Every week on the podcast, Greg Nuckols and Eric Trexler discuss recent research and answer listeners’ questions about anything and everything related to training, nutrition, science, and life in general.
Here, we’ve compiled all of the nutrition and body composition topics discussed and questions answered on the podcast along with time-stamped links so you can quickly jump around and find the content you’re most interested in.
You should also subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you’re getting new episodes and answers to your questions every week.
All nutrition & body comp questions
- Contest or Meet Preparation
- Eric has mentioned a couple times that he’s gotten down to 1500 calories during prep. Other than copious amounts of shredded chicken, what would the most nutritionally-complete 1500 calorie meal plan look like?
- What’s the best way to cut weight for powerlifting, in terms of performance?
- What are some different strategies for making weight for strength sports?
- How do you decide when to bump up or down a weight class?
- Is there a big focus on nutrition among higher-level strongman competitors? Are there any specific diets that are currently popular or trending?
- What is Eric Helms’ approach to prepping for bodybuilding competitions?
- When you get late into a weight loss phase, do you cut down training volume or intensity?
- Is Eric Helms doing anything to proactively address reductions in non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) during contest prep?
- Cutting
- Can Greg elaborate on his hypothesis that strength loss during weight loss may be due to upper body glycogen loss? How long does it take to restore glycogen once you go back to maintenance?
- What’s your take on short bulk/cut cycles?
- Should athletes focused on cutting weight in a caloric deficit be worried about micronutrient deficiency?
- If strength/size gains come back relatively quickly after a cut, is there any benefit to cutting at a less conservative pace in order to spend a higher percentage of the year in a lean bulking phase?
- Can cold exposure be used as a fat loss strategy?
- When experiencing strength loss while cutting, how can you tell if the loss in strength is a natural part of being in a caloric deficit, or a result of overreaching?
- Coach’s Corner – Programming your training during weight loss
- Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and weight loss/weight regain (With James Krieger)
- Research Roundup – Weight loss success is highly, highly individual
- There has been a lot of discussion about bulking on recent shows. I would be interested in hearing about practical recommendations regarding the frequency of bulking and cutting. How often is common? Is there a ceiling where it’s no longer effective, or even harmful, over a given time period?
- What is your opinion on mini cuts during an extended gaining phase? How long a mini cut should be, how aggressive should the caloric deficit be, and what should be training like?
- What are the repercussions of rapid fat loss? How can you achieve rapid fat loss while minimizing the repercussions as much as possible?
- If you’re trying to lose fat but maintain performance, what is the “optimal” rate of weight loss?
- What should you do after a weight loss goal is achieved?
- Bulking
- What’s your take on short bulk/cut cycles?
- Is there a simple way to judge if I’m gaining too much fat during a bulk?
- Do you think it would be beneficial to implement “diet breaks” while bulking?
- Do “hardgainers” benefit from exceeding one gram of protein per pound of body weight? Do you see much in the literature about “hardgainers” who are female?
- What is your opinion on mass gainers?
- There has been a lot of discussion about bulking on recent shows. I would be interested in hearing about practical recommendations regarding the frequency of bulking and cutting. How often is common? Is there a ceiling where it’s no longer effective, or even harmful, over a given time period?
- When bulking, what are the pros and cons of utilizing a rapid rate of weight gain?
- When bulking, should you continuously re-calculate your maintenance calorie requirements as you go?
- Fasting
- How much does fasted training impair performance? How much does this actually matter for goals related to health and body composition (rather than performance goals)?
- How your Myers-Briggs score dictates your intermittent fasting protocol.
- Are there any merits to this study (https://tinyurl.com/y2mzemnw)? Are its conclusions accurate?
- Are there benefits of fasted cardio for performance?
- Is fasting more effective than normal calorie restriction when it comes to retaining muscle mass whilst losing body fat?
- What is the history of intermittent fasting in the fitness industry?
- What has the research taught us about intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding?
- What are the potential mechanisms by which time-restricted feeding could be superior?
- Is it ever beneficial to lift weights in a fasted state?
- I train very early in the morning and drink a protein shake prior to training. Anything else you recommend to do or eat before working out in a fasted state?
- Metabolic Adaptation
- Research Review: Age, sex, and energy expenditure
- Coach’s Corner: Estimating total daily energy expenditure
- Research Review: Constrained energy model, hot dogs & lifespan.
- Energy compensation and energy constraint model (Pontzer study)
- Can surplus calories eventually become maintenance calories?
- Research Review: Recovering from a diet or relative energy deficiency
- Research Roundup – Metabolic adaptation
- The First Bodybuilding Refeed Research (with Eric Helms)
- Metabolic adaptation is an illusion, only present when participants are in negative energy balance
- Can you cover the (in)accuracy of online RMR calculators?
- How long does it take to metabolically recover from long-duration diets?
- What are the best strategies to reverse the effects of metabolic adaptation from a fat loss phase, while minimizing fat gain?
- In regards to re-feeds and/or diet breaks, from what I understand at least 2 consecutive days of re-feeding is needed to have any impact on the metabolic adaptations of a prolonged calorie deficit (3 days is probably better). That being said, how much of an effect does it really have, and is the cost to benefit ratio really worth it?
- Is starvation mode a real thing?
- Protein
- What’s the lowest protein intake someone could eat while still building an appreciable amount of muscle?
- Why don’t MPS results match up with hypertrophy results?
- How does MPS caused by protein consumption compare to the magnitude of MPS caused by resistance training?
- You’ve already met your calorie intake target for the day, but you haven’t reached your protein target yet. Should you eat more protein and go over your calorie target?
