

The Energy Balance Podcast
Jay Feldman Wellness
Discover how you can live without constant hunger and fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, and other low-energy symptoms. The Energy Balance Podcast will teach you how to maximize your cellular energy so you can take back your health and finally experience clear-headed focus, restful sleep, and all-day energy you didn’t think was possible.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 27min
BV #17: Weight Regain On Sugar Diet & Metformin + Sugar Fasting = Disaster
In this episode we discuss:
Jay Campbell, Hunter Williams, and Mark Bell’s supplement stacks for staying insulin sensitive on the sugar diet
Whether using Metformin while on the sugar diet helps improve insulin sensitivity
The major differences between the sugar diet and the bioenergetic approach
Real-life examples of weight regain and other negative experiences after the sugar diet
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
0:24 – the costs of metformin: mitochondrial toxicity, increased lactate, inefficient ATP production, and slowed metabolism
5:22 – is using Metformin a good idea on the sugar diet?
10:30 – the dangers of increasing FGF21 while on Metformin
13:53 – increasing FGF21 activity is counter to the bioenergetic view of health
20:23 – Hunter Williams’ supplement stack for insulin sensitivity: metformin, Jardiance, retatrutide, and dihydroberberine
21:42 – the negative effects of Jardiance
24:59 – whether retatrutide and other GLP-1 agonists are healthy from a bioenergetic perspective
27:30 – whether there are any benefits to using medications like metformin, Jardiance, retatrutide, and dihydroberberine
31:54 – how increasing FGF21 with the sugar diet could lead to heart problems such as arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation (AFIB)
38:58 – does the sugar diet boost metabolic rate the same way the bioenergetic approach does?
46:27 – examples of how the sugar diet downregulates metabolism through stress
50:51 – the cumulative effects of stress: how much stress can we handle?
55:15 – how to recover from the negative effects of the sugar diet
58:24 – is stress beneficial? is it possible to avoid stress altogether?
59:51 – problems with dropping fat too low, especially in lean individuals
1:03:50 – the risks of rapid weight loss and the importance of keeping long-term goals in mind
1:08:02 – why cutting out entire macronutrient groups can backfire and what to do instead
1:11:20 – how extreme diets prime our bodies for weight regain
1:14:54 – real-life examples of weight regain after the sugar diet and why it happens
1:20:18 – is there a smarter way to do the sugar diet?
1:24:01 – are there legitimate benefits to the sugar diet?

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 21min
BV #16: Cole Robinson Flip-Flops on Sugar Diet Recommendations
In this episode we discuss:
Cole Robinson’s different iterations of the sugar diet and whether it’s okay to change your mind
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
0:37 – Cole Robinson flip-flops his recommendations on the sugar diet
7:43 – problems with using weight loss as the primary determinant of health
12:43 – Cole Robinson’s early recommendations on sugar fasting
14:16 – the impact of the sugar diet on gut and dental health
16:40 – the importance of understanding how a diet works rather than focusing solely on the short-term results
20:26 – the benefits of eating fruit rather than white sugar sources like candy
21:58 – concerns with blood sugar stability on low-fat diets
23:49 – problems with taking a “1990s low-fat approach” as Cole Robinson recommends
26:18 – Cole Robinson’s flip flop on the sugar diet
31:48 – concerns with digestion and liver detoxification on a low-fat diet
34:46 – Cole Robinson’s history of changing dietary recommendations – from the Snake Diet to the Sugar Diet
36:13 – whether the sugar diet could be used as a short-term tool to lose body fat
38:30 – the many iterations of advice on the sugar diet from Cole Robinson
39:53 – the importance of losing body fat in a healthy way
42:32 – will the 1990s low-fat diet last?
45:29 – whether having enough carbohydrates protects against muscle loss while on the sugar diet
46:57 – caution for those trying the sugar diet for weight loss
51:50 – FGF21 requires a protein deficiency
53:48 – why Cole Robinson’s new low-fat diet may not lead to rapid weight loss like the sugar diet
57:54 – the sugar diet shows that sugar isn’t the cause of insulin resistance
1:03:41 – did Cole Robinson actually lie about what he his original sugar diet recommendations?
1:13:27 – the toxic nature of social media and its impact on learning

Jul 24, 2025 • 49min
[Mini-Episode] Sugar Diet Cope from the Low-Carb "Experts"
Download the free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/
Sign up for a free call for help with weight loss and other health issues: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/call/
Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
4:29 – Ben Bikman suggests the sugar diet only works for lean, active, healthy men
9:33 – Ben Bikman’s claim that satiety is lower on high-carb diets
14:37 – Ben Bikman parrots the argument that carbohydrates are not essential
19:40 – Thomas DeLauer on sugar fasting and insulin sensitivity
22:15 – Thomas Delauer says high-sugar diets cause glycation and AGEs 24:44 – Ken Berry and Anthony Chaffee fearmonger about glycation, glucose, and insulin
28:01 – the truth about glycation on high-carb diets
31:48 – how low-carb diets can cause glycation and increase AGEs
35:22 – Nick Norwitz says the sugar diet won't work for obese people due to FGF21 resistance
39:14 – Nick Norwitz claims that fructose harms the liver
44:24 – Nick Norwitz also parrots the argument that carbohydrates are not essential

6 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 23min
BV #15: Kate Deering on Menopause & HRT, and Primal Bod Says Carbs Deplete Your Nutrients
Kate Deering, author and bioenergetics expert, dives into the world of menopause and hormone therapy. She discusses the potential benefits and risks of estrogen therapy, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach for pre- and post-menopausal women. Kate critiques common dietary myths, especially the idea that carbs are unnecessary for nutrient absorption. Listeners will learn about symptoms management, the roles of various hormones, and practical strategies to improve well-being during this life stage.

