Episode 265: Peptides Explained: The Good, the Bad & the Hype

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, the Vegan Proteins coaching team sits down for their first-ever roundtable discussion to tackle one of the hottest topics in fitness right now: peptides. Ben, Dani, Sawyer, Alice, and Giacomo break down what peptides actually are, why they’ve become so popular on social media, and how the conversation around them has changed dramatically in recent years.The coaches discuss the difference between well-studied peptide medications such as GLP-1 agonists and the growing number of unregulated compounds being promoted online for fat loss, recovery, muscle growth, and anti-aging. They explore why terms like “peptide” can be misleading, how influencer marketing has fueled the trend, and why many people underestimate the risks associated with injecting substances that have limited human research behind them.The conversation also covers WADA regulations, natural bodybuilding, the appeal of quick fixes, the importance of blood work and medical supervision, and why foundational habits like nutrition, sleep, training, and stress management should come before chasing the latest performance-enhancing trend. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on GLP-1 medications, who may genuinely benefit from them, and why they’re not a substitute for addressing the underlying causes of overeating.If you’ve been curious about peptides but feel overwhelmed by the hype, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-focused perspective from coaches who work with real clients every day.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Dani discuss nonlinear dieting and how adjusting calorie intake throughout the week can make fat loss more sustainable. They break down strategies like high/low days, refeeds, diet breaks, and flexible calorie targets while explaining why adherence is often the biggest factor in long-term success.They also talk about training updates, managing injuries, maintaining performance while dieting, and why slower fat loss can help preserve muscle and improve the overall dieting experience. The conversation covers how to handle vacations, social events, and real-life situations without feeling like you have to choose between your goals and enjoying life.Finally, Ben and Dani discuss who can benefit from nonlinear dieting, the importance of developing flexibility with food, and why learning how to maintain your results is just as important as reaching your goal.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode of Vegan Proteins' Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben is joined by coaches Sawyer and Giacomo for a roundtable discussion on common beginner fitness mistakes and myths that can hold people back. They break down misconceptions around cardio, nutrition, muscle growth, training intensity, and building sustainable habits.The coaches discuss why cardio can actually improve performance, why nutrition doesn’t need to be perfect to build muscle, and why effective training comes down to consistency, progressive overload, and proper execution. They also cover myths like high reps being better for “toning,” soreness being required for growth, and machines being inferior to free weights.The episode highlights the importance of focusing on the fundamentals, learning how to train effectively, and avoiding extreme approaches that distract from what actually drives long-term progress. Whether you’re new to fitness or have been training for years, these lessons can help you build a better approach.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode of Vegan Proteins' Muscles by Brussels Radio, Dani and Alice dive deep into the realities of perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and maintaining a strong, healthy physique as women get older. They discuss the overwhelming amount of information online, the difference between helpful education and fear-based messaging, and why menopause is a complex transition rather than a simple explanation for every struggle with weight loss.The conversation covers how declining estrogen and progesterone can impact muscle retention, body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, recovery, sleep, and overall stress tolerance. Dani and Alice discuss why calories in versus calories out still applies, while acknowledging that the factors influencing calorie needs and adherence can change over time. They also talk about why strength training, movement, adequate nutrition, and patience become even more important as women age.They explore topics like chronic dieting, metabolic adaptation, reverse dieting, fiber intake, digestion, stress management, and the importance of avoiding extreme approaches. The episode also breaks down hormone replacement therapy (HRT), what it can and cannot do, why it is highly individual, and why medical guidance matters when considering hormonal treatments.Whether you are navigating menopause yourself, coaching women through this stage of life, or simply want to better understand how the female body changes with age, this episode provides a balanced look at fitness, hormones, and long-term health.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with coaching client Kelsey to discuss her remarkable first bodybuilding season, which culminated in earning professional status. Kelsey shares what initially inspired her to compete, how she balanced contest prep with a demanding legal career, and the lessons she learned about consistency, flexibility, and self-belief throughout the process.The conversation also explores Kelsey’s long-standing commitment to animal advocacy, her journey from vegetarian to vegan, and how those values shaped both her career and lifestyle. They discuss the realities of contest prep, overcoming perfectionism, navigating setbacks, managing travel and work responsibilities, and why having the right coach and support system can make such a profound difference. Kelsey also reflects on the experience of stepping on stage for the first time, achieving pro status, and what comes next after accomplishing a goal that had been decades in the making.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with Dr. Angie Sadeghi for an in-depth conversation on GLP-1 medications, gut health, digestion, fiber, and the growing confusion surrounding modern nutrition advice.Dr. Sadeghi explains how medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro actually work, why they’ve been so effective for appetite regulation and metabolic health, and what the research really says about concerns like muscle loss and long-term safety. The discussion also dives into insulin resistance, intramuscular fat, and why she believes many people have been misled about carbohydrates and fiber for years.Ben and Dr. Sadeghi explore why most Americans are severely lacking in fiber intake, the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber, and how gut health is often oversimplified online. They also discuss probiotics, fermented foods, microbiome testing, digestive discomfort during transitions to plant-based eating, and why Dr. Sadeghi no longer recommends the FODMAP diet for most patients.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sadeghi shares practical insights from years of clinical experience helping patients improve their digestion, body composition, metabolic health, and long-term quality of life.🌱 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.=================================

