The Balanced Bodies Blueprint

Your baby's health starts with what you eat, but “eating for two” doesn't mean doubling your calories. In this evidence-based episode, I break down exactly what you need (and what to avoid) for a healthy pregnancy, trimester by trimester. You'll learn the truth about calorie needs, recommended weight gain, and the most critical nutrients for your baby's brain, bones, and growth, from folic acid and choline to omega-3 DHA. We'll cover how to handle common pregnancy challenges like morning sickness, heartburn, constipation, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia risk, plus safe foods, supplements, and the ones to skip entirely. Whether you're in your first week or your final month, this is your no-nonsense guide to fueling a healthy pregnancy and preparing your body for labor and postpartum recovery. Connect with us: Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: @vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: @dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE: Go to legionathletics.com and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

In this episode, Coach Vinny Russo challenges one of the most common (and most harmful) mindsets in health and fitness: trying to change your body out of self-hate. If you've ever started a diet or workout program thinking, “I'm disgusted with myself, I need to fix this”, you're not alone. But here's the truth, change rooted in self-judgment never sticks. It burns out fast, leads to self-sabotage, and keeps you trapped in the same cycle of failure. Today, we're flipping the script. You'll learn how to: *Stop using shame as your main motivator (and why it never works long-term) *Build lasting fitness habits from a place of self-respect and care *Reframe your goals to finally achieve sustainable fat loss *Create identity-based habits that transform how you see yourself forever This isn't about another “quick fix.” It's about making health and fitness something you do because you value yourself—not because you want to punish your body. “You can't hate yourself into loving your body. Real transformation starts with self-respect.” Listen now and learn how to make this shift for good. Connect with us: Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: @vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: @dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE: Go to legionathletics.com and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

Is fitness snacking helping you build momentum—or secretly holding you back? In this episode of The Balanced Bodies Blueprint, I break down the rising trend of fitness snacking—short, 5–10 minute workouts done throughout the day—and ask the hard question: Is it actually effective for fat loss, muscle gain, or body recomposition? We'll cover: *Who fitness snacking is great for (beginners, busy professionals, those coming back from injury) *Why it's not ideal for building lean muscle or losing serious body fat *How it can keep you in a loop of comfort and mediocrity *The difference between movement and stimulus *When to graduate from fitness snacking to structured training *What a real training plan should look like for lasting results Whether you're using fitness snacking as a stepping stone or relying on it as your main routine—this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach. DM me “REAL PLAN” on Instagram @vinnyrusso_balancedbodies if you're ready to level up your training. Subscribe for more episodes on evidence-based fat loss, muscle growth, and the truth about what actually works. Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE Go to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

In this episode, Coach Vinny Russo breaks down a phase most people skip but absolutely shouldn't: the Primer Phase. Think of it as the “warm-up” before you sprint into a fat loss phase—your chance to get your metabolism, mindset, and habits fully primed so that dieting is easier and more effective. Coach Vinny explains why the Primer Phase is the missing link in most fat-loss journeys. Learn how to boost your metabolism, balance stress, dial in sleep, and build a strong foundation before cutting a single calorie. You'll get a step-by-step approach to: ✅ Eating for nourishment, not restriction ✅ Building sustainable movement and strength habits ✅ Managing stress and improving recovery ✅ Fixing your sleep patterns ✅ Setting realistic expectations for lasting success Whether you're brand new to dieting or a seasoned lifter who's hit plateaus, this episode is packed with practical strategies to finally break through and keep the fat off for good. Get ready to prime your body and mind for real, sustainable results. *** For our 2-on-1 coaching, yes a Nutritionist + Board Certified Physician coach YOU, just email Coach Vinny using the email below*** Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE Go to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

Is methylene blue really the next “miracle” molecule for brain health, longevity, and energy — or just another case of biohacking gone rogue? In this episode of The Balanced Bodies Blueprint, Vinny and Dr. Eryn Russo break down the real science versus the hype. Methylene blue started as a textile dye in the 1800s, became the first synthetic drug to treat malaria, and is now popping up in medspa clinics and influencer wellness stacks. But here's the catch: while it's a legitimate drug used in hospitals for something like methemoglobinemia, there's little evidence it actually works for boosting mitochondria, cognitive function, or energy in healthy people. Vinny and Eryn walk you through: ✅ What methylene blue is (and what it's really approved for) ✅ The difference between mechanistic theory (cell cultures) and human evidence (spoiler: most studies in healthy humans don't exist!) ✅ Why “mitochondrial dysfunction” is not something you casually diagnose yourself with ✅ The real risks — from serotonin syndrome to neurotoxicity — that influencers never mention ✅ The role of methylene blue in Alzheimer's and neuroprotection research (yes, there's promise — but not for everyone!) ✅ Why taking methylene blue casually is like “playing biochemist with a hospital dye” If you've heard the hype about methylene blue and want to know what's real and what's just another marketing myth, this is your episode. Because in a world of wellness trends, physiology doesn't care about influencer marketing — it only cares about the evidence. Connect with Us: Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE: Go to https://legionathletics.com/ and use code RUSSO for 20% off your 1st order!

