

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina
Vanessa Spina
Vanessa Spina is a Sports Nutrition Specialist, Best Selling author, creator of the innovative TONE device, as well as a sought after international speaker. On the Optimal Protein podcast, Vanessa shares how to get effortlessly lean and improve metabolic health and fitness with an optimal protein intake!
Featuring interviews with world renowned and leading edge protein scientists & experts, authors, and people with inspiring transformational stories discussing the best tools for becoming optimizing your metabolic health with whole foods, nutrition, exercise and more!
Featuring interviews with world renowned and leading edge protein scientists & experts, authors, and people with inspiring transformational stories discussing the best tools for becoming optimizing your metabolic health with whole foods, nutrition, exercise and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Liz Plosser, Editor in Chief, Women's Health
Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to timeline.com/vanessa. In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, we sit down with Liz Plosser, the Editor in Chief at Women's Health until very recently! We discuss protein, lifting and women's health and re-inventing yourself at different stages of life. A very inspiring listen! Get 20% off SITEWIDE at Ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA Join the Community! Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ 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.

Jan 31, 2025 • 53min
New Study on Fat Loss on High Protein, High Fiber + Spirulina Diet
Explore a groundbreaking study revealing the benefits of a high-protein, high-fiber diet with spirulina for fat loss and metabolic health. Discover how this combination affects body composition, appetite, and insulin sensitivity. The findings also highlight intriguing results from research on overweight dogs, suggesting spirulina's role in enhancing weight loss. Personal experiences with ketosis add another layer of insight, along with discussions about breath-based ketone measurement. Perfect for anyone looking to optimize their nutritional strategy!

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 21min
How To Build Muscle (& Burn More Fat) 101 with Dr. Jeremy Loenneke
Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to timeline.com/vanessa. In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jeremy Loenneke, one of the leading experts in muscle physiology, to break down the science of building muscle. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to optimize your gains, this episode covers everything you need to know about effective muscle-building strategies, nutrition, and how to train smarter, not harder. Dr. Loenneke, known for his groundbreaking research on blood flow restriction (BFR) training and muscle hypertrophy, shares his insights on how to build muscle efficiently while avoiding common pitfalls. Get ready for a crash course in the science of strength and growth! Key Topics Discussed: 1. What Does It Take to Build Muscle? • The fundamentals of muscle hypertrophy: tension, stress, and recovery. • The roles of progressive overload and proper volume in training. 2. The Importance of Individualization • How genetics, training history, and recovery capacity influence your muscle-building potential. • Dr. Loenneke's take on tailoring training programs to your unique needs. 3. Nutrition for Muscle Growth • The role of protein in muscle synthesis. • Practical tips for hitting your protein targets on a daily basis. • The importance of timing and meal distribution. 4. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training • What is BFR, and how does it enhance muscle growth? • When and how to incorporate BFR into your workouts. • The science behind why lighter weights can still lead to hypertrophy with BFR. 5. Myths and Misconceptions About Muscle Building • Why lifting heavier isn't always better. • The truth about soreness and its connection to muscle growth. 6. Recovery and Rest • How much recovery time do you really need? • The role of sleep, nutrition, and stress management in maximizing gains. Join the Community! Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ 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.

Jan 24, 2025 • 53min
Recent Study Exposes Link Between Belly Fat (Visceral Fat) & The Gut Microbiome
Check out the Tone LUX Red Light Collection: Get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, we explore a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports that reveals a fascinating connection between the gut microbiome and visceral fat, commonly known as belly fat. We dive deep into how specific gut bacteria influence fat storage, why microbiome diversity is key, and what dietary strategies you can implement to reduce visceral fat while staying keto or low-carb compliant. Tune in to learn how dietary diversity, fiber, and probiotics can transform your gut health and metabolic fitness. Jump to the start of the study breakdown: 15:57 The Garlicky Kale Salad Dressing Recipe! Get 20% off the New 2nd Generation Tone Device HERE with the code VANESSA Key Topics Discussed: 1. What Is Visceral Fat? • Definition of visceral fat and how it differs from subcutaneous fat. • The health risks associated with excess visceral fat, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. 2. Study Breakdown: • Overview of the 2019 study in Scientific Reports. • How microbiome diversity was measured using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. • The role of specific bacterial strains like Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in reducing visceral fat. • The correlation between fiber intake, plant diversity, and lower visceral fat levels. Resources Mentioned: • The Study: Gut microbiome composition and its potential association with visceral fat deposition • Microsetta Initiative: Research on microbiome diversity and plant-based diets. Get 20% off the New 2nd Generation Tone Device HERE with the code 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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ 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.

