Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast

  In this episode, Kyle sits down with Marshal Whitaker of Argali Outdoors. Marshal’s story is a fascinating look at what happens when elite endurance goals meet a newfound dedication to metabolic science. Having recently conquered a 50K ultra marathon while losing 30lbs, Marshal is now shifting his sights to the bodybuilding stage. Episode Highlights The "Busy" Factor: Why staying active is Marshal’s #1 tool for managing hunger in a deficit. The Power of Coachability: Marshal discusses "swallowing his pride" and moving away from a restricted "chicken and broccoli" mindset to a flexible, macro-based approach. Performance vs. Weight Loss: How Marshal successfully increased his running mileage while simultaneously shedding weight—disproving the myth that you can’t do both. Volume Eating: The "magic" of frozen Potatoes O’Brien and how to eat full plates of food while staying in a caloric deficit. The Support System: How Marshal’s transformation sparked a fitness journey for his wife, turning their home gym into a hub of mutual accountability. Training in Quarters: Kyle breaks down the philosophy of dividing the year into four distinct focuses to prevent burnout and "wanting it all at once." Key Takeaways "I thought I would always feel fatigued and hungry... but I’m eating sandwiches with grilled onions and fitting it into my macros. My understanding of food has completely changed." — Marshal Whitaker Resources & Links Mentioned Argali Outdoors: argalioutdoors.com – High-performance gear for backpack hunters. Marshal on IG Valley to Peak Nutrition: Valley to Peak Nutrition – Search the full archive of episodes from #1 to the present and all of our resources.  Connect with the Show Follow Kyle on Instagram: [@V2pnutrition] Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Search "Valley to Peak Nutrition" (Note: On Spotify, episodes currently start at #20, but the full library is available on the website!)

Why does weight loss stall even when you count your drinks? Plus, the truth about fasted cardio and staying active in your 70s. Let’s dive in! Episode Summary: In this listener Q&A episode, we tackle the nuance of nutrition that goes beyond simple "calories in vs. calories out." We discuss why alcohol can halt weight loss despite a calorie deficit , whether fasted cardio actually burns more fat , and how to adjust your diet as you enter your 50s, 60s, and 70s. We wrap up with a masterclass on fiber—explaining why it’s the most overlooked tool for heart health and cancer prevention. Key Takeaways: The Alcohol Variable: Why the body prioritizes alcohol metabolism and how cellular inflammation causes water retention Fasted Cardio Debunked: Why training on empty might actually be hindering your performance and metabolic flexibility. Nutrition for Longevity: Addressing the "Front Porch" phase—how to maintain muscle mass and energy in your 70s. Fiber 101: The difference between soluble and insoluble fiber and why "Keto-friendly" high-fiber wraps might be ruining your digestion. Podcast Chapters (Timestamps) 00:00 – Welcome & Show Season Recap 04:30 – Does Alcohol Stop Weight Loss? (Beyond the Calories) 07:15– The Difficulty of Measuring Liquid Calories 10:45 – Fasted Cardio: Weight Loss Benefit or Performance Hindrance? 15:20 – Teaching Your Body to Use Fat as Fuel 18:50 – Nutrition for the 70+ Athlete: Staying Overlooked No More 22:15 – Why Energy Levels Drop: Hormones vs. Activity 26:40 – The Three Pillars of Aging: Energy, Health Markers, and Strength 31:10 – Fiber Intake: Are You Falling Short? 34:50 – The "Cocklebur" Effect: How Fiber Cleans Your System 38:20 – Soluble vs. Insoluble: Which Foods Do You Actually Need? 41:05– The Danger of Overdoing Fiber: Avoiding the "Keto Wrap" Trap 44:00 – Closing Thoughts & How to Submit Your Questions   Guest & Resource Links: Submit Your Questions: [email protected] Follow Valley to Peak: Valley to Peak Nutrition   Related Episode: When is too much meat too much?  