*** OUR INTRO AND OUTRO WERE MUTED - PODCAST STARTS AT 35 SECONDS*** In this episode of The Balanced Bodies Blueprint, Coach Vinny Russo and Dr. Eryn Russo take a deep dive into the controversial views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services. We dissect RFK Jr.'s support for terrain theory — an outdated belief rooted in Antoine Béchamp's “host theory” that argues disease comes from within the body, not from external pathogens. We contrast this with Louis Pasteur's germ theory, which forms the backbone of modern medicine. From questioning vaccines and antibiotics to promoting natural immunity and detox culture, RFK's ideology has the potential to disrupt decades of public health progress. We also analyze the ripple effects of his policies at HHS, including massive staff layoffs, restructuring of CDC and NIH programs, and his polarizing vaccine messaging campaign. Is RFK Jr. a visionary... or a risk to public health? We'll break down the science, the pseudoscience, and why this debate is far more than academic — it's about the future of medicine and public trust. Whether you're a science-minded skeptic or a curious critic of mainstream medicine, this episode is your go-to resource for understanding the RFK Jr. controversy through a balanced, evidence-based lens. Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE Go to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

In this deeply personal and educational episode, we take you inside our IVF journey while answering 5 of the most important questions anyone considering in vitro fertilization should know. From hormone injections to embryo biopsies, we're pulling back the curtain on the full process—emotionally, physically, and financially. We discuss: What are the real IVF success rates—and how much does age matter? We break down the data and share our own experience with genetic testing (PGTA), embryo freezing, and what happened after retrieval. What actually impacts IVF success? We explain the role of lifestyle, egg quality, embryo development, and how medications like Gonal-F and Menopur work to stimulate the ovaries—and the importance of avoiding ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). How much does IVF cost? We talk real numbers, from medication to procedures, and tips on what insurance may or may not cover. How many IVF cycles might you need? We give a realistic view of how many rounds most people go through, why it often takes multiple cycles, and what we learned during the waiting game for PGTA results. What are the risks and side effects of IVF? We highlight potential complications, like multiple pregnancies, miscarriage risk, and the physical/emotional toll of injections, birth control phases, progesterone oil, and cycle timing. We also cover how to choose the right fertility clinic using SART reports and share trusted medical voices to follow, including Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a leading fertility expert who provides evidence-based insights on social media. Whether you're just starting to explore IVF or are already in the thick of it, this episode offers honest insights, key medical facts, and encouragement for every step of the journey. Coach VinnyEmail: vinny@balancedbodies.ioInstagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodiesFacebook: Vinny Russo Dr. ErynEmail: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.ioInstagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodiesFacebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODEGo to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

In this episode, Dr. Eryn opens up about her personal postpartum journey—the struggles, the victories, and the lessons learned along the way. She shares her experience navigating body image changes, the challenge of losing weight while prioritizing milk production, and the emotional and physical adjustments that come with new motherhood. Join us for an honest and empowering conversation about self-care, balance, and embracing the postpartum process. Whether you're a new mom or supporting one, this episode is filled with relatable insights and encouragement. Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE Go to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

In this deeply personal episode, I share my first 2 weeks as a new father while also facing a major setback—a torn distal bicep. From the overwhelming emotions of hearing my daughter's first cry to the unexpected lessons that came with injury recovery, this week has been a rollercoaster of love, adaptation, and perspective shifts. I discuss the raw realities of adjusting to fatherhood, how my mindset around priorities has changed, and how I'm turning adversity into an opportunity for growth. If you're a new parent, dealing with an injury, or navigating life's unexpected challenges, this episode will inspire you to embrace change and push forward with resilience. Coach Vinny Email: vinny@balancedbodies.io Instagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodies Facebook: Vinny Russo Dr. Eryn Email: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.io Instagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodies Facebook: Eryn Stansfield LEGION 20% OFF CODE Go to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!

Confused by all the conflicting health advice on social media? You're not alone. In this must-listen episode your host Coach Vinny is a guest on the Until It's Done, A Devoted Podcast with host Dana Lynn Kaye to tackle seven of the biggest fitness and nutrition myths that just won't die. From oatmeal and carbs to seed oils and gluten, they break down the science behind the most debated topics in health and fitness—so you can finally stop second-guessing your food choices. What You'll Learn: ✔️ The truth about carbs—are they really making you fat? ✔️ Seed oils & inflammation—science vs. fear-mongering ✔️ Why oatmeal gets unfair hate (and when it isn't the best choice) ✔️ Gluten sensitivity vs. actual intolerance—who really needs to avoid it? ✔️ The clickbait myths that need to be left behind in 2025 ✔️ How to spot misinformation and make smarter nutrition decisions If you're tired of trendy nonsense and just want clear, evidence-based advice, this episode is for you. Hit play now and take back control of your health! Coach VinnyEmail: vinny@balancedbodies.ioInstagram: vinnyrusso_balancedbodiesFacebook: Vinny Russo Dr. ErynEmail: dr.eryn@balancedbodies.ioInstagram: dr.eryn_balancedbodiesFacebook: Eryn Stansfield Dana Lynn KayeInstagram: danalynnkaye LEGION 20% OFF CODEGo to https://legionathletics.com/ and use the code RUSSO for 20% off your order!