Ep. 179: Protein is one of the most powerful tools for metabolism, muscle growth & overall wellness—but are you eating enough? In this episode, we break down why protein is so essential, how to structure your meals for better energy & blood sugar balance, and exactly how much protein you need. We also discuss common myths, why “fat loss” matters more than “weight loss,” and how to build a diet that actually supports your goals. Plus, I share my own protein habits, favorite snacks & why I build every meal around this macro. Tune in to optimize your nutrition & take your wellness to the next level!

Leave Me a Message - click here!

For Mari’s Instagram click here!

For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here!

For Mari’s Newsletter click here!

For JJ Virgin’s Instagram click here!

For Organic Olvia’s Instagram click here!

Sponsored By:

• Own your health with Function—over 100 advanced lab tests covering hormones, metabolism, and more. Skip the waitlist at functionhealth.com/pow.
• Treat yourself to the best bras and shapewear on the market. Save 20% at honeylove.com/POW. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off and support the show. After checkout, be sure to tell them we sent you. #ad
• Optimize your metabolism with Lumen. Get real-time insights and personalized guidance. Visit lumen.me/POW for 20% off your purchase.
• Cancel unwanted subscriptions and track your spending with Rocket Money. Start saving today at RocketMoney.com/POW.

Show Links:

• Make the most of your protein with Bloom Creatine, scientifically formulated to build lean muscle, improve strength, and elevate your workouts.
• Strength Training Secrets for Women: Protein, Ozempic, and Aging Powerfully with Celebrity Nutrition Expert & Fitness Hall of Famer JJ Virgin
• How Organic Olivia HEALED her Chronic Illness: Ancient Medicine, Blood Sugar Balancing, and Self-Discovery
• Sustainable Fitness Tips: How I Kept the Weight Off
• Why Protein & Muscle Are So Important + Ozempic (the truth) Weight Lifting & Fat Loss w/ Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

Topics Discussed

• 00:00:09 Introduction 
• 00:02:43 Anabolic resistance from aging (Ep. 133: JJ Virgin)
• 00:03:46 Eating protein first 
• 00:05:00 Benefits of protein
• 00:05:29 Having more muscle burns more calories
• 00:06:04 Reframing “weight loss” to “fat loss”
• 00:08:07 Becoming metabolically healthy before losing weight
• 00:09:00 How to heal metabolism
• 00:10:26 Master the basics first
• 00:14:46 Why is muscle so important? (Ep. 129: Organic Olivia)
• 00:16:44 The importance of protein for body recomposition
• 00:18:26 Naturally boosting your GLP-1
• 00:19:41 What a protein rich meal should look like
• 00:22:11 The greatest lesson Olivia learned from Dr. Lyons 
• 00:26:32 High protein diet for weight loss (Ep. 75: Solo)
• 00:27:16 Example of a high protein meals and snacks
• 00:29:35 How much protein to consume
• 00:30:14 Benefits of increasing muscle mass
• 00:30:46 Fats