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The Biggest Fitness Myths for Women: What The Scientific Data Shows (Must Listen Episode)

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Release Date: 05/09/2025

The Truth About Collagen, Protein Timing & Fat Loss for Women: Top Collagen Researcher Dr. Shiloah Kviatkovsky show art The Truth About Collagen, Protein Timing & Fat Loss for Women: Top Collagen Researcher Dr. Shiloah Kviatkovsky

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Timeline NOW Get 20% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to . In this empowering episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Shiloah Kviatkovsky, a leading researcher in collagen supplementation, protein metabolism, and connective tissue health. Together they unpack what actually works when it comes to optimizing protein intake, timing, and supplementation for women focused on fat loss, muscle retention, and active aging. This conversation covers everything from satellite cells, myonuclei, and muscle protein synthesis to collagen peptides, tendon repair, and skin rejuvenation. Dr....

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Advanced Fat Loss & Muscle Gain Strategies from the Body Recomp King – Christopher Barakat (Solo Recap) show art Advanced Fat Loss & Muscle Gain Strategies from the Body Recomp King – Christopher Barakat (Solo Recap)

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

In this solo episode, Vanessa breaks down her incredible interview with Christopher Barakat—researcher, physique coach, and educator—whose work is redefining what we know about body recomposition, resistance training, and maximizing hypertrophy. Christopher was the first to publish a scientific paper using the term body recomposition, and his evidence-based approach is helping people break free from outdated beliefs around calories, bulking, and fat loss. In this recap, Vanessa shares the top takeaways from their conversation, including how to finally train and eat in a way that builds...

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Advanced Fat Loss & Muscle Gain Strategies Backed by Science – Physique Expert Christopher Barakat show art Advanced Fat Loss & Muscle Gain Strategies Backed by Science – Physique Expert Christopher Barakat

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to Today’s episode is a powerhouse conversation with researcher, coach, and educator Christopher Barakat. We dive deep into the science of body recomposition—yes, building muscle and losing fat at the same time is absolutely possible—and Chris breaks down exactly how to do it with the right training, nutrition, and strategy. We discuss cutting-edge training methods like Myoreps, to support efficient workouts and hypertrophy, especially during fat loss. Chris also shares his research on what really works...

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The Science of Survive vs. Thrive: Which Protein Wins? Dr. Chris Lockwood Recap show art The Science of Survive vs. Thrive: Which Protein Wins? Dr. Chris Lockwood Recap

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Get 10% off Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers, using the code VANESSA at In this solo Friday recap, Vanessa breaks down her powerful interview with protein researcher and supplement industry expert, Dr. Chris Lockwood. Discover why only ~10% of your protein intake actually builds muscle, the real differences between plant and animal proteins, and why protein quality matters more than you think. Vanessa dives deep into the “Survive vs. Thrive” protein framework, explains how to overcome anabolic resistance with age, and unpacks which supplements are truly worth your money. If you’ve...

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Eat for the Body You Want: How Protein Quality Changes Everything: Dr. Chris Lockwood show art Eat for the Body You Want: How Protein Quality Changes Everything: Dr. Chris Lockwood

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to . In this eye-opening episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Chris Lockwood, PhD—a renowned sports nutrition scientist, industry expert, and former Editor-in-Chief of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Journal—to break down why not all protein is created equal. We dive deep into the Survive vs. Thrive paradigm, uncover how amino acids act as powerful metabolic signals, and explain the critical role of protein quality in fat loss, muscle gain, and long-term health. Whether...

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New Study: Doubling Your Protein Burns 128 Extra Calories & Directs Calories Into Muscle Instead of Fat Storage! show art New Study: Doubling Your Protein Burns 128 Extra Calories & Directs Calories Into Muscle Instead of Fat Storage!

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Timestamp straight to the research study - 10:11 IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. In this episode, Vanessa breaks down a groundbreaking new study published in Nature Metabolism (June 2025), revealing what actually happens when you double your protein intake. The results? Participants naturally ate 196 fewer calories per day, burned an additional 128 calories per day, and stored...

