Well-Fed Women

Should you train for how you look, or how long you live? We’re unpacking the research on BMI vs muscle for longevity, the body image tug-of-war many women face when it comes to aesthetics in fitness, and how to know if you need a deload week. Plus, we cover the surprising nutrient depletions that can happen with medications like birth control and SSRIs.Timestamps:[1:50] Welcome[3:13] Study whether muscle mass index helps you actually lives longer[10:08] I sometimes struggle to balance the aesthetic side of strength training (wanting to look fit) and the longevity side of strength training (wanting to be healthy). How do you both think about strength training as women in a culture that pushes us towards body ideals and how can we shift our motivation so it's less about appearance and more about health and independence long -term? [22:24] Can you talk about deload weeks vs rest weeks? How do you manage mindset and guilt? Can you discuss nutrient depletion around medications and should you supplement? [40:15] Do I need to incorporate heavy weights in my workout to set myself up for my goals in old age? Episode Links:Article: Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-AdultsEpisode #213: The Pill, Irregular Periods, & Post-Birth Control Syndrome with Dr. Jolene Brighten Beyond the PillSponsors:Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to drinklmnt.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED to get a free 8-pack with any drink mix purchase!Go to coconutsandkettlebells.com/air and click the link in the review for $300 off select models and 10% off filters. 

Missing periods can affect fertility, hormones, and even how you experience perimenopause later in life. Lindsey Lusson, RD, joins me to unpack the latest research on hypothalamic amenorrhea, the impact of nutrition on cycle health, and why addressing root causes matters more than ever as we age.Timestamps:[1:52] Intro[3:41] Welcome Lindsey[9:00] What are the main things that are stopping women from getting their period back consistently?[13:48] Do we have any data that gives insight into how HA impacts perimenopause or your period in your upper 30s and 40s?[20:09] What can women do who have struggled with HA and how can they support healthy cycle and hormones as they age?[24:48] Do you recommend any hormonal lab testing for those with HA or if you’ve experienced in the past?[28:55] What’s the reason behind long and then short cycles?[31:45] Do you like the use of period tracking apps or do you recommend people go by their basal body temperature?[34:19] Why do I struggle to ovulate usually not until day 25 and what can I do to promote ovulation sooner? [36:05] Beyond eating more, what nutrients or eating patterns do you think make the most difference supporting irregularly?[40:00] Do we have any data on intermittent fasting and how it relates to a women’s cycle?[42:19] How does protein intake impact fertility and your cycles?[45:58] In your experience, what are some of the biggest underlying route causes of infertility? [51:22] I am on progesterone for hormone levels. What are possible causes of this bleeding and spotting? [54:41] I wake up with a headache for two to three days after my period ends. Is this due to a chance in hormones and is there anything that can help? [56;22] What does it mean when you’ve had brown spotting before your period and what do you do about it?Episode Links:Food Freedom and FertilityFFF Lab Guide- understanding your hormones and getting to the root of your missing periodFertility Fix for the Fit Girl- free quiz to find out whats blocking your fertility and how to fix itSponsors:Go to wellminerals.us/chill and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising connection between strength training and gut health, the hot debate around weighted vests, and whether protein timing really matters. We’ll also tackle a popular listener questions: how do you actually know if your gut is healed? Get ready for a mix of science, practical tips, and straight talk to help you train smarter and feel stronger inside and out. Timestamps:[1:56] Welcome[7:50] Discussion: A new study says 8 weeks of resistance training improves mood state and intestinal permeability[20:28] Weighted vests: do they work, and if so, which brands do you recommend?[33:12] Do women really need to worry about meal timing or is total protein for the day all that matters?[40:37] How does someone know if their gut is healed?Episode Links:PubMed Article: 8 weeks of resistance exercise improves mood state and intestinal permeability in healthy adults PubMed Article: Long-term exercise using weighted vests prevents hip bone loss in postmenopausal womenArticle: Protein Consumption and the Elderly: What is the Optimal Level of Intake?Sponsors:Go to wellminerals.us/creatine and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.Go to drinklmnt.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED to get a free 8-pack with any drink mix purchase!Go to coconutsandkettlebells.com/air and click the link in the review for $300 off select models and 10% off filters. 