8 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 17min
Optimizing The Gut for Protein, New Research Unveils How To Boost Mitochondria & Reduce Inflammaging with Dr. Anurag Singh
Timeline is offering 33% off your order of Mitopure while supplies last. Go to timeline.com/VANESSA33 to save with this special, limited time offer! Hi friends! In this episode, we dive into the science of gut health, mitochondrial function, and inflammaging with Dr. Anurag Singh, Chief Medical Officer at Timeline. We explore: • How optimizing your gut impacts protein absorption, supporting satiety and overall health. • GLP-1s and mitigating muscle loss during fat loss. • Practical ways to boost mitochondrial function for better energy and longevity. • New Research unveiling strategies to combat immune aging and inflammaging through nutrition and lifestyle. The science behind Dr. Singh's discovery of Urolithin A and it's ability to reduce inflammation and promoting cellular health. Join us for an in-depth discussion filled with actionable insights to enhance your health and longevity. Join the Community! Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ Dr. Anurag Singh is currently Chief Medical Officer at Timeline that develops next generation advanced nutritional and skincare products targeting improvements in mitochondrial and cellular health. With a M.D. in internal medicine and a Ph.D. in immunology, his experience includes work at top consumer health and startups companies (Amazentis/Timeline). He's authored > 50 articles for top science journals, been awarded >20 patents and has designed and led > 50 randomized clinical trials. His research over the past decade across multiple clinical trials on the postbiotic Urolithin A and its health benefits has led to the launch of multiple consumer products. - This podcast content does not constitute an attempt to practice medicine and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice and personal health questions. Prior to beginning a new diet you should undergo a health screening with your physician to confirm that a new diet is suitable for you and to out any conditions and contraindications that may pose risks or are incompatible with a new diet, including by way of example: conditions affecting the kidneys, liver or pancreas; muscular dystrophy; pregnancy; breast-feeding; being underweight; eating disorders; any health condition that requires a special diet [other conditions or contraindications]; hypoglycemia; or type 1 diabetes. A new diet may or may not be appropriate if you have type 2 diabetes, so you must consult with your physician if you have this condition. Anyone under the age of 18 should consult with their physician and their parents or legal guardian before beginning such a diet. Use of Ketogenic Girl podcasts & videos are subject to the Ketogenicgirl.com Terms of Use and Medical Disclaimer. All rights reserved. If you do not agree with these terms, do not listen to, or view any Ketogenic Girl podcasts or videos.

9 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 42min
New Study on Fat Loss and HIIT Frequency: Exact Protocols & More!
Discover the transformative power of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for fat loss and fitness improvement. Engage with the latest research on effective HIIT protocols, emphasizing the critical importance of recovery. Learn how breath measurement can reveal fat burning efficiency and how just two sessions per week can significantly enhance body composition. Dive into the metabolic benefits of HIIT, and explore innovative tools for tracking fat burning and ketosis, offering insights for optimizing your health.

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
The 1 Minute Workout with HIIT Scientist Dr. Martin Gibala!
Timeline: Get 10% off Mitopure, clinically proven to boost mitophagy. Go to timeline.com/vanessa. Welcome back to The Optimal Protein Podcast! In this episode, we're diving into the science of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with none other than Dr. Martin Gibala, a leading exercise physiologist and author of The One-Minute Workout. Dr. Gibala has revolutionized our understanding of time-efficient exercise and how just a few minutes of effort can deliver incredible health and fitness benefits. We explore the physiological magic behind HIIT, its impact on metabolism, and how it compares to traditional workouts. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, Dr. Gibala shares practical advice for incorporating HIIT into your routine safely and effectively. Plus, he debunks common myths about fitness and offers insights on the future of exercise science. If you've ever felt too busy to work out, this episode is a must-listen! What You'll Learn in This Episode: 1. HIIT & V02 MAX 101: What high-intensity interval training is and why it's so effective for boosting VO2 Max, a vital sign 2. The One-Minute Workout: How short bursts of effort can deliver comparable results to longer, steady-state workouts. 3. Key Adaptations: The physiological changes that occur with HIIT and how they benefit your health. 4. Practical Tips: How to safely incorporate HIIT into your fitness routine, regardless of your starting level. 5. Myth Busting: Debunking common misconceptions about HIIT and time-efficient workouts. 6. Future Trends: Dr. Gibala's insights into where exercise science is headed. Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone passionate about women's fitness and evidence-based training approaches! Join the Community! Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ This podcast content does not constitute an attempt to practice medicine and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice and personal health questions. Prior to beginning a new diet you should undergo a health screening with your physician to confirm that a new diet is suitable for you and to out any conditions and contraindications that may pose risks or are incompatible with a new diet, including by way of example: conditions affecting the kidneys, liver or pancreas; muscular dystrophy; pregnancy; breast-feeding; being underweight; eating disorders; any health condition that requires a special diet [other conditions or contraindications]; hypoglycemia; or type 1 diabetes. A new diet may or may not be appropriate if you have type 2 diabetes, so you must consult with your physician if you have this condition. Anyone under the age of 18 should consult with their physician and their parents or legal guardian before beginning such a diet. Use of Ketogenic Girl podcasts & videos are subject to the Ketogenicgirl.com Terms of Use and Medical Disclaimer. All rights reserved. If you do not agree with these terms, do not listen to, or view any Ketogenic Girl podcasts or videos. About Our Guest: Dr. Martin Gibala is a renowned professor of kinesiology and the author of The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That's Smarter, Faster, Shorter. His groundbreaking research focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and time-efficient exercise strategies that have helped countless people transform their fitness with less time. Dr. Gibala is a professor of kinesiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. He is an expert on the science of exercise and applications for health and performance.