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Burn Fat, Detox Daily & Age Slower with This Master Antioxidant show art Burn Fat, Detox Daily & Age Slower with This Master Antioxidant

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to . In this powerful episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Nayan Patel, expert pharmacist, researcher, and author of The Glutathione Revolution, to unpack why glutathione is known as the master antioxidant—and how boosting your levels can transform your health, metabolism, and longevity. You’ll learn how glutathione fights oxidative damage, reduces inflammation, supports detoxification, and even slows aging. Dr. Patel explains the exact diet, lifestyle, and supplement strategies that can increase your body’s...

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This New Study in Women Just Changed Fasted Training Forever + New Viral Fat Loss 30/30/30 Trend? show art This New Study in Women Just Changed Fasted Training Forever + New Viral Fat Loss 30/30/30 Trend?

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. In this Friday solo science episode, Vanessa breaks down a brand-new 2025 randomized controlled trial looking at fasted vs. fed resistance training in women. The study dives deep into muscle growth, fat-free mass, and body composition outcomes — and the results challenge some long-held beliefs. Vanessa goes into the exact nutrition and training protocols...

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12 Most-Asked Questions on Fat Loss, Hormones & Metabolism—Backed by Science show art 12 Most-Asked Questions on Fat Loss, Hormones & Metabolism—Backed by Science

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to . In this special Ask Me Anything episode, Vanessa Spina answers your most frequently asked questions on everything from postpartum weight loss to carb cycling, protein over 60, keto while trying to conceive, PFAs in clothing, and more. This episode is packed with evidence-based insights and practical strategies to help you burn fat, optimize hormones, and build lean muscle—no matter your life stage. Questions answered in this episode include: Why is it so hard to lose weight 3 months postpartum—even while...

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The Truth About Protein, Muscle, and Fat Loss for Women – Recap Episode on What the Science Actually Shows show art The Truth About Protein, Muscle, and Fat Loss for Women – Recap Episode on What the Science Actually Shows

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. This Friday’s episode is a detailed solo recap of my interview with world-renowned protein researcher Dr. Stuart Phillips. In this science-packed conversation, we busted some of the most persistent and misleading myths in women’s fitness, protein metabolism, and muscle growth. From fears around mTOR and kidney health to the truth about cycle syncing...

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IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000.  That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details.

In this myth-busting solo episode, Vanessa recaps her powerful conversation with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple — a leading researcher in women’s physiology and strength training — and breaks down the real science behind the most persistent myths in women’s fitness and hormones.

From fasted training to protein timing, lifting heavy, cortisol, menopause, HRT, and creatine — this episode brings clarity, calm, and confidence to your health and fitness journey. If you’ve ever felt confused by fasting and muscle loss claims or overwhelmed by hormone hype, this episode will empower you with evidence-backed insights and practical advice.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • If fasted training and intermittent fasting are harmful for women
  • The truth about muscle loss and whether protein timing really matters for women
  • What the science actually says about cortisol, cardio, and belly fat
  • Whether hormone replacement therapy can prevent muscle loss after menopause (the jury is still out and the science is not settled)
  • Whether you need to lift “heavy” to build strength and tone
  • The surprising limitations of creatine and other popular supplements
  • Why insulin spikes from protein or coffee aren’t a problem
  • The truth behind hormone testing and so-called “estrogen dominance”
  • Whether or not zone 2 cardio or sprint intervals are best for women over 40
  • How to train smarter — without fear, confusion, or gimmicks
  • The mindset shift that makes high-protein keto sustainable

Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 

👤 Connect with Vanessa:

• Instagram: @ketogenicgirl

•🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA

• Tone Collagen 

Get 10% off Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers, using the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/Vanessa

Follow @ketogenicgirl for updates on the latest studies and strategies to optimize protein intake and metabolic health. 

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.

📲 Stay Connected with Vanessa:

Instagram: @ketogenicgirl

⭐️ If You Loved This Episode…

Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more women discover the truth about protein, strength, and sustainable fat loss!