10 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 55min
BV #14: Carbs Are NOT Essential, Should You Eat Them? And Bill Burr on Fasting
A lively debate breaks out over the necessity of carbohydrates, with experts challenging the myths surrounding them. Bill Burr hilariously shares his fasting experiences for fat loss, revealing the psychological toll it can take. The conversation dives into how fasting can lead to food obsession and explores the emotional impacts of dietary restrictions. Plus, insights from the Minnesota Starvation Experiment shed light on the dangers of diet extremes. Ultimately, the discussion champions a balanced, healthier relationship with food.

5 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 36min
BV #13: Ken Berry’s Fructose Fearmongering, Glycation Myths, & ChatGPT Says We’re Wrong
The podcast dives into Dr. Ken Berry's provocative claims about fructose and its impact on human diets, questioning whether our ancestors truly only consumed sweet foods a few times a year. It challenges the oversimplified associations of fructose with weight gain and emphasizes the complexities of glycation processes. The speakers advocate for a nuanced understanding of carbohydrates, metabolic health, and the influence of modern lifestyles on dietary choices. They also critique the reliability of AI in nutritional advice, encouraging listeners to think critically about health information.

49 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 60min
BV #12: Gary Brecka Doesn’t Understand Thyroid & Natural PUFA vs. Seed Oils
Dive into the intriguing world of thyroid health as the discussion uncovers misconceptions about T4 to T3 conversion. The hosts challenge popular claims on hormone replacement therapy and its effects on thyroid function. Explore the complexities of Hashimoto's disease and the roots of thyroid dysfunction, pushing past quick fixes. The conversation also critiques seed oils versus unprocessed polyunsaturated fats, urging listeners to rethink their dietary choices for better health outcomes.

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 17min
BV #11: High-Carb Diet Misconceptions, Gabrielle Lyon on Gluconeogenesis, & Cold Plunging Concerns
In this episode we discuss:
Gabrielle Lyon’s claims about carbohydrate disposal, “earning our carbs”, and balancing carbs with muscle
Whether the body’s ability to make glucose through gluconeogenesis means that we don’t need to consume carbohydrates
How cold plunging may calm the nervous system by first triggering excessive stress, and whether that’s worth it
Whether the benefits of cold exposure outweigh the costs, and how to gauge when stressors like exercise become too much
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
0:45 – Gabrielle Lyon on the amount of carbohydrates we can “dispose of” in a meal
8:52 – whether Gabrielle Lyon’s claim that excess carbohydrates turn into fat is valid
12:39 – do we need to “earn our carbs” with exercise?
18:32 – how upregulating gluconeogenesis by not consuming carbohydrates drives insulin resistance
21:27 – do low-carb high-protein diets support skeletal muscle health?
22:56 – strategies for adjusting macronutrients to fit your individual needs
29:24 – how to shift away from low-carb diets, focusing on what’s optimal rather than minimum requirements
31:44 – optimal carb intake for muscles and general health
34:57 – applying Ray Peat’s “perceive, think, act” process to optimize our diets
39:29 – the difference between parroting information and thinking critically
43:20 – cold plunging calms the nervous system by first driving excessive stress
48:36 – the cumulative effects of stressors like cold plunging and the risks associated with them
53:41 – whether the benefits of cold exposure outweigh the costs and how much stress is too much
56:28 – how hormesis works and whether the dose makes the poison
1:01:34 – what is stress and how do we prevent it?
1:05:09 – how to get the same benefits without using hormetics like fasting, Wim Hof breathing, and cold exposure
1:10:35 – does reaching a goal have to be difficult or stressful?

13 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
EB. 134: The Sugar Diet: Lose Fat and Increase Your Metabolism WITHOUT Losing Muscle Mass
Explore the mechanics of sugar and honey diets, revealing their surprising ability to aid weight loss without sacrificing health. Discover how FGF21 plays a role in metabolism and the implications of low protein intake on muscle retention. The podcast also discusses the potential health risks linked to extreme sugar diets, including concerns about bone health and reproductive hormones. Learn about the need for a balanced approach to nutrition rather than relying on quick-fix diets for sustainable health.

May 22, 2025 • 30min
[Mini Episode] Sugar Diet & FGF21 Simplified: Muscle Loss, Stress, and Weight Regain
Download the free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/
Sign up for a free call for help with weight loss and other health issues: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/call/
Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
1:20 – overview of FGF21 and how it gets triggered
6:40 – FGF21 works via stress, turning down metabolism and leading to weight regain
11:30 – will the sugar diet cause negative effects if only used short-term?
21:44 – does eating protein at night prevent the negative effects?
27:18 – the negative effects only occur in the research after long-term FGF21 upregulation