Episode 510: Layne Norton, PhD: The Best Diet to Follow + Is Diet Coke Actually Bad For You

Ever wondered which diet actually works? Or if artificial sweeteners are as dangerous as the internet makes them sound? In this Fitness Friday episode, I sat down with nutrition expert Dr. Layne Norton to cut through the diet noise. We break down why personalization beats every trend, what the research really says about diet soda and sweeteners, and why the “best diet” looks different for every person. If you want straight answers, not fear-based headlines, this conversation will challenge a lot of what you think you know. Dr. Layne Norton is the founder of BioLayne, a company built on science-driven coaching and real-world experience. He has coached more than 70 athletes to pro status and helped thousands rethink nutrition with evidence instead of hype. Layne holds a BS in Biochemistry and a PhD in Nutritional Sciences, where he trained under one of the leading researchers in protein metabolism. What We Discuss: (00:00) The truth about the best diet for weight loss (00:38) Why adherence drives long-term results (03:29) How to find the diet style you can actually sustain (06:56) Diet soda and real weight-loss evidence (08:25) Artificial sweeteners and gut health research (10:41) What aspartame really breaks down into Thank you to our sponsors:   Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen  Find more from Jen:  Website: www.jennifercohen.com Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Layne Norton, PhD:  Website: www.biolayne.com Instagram: @biolayne

How do you build real longevity without getting trapped in extreme protocols or daily routines that drain you instead of helping you? In this episode of Habits & Hustle, I sit down with a dietitian with a Master’s in Longevity Nutrition to talk about what actually supports aging well. We look at simple, practical strategies that make your body stronger instead of pushing it into burnout. We get into why fast-mimicking works so well, how it triggers real cellular repair, and why short, focused cycles beat everyday restriction. We also talk about muscle protection, what women in midlife need to pay attention to, and the metabolic shifts that happen when you stress the body the right way. Renee Fitton is a longevity dietitian with a Master’s in Longevity Nutrition and VP of Growth at ProLon. She brings a decade of experience in evidence-based nutrition and real-world strategies that help people build a healthier, stronger future. Tune in. What We Discuss: (06:06) What longevity means and why the focus needs to stay on healthspan (09:42) The habits that drive people into decline earlier than they expect (13:29) How environment, access and daily choices shape long-term health (18:09) What happens in the body during a fast and why repair matters with age (20:01) Why multi-day fasts create deeper benefits than everyday restriction (26:32) How fast-mimicking supports fasting benefits while keeping muscle intact (38:26) The changes people notice after five days, from skin to metabolism (44:40) Why finishing a reset often leads to stronger energy and consistency Thank you to our sponsors: Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit ⁠https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN⁠ and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Therasage: Head over to ⁠therasage.com⁠ and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to⁠ airdoctorpro.com⁠ and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to ⁠www⁠.⁠magicmind.com⁠/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: ⁠Shop this link⁠ and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. ⁠Check it out at joinamp.com/jen ⁠ Find more from Jen:  Website: ⁠www.jennifercohen.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@therealjencohen  ⁠ Books: ⁠www.jennifercohen.com/books⁠ Speaking: ⁠www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement⁠ Find more from Renee Fitton: Website: ⁠www.fittonnutrition.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠@fittonnutrition

How do you build real longevity without getting trapped in extreme protocols or daily routines that drain you instead of helping you? In this episode of Habits & Hustle, I sit down with a dietitian with a Master’s in Longevity Nutrition to talk about what actually supports aging well. We look at simple, practical strategies that make your body stronger instead of pushing it into burnout. We get into why fast-mimicking works so well, how it triggers real cellular repair, and why short, focused cycles beat everyday restriction. We also talk about muscle protection, what women in midlife need to pay attention to, and the metabolic shifts that happen when you stress the body the right way. Renee Fitton is a longevity dietitian with a Master’s in Longevity Nutrition and VP of Growth at ProLon. She brings a decade of experience in evidence-based nutrition and real-world strategies that help people build a healthier, stronger future. Tune in. What We Discuss: (06:06) What longevity means and why the focus needs to stay on healthspan (09:42) The habits that drive people into decline earlier than they expect (13:29) How environment, access and daily choices shape long-term health (18:09) What happens in the body during a fast and why repair matters with age (20:01) Why multi-day fasts create deeper benefits than everyday restriction (26:32) How fast-mimicking supports fasting benefits while keeping muscle intact (38:26) The changes people notice after five days, from skin to metabolism (44:40) Why finishing a reset often leads to stronger energy and consistency Thank you to our sponsors: Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen  Find more from Jen:  Website: www.jennifercohen.com Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Renee Fitton: Website: www.fittonnutrition.com Instagram: @fittonnutrition