- Research Review: Plant proteins revisited
- Research Roundup – Protein
- Research Roundup – Optimal Protein Intake
- Research Review: High-protein diets and kidney function
- What is the optimal speed for consumption of a protein bolus?
- Is there a link between high-protein diets and kidney stones?
- Two protein questions. 1) There are huge discrepancies with protein recommendations. Some organizations recommend as low as 0.36g per pound, but some bodybuilders eat 400-500g per day. Where is the sweet spot, and is it possible to over-do it? 2) For my total daily protein intake, should I only count proteins from animal and dairy sources, since they are considered “high-quality” or “complete” proteins?
- Research Roundup – Differential Responses of Blood Essential Amino Acid Levels Following Ingestion of High-Quality Plant-Based Protein Blends Compared to Whey Protein-A Double-Blind Randomized, Cross-Over, Clinical Trial.
- How does my pre-workout meal look? 2 scoops of whey, 10g of dextrose, 30-45 minutes before working out. Also, would there be any benefit of a post-workout shake?
- Research Roundup – Effects of Dietary Protein Quantity on Bone Quantity following Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- High Compared with Moderate Protein Intake Reduces Adaptive Thermogenesis and Induces a Negative Energy Balance during Long-term Weight-Loss Maintenance in Participants with Prediabetes in the Postobese State: A PREVIEW Study.
- Are there any downsides associated with high protein diets? Is the “one gram per pound of body weight” rule good?
- Research Roundup – Castro et al: Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners
- Is there any benefit to a “personalized” protein supplement blend, or is it just an excuse to increase the price?
- Considering the result of this 2014 study, would you see similar long-term results from eating a normal amount of a whole protein source, or a smaller protein dose that is supplemented with extra leucine?
- What does the research say about protein and overfeeding?
- Research suggests there is a refractory period for muscle protein synthesis following protein ingestion. Will eating a snack with protein between meals disrupt protein synthesis?
- Keto
- Keto for hypertrophy
- How do you define a ketogenic diet?
- What are the potential benefits of adopting a ketogenic diet?
- For a ketogenic diet, how low do carbs need to be? Does it vary from person to person?
- Does high protein intake kick you out of ketosis?
- How do you know if you’re in ketosis or not?
- Do you really need to have high fat intake, or is carb restriction sufficient?
- How good or bad is the adherence rate in keto diet studies?
- What are the potential drawbacks of a ketogenic diet? What micronutrients might be missing?
- Do ketogenic diets have negative effects on cholesterol/blood lipids or hair loss?
- Is it possible to predict who will respond relatively well (or poorly) to a ketogenic diet?
- What are the effects of keto on fat loss, muscle gain, and muscle retention?
- What are the effects of keto on physical performance?
- Is keto potentially helpful for any conditions other than certain types of epilepsy?
- Are there any applications for ketone supplements?
- Who is keto good for?
- Gut Health
- What exactly is “gut health”? (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Are “enterotypes” legit? (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Fiber (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Meat (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Fermentable foods (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Prebiotics and probiotics (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Antibiotics (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- Fecal transplants (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
- General Nutrition Questions
- Research Review: Carbohydrate-insulin model versus energy balance model
- SBS Article Discussion: The Definitive Diet Setup Guide
- Research Review: Revisiting Diet Breaks and Refeeds
- Thoughts on high sodium for strength sports?
- Can athletes get around the negative effects of high sugar consumption because they are more active?
- I am a fitness instructor, and I have a female client who wishes to lose weight. I tried putting her on a caloric deficit, but she is not losing weight. Is it because she is lying about her diet or there might be other external factors?
- Research Review: Calorie restriction and protein restriction for longevity
- Does alkaline water increase blood pH? Is it possible to eat or drink anything that would change blood pH? Does it matter?
- Coach’s Corner: How to set calorie targets
- What is a normal creatine kinase level for people who are lifting?
- Research Review: Carbohydrate-insulin model versus energy balance model
- SBS Article Discussion: The Definitive Diet Setup Guide
- Thoughts on the OMAD (one-meal-a-day) diet? How important is it to get protein and leucine right before sleep to continue muscle protein synthesis throughout the night?
- It is often said that one pound of fat loss corresponds to a deficit of around 3500 kilocalories. What about one pound of muscle loss? Is it possible to gain weight in an energy deficit, or to lose weight in an energy surplus?
- I have an upcoming surgery that will require 3-4 weeks without training. How should I eat to maintain my gains? How quickly can I return to lifting?
- Research Roundup: Effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on body weight
- Research Roundup – Intuitive eating
- How important is good food, really?
- Are sugar-sweetened beverages inherently bad for health?
- Research Roundup – Meal timing
- Research Review: Dietary cholesterol and training adaptations
- Should people be worried about “anti-nutrients?”
- How much water does the typical lifter need? Does timing of ingestion matter? Should water intake be reduced at night?
- What are the risks and benefits of using nicotine to suppress appetite and increase energy?
- Optimal breakfast to fuel training
- Appetitive traits as targets for weight loss: The role of food cue responsiveness and satiety responsiveness
- Based on its mercury content, how much canned tuna can you eat on a weekly basis?
- Research Roundup – Four Weeks of Time-Restricted Feeding Combined With Resistance Training Does Not Differentially Influence Measures of Body Composition, Muscle Performance, Resting Energy Expenditure, and Blood Biomarkers
- Should nutrition be altered during a deload?
- Best hangover cure/prevention tips?
- What exactly influences our relationship with food, and how might we go about improving it? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
- What are some big or common mistakes that nutrition coaches make with their clients? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
- I’ve heard meal timing throughout the day is fairly inconsequential, but does the literature show any meaningful benefits to having high calorie workout days and low calorie rest days? Specifically for limiting fat accumulation?
