Episode 230: Should You Train Fasted?

 In this episode of Vegan Proteins Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Alice dive into the topic of peri-workout nutrition: what to eat before, during, and after your workouts to maximize energy, performance, and recovery.They discuss the pros and cons of training fasted, how carbohydrates and glycogen protect your muscles, the importance of hydration and electrolytes, and practical strategies for vegan athletes to stay fueled without overcomplicating meal timing.Whether you train early in the morning or later in the day, this episode offers science-backed tips to help you train smarter and recover stronger on a plant-based diet. 🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

Giacomo and Sawyer explore the complexities of personal growth in fitness, discussing the importance of coaching, navigating ambivalence, and the emotional investment required for success. They reflect on their own experiences in competition and the challenges faced by clients in achieving their goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-discovery, setting realistic expectations, and the value of community support in the fitness journey.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

Alice and Giacomo dive deep into the world’s favorite stimulant. They explore how it impacts training, recovery, hydration, and sleep, and share personal experiences with dependence, withdrawal, and mindful moderation.You’ll learn how to use caffeine strategically for better workouts without burning out, the benefits of pairing it with L-theanine and L-tyrosine, and why switching to decaf or cycling off caffeine can improve long-term performance.Whether you’re a vegan athlete, bodybuilder, or just trying to optimize your energy, this conversation offers practical tools to help you use caffeine smarter.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

Learn how to stay consistent with fitness when life gets hectic. Coaches Ben & Sawyer share mindset, nutrition, and training tips to stay resilient throughout.From traveling and schedule changes to shifting priorities, they explore practical strategies that don't demand perfection. This includes how to develop adaptability, nutrition habits, emotional resilience, and realistic training expectations.The coaches share personal experiences, coaching insights, and mindset tips to help you stay grounded, flexible, and progressing even when routines fall apart.🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1LlPlant Fit Meg's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PlantFitMegCoach Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benji_prodigy 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

In this week's episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, we’re talking about something most people don’t expect: what happens when you hit your weight loss goal... and it still doesn’t feel like “enough.”We also dive into: • Why weight loss can sometimes trigger new insecurities • The mental and emotional work most people don’t expect • What comes after the goal weight, and how to prepare • Body image, maintenance, and managing social pressure • Why sustainable tools matter more than the number on the scale✨ Helpful Links and Resources:🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: Bi-weekly live coaching calls Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

This week’s episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio is a good one—and a real peek behind the curtain of what actually happens when we’re coaching clients through body comp goals.We’re digging into: Why some clients need free meals—and others need to be told to chill with them What to do if tracking everything you eat is starting to make you miserable How we use meal plans strategically (even though we usually don’t love them) And why the “perfect program” is overrated if you’re not mentally in the game Whether you’re a coach or someone chasing your own goals, this one’s a reminder that success is never just about the numbers.✨ Helpful Links and Resources:🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: Bi-weekly live coaching calls Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================

What does a cross-country vegan strong-person party bus have to do with burnout? Absolutely nothing. But it did come up in this week’s episode, and honestly, we kind of love the idea. Once we got back on track, Sawyer and Giacomo dug into the messy, exhausting, and all-too-familiar topic of burnout—what it looks like, how to recognize it, and what to do when you realize you're running on fumes.Sawyer shares his own experience from his lawyer days (spoiler: it wasn’t pretty), and Giacomo offers insight on how burnout shows up in coaching clients—especially the ones who think admitting they're overwhelmed is a weakness. This one’s part personal story, part strategy session, and totally relatable.If you’re caught in the loop of "just get through this week" on repeat... you need this one.✨ Helpful Links and Resources:🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: Bi-weekly live coaching calls Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.================================= 

Let’s talk about what happens after the glitter and tan fade. You know—that time between shows when the real work begins. Whether you call it an improvement season, build phase, or just “eating more and lifting heavy,” it’s where champions are made.In this week’s episode, Alice opens up about her shift from bikini to a more muscular division, the psychological rollercoaster of gaining weight intentionally (yes, it’s a thing), and how judging has changed her perspective on posing and physique goals.Ben shares why the off-season is where strategy matters most—and why you might need to get uncomfortable to level up.If you’ve ever questioned your path in bodybuilding or wondered what the next chapter might look like, this one’s for you.✨ Helpful Links and Resources:🌱 Coaching ApplicationTake your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training 📖 Free High-Protein Vegan Cookbook:https://mailchi.mp/veganproteins/xytg8h94zp 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:Try it free for one month:https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/ ✅ Membership Includes: Bi-weekly live coaching calls Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE:MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.=================================