Are viral fitness trends actually helping you get fitter, or are they just a distraction from what really works? In this Fitness Friday episode, I am joined again by my friend, Liron, to dig into the latest social media workout crazes and why so many people overlook the basics that truly get results. We’re covering everything from how to avoid common plateaus to the actual workouts that build lasting strength and why heavy weights and structured cardio can’t be ignored. Liron Kayvan founded BFLA in 2019. He’s a NASM Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Transformative Life Coach. Liron has competed in Amateur MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Rugby and has been a Fitness Coach for over 10 years. What we discuss: Are Viral Fitness Hacks Worth Your Time? We Fall for Crazy Fitness Trends The Only Fitness Advice You’ll Ever Need Is Food Obsession Hurting Your Fitness Goals? Why You Can’t Out-Exercise a Bad Diet Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen  Find more from Jen: Website: www.jennifercohen.com Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Find more about Liron Kayvan:  Website: www.beyondfitnessla.com  Instagram: @beyondfitnessla

How do you stay focused and steady when your work revolves around pressure, fast decisions, and a schedule that never slows down? In this episode of Habits & Hustle, I sit down with Robert Herjavec, entrepreneur, Emmy Award winner, and lead Shark on Shark Tank, to explore the mindset and habits that keep him clear and effective when the stakes get high. He shares the discipline that keeps him steady under pressure, the lessons that reshaped his definition of success, and how he protects his energy in a world that rewards noise. We also talk about the routines that anchor him, how he filters opportunities, the role curiosity plays in high performance, and what staying grounded looks like when visibility comes with real cost. Robert Herjavec is a Croatian-Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and television personality. He founded BRAK Systems, one of Canada’s leading internet security companies, and sold it to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million. He is an Emmy Award winner, the lead Shark on Shark Tank, a cybersecurity expert, keynote speaker, author, and lifelong car enthusiast known for his approach to steady, forward action. What We Discuss: (18:45) Choosing discomfort as a real growth strategy (20:01) How confidence grows when you say yes, fail, and improve 1 percent daily (21:16) Why self-control is the performance skill most people ignore (11:22) The real difference between millionaires and billionaires and why it matters (25:47) The psychology of great sales and how curiosity becomes your edge (31:05) How to parent with privilege and still raise kids with grit (40:50) How he actually ended up on Shark Tank (52:01) Why small interactions can change someone’s life (59:17) The fitness fundamentals that matter after 60 (1:02:10) How he rebuilt his body in his 60s through routine and discipline Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen    Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Robert Herjavec: Instagram: @robertherjavec X: @robertherjavec TikTok: @realrobertherjavec Youtube: @robert-herjavec

Have you ever wondered why some people shoot ahead while others, equally talented and equally driven, keep hitting invisible walls? It is almost never about capability. It is about how they show up, how they are perceived, and how they make people feel in the first five seconds of entering a room. In this Fitness Friday episode, I break down why likability is one of the most underrated success advantages and how small habits like a real smile, remembering someone’s name, or actually listening can change the way people respond to you instantly. I also talk about the mindset traps that keep high performers stuck: over-talking, people-pleasing, and trying to impress instead of connect. If you know you are capable of more but feel like something small keeps blocking your momentum, this conversation is going to click everything into place. Tune in and take notes. This one is simple, actionable and a total game changer. What we discuss: (01:51) Why likability gets you ahead (03:29) How smiling and body language change everything (04:11) Why remembering someone’s name is a power move (05:11) The 70/30 rule and the power of asking questions (06:09) How to give genuine compliments (07:16) Why listening is a secret weapon Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen  Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

How is it possible to be confident in every other area of your life, but lose your footing the second a conversation gets difficult? In this episode of Habits & Hustle, I sit down with Jefferson Fisher, a former trial lawyer, bestselling author, and one of the most respected communication voices online, to talk about how to argue less and actually connect more. We talk about what intentional communication actually looks like in real life and why so many people slip into defensiveness instead of clarity. Jefferson breaks down the small but powerful adjustments that change everything in a hard conversation, from slowing your tone to asking questions that defuse tension instead of escalating it. He also explains why trying to “win” is the quickest way to damage trust, and how a calm, grounded “no” can communicate confidence without conflict. If you often leave conversations feeling misunderstood or emotionally drained, this episode will feel like a reset. We go deeper into how to structure a discussion so no one spirals, how to navigate people with low emotional awareness, and how to keep your composure even when your instinct is to react fast. Jefferson Fisher has helped millions of people communicate with more clarity and less conflict through his signature approach to calm, intentional dialogue. His first book, The Next Conversation, became a New York Times bestseller, and his content has reshaped how people navigate arguments, boundaries, and connection in everyday life. What We Discuss: (06:09) When what you said does not match what they heard (09:17) Slowing your tone to calm the conversation (13:58) “Nice” vs. “Kind” and why the difference matters (21:14) How to say “no” without guilt or excuses (27:26) Using frames to start hard conversations (36:41) Handling people with low emotional intelligence (51:57) Cutting weak language to sound more confident Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen    Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Jefferson Fisher: Instagram: @jefferson_fisher TikTok: @justaskjefferson Youtube: @jeffersonfisher Facebook: @justaskjefferson X: @jefferson_fishr