- Do you try to limit things like caffeine, artificial sweeteners, diet soda, or any calorie-free things, either during a weight loss diet or during maintenance or bulking phases?
- Research Review: Twice as High Diet-Induced Thermogenesis After Breakfast vs Dinner On High-Calorie as Well as Low-Calorie Meals
- Research Roundup – Artificial Sweeteners and Risk of Stroke and Dementia
- Article Discussion: “Antioxidants for Lifters: A Review of the Evidence”
- Research Roundup – Artificial sweeteners. Effects of Stevia Extract on Postprandial Glucose Response, Satiety and Energy Intake: A Three-Arm Crossover Trial.
- Research Roundup – Short-Term Impact of Sucralose Consumption on the Metabolic Response and Gut Microbiome of Healthy Adults.
- Coach’s Corner: Changing health-related habits and behaviors
- Hot Off the Presses: Antioxidants. Studies discussed:
- Can Eric discuss the recent “Game Changers” debate on the Joe Rogan podcast? Can he defend his indefensible review of the “Game Changers” movie, and defend his honor and integrity in the process?
- Insulin hypothesis: Definition and shortcomings (With James Krieger)
- Hot Off The Press (Research Roundup) – High fructose diets
- More and more studies show that a plant based diet is healthier than one that includes meat and other animal products. How does this relate to gains and weight loss?
- What are the evidence-based recommendations for red meat and processed meat consumption?
- What is your take on intuitive eating? Does our body have a built in mechanism which will increase hunger when our body registers the necessity for muscle growth?
- Is keto the best diet for weight loss?
- What are the effects of alcohol consumption on body composition?
- Can you eat fruit during a contest prep (or weight loss) diet?
- Is there any benefit to manipulating dietary fat distribution throughout the week (in essence, “fat cycling”)?
- Does blending your food render it less nutritious?
- A recent paper came out stating that people who drink diet soda are more likely to have a stroke… is this actually true? Are there any legit concerns about artificial sweeteners?
- What effect does processed food have on total daily calorie intake?
- There was recently a debate between Gary Taubes and Stephan Guyenet. To use the prompt from this debate… What is the REAL cause of obesity?
- What are the theoretical reasons for favoring high meal frequency?
- What effects does sugar intake have on performance and composition?
- Does the relative split of daily dietary intake of carbs and fat really matter for hypertrophy, strength, and body composition?
- General Body Composition Questions
- Date in 3 days: Anything you can do to enhance your physique?
- What is brown adipose tissue?
- How do excessively low body-fat percentages impact strength and hypertrophy gains?
- Research Review: Relation of body fat mass and fat-free mass to total mortality
- Very brief p-ratio update
- Can you gain muscle while eating at maintenance calories if you’re getting adequate protein and have body fat to spare?
- Research Review: P-Ratios and Hypertrophy
- For body comp and performance purposes, what are your thoughts on “behavior based” dietary interventions, rather than focusing solely on macro targets?
- Does cortisol really impact body composition and fat storage?
- Do you buy the idea that certain ethnicities have a genetic tendency to store fat in different places?
- What are the biggest mistakes you see people make when they have an unsuccessful diet attempt? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
- Are eating habits particularly hard to change? How do we successfully change them? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
- Discussion on bulking, post-cut weight gain, and diet history (with Jeff Nippard)
- Discussion on FFMI and genetics (with Jeff Nippard)
- Are standing desks scientifically any better for athletes then sitting all day and how is that quantifiable?
- I’ve heard that having additional muscle mass can have effects on metabolism. Is this true?
- What percentage of guys do you think can achieve a fat-free mass index above 25?
- Body composition measurement: What are the most accurate methods? How bad is too bad for individual use? (With James Krieger)
- Is body mass index (BMI) still accurate for people who are much taller (or shorter) than average?
- What is a “set point” for body fat or body weight? Can we reset it?
- How can a person get their body fat percentage accurately estimated?
- Are body composition tests useful for the typical lifter? If so, how can people get their body composition tested in a reliable manner?
- What’s up with these new 3-D body composition scanners? What are some potential uses?
Contest or Meet Preparation
Eric has mentioned a couple times that he’s gotten down to 1500 calories during prep. Other than copious amounts of shredded chicken, what would the most nutritionally-complete 1500 calorie meal plan look like?
Q&A: Training frequency, reducing caloric intake on rest days, and isometric training
What’s the best way to cut weight for powerlifting, in terms of performance?
Episode 5: Q&A: Dropping Weight, Building Strength to Promote Hypertrophy, and Training Around Pain
What are some different strategies for making weight for strength sports?
Episode 1: Creatine, Genetics, and Dr. Peter Fitschen
How do you decide when to bump up or down a weight class?
Is there a big focus on nutrition among higher-level strongman competitors? Are there any specific diets that are currently popular or trending?
Episode 26: Protein, Fiber, Phototherapy, and Intro to Strongman with James Deffinbaugh
What is Eric Helms’ approach to prepping for bodybuilding competitions?
When you get late into a weight loss phase, do you cut down training volume or intensity?
Episode 8: Drug Testing, New Supplement Research, Squat Science, and Dr. Eric Helms
Is Eric Helms doing anything to proactively address reductions in non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) during contest prep?
Episode 8: Drug Testing, New Supplement Research, Squat Science, and Dr. Eric Helms
Cutting
Can Greg elaborate on his hypothesis that strength loss during weight loss may be due to upper body glycogen loss? How long does it take to restore glycogen once you go back to maintenance?
Bonus Live Q&A: Energy Constraint Model, Training Volume, Creatine Kinase Levels, and More
What’s your take on short bulk/cut cycles?
Episode 62: Energy Deficiency, Training Frequency, and Beginner Gains
Should athletes focused on cutting weight in a caloric deficit be worried about micronutrient deficiency?
Episode 49: Protein & Kidney Function; Cholesterol & Training Adaptations
If strength/size gains come back relatively quickly after a cut, is there any benefit to cutting at a less conservative pace in order to spend a higher percentage of the year in a lean bulking phase?
Episode 48: Breakfast, Glycine, Muscle Knots, and Trigger Points
Can cold exposure be used as a fat loss strategy?
Episode 44: Caffeine Genes, Brown Adipose Tissue, Concurrent Training, and Hangovers
When experiencing strength loss while cutting, how can you tell if the loss in strength is a natural part of being in a caloric deficit, or a result of overreaching?
Q&A: Training frequency, reducing caloric intake on rest days, and isometric training
Coach’s Corner – Programming your training during weight loss
Episode 33: Doping, Collagen, Goals, and Hyperplasia
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and weight loss/weight regain (With James Krieger)
Episode 30: Fructose, Knee Sleeves, Weight Loss Variability, and James Krieger
Research Roundup – Weight loss success is highly, highly individual
Studies discussed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Episode 30: Fructose, Knee Sleeves, Weight Loss Variability, and James Krieger
There has been a lot of discussion about bulking on recent shows. I would be interested in hearing about practical recommendations regarding the frequency of bulking and cutting. How often is common? Is there a ceiling where it’s no longer effective, or even harmful, over a given time period?
Episode 25: Q&A: Rest Periods, Deadlifts, Bulking, and Hypertrophy for Powerlifters
What is your opinion on mini cuts during an extended gaining phase? How long a mini cut should be, how aggressive should the caloric deficit be, and what should be training like?
Episode 21: Q&A: BCAAs, Mini-Cuts, Sex Differences, and First Meet Tips
What are the repercussions of rapid fat loss? How can you achieve rapid fat loss while minimizing the repercussions as much as possible?
Episode 15: Q&A: Keto, Rapid Fat Loss, Deadlifts, and Faulty Movement Patterns
If you’re trying to lose fat but maintain performance, what is the “optimal” rate of weight loss?
What should you do after a weight loss goal is achieved?
Episode 16:Changing Your Mind, Internet Arguments, Metabolic Adaptation, and Leigh Peele
Bulking
What’s your take on short bulk/cut cycles?
Episode 62: Energy Deficiency, Training Frequency, and Beginner Gains
Is there a simple way to judge if I’m gaining too much fat during a bulk?
Episode 49: Protein & Kidney Function; Cholesterol & Training Adaptations
Do you think it would be beneficial to implement “diet breaks” while bulking?
Episode 34: Cell Swelling, Genetic Ceilings, Touch-and-Go Deadlifts, and Load-Specific Adaptations
Do “hardgainers” benefit from exceeding one gram of protein per pound of body weight? Do you see much in the literature about “hardgainers” who are female?
Episode 29: Q&A: High Protein Diets, Hardgainers, Exercise Variety, and Bone Adaptations
What is your opinion on mass gainers?
Episode 27: Q&A: Bands, Chains, Useful Supplements, and Tweaking Your Program
There has been a lot of discussion about bulking on recent shows. I would be interested in hearing about practical recommendations regarding the frequency of bulking and cutting. How often is common? Is there a ceiling where it’s no longer effective, or even harmful, over a given time period?
Episode 25: Q&A: Rest Periods, Deadlifts, Bulking, and Hypertrophy for Powerlifters
When bulking, what are the pros and cons of utilizing a rapid rate of weight gain?
Episode 17: Q&A: Dreamer Bulks, Concurrent Training, Recovery Modalities, and Valuing Research
When bulking, should you continuously re-calculate your maintenance calorie requirements as you go?
Fasting
How your Myers-Briggs score dictates your intermittent fasting protocol.
Episode 55: BMI, Plant-Based Protein, Stretching, and Mouthguards
Are there any merits to this study (https://tinyurl.com/y2mzemnw)? Are its conclusions accurate?
Episode 27: Q&A: Bands, Chains, Useful Supplements, and Tweaking Your Program
Are there benefits of fasted cardio for performance?
Episode 19: Q&A: Fasted Training, Training Frequency, and How Much Research is Enough?
Is fasting more effective than normal calorie restriction when it comes to retaining muscle mass whilst losing body fat?
Episode 13: Q&A: Warming Up, Calculating Volume, Assessing Fatigue, and Creatine Non-Responders
What is the history of intermittent fasting in the fitness industry?
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley
What has the research taught us about intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding?
Meta-analyses on intermittent fasting strategies:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29419624
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924195/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6304782/
Studies on time-restricted feeding:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27550719
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4635036/
https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-016-1044-0?s=ovzgowspzgzjrjm83r95
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2645638/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29754952
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley
What are the potential mechanisms by which time-restricted feeding could be superior?
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley
Is it ever beneficial to lift weights in a fasted state?
Episode 23: Q&A: Carbs, Sodium, and Experimenting with Your Training
I train very early in the morning and drink a protein shake prior to training. Anything else you recommend to do or eat before working out in a fasted state?
Episode 23: Q&A: Carbs, Sodium, and Experimenting with Your Training
Metabolic Adaptation
Research Review: Age, sex, and energy expenditure
- Daily energy expenditure through the human life course
- Doubly labelled water assessment of energy expenditure: principle, practice, and promise
- Specific metabolic rates of major organs and tissues across adulthood: evaluation by mechanistic model of resting energy expenditure
Episode 63: Metabolic Rate, Blood Flow Restricted Training, and Turkesterone
Coach’s Corner: Estimating total daily energy expenditure
- Some helpful equations: Resting Metabolic Rate: Best Ways to Measure It—And Raise It, Too
Episode 63: Metabolic Rate, Blood Flow Restricted Training, and Turkesterone
Research Review: Constrained energy model, hot dogs & lifespan.
- Energy compensation and adiposity in humans
- Small targeted dietary changes can yield substantial gains for human health and the environment
Episode 64: Constrained Energy, Modeling Hypertrophy, and Effects of Aging on Performance
Energy compensation and energy constraint model (Pontzer study)
Bonus Live Q&A: Energy Constraint Model, Training Volume, Creatine Kinase Levels, and More
Can surplus calories eventually become maintenance calories?
Bonus Live Q&A: Energy Constraint Model, Training Volume, Creatine Kinase Levels, and More
Research Review: Recovering from a diet or relative energy deficiency
A Review of Nonpharmacological Strategies in the Treatment of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
The Metabolic Adaptation Manual: Problems, Solutions, and Life After Weight Loss
Episode 62: Energy Deficiency, Training Frequency, and Beginner Gains
Research Roundup – Metabolic adaptation
Episode 57: Caffeinated Naps, Intuitive Eating, and Q&A Catch-Up
The First Bodybuilding Refeed Research (with Eric Helms)
Episode 51: 2020’s Most Notable Research (with guests Eric Helms and Mike Zourdos)
Metabolic adaptation is an illusion, only present when participants are in negative energy balance
Episode 47 – Bench Angles, Appetitive Traits, and Mesocycle Progression
Can you cover the (in)accuracy of online RMR calculators?
Episode 35: Metabolic Rate, Artificial Sweeteners, Electromyography, and Non-Failure Training
How long does it take to metabolically recover from long-duration diets?
Episode 19: Q&A: Fasted Training, Training Frequency, and How Much Research is Enough?
What are the best strategies to reverse the effects of metabolic adaptation from a fat loss phase, while minimizing fat gain?
Episode 11: Q&A: Lifting Shoes, Alcohol, and Over/Underrated Exercises
In regards to re-feeds and/or diet breaks, from what I understand at least 2 consecutive days of re-feeding is needed to have any impact on the metabolic adaptations of a prolonged calorie deficit (3 days is probably better). That being said, how much of an effect does it really have, and is the cost to benefit ratio really worth it?
Episode 7: Q&A: CBD, Junk Volume, Eccentric Training, and Building a Following in Fitness
Is starvation mode a real thing?
Episode 16: Changing Your Mind, Internet Arguments, Metabolic Adaptation, and Leigh Peele
Protein
What’s the lowest protein intake someone could eat while still building an appreciable amount of muscle?
- Dose–response relationship between protein intake and muscle mass increase: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults
Episode 67: Calorie Restriction, Protein Restriction, App Updates
Why don’t MPS results match up with hypertrophy results?
- Essential amino acid-enriched whey enhances post-exercise whole-body protein balance during energy deficit more than iso-nitrogenous whey or a mixed-macronutrient meal: a randomized, crossover study
- Making Sense of Muscle Protein Synthesis: A Focus on Muscle Growth During Resistance Training
Episode 67: Calorie Restriction, Protein Restriction, App Updates
How does MPS caused by protein consumption compare to the magnitude of MPS caused by resistance training?
You’ve already met your calorie intake target for the day, but you haven’t reached your protein target yet. Should you eat more protein and go over your calorie target?
Research Review: Plant proteins revisited
Episode 55: BMI, Plant-Based Protein, Stretching, and Mouthguards
Research Roundup – Protein
Episode 53: Protein, Fish Oil, Glycogen, and What Limits Muscle Growth
Research Roundup – Optimal Protein Intake
Episode 52: Protein, Lactate, and Strength Phases to Boost Hypertrophy
Research Review: High-protein diets and kidney function
Episode 49: Protein & Kidney Function; Cholesterol & Training Adaptations
What is the optimal speed for consumption of a protein bolus?
Episode 46: Season Finale: Tons of New Meta-Analyses and Q&A Catch-Up
Is there a link between high-protein diets and kidney stones?
Episode 46: Season Finale: Tons of New Meta-Analyses and Q&A Catch-Up
Two protein questions. 1) There are huge discrepancies with protein recommendations. Some organizations recommend as low as 0.36g per pound, but some bodybuilders eat 400-500g per day. Where is the sweet spot, and is it possible to over-do it? 2) For my total daily protein intake, should I only count proteins from animal and dairy sources, since they are considered “high-quality” or “complete” proteins?
Episode 38: Immune Function, Home-Based Workouts, Fat Burners, and Lifting with Long Limbs
Research Roundup – Differential Responses of Blood Essential Amino Acid Levels Following Ingestion of High-Quality Plant-Based Protein Blends Compared to Whey Protein-A Double-Blind Randomized, Cross-Over, Clinical Trial.
Episode 35: Metabolic Rate, Artificial Sweeteners, Electromyography, and Non-Failure Training
How does my pre-workout meal look? 2 scoops of whey, 10g of dextrose, 30-45 minutes before working out. Also, would there be any benefit of a post-workout shake?
Episode 34: Cell Swelling, Genetic Ceilings, Touch-and-Go Deadlifts, and Load-Specific Adaptations
Research Roundup – Effects of Dietary Protein Quantity on Bone Quantity following Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Episode 34: Cell Swelling, Genetic Ceilings, Touch-and-Go Deadlifts, and Load-Specific Adaptations
High Compared with Moderate Protein Intake Reduces Adaptive Thermogenesis and Induces a Negative Energy Balance during Long-term Weight-Loss Maintenance in Participants with Prediabetes in the Postobese State: A PREVIEW Study.
Episode 33: Doping, Collagen, Goals, and Hyperplasia
Are there any downsides associated with high protein diets? Is the “one gram per pound of body weight” rule good?
Study referenced: 1
Episode 29: Q&A: High Protein Diets, Hardgainers, Exercise Variety, and Bone Adaptations
Research Roundup – Castro et al: Comparative Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Concentrated, Hydrolyzed, and Isolated Whey Protein Supplementation on Body Composition of Physical Activity Practitioners
Episode 28: Glycogen Loading, Lower Back Pain, PowerBuilding, and Physical Culture with Ben Pollack
Is there any benefit to a “personalized” protein supplement blend, or is it just an excuse to increase the price?
Episode 27: Q&A: Bands, Chains, Useful Supplements, and Tweaking Your Program
Considering the result of this 2014 study, would you see similar long-term results from eating a normal amount of a whole protein source, or a smaller protein dose that is supplemented with extra leucine?
Article on dietary amino acid balance and hyperphagia.
Episode 3: Q&A: Beltless Training, Leucine, and the Health Benefits of Strength
What does the research say about protein and overfeeding?
Papers discussed: Charidemou et al, Kassis et al, Johannsen et al.
Episode 8: Drug Testing, New Supplement Research, Squat Science, and Dr. Eric Helms
Research suggests there is a refractory period for muscle protein synthesis following protein ingestion. Will eating a snack with protein between meals disrupt protein synthesis?
Episode 11: Q&A: Lifting Shoes, Alcohol, and Over/Underrated Exercises
Keto
Keto for hypertrophy
Episode 60: Capsaicin, Multivitamins, and Time Off
How do you define a ketogenic diet?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
What are the potential benefits of adopting a ketogenic diet?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
For a ketogenic diet, how low do carbs need to be? Does it vary from person to person?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Does high protein intake kick you out of ketosis?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
How do you know if you’re in ketosis or not?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Do you really need to have high fat intake, or is carb restriction sufficient?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
How good or bad is the adherence rate in keto diet studies?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
What are the potential drawbacks of a ketogenic diet? What micronutrients might be missing?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Do ketogenic diets have negative effects on cholesterol/blood lipids or hair loss?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Is it possible to predict who will respond relatively well (or poorly) to a ketogenic diet?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
What are the effects of keto on fat loss, muscle gain, and muscle retention?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
What are the effects of keto on physical performance?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Is keto potentially helpful for any conditions other than certain types of epilepsy?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Are there any applications for ketone supplements?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Who is keto good for?
Episode 24: The Game Changers, Vegan Diets, Foam Rolling, and Keto with Michael Hull
Gut Health
What exactly is “gut health”? (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Are “enterotypes” legit? (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Fiber (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Meat (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Fermentable foods (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Prebiotics and probiotics (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Antibiotics (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
Fecal transplants (With Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro)
Interview: Gut Health with Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro
General Nutrition Questions
Research Review: Carbohydrate-insulin model versus energy balance model
- The carbohydrate-insulin model: a physiological perspective on the obesity pandemic
- Post from Stronger By Science Community
Episode 65: Carbohydrate-Insulin Model, Counting Calories, and Setting Up a Diet
SBS Article Discussion: The Definitive Diet Setup Guide
Episode 65: Carbohydrate-Insulin Model, Counting Calories, and Setting Up a Diet
Research Review: Revisiting Diet Breaks and Refeeds
- www.strongerbyscience.com/metabolic-adaptation
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1057740815000443
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975722/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28925405/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33467235/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33587549/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33630880/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33375938/
Episode 66: Refeeds, Diet Breaks, Fructose, and Sodium
Thoughts on high sodium for strength sports?
Episode 66: Refeeds, Diet Breaks, Fructose, and Sodium
Can athletes get around the negative effects of high sugar consumption because they are more active?
Episode 66: Refeeds, Diet Breaks, Fructose, and Sodium
I am a fitness instructor, and I have a female client who wishes to lose weight. I tried putting her on a caloric deficit, but she is not losing weight. Is it because she is lying about her diet or there might be other external factors?
Episode 66: Refeeds, Diet Breaks, Fructose, and Sodium
Research Review: Calorie restriction and protein restriction for longevity
- Calorie restriction versus protein restriction
- Comparing species
- Clean cupboard hypothesis
- Exercise and longevity
- Energy flux
Episode 67: Calorie Restriction, Protein Restriction, App Updates
Does alkaline water increase blood pH? Is it possible to eat or drink anything that would change blood pH? Does it matter?
- Acid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline bottled water
- Diet acids and alkalis influence calcium retention in bone
- The effects of a novel bicarbonate loading protocol on serum bicarbonate concentration: a randomized controlled trial
Episode 67: Calorie Restriction, Protein Restriction, App Updates
Coach’s Corner: How to set calorie targets
Episode 64: Constrained Energy, Modeling Hypertrophy, and Effects of Aging on Performance
What is a normal creatine kinase level for people who are lifting?
Bonus Live Q&A: Energy Constraint Model, Training Volume, Creatine Kinase Levels, and More
Research Review: Carbohydrate-insulin model versus energy balance model
- https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ajcn/nqab270/6369073?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/StrongerByScienceCommunity/posts/3002174166727623/
Episode 65: Carbohydrate-Insulin Model, Counting Calories, and Setting Up a Diet
SBS Article Discussion: The Definitive Diet Setup Guide
Episode 65: Carbohydrate-Insulin Model, Counting Calories, and Setting Up a Diet
Thoughts on the OMAD (one-meal-a-day) diet? How important is it to get protein and leucine right before sleep to continue muscle protein synthesis throughout the night?
Episode 61: Responders, Non-Responders, and Fish Oil
It is often said that one pound of fat loss corresponds to a deficit of around 3500 kilocalories. What about one pound of muscle loss? Is it possible to gain weight in an energy deficit, or to lose weight in an energy surplus?
Episode 62: Energy Deficiency, Training Frequency, and Beginner Gains
I have an upcoming surgery that will require 3-4 weeks without training. How should I eat to maintain my gains? How quickly can I return to lifting?
Research Roundup: Effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on body weight
Study link
Episode 59: Beta-Alanine, Training Frequency, and Strength for Hypertrophy
Research Roundup – Intuitive eating
Episode 57: Caffeinated Naps, Intuitive Eating, and Q&A Catch-Up
How important is good food, really?
Episode 57: Caffeinated Naps, Intuitive Eating, and Q&A Catch-Up
Are sugar-sweetened beverages inherently bad for health?
Episode 55: BMI, Plant-Based Protein, Stretching, and Mouthguards
Research Roundup – Meal timing
Episode 52: Protein, Lactate, and Strength Phases to Boost Hypertrophy
Research Review: Dietary cholesterol and training adaptations
Studies discussed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Episode 49: Protein & Kidney Function; Cholesterol & Training Adaptations
Should people be worried about “anti-nutrients?”
Episode 50: Q&A: Cortisol, Hydration, Anti-Nutrients, and Deadlift Recovery
How much water does the typical lifter need? Does timing of ingestion matter? Should water intake be reduced at night?
Episode 50: Q&A: Cortisol, Hydration, Anti-Nutrients, and Deadlift Recovery
What are the risks and benefits of using nicotine to suppress appetite and increase energy?
Episode 50: Q&A: Cortisol, Hydration, Anti-Nutrients, and Deadlift Recovery
Optimal breakfast to fuel training
Episode 48: Breakfast, Glycine, Muscle Knots, and Trigger Points
Appetitive traits as targets for weight loss: The role of food cue responsiveness and satiety responsiveness
Episode 47 – Bench Angles, Appetitive Traits, and Mesocycle Progression
Based on its mercury content, how much canned tuna can you eat on a weekly basis?
Episode 46: Season Finale: Tons of New Meta-Analyses and Q&A Catch-Up
Research Roundup – Four Weeks of Time-Restricted Feeding Combined With Resistance Training Does Not Differentially Influence Measures of Body Composition, Muscle Performance, Resting Energy Expenditure, and Blood Biomarkers
Study reviewed: Stratton et al.
Episode 44: Caffeine Genes, Brown Adipose Tissue, Concurrent Training, and Hangovers
Should nutrition be altered during a deload?
Episode 44: Caffeine Genes, Brown Adipose Tissue, Concurrent Training, and Hangovers
Best hangover cure/prevention tips?
Episode 44: Caffeine Genes, Brown Adipose Tissue, Concurrent Training, and Hangovers
What exactly influences our relationship with food, and how might we go about improving it? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
Behavior Change and Eating Habits with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon
What are some big or common mistakes that nutrition coaches make with their clients? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
Behavior Change and Eating Habits with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon
I’ve heard meal timing throughout the day is fairly inconsequential, but does the literature show any meaningful benefits to having high calorie workout days and low calorie rest days? Specifically for limiting fat accumulation?
Q&A: Training frequency, reducing caloric intake on rest days, and isometric training
Do you try to limit things like caffeine, artificial sweeteners, diet soda, or any calorie-free things, either during a weight loss diet or during maintenance or bulking phases?
Q&A: Training frequency, reducing caloric intake on rest days, and isometric training
Research Review: Twice as High Diet-Induced Thermogenesis After Breakfast vs Dinner On High-Calorie as Well as Low-Calorie Meals
SBS Guest Article by Danny Lennon
Episode 37: Heart Rate Variability, Antagonist Stretching, and Chrononutrition
Research Roundup – Artificial Sweeteners and Risk of Stroke and Dementia
Studies discussed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Episode 36: Antioxidants, Injury Risk Factors, and the Conjugate Method
Article Discussion: “Antioxidants for Lifters: A Review of the Evidence”
Episode 36: Antioxidants, Injury Risk Factors, and the Conjugate Method
Research Roundup – Artificial sweeteners. Effects of Stevia Extract on Postprandial Glucose Response, Satiety and Energy Intake: A Three-Arm Crossover Trial.
Episode 35: Metabolic Rate, Artificial Sweeteners, Electromyography, and Non-Failure Training”
Research Roundup – Short-Term Impact of Sucralose Consumption on the Metabolic Response and Gut Microbiome of Healthy Adults.
Episode 35: Metabolic Rate, Artificial Sweeteners, Electromyography, and Non-Failure Training”
Hot Off the Presses: Antioxidants. Studies discussed:
Can Eric discuss the recent “Game Changers” debate on the Joe Rogan podcast? Can he defend his indefensible review of the “Game Changers” movie, and defend his honor and integrity in the process?
Episode 31: Q&A: Myonuclei, Sodium Bicarbonate, Bands For Hypertrophy, and More Game Changers
Insulin hypothesis: Definition and shortcomings (With James Krieger)
Episode 30: Fructose, Knee Sleeves, Weight Loss Variability, and James Krieger
Hot Off The Press (Research Roundup) – High fructose diets
Study Discussed: 1
Episode 30: Fructose, Knee Sleeves, Weight Loss Variability, and James Krieger
More and more studies show that a plant based diet is healthier than one that includes meat and other animal products. How does this relate to gains and weight loss?
