University and one of the leading experts studying weight cutting, hydration, body composition, and performance in combat athletes. Together, they break down how fighters lose fat over an 8–12 week training camp, why the final days before weigh-in are mostly about water—not fat—and what these elite athletes can teach us about sustainable fat loss and body recomposition. In this episode: •What elite combat athletes can teach us about achieving sustainable fat loss over time—not through extreme methods  fighters reach 6–8% body fat before competition • Fat loss vs. water loss: what's really happening during weight cuts • How protein and resistance training help preserve lean mass • Why giving yourself more time leads to better fat-loss results • How carbohydrates, hydration, and electrolytes are strategically manipulated IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code The PSMF Library is officially live

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

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

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. David Jockers to explore the science behind PSMF, why prioritizing protein changes everything during a calorie deficit, and how this approach differs from traditional fasting, keto, and fasting-mimicking diets. They discuss ketosis, satiety, autophagy, resistance training, meal structure, protein targets, refeeding strategies, and the lifestyle habits that make rapid fat loss both more effective and more sustainable. If your goal is fat loss without sacrificing muscle, this episode provides a practical, science-backed roadmap to implementing protein-sparing modified fasting safely and effectively. In This Episode What protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF) is How PSMF differs from fasting, keto, and fasting-mimicking diets Why high protein supports muscle preservation during fat loss How ketosis and protein work together to reduce hunger The connection between PSMF, autophagy, and metabolic health Protein, fat, and carbohydrate targets for PSMF days The best foods to prioritize for successful PSMF Meal timing and intermittent fasting considerations Why resistance training is essential for preserving lean mass Hydration, electrolytes, sleep, and recovery strategies Refeeding after PSMF and avoiding rebound weight gain Who should—and shouldn't—use this approach Common mistakes that limit fat loss success Resources The PSMF Library is officially live

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

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 settings to help preserve lean body mass, and why it later became a powerful tool for obesity, metabolic health, and fat loss. Vanessa and Dr. Mowll explore how PSMF compares to water fasting and very low-calorie diets, especially when the goal is fat loss while protecting muscle. They discuss how strategic energy restriction, optimized protein intake, low carbohydrate intake, and low dietary fat can help the body access stored body fat while maintaining lean mass, metabolic rate, satiety, and ketone production. Dr. Mowll also explains how PSMF may support insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, metabolic flexibility, and long-term weight maintenance when followed by a smart transition plan. This episode also covers practical implementation, including what to eat on PSMF days, ideal protein targets, how low to take carbs and fats, hunger signals, why some people feel energized, and how to transition out of PSMF to reduce the risk of rebound weight gain. The PSMF Library is officially live

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

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 for 20% off. Vanessa explains how PSMF was originally developed to help preserve lean body mass during severe energy restriction, why it differs from water fasting or traditional low-calorie dieting, and how prioritizing protein can help support satiety, fat loss, and muscle retention. This episode also explores the origins of PSMF with Dr. George Blackburn and Dr. Bruce Bistrian, its use in bariatric and physique-prep settings, and why strategic high-protein, lower-calorie days may be especially helpful for those who want to lose fat while protecting hard-earned muscle. You'll learn what a PSMF day can look like in practice, including protein targets, calorie ranges, lean protein choices, and how to combine PSMF days with maintenance days for a more sustainable approach. In this episode, Vanessa covers: What protein sparing modified fasting is Why preserving lean mass matters during fat loss How PSMF differs from water fasting The history of PSMF and its clinical origins Why protein supports satiety and metabolic rate How PSMF may support rapid fat loss without sacrificing muscle Practical meal structure, macros, and food examples Why resistance training is key for body recomposition Who PSMF may and may not be appropriate for Summer PSMF Series Re-Release Note: This episode was previously released on the Optimal Protein Podcast and is being re-released as part of the Summer Protein Sparing Modified Fasting Series. The PSMF Library is officially live

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 matched. While both approaches improved body composition, the low-carb diets produced greater reductions in fat mass, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and triglycerides, along with increases in HDL. This conversation explores why not all weight loss is fat loss — and why consuming too many carbohydrates during a calorie deficit may, in certain conditions, shift the body toward burning more lean mass instead of body fat. They also discuss how to structure protein, carbohydrates, and fats for better body composition, why carbohydrate tolerance depends on activity level, the importance of resistance training, keto adaptation, meal timing, fasting, protein distribution, and why protecting muscle should be the priority during fat loss. The PSMF Library is officially live

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 Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. Vanessa explains: What muscle protein synthesis actually is Why muscle is constantly remodeling Why low-protein dieting can accelerate muscle loss How calorie deficits increase protein requirements Why resistance training is the most powerful muscle-preserving signal The truth about the "protein per meal ceiling" Why whey protein is so effective What anabolic resistance really means Why movement and exercise become increasingly important as we age How menopause impacts muscle loss and metabolic health This episode also explores why muscle is not just aesthetic tissue — it is metabolic, protective, and longevity-promoting tissue. In This Episode Muscle protein synthesis explained Protein turnover & muscle remodeling Why low-protein diets backfire Protein needs during fat loss Resistance training & muscle preservation The protein ceiling debate Whey protein & leucine Anabolic resistance & aging Menopause & muscle loss Protein timing & meal distribution Fat loss vs muscle loss Metabolic health & longevity The PSMF Library is officially live

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

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 VANESSA for 20% off. Vanessa explores the connection between estrogen decline and insulin resistance, why testosterone matters for women far beyond libido, how progesterone affects sleep and anxiety, why muscle becomes critical for longevity, and why traditional high-fat keto often stops working in menopause. She also dives into the growing conversation around peptides, GLP-1 medications, mitochondrial health, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and the importance of prioritizing protein and resistance training during midlife. In This Episode Why menopause changes insulin sensitivity The connection between low estrogen and belly fat Testosterone's role in women's motivation, energy, and muscle Why progesterone affects sleep quality and anxiety Why protein becomes MORE important after 40 Why keto and carnivore can stall in menopause Resistance training as anti-aging medicine The role of muscle in metabolic health and longevity Peptides and mitochondrial health GLP-1 medications and concerns about muscle loss The PSMF Library is officially live

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

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.