17 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
New Study on Best Way to Build Muscle + Top Takeaways and Highlights from Dr. Robert Wolfe Interview!
Discover groundbreaking insights on muscle growth techniques, comparing training to failure versus leaving reps in reserve. Learn about the crucial role of protein for metabolism, especially for older adults focused on fat loss. The innovative Tone device is introduced, offering an easy way to track fat burning and ketosis levels through breath analysis. Plus, gain valuable highlights from an interview with a leading expert in protein nutrition, shedding light on its impact on health and recovery.

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 11min
Optimizing Protein Nutrition for Fat Loss, Muscle Gain & Body Recomposition with Dr. Robert Wolfe
Timeline is offering 33% off your order of Mitopure while supplies last. Go to timeline.com/VANESSA33 to save with this special, limited time offer! In this insightful episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Robert Wolfe, a leading expert in protein metabolism and nutrition, to explore the science of optimizing protein intake for fat loss, muscle gain, and overall body recomposition. Dr. Wolfe shares his wealth of knowledge from decades of research, discussing how to tailor protein nutrition to achieve your health and fitness goals. We dive into the role of protein in metabolic health, the importance of amino acid quality, and practical strategies to maximize the benefits of protein in your diet. Whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking to enhance their body composition, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Key Topics Discussed: 1. The Science of Protein Metabolism: • How protein is metabolized in the body. • The role of amino acids in muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and recovery. 2. Protein and Fat Loss: • Why protein is essential for fat loss and lean muscle preservation. • The appetite-suppressing effects of protein. 3. Muscle Gain and Body Recomposition: • How to optimize protein timing and distribution for muscle growth. • The impact of essential amino acids (EAAs) on muscle protein synthesis. 4. Practical Protein Strategies: • How much protein you really need based on your goals. • Tips for incorporating high-quality protein into your diet. 5. Emerging Research: • Insights from Dr. Wolfe's studies on protein intake and its effect on aging and metabolic health. Get 20% OFF the Tone LUX Red Light Therapy with the code VANESSA Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone passionate about women's fitness and evidence-based training approaches! Join the Community! Follow Vanessa on instagram to see her meals, recipes, informative posts and much more! Click here @ketogenicgirl Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the facebook group for the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ About Dr. Robert Wolfe: Dr. Robert Wolfe is a globally recognized researcher in protein metabolism and nutrition. With a prolific career spanning decades, he has authored over 500 peer-reviewed publications and is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. His groundbreaking research has shaped modern approaches to protein nutrition, especially in the contexts of aging, athletic performance, and body recomposition. This podcast content does not constitute an attempt to practice medicine and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice and personal health questions. Prior to beginning a new diet you should undergo a health screening with your physician to confirm that a new diet is suitable for you and to out any conditions and contraindications that may pose risks or are incompatible with a new diet, including by way of example: conditions affecting the kidneys, liver or pancreas; muscular dystrophy; pregnancy; breast-feeding; being underweight; eating disorders; any health condition that requires a special diet [other conditions or contraindications]; hypoglycemia; or type 1 diabetes. A new diet may or may not be appropriate if you have type 2 diabetes, so you must consult with your physician if you have this condition. Anyone under the age of 18 should consult with their physician and their parents or legal guardian before beginning such a diet. Use of Ketogenic Girl podcasts & videos are subject to the Ketogenicgirl.com Terms of Use and Medical Disclaimer. All rights reserved. If you do not agree with these terms, do not listen to, or view any Ketogenic Girl podcasts or videos.

Jan 3, 2025 • 40min
New Study Says Weight Loss Success Depends on Protein & Fiber Intake While Controlling Calories
Check out the Tone LUX Red Light Collection: Get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, we explore a groundbreaking study that examines the impact of macronutrient composition—specifically protein and fiber intake—on weight loss success when calories are controlled. Vanessa breaks down the latest study on high quality weight loss and protein and fiber, as well as WHY and what that means. She also explores the role of the microbiome in satiety and why fiber is implicated in successful fat loss. Resources mentioned: Successful dietary changes correlate with weight‐loss outcomes in a new dietary weight‐loss program Get 20% off the New 2nd Generation Tone Device HERE with the code 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: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017506024952802/ 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.


