The Real Secret to Fat Loss Maintenance: Insights from 30 Years of Research with Dr. James Hil

NEW! Support your strength and muscle goals with PUORI Creatine+ — a clean, effective creatine monohydrate supplement enhanced with taurine. Get 20% off at puori.com/VANESSA In today’s episode, Vanessa sits down with one of the most influential figures in obesity and metabolism research — Dr. James Hill, Professor of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry. Dr. Hill has spent over four decades studying how people successfully lose weight, maintain it long-term, and preserve their lean mass and metabolic health. Dr. Hill has led landmark clinical trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Look AHEAD, and the Beef WISE Study on high-protein diets. His decades of work reveal why weight loss is only the beginning — and why the real secret to success lies in learning the completely different skill set of maintenance. OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin’s biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they’ve transformed my skin’s smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase In this conversation, you’ll hear: The protein “lever” Dr. Hill uses to curb appetite and protect muscle during a cut—plus why the source may matter less than you think Three habits most long-term maintainers share (and one that surprised even him) The moment your “diet” must flip into “maintenance”—and a simple sign you’re ready The smallest daily tweak from his research that predicts whether you’ll regain or not What exercise actually changes in your metabolism beyond calorie burn—and how much you really need The simple resistance-training + protein formula he gives midlife women to keep muscle while losing fat His three-bucket framework (diet, activity, mind state) and a 60-second self-check to find which bucket is breaking your results The mindset shift that moves people from “I always regain” to “this is who I am” — plus a quick exercise to uncover your real why The step-by-step exit plan he uses when patients come off GLP-1s—starting with what to do in week one to avoid rebound If you’ve ever lost weight and struggled to keep it off, this episode shows you which levers matter most—and how to pull them so your results stick while your metabolism and muscle thrive. Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Free High-Protein Keto Guide  Get 20% off on the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy Mask or the Tone Device breath ketone analyzer at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast Mentioned in this episode: • Dr. James Hill’s upcoming book: Losing the Weight Loss Meds: A 10-Week Playbook for Stopping GLP-1 Medications and Keeping the Weight Off — now available for pre-order • The National Weight Control Registry; The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP); The Look AHEAD Study; The Beef WISE Study The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Beat BLOAT & unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. NOW GET 15% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa In this solo episode, Vanessa breaks down her in-depth conversation with Dr. Emily Lantz, a leading researcher in protein metabolism and muscle physiology. Discover why eating around 30 g of high-quality protein at each meal may be the key to preserving lean muscle, optimizing metabolism, and aging stronger—especially for women through perimenopause and beyond. Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa Vanessa also unpacks the research on protein distribution (30-30-30), sleep as an anabolic signal, and how to protect your muscle during rapid fat loss, translating cutting-edge science into practical steps you can use today. What You’ll Learn The science behind the 30-30-30 protein rule and why it matters for women How sleep loss can lower muscle protein synthesis by up to 20% What studies reveal about plant vs. animal protein for glucose control and satiety The truth about “wasted” protein and how much you really need per meal How to minimize muscle loss during fat loss or menopause A simple 3-meal template to optimize body composition and strength 🧠 IQBAR – Seasonal flavors + Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE. Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code  Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.    

In this powerful educational episode, Vanessa sits down with Oliver Amdrup-Chamby, CEO and Co-Founder of Puori, for an in-depth masterclass on the supplements most overlooked—yet most transformative—for women’s health: creatine and omega-3s. Drawing on the latest scientific research and insights from world-leading muscle and metabolism experts, Vanessa and Oliver unpack: ✅ Why creatine is a foundational supplement for women—supporting fat loss, body recomposition, muscle preservation, and cognition ✅ How creatine protects metabolism and lean mass during fat loss ✅ The truth about “water retention” and bloating myths ✅ How creatine supports menopause, bone density, and strength across the lifespan ✅ The emerging research on brain and mood benefits of creatine ✅ Why omega-3s are critical for inflammation, recovery, metabolic health, and brain function ✅ How creatine and omega-3s synergize for performance and longevity Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa Then, in the final third of the conversation, they address one of the most pressing issues in the supplement industry today: purity and contamination. Vanessa and Oliver discuss: ⚠️ Why heavy metals like lead have been found in popular protein powders and prenatal vitamins ⚠️ What “safe levels” actually mean ⚠️ How consumers can protect themselves by choosing transparent, third-party tested products ✅ How Puori leads the industry with Clean Label Project certification, testing for over 200 contaminants, and QR codes that let you view your batch’s lab results instantly This episode is a must-listen for women who want to take their health, fat loss, and longevity to the next level—using the cleanest, most evidence-based supplements available. Beat BLOAT & unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. NOW GET 15% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa Mentioned in This Episode: • Puori Creatine+ — use code VANESSA for 20% off, including subscriptions • Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective • Puori Omega-3 testing & Clean Label certification Get my NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.  

Beat BLOAT & unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. NOW GET 15% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa In today’s solocast, we break down a brand new clinical trial that tested whether a high-protein diet really shuts down autophagy — and what it means for fat loss and body composition. For years, many believed that eating more protein would block the body’s cellular clean-up process, and that only low-protein fasting diets could deliver longevity benefits. But does the science actually back that up? This new randomized controlled trial put high-protein and low-protein diets head-to-head, measuring weight loss, belly fat, metabolic health, and markers of autophagy. The results may surprise you — and they could change how we think about protein for fat loss and longevity. Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa We’ll explore: Why autophagy matters for health and aging How the trial compared high vs. low protein under calorie restriction What the researchers found on belly fat, IGF-1, and cellular clean-up What this means for your fat loss and body recomposition goals IQBAR — Brain + body nutrition bars with high protein and clean ingredients. Get 20% off all products by texting VANESSA to 64000. Get my NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

Beat BLOAT & unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. NOW GET 15% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa Today’s solocast is all about Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF) days — how I’ve been using them in my own fat loss journey, how my approach differs from the traditional PSMF, and what the latest research says about PSMF, refeeds, and protein intake for protecting lean mass. IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. I’ll be sharing: Exactly how I structure PSMF days for myself, including my research based updates on the method  How I base my approach on cutting-edge research, including the brand-new 2025 meta-analysis on protein intake and lean mass preservation during fat loss My personal results so far — how much weight I’ve lost since starting August 1, how it’s affecting my body composition, and what’s working best for me The latest studies on PSMF and refeed protocols: do refeeds really help with fat loss or just with muscle preservation and diet fatigue? Why pushing protein higher during a cut is “muscle insurance” and what the evidence says is the sweet spot for most women and men If your goal is fat loss without losing muscle, this episode is your blueprint. Get my NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

Beat BLOAT & unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. NOW GET 15% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa In this special solocast, Vanessa recaps the top highlights from two powerhouse researchers in protein metabolism: Dr. Carlene Starck and Dr. Arny Ferrando. If your goal is fat loss, muscle preservation, and body recomposition—especially in peri and post-menopause—this episode is packed with evidence-based strategies you can start applying today. IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. 🔬 From Dr. Carlene Starck: • Why current essential amino acid (EAA) requirements are likely underestimated. • The role of oxidation and gut turnover in daily amino acid losses. • Why the optimal EAA:non-EAA ratio is ~41–42%—and what that means for protein quality. • Plant vs. animal proteins for body composition and calorie efficiency. • Updated protein targets for women in perimenopause and menopause. • Creatine, collagen, and key micronutrients for women’s metabolic health. 💪 From Dr. Arny Ferrando: • Protein-Sparing Modified Fast (PSMF) vs. water fasting for fat loss and muscle preservation. • GLP-1 agonists: the hidden risks to muscle mass and how to protect yourself. • Collagen for surgery recovery, connective tissue health, and repair. • The two levers of anabolism: amino acid signal + blood flow delivery. • How EAAs timed with movement can overcome anabolic resistance. • Practical programming for peri/post-menopausal women: resistance training, vertical loading, and activity as medicine. • Red light therapy & blood flow restriction: when tools can help support blood flow. ✨ Key Takeaway: Protecting muscle and improving body composition comes down to two things: Quality protein and EAAs to maximize the anabolic signal. Movement and blood flow to deliver those amino acids to muscle. When you combine these, you unlock the blueprint to preserve lean mass, lose fat, and age strong. Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook https://ketogenicgirl.com/pages/new-free-ebook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

Unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. NOW GET 15% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa The Bloating Episode! If you’ve ever struggled with bloating after eating, digestive discomfort, or wondered if your body is really absorbing all the protein and nutrients you consume, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Wade Lightheart, co-founder and president of BiOptimizers, to dive into the science of digestive enzymes and how they can transform digestion, nutrient absorption, and protein utilization. A former natural bodybuilding champion, Wade developed MassZymes after struggling with his own digestion on a high-protein diet. We cover: What EXACTLY causes bloating and poor protein digestion Why low stomach acid and declining enzyme levels with age can cause bloating and poor nutrient absorption. Clinical research on protease blends and a 2024 protein study showing improved amino acid absorption with enzyme support. A university laboratory test on MassZymes suggesting over 1,200% more amino acids released compared to digestion alone. How lipase enzymes can reduce bloating and fullness after high-fat meals. Why older adults and high-protein eaters may especially benefit from enzyme supplementation for muscle and metabolic health. If bloating, slow digestion, or protein absorption has ever held you back from feeling your best, this conversation will help you fix your bloat and unlock the full benefits of your nutrition. 👉 Get 15% off MassZymes by BiOptimizers with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa. Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook https://ketogenicgirl.com/pages/new-free-ebook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