Ben and Sawyer begin with a life update covering travel, training structure, and adapting to new environments as a vegan athlete living abroad. Sawyer discusses moving from Spain to Albania, dealing with culture shock, finding vegan food options, and maintaining gym consistency while adjusting to a new lifestyle.Ben shares updates on training flexibility, managing stress, and maintaining progress through structured but adaptable programming. They also discuss meal prep strategies, including homemade soy milk, tofu, seitan, and high-protein vegan foods, along with the importance of sustainability in long-term physique development.The main discussion focuses on the creators and educators who have influenced their perspectives on vegan nutrition, bodybuilding, and evidence-based fitness. They highlight a mix of scientists, coaches, communicators, and advocates who bridge research and practical application.They discuss why these voices stand out, the importance of evidence-based communication, and how different styles of content (long-form podcasts vs short-form videos) serve different learning preferences.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode, Giacomo and Sawyer dive into the biggest coaching mistakes they’ve made throughout their careers and how their perspectives on coaching have evolved over time.The conversation explores everything from rigid programming and poor communication to sustainability, emotional awareness, and the importance of building genuine client relationships. They discuss why coaching is far more than just training plans and macros, how empathy changes the coaching process, and why individualized support matters more than forcing clients into a one-size-fits-all system.They also reflect on early coaching experiences, mistakes made during the “IIFYM era,” balancing accountability with compassion, and why helping clients better understand themselves is one of the most valuable parts of the coaching process.This episode is a candid behind-the-scenes look at what good coaching actually looks like — and how both coaches and clients grow through the process together.🌱 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.=================================

In this episode, Ben and Giacomo are joined by Dr. Michael Greger to discuss one of the most debated topics in nutrition and fitness: protein intake. The conversation covers how much protein we actually need, the potential longevity tradeoffs of excessive protein consumption, and why plant protein may offer unique advantages compared to animal protein.Dr. Greger explains the role of methionine restriction, IGF-1, and mTOR in aging, while also emphasizing the importance of resistance training and muscle mass for long-term health. The group discusses fall prevention, balance training, sarcopenia, insulin sensitivity, and the challenges of communicating science in today’s attention economy.The episode wraps up with practical nutrition advice, thoughts on protein powders versus whole foods, and Dr. Greger’s enthusiasm for broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane-rich foods.Dr. Greger's Bio: Dr. Michael Greger is a physician, internationally recognized nutrition speaker, and founding Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He runs the nonprofit NutritionFacts.org, which provides free evidence-based nutrition videos and articles. A graduate of Cornell University and Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Greger has lectured at the World Bank, testified before Congress, and served as an expert witness in Oprah Winfrey’s “meat defamation” trial. He is the bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Diet, and How Not to Age. All proceeds from his books and speaking engagements are donated to charity. 🌱 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.=================================

In this episode, Coach Alice shares her deeply personal journey from growing up as a chronically ill child with exercise-induced asthma and ulcerative colitis to becoming a vegan bodybuilder, strongwoman athlete, and coach at Vegan Proteins.Alice opens up about how years of struggling with inflammation, restrictive dieting, and digestive issues eventually led her to veganism, a change she says completely transformed her quality of life. She also discusses discovering bodybuilding during COVID, winning her bikini pro card in 2024, competing with PlantBuilt, and later transitioning into strongwoman training.The conversation also dives into body image, learning to embrace growth phases, the importance of self-care, and why coaching is about far more than just weight loss. This is an inspiring episode about resilience, health, confidence, and finding purpose through fitness.🌱 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.=================================