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.

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 the scale can be misleading, and how losing weight without resistance training and adequate protein can leave you metabolically weaker over time. She also dives into Dr. Schwarz's latest research on higher protein intake and muscle adaptations, why many people unknowingly under-eat protein, and why protein is uniquely satiating compared to hyper-palatable carb-fat foods. The episode also covers resistance training for women during perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy, including how lifting weights may support body composition, strength, metabolic health, confidence, and long-term resilience. This episode is a powerful reminder that the most effective fat loss strategy may not be chasing smaller — it may be building stronger. In This Episode Why weight loss and fat loss are not the same thing How dieting without resistance training can worsen body composition Why the scale may not reflect true metabolic health What Dr. Schwarz's protein research revealed about muscle growth Why many people still under-eat protein How resistance training supports women through aging and pregnancy Why muscle may be the key to fat loss, longevity, and resilience The PSMF Library is officially live

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

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, and how protein-prioritized keto may be a more effective approach for fat loss and body recomposition. Check out the Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library at ketogenicgirl.com and use code VANESSA for 20% off. Vanessa also dives into fuel partitioning, the Randall cycle, personal fat threshold, and why so many people get stuck in "diet islands" after using keto, carnivore, fasting, or low-carb diets to lose weight. She shares her personal experience gaining weight on traditional high-fat keto, then later losing 14 pounds of body fat using alternating protein-sparing modified fasting days and maintenance days. This episode is all about using structure, protein, and metabolic strategy to burn body fat while preserving lean mass. In This Episode Why high-fat keto can stall fat loss The difference between burning dietary fat and stored body fat Why ketosis does not automatically mean fat loss How fuel partitioning affects body composition Why protein is the anchor for recomposition The dieting trap of losing muscle and regaining fat How protein-sparing modified fasting protects lean mass Vanessa's approach: alternating PSMF days with maintenance days Why personal fat threshold matters for metabolic health How to avoid getting stuck in keto, carnivore, or fasting "diet islands" Why body composition matters more than scale weight Resources Mentioned Craig & Maria Emmerich The Art of Metabolic Health IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code The PSMF Library is officially live

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 based on your macronutrient intake. The PSMF Library is officially live

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 shift that makes fat loss feel dramatically easier.

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. 

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 Day to Save on the PSMF Library (Pre-Order) Final hours to lock in the launch pricing

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.

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.

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.

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 structure your nutrition across the week — combining higher-protein, lower-energy days with maintenance intake days to support a sustainable calorie deficit while prioritizing lean muscle. We've already had an incredible response to the pre-order launch, and I just want to say how truly thankful I am for your support — it means more than I can say

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 nutrition with Dr. Andrew Koutnik. From fat loss to performance, this conversation challenges long-held beliefs about protein, carbohydrates, ketosis, and metabolic flexibility—and what actually drives results. If you've ever struggled with hunger, fat loss plateaus, or confusion around carbs vs keto… this episode will change how you think about fueling your body. The In This Episode • Why higher protein intake may accelerate fat loss • The powerful protein + ketone combo for appetite control • Why fat loss can feel effortless on low-carb, high-protein approaches • What's really happening with insulin, glucagon, and hunger hormones • Why you don't need high ketones to get results • How PSMF (protein-sparing modified fasting) drives rapid fat loss • The key difference between dietary fat burning vs body fat burning • Why calorie deficits increase hunger—and how to work around it • The shocking finding: carbs may NOT be required for performance • What 100+ years of research actually shows about carb loading • Why fat-adapted athletes can perform just as well • The real performance driver: brain energy, not muscle glycogen • Why some high-carb athletes may show prediabetic glucose levels • How to find your optimal carb vs fat intake for fat loss and performance

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 lost more fat — even while eating more calories. In this conversation, Vanessa and Dr. Antonio explore the fascinating metabolic reasons why protein behaves differently in the body, including its thermic effect, impact on satiety, and role in preserving lean mass during fat loss. They also discuss the newly evolving protein recommendations, how protein interacts with carbohydrates and fats in the diet, and why certain athletes may benefit from lower carbohydrate approaches depending on their sport and metabolic demands. If your goal is fat loss, body recomposition, or maintaining muscle while dieting, this episode offers a deep dive into the science behind why prioritizing protein can be such a powerful strategy. In This Episode • Why protein overfeeding studies showed more calories did not lead to fat gain • The metabolic reasons protein calories behave differently in the body • How high protein intake supports fat loss and lean muscle preservation • The science behind the thermic effect of protein • Why newer protein recommendations are increasing • How protein, carbohydrates, and fats interact to influence body composition • Why certain athletes may benefit from lower carbohydrate strategies 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 Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting Library - Coming Soon! Vanessa shares her behind-the-scenes system built from the approach she used to lose 14+ lbs of body fat while preserving lean mass. Join the waitlist: Sign up HERE to be the first to know when it has been released!