Episode 25: Q&A: Rest Periods, Deadlifts, Bulking, and Hypertrophy for Powerlifters
What are the evidence-based recommendations for red meat and processed meat consumption?
Episode 22: Red Meat, Deloads, and Pain with Dr. Michael Ray
What is your take on intuitive eating? Does our body have a built in mechanism which will increase hunger when our body registers the necessity for muscle growth?
Episode 19: Q&A: Fasted Training, Training Frequency, and How Much Research is Enough?
Is keto the best diet for weight loss?
Episode 15: Q&A: Keto, Rapid Fat Loss, Deadlifts, and Faulty Movement Patterns
What are the effects of alcohol consumption on body composition?
Episode 11: Q&A: Lifting Shoes, Alcohol, and Over/Underrated Exercises
Can you eat fruit during a contest prep (or weight loss) diet?
Episode 11: Q&A: Lifting Shoes, Alcohol, and Over/Underrated Exercises
Is there any benefit to manipulating dietary fat distribution throughout the week (in essence, “fat cycling”)?
Does blending your food render it less nutritious?
A recent paper came out stating that people who drink diet soda are more likely to have a stroke… is this actually true? Are there any legit concerns about artificial sweeteners?
Episode 10: Coaching Cues, Fat-Free Mass Index, Non-Responders, and Dr. Brad Dieter
What effect does processed food have on total daily calorie intake?
Episode 10: Coaching Cues, Fat-Free Mass Index, Non-Responders, and Dr. Brad Dieter
There was recently a debate between Gary Taubes and Stephan Guyenet. To use the prompt from this debate… What is the REAL cause of obesity?
Episode 10: Coaching Cues, Fat-Free Mass Index, Non-Responders, and Dr. Brad Dieter
What are the theoretical reasons for favoring high meal frequency?
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley
What effects does sugar intake have on performance and composition?
Episode 23: Q&A: Carbs, Sodium, and Experimenting with Your Training
Does the relative split of daily dietary intake of carbs and fat really matter for hypertrophy, strength, and body composition?
Episode 23: Q&A: Carbs, Sodium, and Experimenting with Your Training
General Body Composition Questions
Date in 3 days: Anything you can do to enhance your physique?
Bonus Live Q&A: Energy Constraint Model, Training Volume, Creatine Kinase Levels, and More
What is brown adipose tissue?
Bonus Live Q&A: Energy Constraint Model, Training Volume, Creatine Kinase Levels, and More
How do excessively low body-fat percentages impact strength and hypertrophy gains?
Research Review: Relation of body fat mass and fat-free mass to total mortality
Episode 55: BMI, Plant-Based Protein, Stretching, and Mouthguards
Very brief p-ratio update
Episode 55: BMI, Plant-Based Protein, Stretching, and Mouthguards
Can you gain muscle while eating at maintenance calories if you’re getting adequate protein and have body fat to spare?
Episode 54: P-Ratios, Ischemic Preconditioning, and Q&A
Research Review: P-Ratios and Hypertrophy
Episode 54: P-Ratios, Ischemic Preconditioning, and Q&A
For body comp and performance purposes, what are your thoughts on “behavior based” dietary interventions, rather than focusing solely on macro targets?
Episode 49: Protein & Kidney Function; Cholesterol & Training Adaptations
Does cortisol really impact body composition and fat storage?
Episode 50: Q&A: Cortisol, Hydration, Anti-Nutrients, and Deadlift Recovery
Do you buy the idea that certain ethnicities have a genetic tendency to store fat in different places?
Episode 44: Caffeine Genes, Brown Adipose Tissue, Concurrent Training, and Hangovers
What are the biggest mistakes you see people make when they have an unsuccessful diet attempt? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
Behavior Change and Eating Habits with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon
Are eating habits particularly hard to change? How do we successfully change them? (with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon)
Behavior Change and Eating Habits with Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon
Discussion on bulking, post-cut weight gain, and diet history (with Jeff Nippard)
Interview with Jeff Nippard: On genetic limits, FFMI, training, and nutrition
Discussion on FFMI and genetics (with Jeff Nippard)
Interview with Jeff Nippard: On genetic limits, FFMI, training, and nutrition
Are standing desks scientifically any better for athletes then sitting all day and how is that quantifiable?
Episode 35: Metabolic Rate, Artificial Sweeteners, Electromyography, and Non-Failure Training
I’ve heard that having additional muscle mass can have effects on metabolism. Is this true?
Episode 35: Metabolic Rate, Artificial Sweeteners, Electromyography, and Non-Failure Training
What percentage of guys do you think can achieve a fat-free mass index above 25?
Episode 34: Cell Swelling, Genetic Ceilings, Touch-and-Go Deadlifts, and Load-Specific Adaptations
Body composition measurement: What are the most accurate methods? How bad is too bad for individual use? (With James Krieger)
Episode 30: Fructose, Knee Sleeves, Weight Loss Variability, and James Krieger
Is body mass index (BMI) still accurate for people who are much taller (or shorter) than average?
Episode 25: Q&A: Rest Periods, Deadlifts, Bulking, and Hypertrophy for Powerlifters
What is a “set point” for body fat or body weight? Can we reset it?
Episode 10: Coaching Cues, Fat-Free Mass Index, Non-Responders, and Dr. Brad Dieter
How can a person get their body fat percentage accurately estimated?
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley
Are body composition tests useful for the typical lifter? If so, how can people get their body composition tested in a reliable manner?
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley
What’s up with these new 3-D body composition scanners? What are some potential uses?
Episode 12: Bench Press, Intermittent Fasting, Body Composition Testing, and Dr. Grant Tinsley