Unlock sharper focus and support long-term brain health with Ketone-IQ — clean brain fuel for deep work, mental clarity, and sustained energy with no crash. Get 30% off your subscription, plus a free gift with your second shipment at Ketone.com/vanessa. Today’s episode features Dr. Carlene Starck, a nutrition scientist whose groundbreaking research is changing the way we think about protein and amino acid requirements. Her work suggests that current recommendations for essential amino acids may be far too low, with major implications for fat loss, muscle preservation, and how we define protein quality. NEW! I love Puori for their pure, science-backed supplements. Creatine+ is one of my top recommendations for women, as it’s a foundational supplement that supports fat loss, body recomposition, lean muscle, and even cognition. Get 20% off at puori.com/VANESSA We discuss her research on: Why true protein and amino acid needs are higher than guidelines suggest How this widens the gap between animal and plant-based proteins The impact of gut and oxidative amino acid losses on protein requirements Novel strategies to improve protein digestion, from kiwifruit enzymes to keratin hydrolysates Dairy vs. plant alternatives, and what her latest A2 milk study revealed about mood and cognition Affordable ways to close key nutrient gaps for better body composition and health Dr. Starck also shares a preview of her upcoming work on protein requirements and what it means for the future of nutrition science. This is a must-listen episode if you want to understand why protein is so central to fat loss, metabolic health, and long-term body recomposition. Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Free High-Protein Keto Guide  Get 20% off on the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy Mask or the Tone Device breath ketone analyzer at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. In this solo recap episode, Vanessa breaks down her in-depth interview with Dr. Andy Galpin, one of the world’s leading muscle scientists and performance physiologists. This 60-minute masterclass distills the most important takeaways from their conversation into clear, actionable steps for fat loss, body recomposition, and metabolic health. 👉 Unlock better protein absorption and digestion with MassZymes by BiOptimizers. Get 10% off your order with the code VANESSA at bioptimizers.com/vanessa What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The real science of fat loss — why stored fat leaves your body as exhaled carbon, not sweat. Carbon in vs. carbon out — how to think about energy balance more clearly. Why nutrition drives fat loss — the 90/10 rule of diet vs. exercise. The two macros most women misjudge — why we consistently overestimate protein and underestimate fat. What to do if you’re stuck at 1,200 calories — Andy’s three-step framework: reevaluate, build muscle, or take a structured diet break. Protein timing truths — total daily protein matters more than timing, plus the role of pre-sleep protein. Metabolic flexibility demystified — why it’s about switching fuels efficiently, not always “burning fat.” The sleep–fat loss connection — how poor sleep alters hormones, cravings, and body composition. Anabolic resistance and menopause — why blood flow and activity may matter more than hormones alone. A one-week action blueprint — practical steps you can apply right away for better results. This episode is packed with clarity and practical insights to help you optimize protein, training, and recovery so you can burn fat, preserve lean mass, and unlock your healthiest, strongest self. Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook https://ketogenicgirl.com/pages/new-free-ebook Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

IQBAR is offering our special podcast listeners 20% OFF all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. To get your 20% off, text VANESSA to 64000. That’s VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. In this Friday episode, I’m diving into my fascinating conversation with Will Nitze, the founder and CEO of IQBAR—a bar formulated to fuel both the brain and the body. This solocast-style recap explores the unique backstory of how Will built IQBAR from the ground up and how the brand became a leader in the functional protein space. We break down: How Will developed the idea and scaled IQBAR from concept to nationwide success The exact macronutrient profile behind IQBAR and why it’s ideal for fat loss The powerful synergy between high protein and high fiber for satiety, stable blood sugar, and body recomposition Why ingredients like MCT oil, lion’s mane, magnesium, and omega-3s were included for cognitive support How smart snacking can support fat loss goals—especially when macros are optimized If you’re someone who struggles with hitting protein targets on the go, curbing cravings, or simply wants a science-backed, low-carb snack that supports your fat loss journey—this is the episode for you. Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décolleté  and get 20% OFF with the code VANESSA Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl • 🔗 Learn more about the TONE Breath Ketone Analyzer — 20% OFF with code VANESSA • Tone Collagen 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.