 In this episode, Stef and I sit down with Ryan Woodbury, co-founder of Needed, to unpack what most women aren’t being told about nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. We discuss what’s missing from standard prenatals, why nutrient needs skyrocket (and stay elevated) long after birth, and how to actually support your body through each phase. If you’ve ever wondered whether your supplement is doing anything—or why you still feel depleted postpartum—this one’s for you. Timestamps:[1:52] Intro [4:08] Welcome [7:44] Can you talk to me about Choline and other specific nutrients that may be missing from common prenatal supplements?[11:48] Is there a sense in which we have to double nutritional needs if we want mom and baby to be healthy?[15:27] How does this impact age? [25:54] Do you think most prenatal vitamins on the market are actually meeting the needs?[38:09] Talk to me about other key nutrients you wish every women would focus more on during pregnancy.[40:46] What is the ideal protein range for pregnancy and do protein needs go up?[43:27] What are we focusing on postpartum and how long should we be taking the prenatal?  How can we manage stress and stay nutritionally sufficient in stress?[50:15] So I need to be tracking my macros during pregnancy? [55:03] Is collagen safe in pregnancy?[55:43] How long does it take the to bring the body back to optimal nutrient stores postpartum?[57:10] I'm curious about nutrient testing: is it worth it to do while nursing?[1:05:01] Anything that can help with hair growth after postpartum hair loss?Episode Links:Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Sponsors:Go to wellminerals.us/chill and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.Go to boncharge.com/WELLFED and use coupon code WELLFED to save 15% off any order.Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.

This week, we’re talking about why strong legs mean a sharper brain, and how to use collagen, amino acids, and creatine to support strength, recovery, and overall health. We’ll cover smart strategies for healing injuries and chronic pain, why sticking with PT matters, and the best time to get bloodwork done postpartum. It’s your quick guide to getting stronger, thinking clearer, and feeling better. Timestamps:[1:49] Welcome[10:01] Discussion on Article that suggests leg power predicts cognitive benefits.[16:01] Can you breakdown the use of collagen, creatine, and amino acids? [23:46] I would love advice to heal after an injury in your mid 30s and 40s.[41:30] When is it a good time to get bloodwork done postpartum? Episode Links:PudMed Article: Kicking Back Cognitive Ageing: Leg Power Predicts Cognitive Ageing after Ten Years in Older Female TwinsCurable HealthGet Pure CreatineLumebox reviewSponsors:Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to drinklmnt.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED to get a free 8-pack with any drink mix purchase!Go to wellminerals.us/creatine and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

Did you know that brain fog can be a metabolic warning sign? In this episode, Dr. Austin Perlmutter breaks down how blood sugar swings, inflammation, and poor metabolic health silently chip away at your brain function over time. We also talk about how to eat to protect your mood, cognition, and long-term brain health, including the latest research on how to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.Timestamps:[1:38] Intro[3:43] Conversation with Dr. Austin Perlmutter[10:27] You mentioned that inflammation can manifest in different ways, is there a reason it manifests a different way for one person than another?[17:53] What is excites you the most as far as the shifts we can make that result in better cognitive function?[29:34] Do you agree with Alzheimer’s being called “type 3 diabetes”?[38:07] Are you recommending that people wear a CGM or that they get their metabolic markers tested regularly, and if so, what are those markers we should be looking at?[50:13] How can we improve brain fog after 40?[59:23] Do you think our screens and social media habits are changing  our brain function, and is there anything we can be doing nutritionally especially if we have to be on our computers all day for work?Episode Links:Dr. Austin Perlmutter's Website Follow Dr. Austin on InstagramBrain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness Big Bold HealthDr. Austin's YouTubeTop Causes of Brain FogBiomarkers:Hemoglobin A1cBasic metabolic panel (fasting insulin, fasting glucose)Lipid panel - Triglycerides are the key markerWaist to hip ratioSMASH fishSponsors:Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Go to boncharge.com/WELLFED and use coupon code WELLFED to save 15% off any order.Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to wellminerals.us/creatine and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

In this episode, we dig into a fascinating new study showing that ages 36–46 may be the single most important decade for setting yourself up for a longer, healthier life. We’ll talk about how to boost aerobic fitness even if your workouts are mostly walking and weight lifting, plus unpack the trend of influencers getting ultra-lean on GLP-1s and what that means for health. And for a fun twist, we’ll explore the rise of scalp spas and whether they’re worth the hype.Timestamps:[1:57] Welcome[6:16]  New study: ages 36-46 are the most critical years for future health [24:08] Everyone says walking and weight training is the way to go. What’s the best way to improve my fitness?[35:12] I keep hearing about peptide drugs and people micro-dosing them, but am also seeing people get really lean. How do we separate from hype from reality?[56:59] What are your thoughts on a scalp Spa for exfoliating the scalp?Episode Links:Cumulative associations between health behaviours, mental well-being, and health over 30 yearsWhy 36 to 46 is the most critical decade for your health Innersense Organic Beauty - Natural True Enlightenment Scalp ScrubScalp MassagerInnersense Organic Beauty - Natural Hair Renew Daily Active SerumSponsors:Go to wellminerals.us/creatine and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to wellminerals.us/chill and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

If you’ve ever thought “Why can’t I just stick with it?”, this episode is for you. I’m talking with Ali Shapiro about why willpower isn’t the problem, how shame hijacks true behavior change, and what it really takes to heal your relationship with food and your body. We dive into emotional eating, weight loss without diet culture, and the mindset shifts that actually work—no guilt trips included. Timestamps:[1:54] Intro [3:37] Conversation with Ali Shapiro [4:00] How can people start to rethink the idea of willpower so it’s not the enemy?[11:13] Why is it that I feel like a lot of us know what to do but we can’t follow through consistently?[15:47] In your work, what is the biggest mindset shift for women struggling with food and fitness?  [26:35] How do we distinguish between emotional hunger and physical hunger, especially if it’s been disconnected for years?[29:36] I’ve noticed a week before my period I have intense carb and sugar cravings. Is there a reason? [35:14] Why do I still lie to myself even when I know the thing will hurt me?[45:12] How do we approach weight loss without feeling shame or guilt?[53:51] How can we change mindset and behavior and see results in our bodies and help our children with it without shame?[58:59] How do you start a regular exercise routine when you don’t have the time?[1:01:25] I was a weight watchers girl and have tracked points and calories on and off.  I haven’t tracked my food the past few years, but I’m at the point where I think  tracking macros would be helpful. Any tips on how to ease back into tracking?[1:10:33] I have a question I’ve been wanting to ask about mindset.  I was diagnosed with cancer and have been down for the count with treatment and recovery has been slow. How do I come back from this? How do I position my mindset going in to the end of treatment?[1:17:22] With all the advertisements for GLP-1, it definitely feels like the new savior. I am classified as obese by the medical system and have high bloods pressure. How do we make sure we’re making decisions on medical treatment that are grounded in health and not vanity? Episode Links:Visit Ali's WebsiteListen to the Insatiable Podcast with Ali ShapiroGluten-Free Dinner RollsSponsors:Go to boncharge.com/WELLFED and use coupon code WELLFED to save 15% off any order.Go to drinklmnt.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED to get a free 8-pack with any drink mix purchase!Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to wellminerals.us/chill and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

Muscle matters more than you think—for your bones, your metabolism, and your sanity. We’re also unpacking how to raise kids without diet culture and why mom rage might actually be a nervous system SOS.Timestamps:[2:05] Dr Stacy sims video re:osteoporosis [17:05] What’s something you believed 10 years ago that you've changed your mind about?[21:28] How do you recommend navigating food dyes and processed foods with kids without food shaming?[34:28] Can you talk about mom rage when everything is overwhelming and overstimulating? What hormones do we need to look into getting checked out or supplements that can help?Episode Links:Dr. Stacy Sims Instagram PostSponsors:Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to wellminerals.us/chill and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

If your hormones feel off but no one’s giving you real answers, this episode is a must-listen. Caitria Thiele unpacks how to fix low progesterone and why “normal” labs don’t always tell the full story. We also dive into cycle tracking, missed ovulation, and the functional steps that actually restore fertility (without losing your mind).Timestamps:[1:53] Intro [4:00] What does progesterone do in the body, and why is it so critical for fertility and overall hormonal Balance? [7:29] What are the glaring symptoms of low progesterone and how we can see it in day to day life?[10:06] What are some of those bigger root causes behind why progesterone drops in the first place?[19:17] Can you walk us through the thyroid-progesterone connection and how they impact each other?[20:26] What are the best ways to naturally increase progesterone?[27:27] Can stress alone lead to low progesterone and how do you help women through those scenarios?[33:16] Is bio-identical progesterone ever necessary and how do women know that it’s something they should consider?[41:11] How do we get a truly accurate picture of hormone imbalance and what tests should we take and when? [50:51] In your experience, is infertility truly ever unexplained or is it just under investigated?[52:16] What are some of the most common root causes of infertility in women today that aren’t being addressed? [56:58] How do you help somebody who is trying to decide if it’s time to pursue an intervention like IVF or IUI?[1:03:14] Any tips for prompting ovulation and is there anything that can help with low testosterone? [1:05:59] I’ve been so emotional on my period is that indicative of something specifically?[1:06:43] How concerning is a longer cycle, like more than 35 days?[1:08:33] Why do I get migraines 3 days before my cycle begins?[1:09:18] At what point post-partum should I be worried if my period hasn’t returned [1:10:33] I’ve heard so much inositol supplements and I'm curious about it's effectiveness and safety for trying to conceive. [1:11:42] How do you manage your hormones after removing a hormonal IUD or other birth control after years of use?[1:13:27] Is DHEA 5 safe to add in? Episode Links:Connected Healing WebsiteFollow Caitria on InstagramSponsors:Go to boncharge.com/WELLFED and use coupon code WELLFED to save 15% off any order.Go to drinklmnt.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED to get a free 8-pack with any drink mix purchase.Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/whey-protein, and use coupon code WELLFED for 10% off.Go to wellminerals.us/chill and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.