In a world where "optimization" is the new standard, where is the line between healthy hormones and chasing a number? In this episode, we sit down with Dyllon Sanford of Henderson Family Medicine to break down the state of men’s health in 2026. We explore why testosterone levels are dropping in younger men, how to accurately read your lab results (Total vs. Free T), and the critical difference between medical intervention and natural optimization. From "gas station taquito" lifestyle traps to the long-term implications of TRT dependency, this is a no-nonsense guide for any man looking to reclaim his vitality without sacrificing his long-term health.   Valley to Peak 8-Week Challenge GLP-1 Podcast

Check out more from Valley to Peak Nutrition here! - - - - - "If today’s deep dive into mastering your 'Trail Q&A'—from navigating lower protein intakes to staying fueled for those grueling nine-day expeditions—helped you rethink your backcountry strategy, we’d love to stay connected. Head over to our search page for our a full list of options and reviews to learn more. If you’re finding value in these trail-tested tips, please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback is the fuel that helps us grow and ensures other mountain athletes and hunters can find their way from the valley to the peak."

Think your best life is behind you once over the hill? Becki Honner is here to prove otherwise. At 45 and a mom of four, Becki was told that "age and hormones" were the new bosses of her biology. She decided not to listen. Instead, she teamed up with us to be at a composition she envisioned and hit performance peaks she hadn't seen in years. In this episode, we’re dispelling the midlife excuses and diving into the exact mindset shift Becki used to reclaim her strength and silence the skeptics.  - - - - - - Check out more resources from Valley to Peak. Take our 8-Week Challenge.  

We're back from a ton of travel and being a part of Toughsheep and Touchback in Reno and SLC.  We have had a ton of questions about how to fuel for events like this, so we dive into that in this episode.  We also cover products worth keeping your eye out for that are releasing soon and how to not get confused by ALL the supplement companies at shows like this.  - - - - - Roughridge Stove MTNTOUGH Exo Mtn Gear- K4X- coming soon + alert sign up.  Valley to Peak Nutrition 

I sit down with the founder of Neve, Nora Fierman to chat all things about opening a small business, time in the backcountry, and why smoothies are the wave of the future for fueling backcountry adventures.   - - - - - Find Nora and Neve here.  More from Valley to Peak. 

Grab your carbohydrate fueling guide download here.  Check out other resources (and our revamped website) here.  More from Summit Strength here. 

Thanks for listening!  Check out more from V2P here.  - - - - -  Ellyn Satter Division of Responsibility Andy Galpin on Training and Movement in Kids

FAQ: Sharing a summary + my thoughts on the new dietary guidelines- which are quite the shift from we had previously had.  We also check out questions on:  Is HIIT better for fat loss than zone 2 cardio? Are there lower thresholds for carbs, fats, or proteins that we should avoid? Will creatine alone build a bigger muscle? Dietary guideline information for you to look at.  Research on Z2 vs HIIT.  Conversation w/ Cardiologist Matt Nelson: "Is there such a thing as too much exercise for the heart?" More information about Valley to Peak + Resources for you to use!

We're tackling a few topics this time:  A huge thanks to you for getting us to 100K downloads.  How to set goals with a VERY simple framework. Q&A on if we take HSA, if we require paid-in-full programs, and more.  Link to our free guide.  Link to our quadrant planner. 

Chris Cage of Greenbelly meals sits down to chat all things backpacking food and nutrition with me today.  You'll hear about how he got started, why, and where he thinks the future of backpack nutrition is headed.   We dive into some rapid fire Q&A and talk about a project we worked on together that will be released soon.  Check out Greenbelly's YouTube channel here.  Future link of our electrolyte video when it is finished and released.  - - - -  To get more information about Valley to Peak or our programs, check out v2pnutrition.com

The Five Things We Did: JC spent just shy of 4 months focused on his nutrition with one goal: see if it could change the current course of his health.  You'll hear his perspective, tips, advice and exactly what we did during that time together.  - - - -  Check out more resources, podcast, and other things to help in your journey at V2P!

