Well-fed Women: Health | Nutrition | Fitness | Mindset

Today, we’re talking muscle, protein, and everything you need to know about healthy aging with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon. We break down optimal protein intake, the habits that actually build muscle, and the most effective way to train in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. If you want a clear, science-backed roadmap to becoming “forever strong,” this episode is it! Timestamps:[3:36] Welcome Dr. Lyon[22:53] What’s the ideal ratio of protein for women who strength train?[23:59] If you’re trying to build muscle and lose fat, how does protein change?[25:38] Should our macros change as we age? Also, what are your favorite brands of protein powder and supplements? [34:29] Do you take creatine and amino acids every day or just on the days you work out?[38:13] Should collagen intake be counted towards daily protein intake?[40:49] How do I get enough protein each day if a high dose messes up my digestion?[42:36] Does consuming protein with carbs or with fat make a fat for building lean muscle?[43:58] Does your body’s ability to absorb p

Lead in protein powder?

In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Kayla Girgen to talk about what it really takes to build strength and resilience in midlife—without burning out. We dive into common fitness and nutrition myths that keep women stuck, how to train smarter (not harder), and why simple things like walking with weight—aka rucking—can transform your metabolism, muscle, and mindset. Timestamps:[.15] Intro[3:18] Interview with Kayla Girgen[3:48] What actually counts as strength training?[9:09] For women who are already active, what shifts should they make in mid life to better support bone density?[12:38] Talk me through food for bone density [18:00] What are some shifts that I can make to my current fitness routine to make it beneficial to my changing body?[21:43] After age 35, how much of our routine should be cardio vs strength work? [23:03] How often are you rucking?[23:40] What exactly is rucking and how does it differ from walking?[25:34] How does rucking compare to running, HIIT or cycling in terms of energ

I always get a ton of questions about how to handle cold and flu season, so today I’m doing a deep dive into both prevention, and what to do at the first sign of sickness. No panic, no spiraling—just practical, holistic support so you can feel confident all season long. You got this!Timestamps:[1:52] Welcome [5:15] Prevention [9:40] Supplements for prevention [23:52] What do do when you start feeling it come on[29:33] Bonus herbsEpisode Links:New Well Minerals Pure Whole Food Vitamin C Vitamin D3 + K2 (adults) Vitamin D3 (kids)Elderberry Syrup  (use code coconuts for 20% off your first purchase)Drs. Choice ProbioticHerb Pharm Kids Immune Fortifier Zinc Lozenges Zinc Liquid DropsQuercetinKids Quercetin (age 6+)  Xlear Nasal Spray drinklmnt.com/wellfedHerm Pharm Kids Immune AvengerGaia Herbs Quick Defense Umcka Cold Care  Boiron Oscillococcinum Lumebox red light therapy Sponsors:Go to curednutrition.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED for 20% off.Go to drinklmnt.com/wellfed and use code WELLFED to get a free 8-pa

 Today we unpack a groundbreaking new study showing exercise stops cancer from coming back after treatment. We also talk about what really matters for building strength and longevity, how to know if you’re actually gaining muscle, and which labs are worth asking for at your next physical. Spoiler: “toning” isn’t a thing, but progressive overload definitely is. Timestamps:[1:35] Welcome[15:15] Discussion about study on how exercise is better than drugs to stop cancer[29:11] What are the top 3 basics for fitness after age 35?[42:15] I'm due for a physical and I want bloodwork and don’t know what to ask for. [49:05] I’ve been lifting more intentionally, but not sure if what I’m doing is building muscle. How do I know if I’m building muscle vs. maintaining? Episode Links:Exercise ‘better than drugs’ to stop cancer returning after treatment, trial findsNoelle's instagram post: Exercise is more effective than drugs at stopping cancerSponsors:Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for