How does a college dance teacher end up becoming one of the most recognized names in fitness? In this Fitness Friday episode, Shaun T joins me to share how he went from teaching hip-hop classes at Equinox to creating Hip Hop Abs, Insanity, and inspiring millions of people around the world. We talk about what really keeps people motivated, why fun matters more than fear, and how confidence gets built one rep at a time. Shaun also opens up about his evolution, from being told he’d never hit like a pro to beating Serena Williams in doubles, and how therapy changed his mindset as a high achiever. He shares what it was like to grow through the early days of Beachbody, how Hip Hop Abs was born, and why showing up fully as yourself is what creates real connection. For Shaun, being a gay Black man in the fitness space wasn’t something to hide. It became his strength. Shaun T is a fitness trainer, choreographer, and motivational speaker best known for programs like Insanity, T25, and Hip Hop Abs. He’s also an advocate for mental health, self-belief, and authenticity in and out of the gym. 🎧 Shaun T on Motivation, Confidence, and the Power of Fun in Fitness Tune in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1SXA4en800 What we discuss: (00:35) How a tennis lesson turned into an obsession  (03:48) Building confidence by showing up, not being perfect (05:19) Why therapy changed how Shaun sees success  (07:57) The story behind Hip Hop Abs and Insanity  (16:35) Representation, authenticity, and owning your story (18:22) Finding motivation through fun instead of fear  Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Find more from Shaun T:  Website: https://www.shauntlife.com/ Instagram: @shaunt X: @shaunt Tiktok: @shaunt Youtube: @shauntfitness

Most people don’t fail at getting healthy because they don’t care. They fail because they’re following the wrong advice. In this episode, I sit down with Anthony William, the Medical Medium, to talk about why doing everything “right” can still leave you feeling like crap. We get into how stress, overtesting, and over-supplementing can backfire, and why simplicity beats every hack. He shares how metals in the brain can fuel issues like OCD and ADHD, the five foods he swears by for detox and recovery, and why celery juice became more than just a trend. We also talk about what people get wrong about protein, clean eating, and chasing “optimization.” Whether you love him or question him, this conversation will make you stop and rethink what being healthy really means. Anthony William is the founder of the global celery juice movement and a #1 New York Times best-selling author known for his Medical Medium book series. Since the age of four, he has said he receives health insights from what he calls the Spirit of Compassion, helping people improve their well-being through a more intuitive approach. What we discuss: (05:42) Why “healthy” habits might actually be keeping you sick (13:10) The hidden downside of overtesting (24:57) How the Medical Medium was trained by a voice since childhood (28:45) The real reason you feel tired even when you “do everything right” (44:02) How heavy metals in the brain may trigger OCD and ADHD symptoms (1:11:59) The five foods Anthony swears by for real detox and recovery (01:17:57) Why protein isn’t the miracle nutrient you think it is (01:23:39) The truth behind celery juice and why it became a global movement (01:26:11) Why Anthony turned down Hollywood deals and the “health celebrity” circuit Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen    Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Anthony William:  Website: www.medicalmedium.com Youtube: @MedicalMediumAnthonyWilliam Tiktok: @medicalmedium Snapchat: @medicalmedium X: @medicalmedium Pinterest: @medicalmedium Twitch: @medicalmedium

Listen to the full episode:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLW8bwsE_zE  How does a kid who started as a swimmer become one of the greatest cyclists of all time? In this Fitness Friday episode, Lance Armstrong joins me to break down his journey from age-group swimming to professional triathlon to the Tour de France.  We also discuss Lance's current training philosophy, why he doesn't push himself like he used to, and the mental toughness required to come back from a 20% chance of survival to win championships. Plus, the surprising influence his single mother had on his never-quit mentality. Lance Armstrong is a cancer survivor, former professional cyclist, and co-founder of Next Ventures. He won the Tour de France seven consecutive times. Today, he's a successful venture capitalist investing in health and wellness companies and has built a new life focused on family, business, and doing only what brings him joy. What we discuss: Transitioning from swimming to triathlon to cycling Why cycling beat running for Lance Discovering elite VO2 max at Cooper Clinic What makes the Tour de France so brutal How his mother shaped his never-quit mentality Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift. Find more from Lance Armstrong: Website: https://www.nextventures.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancearmstrong/?hl=en  Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements