Metabolic Mindset

In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, I’m joined by Zane Griggs (@zanegriggsfitness), a long-time personal trainer and host of the Healthy AF Podcast. Zane and I met years ago when we were both deep in the low carb world. Since then, we’ve independently shifted toward a more pro-metabolic, physiology-first approach to nutrition and training.This conversation is about what actually works for our clients.We break down why restrictive frameworks like keto or low carb can initially “work,” the psychological pull of diet camps, and what happens when identity becomes tied to a way of eating. More importantly, we talk about what changed our minds—and the client results that forced us to rethink everything.We also dive into: Why under-fueling and overtraining stalls fat loss  How higher carbohydrate, lower fat approaches can improve insulin sensitivity  Real client transformations (including improved A1C on higher carb intake)  Pre- and post-workout nutrition for performance and recovery  Common mistakes people make when trying to “optimize” their metabolism If you’ve ever felt stuck between conflicting nutrition philosophies, this episode will help you step back, think critically, and start trusting physiology over dogma.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

Taurine is one of the most misunderstood nutrients in modern nutrition—often associated with energy drinks, but rarely understood for what it actually does in the body.In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, I discuss the physiology of taurine and why it plays a critical role in metabolic health. From cardiovascular function and calcium signaling to nervous system regulation, electrolyte balance, and bile production, taurine supports the systems that allow your metabolism to function efficiently.I also cover where taurine comes from, how it was discovered, key research-backed benefits, and how to effectively use it as a supplement—including dosing, timing, and forms.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, Registered Dietitian Shara Perry breaks down why more exercise isn’t always the answer for fat loss. Chronic high-intensity training, under-fueling, and elevated cortisol can actually stall fat loss by breaking down muscle, lowering metabolic rate, and signaling the body to hold onto energy. Shara explains the physiology behind Zone 1 and Zone 2 cardio, how they support mitochondrial health, fat oxidation, and cortisol regulation, and why lower-stress training can be far more effective for sustainable fat loss and muscle retention. If you’ve been working harder but seeing fewer results, this episode will help you understand why — and how to train in a way that actually supports your metabolism.Brain fart sponsored by Pfizer. Here's that information I blanked on mid-episode:Aerobic exercise ("with oxygen") is sustained, moderate-intensity activity (e.g., jogging, swimming) that improves cardiovascular endurance and burns fat. Anaerobic exercise ("without oxygen") consists of short, high-intensity bursts (e.g., sprinting, lifting) that build muscle, power, and bone density.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

Most supplements on the market don’t actually support your metabolism. In this episode, I break down which supplements are truly worth your time—covering multivitamins, magnesium, electrolytes, vitamin E, creatine, and glycine—and how they support energy production, thyroid function, fat loss, and overall metabolic health. I also explain which popular supplements, like fish oil and pre/probiotics, may actually interfere with metabolic efficiency.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

Episode 5 – The Randle Cycle: A Physiology-Based Explanation of Fuel Competition and Energy EfficiencyWhy do so many people feel better when they reintroduce carbohydrates — yet can’t explain why?In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, I break down the Randle Cycle, a core concept in metabolic physiology that explains how fat, protein, and carbohydrates compete for oxidation at the cellular level. You’ll learn why high fat intake can block glucose use, why excess protein without carbohydrates can leave you exhausted, and why carbohydrates are essential for efficient energy production.We’ll walk through the biochemistry of glucose and fatty acid oxidation, the role of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and how chronic low-carb, high-fat, or high-protein diets can push the body into a stress-adapted, inefficient metabolic state. I also explain how inadequate carbohydrate intake impacts thyroid function, cortisol, blood sugar stability, exercise performance, and overall energy availability.This episode is not about eliminating macronutrients — it’s about restoring fuel hierarchy, metabolic efficiency, and flexibility. If you’ve ever felt tired, cold, flat in workouts, or “carb intolerant,” this episode explains what’s actually happening physiologically — and why eating carbohydrates often fixes it.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, we go beyond calories and macros and dive deep into the physiology of chronic dieting and metabolic adaptation. You’ll learn exactly how prolonged calorie restriction alters thyroid function, leptin signaling, cortisol output, mitochondrial efficiency, muscle metabolism, and fat tissue behavior — and why these adaptations make fat loss increasingly difficult over time. This episode explains, at a cellular and hormonal level, why long-term dieting backfires and what your body is actually responding to when fat loss stalls despite “doing everything right.”Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

In this episode, we break down why fat loss can stall even when calories are controlled and workouts are consistent. You’ll learn how cortisol, thyroid signaling, fuel availability, and recovery determine whether your body burns fat or holds onto it—and why eating less is often not the answer.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, I break down how to calculate calories and macros using a pro-metabolic framework. You’ll learn how to estimate true maintenance calories, adjust intake for fat loss, maintenance, or muscle gain, and set macros in a way that supports energy, hormone health, and metabolic resilience. I cover why protein anchors the system, carbs fuel the metabolism, fats stay moderate, and how carb tolerance expands as your metabolism heals.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry 

What is a pro-metabolic diet, really? In this episode, Shara breaks down the physiology behind metabolism, why so many mainstream nutrition messages backfire (like “eat less, move more” and “carbs slow your metabolism”), and what it actually means to support the thyroid and mitochondria. You’ll learn the core principles of a pro-metabolic approach, why carbs and minerals matter, and how to start fueling your body without extremes.Support the showWork with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://www.usenourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry