Episode 456: Why Half Your Supplements Are Probably Useless (And Which 4 Actually Matter)

Can you eat huge portions and still stay lean? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, Liron Kayvan and I dive into volume eating strategies and the psychology behind food cravings. We discuss practical tricks for people who love to eat big portions, why hot beverages beat smoothies for satiation, and the fundamental mindset shift that separates fit people from those who struggle. Plus, we explore whether our bodies are naturally wired to crave healthy foods or if discipline is always required. 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: Volume eating strategies for big appetites Why hot bone broth beats cold smoothies The "horse trough salad" method Planning ahead to avoid food emergencies Well-done vs. rare foods for slower eating The real vs. fake food satisfaction principle Why almond milk might be sabotaging your goals Calories in vs. calories out reality The paradigm shift: craving nutrients vs. fighting cravings Delayed gratification mindset for exercise Focus on how you feel after workouts, not before Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more about Liron Kayvan:  Website: https://www.beyondfitnessla.com/  Instagram: @beyondfitnessla Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

Are you taking supplements that contain nothing but expensive powder? In this episode of the Habits and Hustle podcast, I sit down with Jeff Byers, co-founder and CEO of Momentous, who reveals the shocking truth about supplement quality. We explore how Jeff went from NFL offensive lineman to building a $100+ million supplement empire, why chocolate protein powder naturally contains lead, and the eye-opening moment when Momentous threw away an entire production run because it failed testing. We also discuss the "Momentous Three" foundation supplements and the real cost of third-party certifications that most brands avoid. Momentous is a premium supplement company doing over $100 million in annual revenue. A former USC football captain and NFL player for the Seahawks, Broncos, and Panthers, Jeff merged his sports performance background with rigorous scientific standards to create one of the most trusted supplement brands used by professional teams worldwide. What We Discuss:  (04:47) Journey From Athlete to Founder (14:59) Lessons in Consistency and Leadership (20:47) Building a Strong Co-Founder Relationship (31:35) Navigating the Supplement Industry Noise (39:37) Challenges of Building a Supplement Company (53:15) The Importance of Supplement Selection (01:01:38) Merger of Human Performance Brands (01:10:49) Omega-3s and Fuel in Athletic Performance (01:21:48) Managing Inflammation and Sleep Support (01:28:22) Natural Testosterone Support and Hormones (01:37:04) Supplement Selection and Community Impact …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   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 Jeff Byers/Momentous: Website: https://www.livemomentous.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbyersceo/

Are you throwing money away on supplements that do nothing? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, Liron Kayvan and I break down the supplement industry's biggest myths and reveal which ones are actually worth taking. We discuss why most supplements are unregulated snake oil, the importance of third-party testing, and how to cycle supplements so your body doesn't become desensitized. Plus, we share our personal supplement protocols and explain why getting blood work is non-negotiable before starting any regimen. 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: Why supplements should be the smallest part of your health pyramid The lack of FDA regulation in the supplement industry Essential supplements: creatine, omega-3, vitamin D with K2, magnesium Why creatine isn't just for bodybuilders (new Alzheimer's research) The importance of third-party testing and NSF certification How to cycle supplements to prevent tolerance Why you need blood work before and after supplementation NAD and alpha-GPC for brain health Working with your natural patterns vs. fighting them The difference between giving energy vs. getting energy from exercise Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more about Liron Kayvan:  Website: https://www.beyondfitnessla.com/  Instagram: @beyondfitnessla Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

Are wellness retreats just luxury getaways, or can they transform your health? In this episode of the Habits and Hustle podcast, I speak with Dr. Vishal Patel, who explains how most wellness gadgets might be causing more stress than health benefits.  We explore the science behind Sensei's approach, including how thermal imaging can detect muscular imbalances before they cause pain, and why most saunas aren't hot enough to deliver benefits. Dr. Patel debunks popular wellness myths, shares why foot strength is the foundation of longevity, and explains why tracking obsession can be counterproductive.  Dr. Vishal Patel is the Chief Scientific Officer at Sensei, a wellness retreat company co-founded by Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus. With a background as a physician with a PhD in genetics, Dr. Patel combines Western medicine with Eastern practices like Ayurveda to create evidence-based wellness approaches that focus on personalization rather than rigid rules. What We Discuss:  03:02 Personalized Wellness Programs 05:51 The Science of Eating and Nourishment 08:56 Understanding Body Mechanics for Longevity 12:03 Vishal Patel's Background and Expertise 14:54 Debunking Wellness Myths and Misinformation 20:13 The Science Behind Wellness Trends 25:14 Exploring Infrared Saunas and Their Efficacy 30:00 The Role of Data in Health Tracking 35:29 Understanding Plasmapheresis and Its Implications …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   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 Dr. Vishal Patel: Website: https://sensei.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-n-patel-md-phd/

Is group fitness helping or hurting your body composition goals? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, Liron and I dive into the controversial world of group fitness classes like Orange Theory, Barry's Bootcamp, and F45. We discuss why these high-intensity classes can spike your appetite, burn out your adrenals, and leave you injured—plus what's actually working in the group fitness space. We also explore the rise of Hyrox as a better alternative to CrossFit, why Pilates shouldn't be your only workout, and the social benefits that keep people coming back despite the drawbacks. 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: The rise and reality of group fitness popularity Why Barry's Bootcamp can spike cortisol and appetite The "aimless running around" problem in most classes Hyrox vs. CrossFit: A safer group fitness alternative Why Pilates alone won't change your body composition The social benefits that make group fitness worthwhile When group fitness works vs. when it backfires The importance of having specific fitness goals Why "something is better than nothing" still applies How to choose group fitness that actually serves your goals Thank you to our sponsor: Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. Find more about Liron Kayvan:  Website: https://www.beyondfitnessla.com/  Instagram: @beyondfitnessla Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

Today, I’m back for part 2 of my conversation with Dave Asprey. In this episode, we get into the controversial health practices and daily routines that have transformed his health and energy. Dave reveals his complete daily protocol, including cold plunges, infrared saunas, and the shocking revelation that he takes 150 supplements daily. He challenges conventional wisdom about exercise ("it doesn't make you lose weight"), nutrition ("vegan diets were my biggest mistake"), and controversial testosterone optimization protocols that he's followed since age 26. Dave Asprey is the founder of nine companies, including Bulletproof, Danger Coffee, TrueDark, and Upgrade Labs. He's authored bestselling books including "The Bulletproof Diet," "Head Strong," and his newest release, "Heavily Meditated." Dave is credited with creating three unique billion-dollar markets: MCT Oil, Collagen Protein, and Functional Coffee.  What We Discuss: needs updated when audio is done (01:01:08) Facing Trauma as an Entrepreneur (01:09:30) Identifying and Managing Toxic Personalities (01:19:46) Sleep, Biohacking, and Longevity Insights (01:29:43) Retraining the Brain for Neurotypical Function (01:35:20) Alzheimer's and Cognitive Enhancement Solutions (01:46:01) Debating Vaccines and Health Choices (01:55:41) Optimizing Longevity With Biohacking Supplements …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   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 Dave Aspry: Website: https://daveasprey.com/  X: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveAspreyBPR

Could your brain be the only barrier to achieving incredible feats? In this episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, I talk with Henry Abbott about Misogi - an annual challenge so intense you believe you have only a 50% chance of completing it. We discuss how these epic challenges can rewire your brain to overcome perceived limitations. We also discuss why movement is crucial for pain management, how our brains (not our bodies) create most of our limitations, and why stepping far outside your comfort zone once a year might be the key to unlocking your hidden potential. Henry Abbott is an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop, a respected basketball media platform. His new book "Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance" explores revolutionary approaches to injury prevention through the science of ballistic movements. What we discuss:  How movement rewires the brain to overcome perceived limitations and pain Misogi and its spread among NBA players The Harvard Fatigue Lab's findings on human physiological limits Finding the balance between boldness and foolishness in physical challenges Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle. To learn more about Henry Abbott:  Website: https://www.henryabbott.com/  https://www.truehoop.com/  X: https://x.com/truehoop?lang=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

