347 - Why Fiber Matters More Than Protein | Dr. Sharon McDowell-Larsen & Dr. Regan Stiegmann
Release Date: 03/11/2026
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info_outline“Fiber is the new protein. Don’t count your protein grams - count your fiber grams. And if you do that, and you’re getting adequate calories, you’re going to be fine.”
What if aging didn’t have to mean slowing down, losing strength, or watching your best years slip into the past? What if the mind and body were capable of far more resilience and longevity than we’ve been led to believe?
In this episode, two powerhouse voices in human performance challenge the idea that physical and cognitive decline are inevitable. Dr. Sharon McDowell-Larsen, physiologist, coach, and plant-based Ironman athlete, returns to the show alongside Dr. Regan A. Stiegmann, a double board-certified physician, former U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon, and Director of Lifestyle & Performance Medicine at the HealthONE Family Medicine Residency Program.
Together, they are the co-authors of Staying in the Game, a compelling new book that provides a practical framework for sustaining strength, metabolic health, and mental sharpness across the lifespan.
From protein myths and muscle building to the surprising power of fiber, sleep, and meal timing, this conversation reveals what it really takes to keep the body and brain performing at their best.
What we discuss in this episode:
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How we can preserve our joints and mobility as we age.
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How lifestyle choices influence gene expression.
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Taking supplements versus getting nutrients from food.
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The wide-ranging benefits of getting enough fiber.
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Practical tips for increasing fiber intake without digestive discomfort.
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The origins of the modern push for high protein consumption.
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What happens to the body when protein intake becomes excessive.
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The truth about protein requirements and building muscle mass.
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Strategies to improve cognitive performance.
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Common health and nutrition myths.
Resources:
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Their book: Staying in the Game
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Dr. McDowell-Larsen: Fit to Lead
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Sharon McDowell Larsen (@slmlarsen) • Instagram photos and videos
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Dr. McDowell-Larsen’s Ironman journey: Shocking Dairy-Free Athletic Performance From A 40-Year Ironman Journey - Switch4Good
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