Protein, Muscle & Women: New Science on Menopause & Body Composition - Dr. Arny Ferrando

In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina welcomes back leading muscle metabolism researcher Dr. Arny Ferrando for a deep dive into protein, muscle, and women's physiology across the menopause transition. 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 They explore why perimenopause represents a critical turning point for whole-body protein balance, how muscle loss accelerates during midlife, and why protein quality, dosing, and movement become essential for preserving lean mass and metabolic health. Dr. Ferrando also shares insights from forthcoming research comparing animal-based and plant-based proteins, and explains why muscle is the body's primary survival tissue during stress and aging. This conversation delivers clear, evidence-based strategies for improving body composition, fat loss, and long-term health in women. Topics include: Why menopause changes protein utilization and muscle retention Perimenopause as a muscle-critical intervention window Protein intake vs. protein optimization Essential amino acids (EAAs): when supplementation is useful Muscle loss, fat gain, and metabolic slowdown in midlife Why muscle preservation matters more than scale weight The role of circulation, blood flow, and resistance training Fat loss without muscle loss: what the science shows GLP-1 weight loss drugs and concerns around lean mass loss Emerging research on beef-based vs. plant-based proteins for women Dr. Arny Ferrando is a world-leading researcher in human protein metabolism, muscle physiology, and aging. His work has helped define how amino acids, protein intake, and exercise influence muscle preservation, recovery, and metabolic health across the lifespan. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the Optimal Protein Podcast to support the show and help bring you more evidence-based conversations on fat loss, protein, and muscle-centric nutrition. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE 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.

Most people think creatine only affects muscle strength and performance. But what if creatine also plays a role inside fat cells themselves—and could subtly influence fat loss and body recomposition? In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina I recaps the key takeaways from the interview with Dr. Scott Forbes, focusing on fat loss, body recomposition, muscle preservation, protein intake, creatine supplementation, sleep, and aging. This episode breaks down brand new research on how different training modalities, recovery, and evidence-based supplements influence fat loss and body composition—and why scale weight alone is a poor marker of fat loss success. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 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.  

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 Most fat-loss advice focuses on the scale — but what if that's the wrong metric entirely? In this episode, Vanessa Spina is joined by Dr. Scott Forbes, exercise physiologist and professor at Brandon University, whose research challenges many of the assumptions behind traditional weight-loss approaches. Dr. Forbes has authored and co-authored numerous randomized controlled trials and large meta-analyses examining how training style, protein intake, creatine supplementation, sleep, and aging influence fat loss, muscle retention, and metabolic health. Rather than chasing weight loss, this conversation explores what happens when the goal shifts to body recomposition — losing fat while preserving or building muscle — and why that distinction changes everything. In this episode, we explore: Why weight loss and fat loss are not the same thing The surprising differences between cardio, resistance training, and combined approaches Why some people lose weight but stall metabolically How protein and creatine fit into a muscle-centric fat-loss strategy Why fat loss becomes harder with age — and what still works A largely overlooked factor that influences where fat is stored If you've ever done "everything right" and still felt stuck, this episode offers a science-backed reframe that may completely change how you approach fat loss. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review the Optimal Protein Podcast to support the show and help bring you more evidence-based conversations on fat loss, protein, and muscle-centric nutrition. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE 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.

Skip to the start of the recap: 13:41 In today's Friday solo episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa breaks down the science of leptin — the hormone that determines whether your body will burn fat or protect it. Leptin isn't just about appetite. It's a metabolic permission signal, and when leptin signaling is disrupted, fat loss can stall even in a calorie deficit. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code Vanessa explains how sleep, circadian rhythm, and light exposure affect leptin, why dieting can feel harder than it should, and walks you through a practical 7-Day Leptin Reset Protocol designed to reduce hunger, improve satiety, and make fat loss feel easier. This episode connects leptin science with protein-forward nutrition, calories in vs. calories out, resistance training, and circadian alignment for sustainable fat loss. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 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.  

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 In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Catherine Clinton to explore how circadian biology, light exposure, and cellular electrical charge regulate metabolism, hormones, and fat loss — often beyond calories alone. We discuss how morning light impacts leptin signaling, insulin sensitivity, cortisol, and melatonin, why modern indoor living disrupts metabolic health, and how maintaining a strong negative cellular charge is critical for mitochondrial function. We also cover red and infrared light therapy, optimal timing, metabolic benefits, and key considerations during pregnancy — plus how to integrate protein intake, calories in vs. calories out, and resistance training with circadian alignment for sustainable fat loss. Topics include: Light exposure and leptin signaling Circadian rhythm and fat loss Cellular charge and mitochondrial health Grounding and infrared light Red light therapy timing and pregnancy considerations Balancing calories, protein, and training with circadian biology 🔗 Dr. Catherine Clinton's book Optimize: drcatherineclinton.com/optimize Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl 🔴 Tone LUX Red Light Therapy Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE 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.

