High Performance Health

What if everything you've been told about weight loss is upside down? In this powerful second-time conversation with Ben Azadi—author of Metabolic Freedom, speaker, and founder of Keto Kamp—we flip the script on calorie counting and expose what’s really hijacking your metabolism. From seed oils to saturated fat, insulin resistance to HRV, Ben shares the metabolic blueprint to unlock fat burning, hormonal balance, and metabolic flexibility. Angela and Ben dive deep into the hidden drivers of metabolic dysfunction and why metabolic freedom is not about chasing skinny, but reclaiming your health at a cellular level. Whether you’re struggling with energy dips, fat loss plateaus, or confusing health advice, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and eye-opening science to help you feel strong, clear, and free in your body again.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Calories Are a Distraction: Weight loss is a side effect of getting healthy—focus on quality, not quantity. Metabolic Prison vs. Freedom: Most people are sugar-burners stuck in a cycle of cravings and crashes. True freedom comes from metabolic flexibility. Muscle Is Metabolic Gold: More muscle means better insulin sensitivity, longevity, and freedom with food. Seed Oils & Inflammation: Ben exposes the hidden damage of processed seed oils—and what to use instead. The Truth About Saturated Fat: It’s not the villain we were taught to fear. When paired right, it supports hormones and cellular health. Hormesis & Stress Resilience: Smart stress like fasting, lifting, and cold plunges builds your metabolic adaptability—if recovery is in check. HRV & High-Dose Melatonin: Surprising strategies to boost your HRV, stress tolerance, and mitochondrial health.   TIMESTAMPS AND KEY TOPICS 0:00 – Introduction  1:13 – Metabolic prison vs. metabolic freedom 4:09 – Angela’s story of PCOS and insulin resistance 8:01 – Muscle mass, VO2 max & ageing metabolism 14:29 – The seed oil controversy: oxidation & aldehydes 21:08 – Is saturated fat really dangerous? 29:36 – The 30-day metabolic reset plan 33:02 – Ketones, focus & metabolic energy 37:14 – HRV, melatonin & raising your hormetic ceiling 40:16 – Sleep timing, circadian rhythm & recovery 42:36 – Where to get the book + free metabolism course VALUABLE RESOURCES Click here for discounts on all the products I personally use and recommend Check out my blog to learn How Spermidine Can Reset Your Sleep and Hormonal Balance During Perimenopause A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible: Oxford Healthspan Primeadine: Target 9 out of the 12 Hallmarks of Aging - click here and use code ANGELA to save 15% LVLUP HEALTH: Slow aging, repair gut health boost collagen and recovery and more with LVLUP Health’s amazing products. Save 15% with code ANGELA at https://lvluphealth.com/angela Sign up to my Fresh Start Newsletter: Start your week feeling in control with one simple, science-backed step for your hormones, health and longevity—get your free weekly fresh start at angelafoster.me/freshstart ABOUT THE GUEST In 2008, Ben Azadi went through a personal health transformation of shredding 80 pounds of pure fat. Ever since, Ben Azadi, FDN-P, has been on a mission to help 1 billion people live a healthier lifestyle.  Ben is the author of four best-selling books, Keto Flex, The Perfect Health Booklet, The Intermittent Fasting Cheat Sheet, and The Power of Sleep. Ben has been the go-to source for intermittent fasting and the ketogenic diet.  He is known as 'The Health Detective' because he investigates dysfunction, and he educates, not medicates, to bring the body back to normal function.  Ben is the founder of Keto Kamp; a global brand bringing awareness to ancient healing strategies such as the keto diet and fasting.  Ben is the host of a top 15 podcast, The Keto Kamp Podcast; and the fast growing Keto Kamp YouTube channel with over 130,000 subscribers, and TikTok channel with over 145,000 subscribers.  ABOUT THE HOST Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine. Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out. The High Performance Health Podcast is a top rated global podcast. Each week, Angela brings you a new insight, biohack or high performance habit to help you unlock optimal health, longevity and higher performance. Hit the follow button to make sure you get notified each time Angela releases a new episode. CONTACT DETAILS Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is under no obligation to use these links. Thank you for supporting the show! Disclaimer: The High Performance Health Podcast is for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of professional or coaching advice and no client relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should seek the assistance of their medical doctor or other health care professional for before taking any steps to implement any of the items discussed in this podcast.

Discover simple daily upgrades to enhance fat burning without extreme diets. Learn how non-exercise activities like walking can significantly boost your metabolism. Understand why muscle is crucial, burning more calories even at rest. Get tips on the thermic effect of protein, helping you melt fat just by eating. Shift your focus from calorie slashing to building lean muscle for sustainable fat loss, starting with a high-protein breakfast to stabilize energy and cravings. Practical, science-backed strategies await!

Sarah Rusbatch, author of 'Beyond Booze' and a health coach, dives deep into the topic of grey area drinking, where many women struggle with their alcohol use without fitting traditional labels. She uncovers the unique physiological and hormonal challenges women face, especially as they age. Sarah emphasizes the importance of community support and alternative relaxation methods while reflecting on the journey of sobriety, its transformative effects, and the necessity of reassessing one’s relationship with alcohol for improved health and self-discovery.

Kristen Holmes, VP of Performance Science at WHOOP and a specialist in athlete performance, joins to discuss the fascinating world of heart rate variability (HRV). They explore how HRV reflects one's ability to handle stress and the surprising role of lifestyle choices, like sleep quality and diet. Kristen emphasizes the importance of sleep-wake regularity for both physical and mental health. Listeners will learn how individual history and habits can affect HRV, making it a key metric for well-being and performance.

Dr. Robert Lufkin, a physician and medical school professor, discusses the pitfalls of conventional medicine and the personal empowerment of metabolic health. He reveals how chronic diseases often start long before diagnosis and stresses the need for early lifestyle interventions. Lufkin critiques the influence of food industry sponsorships on dietary guidelines, advocating for personalized nutrition instead of one-size-fits-all approaches. The conversation connects metabolic health with conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, especially in women.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, a New York Times bestselling author and pioneer in muscle-centric medicine, joins the discussion on transforming health through muscle. She emphasizes the importance of skeletal muscle for longevity, debunking common protein myths along the way. Listeners learn about tailored nutrition and workout strategies for women in perimenopause, combating fatigue, and enhancing metabolic health. Lyon provides actionable insights on effective training beyond slow cardio and how to prevent the pitfalls of age-related muscle loss.

Leslie Kenny, a Harvard-educated CEO and expert in longevity, shares her inspiring story of reversing her biological age to 21. She emphasizes the importance of diet, sleep, and social connections for health optimization. The power of spermidine, found in plant-based foods, is discussed as a vital contributor to autophagy, immune health, and even hair pigmentation. Leslie highlights the unique microbiome's impact on nutrition and advises on identifying dietary 'kryptonite' to enhance wellness, particularly for women in perimenopause.

TJ Power, an expert on high performance and neurotransmitters, shares valuable insights into achieving optimal focus and mental well-being. He explains the significance of dopamine in driving motivation and how it can be enhanced through activities like cold water immersion. Discover why entering a flow state requires 15 minutes of dedicated attention on one task and how multitasking disrupts concentration. Power also emphasizes the roles of oxytocin and serotonin in emotional balance, suggesting strategies to manage these neurotransmitters for improved performance.

Joe Cohen, founder of SelfDecode and a leader in DNA testing, discusses how unlocking your genetic code can revolutionize health strategies. He shares his transformation through personalized health optimization, emphasizing the importance of combining DNA insights with blood work. Listeners learn about mitochondrial efficiency and groundbreaking supplements like Urolithin A. Joe also addresses the need for regular health checks and critiques current genetic testing practices, urging individuals to embrace tailored approaches for longevity.

Emma Dunwoody, a leading human design expert, shares fascinating insights about aligning with one's authentic self. She explains human design as a blend of astrology, the I Ching, and more, revealing our unique energetic blueprint. The conversation highlights how embracing this design helps in manifesting desires and redefining success. Emma emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from recognizing one’s natural rhythms rather than conforming to societal norms, inviting listeners to view their 'superpowers' as strengths instead of flaws.