#80 - Celebrity AMA #1: Fasting, rapamycin, performance vs. longevity, and more
Nov 18, 2019
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Join Apolo Ohno, a former Olympic speed skater, and Sasha Cohen, celebrated figure skater, as they dive into fascinating discussions on fasting. They explore gender differences in fasting experiences and provide tips for adopting successful strategies. The conversation also highlights dietary choices that enhance cognitive performance and the potential role of fasting in athletic excellence. Additionally, they discuss the balance of health obsession and stress, along with proactive health testing. These Olympians bring a wealth of insight into performance and longevity!
Fasting experiences can differ significantly for women, necessitating a personalized approach to gradually adapt to fasting protocols.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in cognitive function, indicating that a well-planned diet can enhance learning and information retention.
Deep dives
Gender Differences in Fasting
Fasting can affect individuals differently based on gender, with some women experiencing more difficulty compared to men. The discussion highlights that some women may need more guidance and gradual adaptation to fasting protocols, such as starting with time-restricted feeding before attempting extended fasts. It is suggested that factors like hormonal differences and personal health may contribute to these variances in fasting experiences. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body during fasting and not pushing through discomfort, advocating for a personalized approach to fasting durations.
Adolescent Fasting Considerations
The topic of fasting among adolescents is explored, with a nuanced view on its potential benefits and risks. There is a growing concern regarding obesity and metabolic conditions in children, suggesting that supervised fasting may be beneficial in certain cases. However, caution is advised, as the developmental stage of adolescents necessitates an approach that supports growth and mental health rather than solely focusing on weight loss. This highlights the importance of careful monitoring and consideration of individual health conditions when discussing fasting for younger populations.
Optimal Nutrition for Learning and Retention
For those engaged in intense learning environments, such as a rigorous academic program, nutrition plays a crucial role in cognitive function and information retention. Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients helps maintain energy levels and cognitive clarity, which is integral for effective studying. The discussion hints at the potential impact of specific dietary patterns on sustaining mental alertness during periods of high information influx. Thus, developing a tailored dietary plan that aligns with learning goals can significantly enhance performance during demanding educational pursuits.
In this special, bonus celebrity AMA episode, Peter answers questions from former Olympians and past guests, Apolo Ohno and Sasha Cohen, on a wide range of subjects including fasting, learning, training for performance versus longevity, and much more. This bonus AMA is available in full to everyone.
Apolo's questions begin [1:45];
Why women may have a harder time fasting, and tips for those who are struggling [2:10];
Is there any place for fasting as part of a nutritional strategy in adolescents? [6:15];
Tips for learning and retaining large amounts of new information (and the best nutritional approach) [9:15];
Must read books of 2019 [14:45;
If you could only keep a few watches for the rest of your life which would they be? [16:45];
What workout would Peter do inside a hotel room? [22:15];
What is Peter’s ultimate gorge meal? [23:45];
How do you foresee fasting as a mechanism for performance in athletes? [25:30];
What is driving Peter to strive for excellence? [33:30];
Sasha's questions begin [38:40];
What are you most excited about in the longevity space? [38:45];
At what point do you see enough data or proof that a new drug, or type of fasting is worth trying it out for yourself? [41:30];
Is it possible to obsess so much about your health that it becomes a negative stressor? [46:45];
Which tests are worth doing if you want to be proactive about your health? [48:15];
Are there any supplements Peter things are beneficial to be taking? [55:15];
How does Peter’s training differ when optimizing for performance versus longevity? [56:30];
How does taking testosterone and growth hormone affect performance versus longevity? [59:15]; and