Blood sugar affects everything from your energy and sleep to your hormones and weight—yet most women are never taught how to manage it. In this episode, Kara Collier, RDN and co-founder of Nutrisense, shares what you need to know about CGMs, practical lifestyle hacks for glucose control, and the unique considerations women face after 35.Timestamps:[1:44] Intro[6:45] Interview with Kara[7:06] What did you see in your practice that made you realize blood sugar is a much bigger piece of the health puzzle?[10:51] Can you define what healthy blood sugar is, outside of markers on labs?[13:45] What does healthy blood sugar look like from a CGM perspective? [19:20] What's your opinion on why women are struggling more with blood sugar?[24:36] What do CGM's track and what data is most important? [36:10] Talk to me about the impact that stress has on our blood sugar and our ability to manage glucose.[41:06] What about exercise and sauna (the things that raise our heart rate)? What do we expect to see, what’s n

This week we’re digging into a new study on high-protein ultra-processed foods (spoiler: protein doesn’t magically cancel out junk food), plus your biggest questions on appetite, cardio vs. strength, and working out with hypothyroidism. We talk about our thoughts on “belly fat,” why your hunger might have gone MIA, and how to find the right workout balance without losing your mind. Timestamps:[1:35] Welcome [4:00] Discussion: study that looked at protein enriched foods [14:40] I’d love to know how to increase my appetite. [36:14] What’s a good ratio of cardio vs strength per week?[39:26] This question is about hypothyroidism - I take a medicine first thing in the morning and I’m not supposed to eat for a full hour after taking. It’s also the only time I have to workout - am I doing damage working out on an empty stomach?Episode Links:High protein ultra processed foods Sponsors:Go to https://thisisneeded.com/  and use coupon code WELLFED for 20% off your first order.Go to curednutrition.com/wellfed and use cod

Michelle Shapiro is back to uncover the shocking truths about MCAS, histamine intolerance, and POTS that most people, including practitioner, get wrong. We dive into the latest science, why “detoxing” or chasing root causes too soon can actually backfire, and how to begin the path to healing. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or stuck in your symptoms, this conversation will change how you see chronic illness. Timestamps:[1:36] Welcome [5:20] Interview with Michelle Shapiro [6:11] How often do histamine or mast cell issues show up under the surface when people don’t realize it?[11:14] Is there anything that you need to clear or calm down the activation? [14:18] What are the earliest red flags that someone's unexplained symptoms could be mast cells or a histamine reaction?[18:02] Are there different symptoms with MCAS verses histamine issues or do they always coincide?[21:12] What are some common root cause of histamine issues?[28:44] How is someone targeting their nervous system and histamines?[39

In this episode, we’re tackling your biggest questions about exercise, stress, and hormones. We explore why blood sugar may look more stable on workout days, what exercise intolerance really means (and when it’s best to rest), and the difference between everyday stress and deeper hormonal imbalances. If you’ve ever wondered how stress shows up in your workouts, energy, and resilience, this one’s for you. Timestamps:[1:55] Welcome [13:48] Health benefits of walking backwards[20:41] Could you talk more about exercise intolerance - when to push and when to hold back? How do we know when strength training we’ll help and when to hold back and take a break?[35:23] I recently tried a cgm and started back at CrossFit two times a week. I noticed on my CrossFit days my blood sugar was lower and more stable. Is this a good indication that I’m ok to do this type of exercise?[47:03] I’m in my late 30s, working full time, and raising two kids. I feel like I’m constantly in "go mode". I know that stress affects ho

Back pain is one of the most common health issues, but most people are getting the story wrong. In this episode, Dr. Grant Elliott breaks down the latest research on pain, the nervous system, and recovery—explaining why scary MRI results don’t always match symptoms, why movement is medicine, and how your beliefs can shape healing. You’ll learn practical tools to calm a sensitized nervous system and rethink what real recovery looks like. Timestamps:[1:50] Intro[4:49] Welcome Dr. Grant Elliott[5:20] What are some of the biggest misconceptions that you’ve found in your practice most people carry with them about pain?[16:53] Can an unregulated nervous system make our pain worse or stuck in pain patterns?[24:42] Are there any specific mechanical movements that you see is one specific thing causing pain? [27:47] What are some examples of movements that are familiar in the gym that are extension based?[29:44] True or false? Movement is the antidote to pain?[34:41] Can you explain the concept of graded exposure?[59:1

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? [40:1

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 an

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 C

 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

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

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 y

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

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

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