How did a 300-pound tech executive become the founder of a $20 billion biohacking industry? In this Habits and Hustle episode, Dave Asprey reveals his unconventional journey, sharing his marketing philosophy: "I do not sell. I teach."  We discuss how he bootstrapped Bulletproof to $27 million before raising capital, the venture capital challenges that led to losing control of his company, and why he believes making products that genuinely work is his true marketing secret. We also dive into his experience creating the Bulletproof Coffee phenomenon and how his desperate search to heal his own chronic health issues led to revolutionary discoveries. Dave Asprey is the founder of nine companies, including Bulletproof, Danger Coffee, TrueDark, and Upgrade Labs. He's authored bestselling books including "The Bulletproof Diet," "Head Strong," and his newest release, "Heavily Meditated." Dave is credited with creating three unique billion-dollar markets: MCT Oil, Collagen Protein, and Functional Coffee.  What We Discuss:  (01:00) Biohacking and Marketing Secrets (10:10) Uncovering the Quiet Desperation (13:19) Entrepreneur's Journey to Success (19:32) Venture Capital, Biohacking, and Longevity (30:37) Sexual Health and Biohacking Insights (42:18) Exercise, Recovery, and Hormone Optimization (49:50) Optimizing Testosterone and Peptide Use …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   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 Dave Aspry: Website: https://daveasprey.com/  X: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveAspreyBPR

Are your hips stable, mobile, or neither? In this Fitness Friday episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, I talk with Henry Abbott about his insights from elite sports training facilities that can help people prevent injuries and age better. We discuss simple tests you can do at home, why ACL tears are epidemic among female athletes, and the importance of plyometric training for developing "bouncy" strength. Henry also shares the 13-step warm-up routine used by elite athletes, which can transform how you feel in just 10 minutes.  Henry Abbott is an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop, a respected basketball media platform. He previously led ESPN's 60-person NBA digital and print team, which published several groundbreaking articles and won a National Magazine Award. His new book "Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance" explores revolutionary approaches to injury prevention through the science of ballistic movements.  What we discuss:  Hip mobility vs. stability - everyone fits one category Self-tests: pigeon pose and side plank X Mobile hips need strength, stable hips need yoga ACL tears 8x more common in female athletes True causes of ACL injuries Importance of plyometric training Landing mechanics and hip control 13-step warm-up routine Strategies for aging well through hip health Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off DavidProtein: Try David today—buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle To learn more about Henry Abbott:  Website: https://www.henryabbott.com/  https://www.truehoop.com/  X: https://x.com/truehoop?lang=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

Is hormonal birth control affecting more than just pregnancy prevention? In this Habits and Hustle podcast episode, I am joined by Dr. Sarah Hill, an evolutionary psychologist and author who explains the surprising ways birth control pills influence women's brains, behavior, and mate selection. We discuss how synthetic hormones alter women's natural cycles, changing partner preferences and affecting emotional responses. We also explore the fascinating science behind mate selection through an evolutionary lens, why men are attracted to women at peak fertility, and how birth control can disrupt the pheromonal cues that influence attraction. Dr. Sarah Hill is an evolutionary psychologist, author, and researcher who earned her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin working with Dr. David Buss. Her research focuses on understanding behavior and motivation through the lens of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, with particular emphasis on women's psychology, hormones, and sexual motivation.  What We Discuss:  (00:00) Birth Control & Women's Psychological States (04:14) Effects of Birth Control on Emotions (15:26) Relationship Changes After Birth Control (19:22) Hormonal Birth Control and Pheromones (27:05) Partner Preferences and Attraction Triggers (34:43) Modern Dating Challenges and Hormones (39:01) Modern Dating Delays Marriage (42:51) Women's Relationship Choices and Evolution (48:07) Competition, Jealousy, and Marriage Threats (55:27) Divorce, Dating, and Female Friendship (01:04:43) Hormonal Birth Control and Side Effects …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off DavidProtein: Try David today—buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   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 Dr. Sarah Hill: Website: https://www.sarahehill.com/  Books: https://www.sarahehill.com/your-brain-on-birth-control/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahehillphd/