#1 Protein Expert: How Much Protein Do Women Actually Need? | Prof Stuart Phillips episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 5, 2026 · 59 MIN

#1 Protein Expert: How Much Protein Do Women Actually Need? | Prof Stuart Phillips

from High Performance Health · host Angela Foster

Today I’m sitting down with world-leading exercise physiologist Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD, to cut through the noise around strength training, protein, fasting, and midlife muscle. We talk about why women don’t need a completely different training programme than men, why just two resistance sessions a week can meaningfully improve strength and long-term health, and why consistency matters far more than “perfect” protein timing or supplements. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Whether women need different strength training programmes than men • How little resistance training is needed to protect muscle and aging • Why lifting across all rep ranges builds better long-term results • How cardio and strength training interact (and sometimes compete) • How much protein women actually need per day and per meal • Why protein timing matters far less than total intake • Whether fasted training harms muscle, hormones, or recovery • How under-fueling quietly sabotages strength and adaptation Timestamps00:00 Strength Training Myths for Women 02:31 Why Lean Women May Struggle to Gain Muscle 05:17 Muscle vs Strength vs Power Explained 17:31 How Much Protein Do Women Really Need? 26:48 Protein Per Meal: Absorption, Timing & Anabolic Window 34:24 Carbohydrates, Performance & Insulin Sensitivity 37:34 Fasted Training: Risks, Benefits & Reality42:43 Optimising Post-Workout Nutrition 47:41 Balancing Cardio & Strength Training 52:19 Aging, DEXA Scans & What Really Matters VALUABLE RESOURCES A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible:• Hormone Harmony – Go to https://lvluphealth.com/angela | Use code ANGELA for an exclusive 15% off ABOUT THE GUEST Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD is a world-renowned exercise physiologist and Professor at McMaster University, internationally recognised for his research on muscle protein synthesis, aging, resistance training, and nutrition. With over 30 years of research experience, Stuart is a leading voice in evidence-based guidance on strength training, protein intake, and healthy aging. Social Media:Instagram, X & TikTok: @mackinprofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMPPh.D/

Today I’m sitting down with world-leading exercise physiologist Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD, to cut through the noise around strength training, protein, fasting, and midlife muscle. We talk about why women don’t need a completely different training programme than men, why just two resistance sessions a week can meaningfully improve strength and long-term health, and why consistency matters far more than “perfect” protein timing or supplements. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Whether women need different strength training programmes than men • How little resistance training is needed to protect muscle and aging • Why lifting across all rep ranges builds better long-term results • How cardio and strength training interact (and sometimes compete) • How much protein women actually need per day and per meal • Why protein timing matters far less than total intake • Whether fasted training harms muscle, hormones, or recovery • How under-fueling quietly sabotages strength and adaptation Timestamps00:00 Strength Training Myths for Women 02:31 Why Lean Women May Struggle to Gain Muscle 05:17 Muscle vs Strength vs Power Explained 17:31 How Much Protein Do Women Really Need? 26:48 Protein Per Meal: Absorption, Timing & Anabolic Window 34:24 Carbohydrates, Performance & Insulin Sensitivity 37:34 Fasted Training: Risks, Benefits & Reality42:43 Optimising Post-Workout Nutrition 47:41 Balancing Cardio & Strength Training 52:19 Aging, DEXA Scans & What Really Matters VALUABLE RESOURCES A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible:• Hormone Harmony – Go to https://lvluphealth.com/angela | Use code ANGELA for an exclusive 15% off ABOUT THE GUEST Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD is a world-renowned exercise physiologist and Professor at McMaster University, internationally recognised for his research on muscle protein synthesis, aging, resistance training, and nutrition. With over 30 years of research experience, Stuart is a leading voice in evidence-based guidance on strength training, protein intake, and healthy aging. Social Media:Instagram, X & TikTok: @mackinprofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMPPh.D/

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#1 Protein Expert: How Much Protein Do Women Actually Need? | Prof Stuart Phillips

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This episode was published on January 5, 2026.

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Today I’m sitting down with world-leading exercise physiologist Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD, to cut through the noise around strength training, protein, fasting, and midlife muscle. We talk about why women don’t need a completely different...

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