Skip to the start of the recap: 11:40 In today's solo recap, Vanessa unpacks the most important takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Nick Barringer—former U.S. Army officer, researcher, and Registered Dietitian—whose work with tactical athletes and elite military populations reveals what really happens to the body during fat loss, stress, and recovery. This episode explores why so many people lose muscle when dieting, how PSMF and ketosis fundamentally change the equation, and what most fat-loss advice gets wrong. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code You'll Discover: Why cutting calories alone often backfires What makes PSMF different from standard low-calorie dieting The overlooked role of protein quality—not just protein quantity What elite military research reveals about recovery and resilience The truth about seed oils vs butter when you look at human data Why collagen may support more than just joints and skin The most common mistakes women make when trying to get lean If you're working hard but not seeing the results you expect—or you're tired of fear-based nutrition rules—this episode will change how you think about fat loss, muscle, and recovery. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 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.  

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 In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa is joined by Dr. Nick Barringer, former U.S. Army officer, researcher, Registered Dietitian, and Chief Academic Officer at Lionel University. Dr. Barringer has led cutting-edge research on protein intake, recovery, and resilience under extreme physical and psychological stress, working with tactical athletes including Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, and West Point cadets. This conversation goes far beyond the military. Dr. Barringer breaks down how women and everyday high performers can apply the same evidence-based strategies to lose fat without losing muscle, recover more effectively, and avoid the biggest pitfalls of aggressive dieting. Together, Vanessa and Dr. Barringer cut through fear-based nutrition messaging and explore what human research actually shows about protein intake, recovery, seed oils, supplements, and collagen. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE 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.

Skip to the start of the episode: 11:52 In today's Friday solo recap on the Optimal Protein Podcast, I break down the most important takeaways from my recent conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon — and why this episode has major implications for fat loss, metabolic health, and women's body composition. 🧠 IQBAR – Try the Ultimate Sampler Pack: IQBARs, IQMIX, and IQJOE! Text VANESSA to 64000 for a 20% off discount code One of the biggest themes of our discussion was that muscle is not just about aesthetics. It's a metabolic organ, and preserving it is foundational for long-term health — especially for women as we age. I also connect this conversation to the new protein recommendations reflected in the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines, which now align far more closely with modern protein science. For the first time, official guidance is moving beyond minimums designed to prevent deficiency and toward intakes that actually support muscle preservation, metabolic health, and satiety. We also cover a brand new study on weight loss drugs and fat regain. In this recap, I cover: Why we don't have an "overfat" problem — we have an undermuscled problem Why midlife fat gain is not inevitable (and not just about hormones) How carb tolerance and activity level influence fat storage Why excess carbohydrates quietly work against fat loss when muscle demand is low The overlooked role of muscle blood flow and intramuscular fat Why under-eating accelerates muscle loss in women How weight loss drugs can worsen fat regain if muscle isn't protected Why strength training is non-negotiable — but must be appropriate Why protein isn't just calories, but a signal for muscle and metabolism If your goals include fat loss, body recomposition, and aging strong, this episode will help you rethink how protein, carbs, and muscle fit together — and why preserving muscle is the real long-term strategy. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 20% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code VANESSA! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code VANESSA for 20% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 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.  

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 In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to break down the muscle-centered strategy every woman needs for fat loss, metabolic health, and long-term strength. We unpack why muscle — not hormones alone — is the key driver of body composition, why midlife fat gain is not inevitable, and how protein intake, movement, and muscle blood flow shape metabolism as women age. Dr. Lyon also explains her much-discussed concept of carb tolerance, how to "earn your carbs," and why excess carbohydrates can quietly work against fat loss when muscle demand is low. Get 20% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code VANESSA Dr. Lyon also shares key insights from her new book, The Forever Strong Playbook, including her 24-hour muscle-building framework and why strength training is not optional at any age. If your goals include fat loss, body recomposition, and aging strong, this episode will completely reframe how you think about muscle. Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 20% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code VANESSA HERE 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: Website: https://drgabriellelyon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon 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.

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 Most people don't fail at their goals because they lack discipline — they fail because they were never taught how to set goals that actually work. In this New Year solo episode, Vanessa shares a powerful, step-by-step goal-setting masterclass inspired by Tony Robbins and Brian Tracy, applied specifically to fat loss, body recomposition, strength, energy, and long-term metabolic health. You'll be guided through the actual Tony Robbins Priming Exercise, learn how to set identity-based goals that stick, and discover how to turn motivation into simple, repeatable systems that work even on imperfect weeks. In this episode, you'll learn: Why most health goals fail by February How to set goals from the right nervous system state Tony Robbins' RPM Method applied to body recomposition Brian Tracy's framework for turning goals into daily action How to create motivation-proof plans for fat loss and consistency This episode isn't about perfection — it's about building systems you can repeat all year long. 🎧 Listen now and set your 2026 goals with clarity, intention, and confidence. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 25% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code HOLIDAY25! Learn more about the  TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 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.