
Rooted in Resilience
Rooted in Resilience is all about building your strongest, healthiest, most resilient self - without any of the extremes, short cuts, or diet-culture BS!
Podcast hosts & sisters, Ashley & Sarah Armstrong of the @strong.sistas, demystify health, sharing practical tips and experiences for overcoming hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, autoimmunity & other metabolic disorders, largely inspired by the work of Dr. Ray Peat.
Plus, they dive into all things optimizing exercise, so you can train with intention, build muscle & lose fat in a sustainable, smart way.
www.armstrongsisters.com
Latest episodes

Aug 7, 2024 • 1h 40min
When Diets Become Starvation | Kathleen Stewart
In this episode, Ashley, Sarah & Kathleen sit back down to discuss & the impact of starvation and acute starvation (dieting) on the body. They highlight the importance of avoiding severe calorie restriction, yo-yo dieting, and the importance of consuming carbohydrates while dieting.
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Make sure to check out all the other episodes in the 'Minnesota Starvation Experiment series' here...https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLalvruAE7sWrmVNBrwNAq2P9QSXkerexc
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JOIN WAITLIST TO WORK 1:1 WITH KATHLEEN
https://forms.gle/6TcHdrskCgsj1iDL6
____________________________________________________Follow KathleenSubstack: https://stewartk.substack.com/?rInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoen/☕️ Buy Kathleen A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/recoen
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ X: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas➡️TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@strong.sistas?_t=8oW270Feyz5&_r=1➡️ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strong-sisters-103331317?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app➡️FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083808037077&mibextid=LQQJ4d➡️ THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@strong.sistas?invite=2
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References:Biology Of Human Starvation -https://archive.org/details/cftri.1102biologyofhumanst0000ance_a5l1/page/79/mode/1up
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Avoiding Severe Calorie Restriction
05:30 Understanding Brown Fat and the Respiratory Quotient
23:17 The Protein-Sparing Effect of Carbohydrates
37:29 Exploring the Role of Fat & The Essential Fatty Acids
56:26 Individual Differences in Fat Metabolism and the Impact of Ketosis
01:05:18 The Truth About Low-Carb Diets
01:12:29 Understanding Carbohydrate Metabolism and Blood Sugar
01:19:35 Approaching Carb Tolerance
01:28:04 Debunking the Insulin-Fat Loss Myth
01:31:56 The Importance of Slow and Gradual Transitions

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 44min
Are you Actually Low in Estrogen? | DACM Wendy Sellens
In this chat, Wendy Sellens, an author and Doctor of Chinese Medicine, shines a light on the truths about estrogen and phytoestrogens. She debunks common myths surrounding low estrogen levels and discusses the hidden risks of flaxseed. Wendy emphasizes the critical need for personalized dietary choices to maintain hormone balance, especially in relation to fertility and breast health. The conversation highlights alternative health approaches, including the benefits of desiccated organ supplements, and encourages informed decision-making regarding nutrition.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 12min
The Role of Micronutrients in The Low Energy Availability State | Kathleen Stewart
In this episode, Kathleen returns to dive further into the MSE (Minnesota Starvation Experiment). Today they dive into protein intake & micronutrients and the importance of each.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Calorie Intake and Research Studies
04:19 The Significance of Nitrogen Balance
08:55 The Role of Carbohydrates in Protein Utilization
12:07 Challenges of Assessing Nitrogen Balance at Home
14:30 Tracking Nitrogen Balance during a Cut or Weight Loss Phase
45:17 The Role of Micronutrients
53:25 Vitamin Metabolism and Low Energy Availability
01:05:36 Mineral Metabolism and Salt Cravings
Make sure to check out all the other episodes in the 'Minnesota Starvation Experiment series' here...
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLalvruAE7sWrmVNBrwNAq2P9QSXkerexc
____________________________________________________
JOIN WAITLIST TO WORK 1:1 WITH KATHLEEN
https://forms.gle/6TcHdrskCgsj1iDL6
______________________________________________________________________
Follow Kathleen
Substack: https://stewartk.substack.com/?r
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoen/
☕️ Buy Kathleen A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/recoen
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas
____________________________________________________
References:
Biology Of Human Starvation -https://archive.org/details/cftri.1102biologyofhumanst0000ance_a5l1/page/79/mode/1up
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Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 25min
How Your Metabolism's Impacted By How Much You Eat | Kathleen Stewart
Kathleen is back on for another episode diving into the significance of eating enough calories and the impact of food on the body. They discuss the problems in undernutrition, including the reduction in metabolism, nitrogen balance, and body temperature. They challenge the mainstream belief that a slower metabolism is better for longevity, highlight the benefits of having a fast metabolic rate and address the limitations of the rate of living theory.
Make sure to check out all the other episodes in the series here...https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLalvruAE7sWrmVNBrwNAq2P9QSXkerexc
____________________________________________________Follow Kathleen -
Substack: https://stewartk.substack.com/?rInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoen/
☕️Buy Kathleen A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/recoen
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas
____________________________________________________
References:Biology Of Human Starvation -https://archive.org/details/cftri.1102biologyofhumanst0000ance_a5l1/page/79/mode/1up
https://archive.org/details/cftri.1103biologyofhumanst0000ance/page/n8/mode/1up?view=theater
Fat Free Mass Index - https://mennohenselmans.com/ffmi-calculator/
Timestamps:
00:00 - The Importance of Eating Enough Calories
13:19 - Challenging the Rate of Living Theory
27:20 The Role of Metabolism, Nitrogen Balance, and Body Temperature
31:39 - The Benefits of a Fast Metabolic Rate & Providing Sufficient Energy
41:28 - The Impact of Semi-Starvation on Metabolism
49:06 - Energy and Protein Requirements of Normal Individuals
55:14 - The Need for a Balanced Approach to Nutrition
01:00:48 - Understanding the Impact of Calorie Intake and Macronutrient Composition on Metabolism
01:01:21 -The Importance of Sufficient Calories and Carbohydrates for Nitrogen Balance
01:03:14 -The Negative Effects of a High Protein Diet
01:09:01 - Improving Metabolism: Assessing Baseline Calorie Intake & Tools
01:13:18 - Finding Maintenance

May 29, 2024 • 1h 48min
The Low Energy Availability State | Kathleen Stewart
Ashley, Kathleen, & Sarah continue the dive into the Minnesota starvation experiment, the health consequences of prolonged under-eating & how this affects nearly everyone today.
Notes: “The Bronzing (skin discoloration discussed in today’s episode) in addisons and Cushings is from acth and msh” ~ Kathleen
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Eating Enough
03:00 The Impact on Muscle
09:05 The Effects on the Digestive Tract and Liver
15:22 The Consequences for the Heart and Other Organs
27:50 The Brain's Response to Starvation
34:51 The Importance of Proper Glucose Metabolism
37:32 The Low Energy Availability State
45:15 The Effects of Low Energy Availability on the Immune System
51:53 Restoring Energy Metabolism for Optimal Health
55:42 The Consequences of Low Energy Availability on Skin and Hair Health
01:14:07 The Rise of Autoimmune Conditions and Low Energy Availability
01:19:09 Shifting the Perspective on the Body's Response to Low Energy Availability
01:23:29 Finding a Personalized Approach to Healing
References:
Biology Of Human Starvation -https://archive.org/details/cftri.1102biologyofhumanst0000ance_a5l1/page/79/mode/1uphttps://archive.org/details/cftri.1103biologyofhumanst0000ance/page/n8/mode/1up?view=theater
____________________________________________________Follow KathleenSubstack: https://stewartk.substack.com/?rInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoen/☕️ Buy Kathleen A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/recoen
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas

May 22, 2024 • 1h 46min
You're Not Fat You're Starving | Kathleen Stewart
Kathleen Stewart discusses The Minnesota Starvation Experiment revealing impacts of low energy availability like edema, weight swings, cravings, fear of weight gain, challenges of low calorie diet, long-term effects, slow approach importance, and physical changes during refeeding.

109 snips
May 7, 2024 • 2h 9min
How To Unblock Your Metabolism | Georgi Dinkov
Georgi Dinkov, a metabolism expert, discusses how to address metabolic blockages. He highlights the surprising role of dietary fats, especially omega-3s and omega-6s, in modern diets. Georgi emphasizes the importance of glucose metabolism and challenges conventional cancer treatment beliefs, proposing a bioenergetic approach. The conversation touches on the health benefits of sunlight exposure and even barefoot walking, and stresses the need for a balanced diet rich in B vitamins for optimal metabolic function.

Apr 17, 2024 • 55min
Visiting the Massai - The Last Hunter Gatherers Pt. 2 | Suzanne Alexander
In this conversation, Suz shares her experiences visiting indigenous tribes in Africa, specifically the Maasai. She discusses their traditional diet and lifestyle including: the importance of their healing soup, made from special tree branches, their strong sense of community and deep connection to nature and traditional practices.
Takeaways
The Maasai tribe follows a traditional diet that includes milk, meat, and blood during the warrior stage, and transitions to a milk-based diet afterwards.
The Maasai tribe values community and sharing, often giving portions of their slaughtered animals to neighbors and family members.
Their deep connection to nature is evident in their traditional practices and their respect for the environment.
Movement is an essential part of the Maasai lifestyle, and they believe it is necessary for maintaining good health.
The tribe is concerned about being forced out of their land, which could impact their diet and way of life.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Suze's Personal Experience
06:21 Daily Life of the Maasai Tribe
26:10 The Warrior Stage
36:29 Concerns about the Future Of The Maasai
Follow Suzanne ___________________________________________________
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.alexander.104/Amazon- The Ancestorial Diet Revolution
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 28min
Lessons From The Last Hunter-Gatherers | Suzanne Alexander
Ashley & Sarah sit back down with Suzanne Alexander to hear about her most recent trip to Tanzania. Suz details her trip visiting the Hadzabe and Datoga tribe and shares her memories, experiences and concerns regarding the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro & Background
5:30 What The Indigenous Actually Eat
9:00 Why Suz Does It1
9:45 Do The Indigenous Get Depressed
28:00 What Do The Hadzabe Eat
42:00 Buying The Hadazabe Dinner
1:03:00 The Datoga Tribe
1:09:00 What The Datoga Eat
1:23:51 How Grains Affect Their Health
1:26:15 Wrapping Up
Follow Suzanne
____________________________________________________
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.alexander.104/
Amazon- The Ancestorial Diet Revolution
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas

Apr 3, 2024 • 55min
The Importance of Eating Enough: Insights from the Minnesota Starvation Experiment | Kathleen Stewart
In this episode, Sarah & Ashley bring back Kathleen Stewart to continue their discussion of the Minnesota starvation experiment and the importance of eating enough food. It highlights the consequences of under-eating and the need to increase calorie intake. The conversation emphasizes the significance of the experiment's findings and their relevance to modern health issues, the normalization of low-calorie diets, and the need to find the high end of one's maintenance calorie range.
Takeaways:
Under-eating can have severe long-term consequences on various body systems.
Prolonged calorie restriction can have severe repercussions on the body, including damage to organs and intestinal health.
Finding the high end of one's maintenance calorie range is vital for optimal health.
Gradually increasing calorie intake and focusing on nourishment is important for overall health and well-being.
Longer periods between dieting phases are necessary to allow the body to recover and avoid weight oscillation.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Under-Eating
02:45 The Significance of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment
09:36 Sex Differences when Under-Eating
13:19 Determining Adequate Calorie Intake
24:27 Physical Symptoms of Under-Eating
33:01 The Consequences of Prolonged Calorie Restriction
37:16 Prioritizing Nourishment Over Restriction
45:11 The Importance of Longer Breaks Between Dieting Phases
____________________________________________________
Follow Kathleen
Substack: https://stewartk.substack.com/?r
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoen/
☕️ Buy Kathleen A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/recoen
____________________________________________________
Subscribe To The Rooted In Resilience Podcast:
⭐ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCSpofOL75STGMvUUlD5em7g
⭐ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NTIxm2iqgIdnqI2j2FICr?si=477cfb0440fe40ce
⭐ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-in-resilience/id1663060063
____________________________________________________
Keep Up With Us!
🖥️ Website: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/
🗞️ Newsletter: https://www.armstrongsisters.com/newsletter-signup
👩🏼🌾 Our Farm CoOp, Nourish: https://nourishcooperative.com/
{The highest quality food you can find, delivered directly to your door. Low PUFA chicken and pork, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb, traditional sourdough, raw dog food, & more}
🥚Waitlist for our eggs: https://angel-acresfarm.com/pages/waitlist-for-eggs
{Low PUFA, corn & soy free, pasture-raised eggs, delivered directly to your door}
____________________________________________________
Follow Us On Social Media
➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong.sistas/
➡️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/strong_sistas
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