Ketosis for Perimenopause: Burn Fat, Fix Blood Sugar & Support Fertility — Dr. Nicole Huffman

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 Perimenopause isn't just about estrogen. If you're eating less, working out more, and still gaining belly fat or losing muscle, the real issue may be metabolic — not hormonal. In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Nicole Huffman to unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface in midlife: rising insulin resistance, stress-driven blood sugar swings, declining metabolic flexibility, and the silent loss of muscle that lowers resting metabolic rate. They explore why ketosis can be a powerful tool during perimenopause — not as a rigid "diet," but as a metabolic state that stabilizes glucose, reduces inflammation, and helps restore the internal environment hormones rely on. They also explore the powerful connection between ketosis and fertility — including insulin resistance, progesterone signaling, PCOS, and why metabolic "safety signals" matter for ovulation. You'll also hear: Why muscle preservation changes everything after 40 The surprising connection between stress, insulin, and progesterone Why some women regain ovulation when blood sugar improves How to approach keto in a flexible, woman-centered way Why protein + lifting + sleep are non-negotiable Vanessa also shares her experience using protein-sparing modified fasting (PSMF) days to drive fat loss, body recomposition and ketogenesis while protecting lean mass — and why this may be a more effective strategy for women over traditional fasting. If you've ever said, "My body doesn't respond like it used to," this episode explains why — and what to do about it. Dr. Nicole Huffman also shares her Radiant Woman Method, a 7-week live program designed to help women restore metabolic balance during perimenopause. Learn more about Dr. Huffman's Radiant Woman Method Here 👉 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.