-How much does exercise contribute to calorie needs? -What’s a DEXA scan (and what’s good to know in the results?) -What exactly is a “healthy relationship” with food? Are you there? -Is there a 1:1 calorie intake vs burn effect to create energy equilibrium? - - - - - - Valley to Peak Nutrition Resources, Info, and Freebies

Topics covered:  Are oral GLP-1s as effective as injectables? What's the deal with the new report on protein powders containing lead? Should I worry about not having carbs with my protein after a workout? Are energy drinks really killing my gains in the gym and workouts? Consumer Report on protein powders Podcast with Dyllon Sanford on GLP-1-Part 1.  European Food Safety Authority

Creatine is arguably the most popular supplement on the planet right now.   When you ask, people have heard they should take it, but they're not quite sure why, what it does, how it works, or if it even really works at all for that matter.    We look to explore some of that and get answers in this episode.  - - - - - Creatine in the backcountry (podcast).  Creatine and other supplements in physical occupations and tactical athletes (podcast). 

How important is variety in the diet?  I tend to eat alot of the same things every day.  How important is nutrient timing when it relates to protein intake?  Does protein quality matter? “I tore my hamstring while water skiing this summer.  Should I be eating more protein while I’m doing my PT work?  What about amino acides or BCAA?   I LOVE ice cream, but it kills my intake.  What are three ways I can have a healthier version (change TYPE, change AMOUNT, Skip) - - - - Check out our resources at Valley to Peak Nutrition or sign up for coaching!

Your body shivering is an automatic response for survival as it contracts your muscle to generate heat when thrown into a particularly cold environment.     The energy demand is high. The currency of that cost is calories.    I wanted to know just WHAT happens, WHY, and if we’re able to fix it in the field.     Who better to discuss the topic than Mr. John Barklow himself? ---- Knowledge from Storms.  Sitka Gear Montana Knife YouTube Survival Series w/ John.  Rewarming Drill.    

This week we look at four practical things you can do to recover and stay strong for a season- be it training or hunting.  We talk about whether you should carb load or not before a big hunt and give some updates on what’s to come throughout the fall.    Podcast with Rokslide and Jordan Budd Our Prep and Recovery Nurition Guide (Free) Our DIY at-home electrolyte mix  

We held a live backcountry nutrition Q&A in mid-July and folks showed up big time with great questions!  This is the recording from that session.    To check out the resources we highlight in the episode, you can check out Valley to Peak Nutrition website. 

What happens when you head to the mountains to hunt elk for eight days in physically demanding terrain?  I knew in theory what happens, but wanted to hear Cory's first hand experience and the details behind his experience and project: Destination Elk.    Destination Elk Link Series Elk 101 Resources and information Valley to Peak Resources

I'm joined by Kyle Zibrowski of Chapter 3 Sigma and a good friend of mine.  There seems to be a million ways to create new habits now days.  The problem?  Too many things to focus on is the antithesis of creating new habits.  Simplicity is king.  Kyle and I talk about ways that will actually help- things that were forged through actual adversity.    Chapter 3 Stigma Substack    Chapter 3 Stigma Podcast: Apple Podcast Spotify YouTube   More from Valley to Peak Nutrition  + Resources

Lindsay is back for this round of FAQ where we look at:  Does anything actually increase metabolism (Spoiler: yes!) What should I eat before a really early morning workout? Do I have to add in exercise to achieve my goals?  Are there other ways? What exactly is 'energy expenditure'?   Sing up for the Backcountry Nutrition QA&- happening July 16th, 2025 at 7p MST).  

Check out all the V2P Resources- including our Backcountry Nutrition Course- here.  From Hunt West: "In this episode of the Hunt West Podcast, Jaden Bales sits down with longtime friend and backcountry nutrition expert Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition. Kyle shares how mastering the basics of nutrition—not chasing the latest fads—is the key to performing at your peak in the mountains. From building sustainable systems to dialing in off-season weight loss and fueling long hunts like a late-season elk hunt, or a dall sheep trek in Alaska, Kyle lays down practical, no-BS advice for every kind of hunter. Whether you're prepping for September elk season, cutting excess weight for the mountains, or figuring out what to actually eat in the backcountry, this episode delivers. Expect real stories, smart strategies, and a ton of overlap between hunting and nutrition that’ll get your wheels turning and your food game dialed."

A five year dream with PLENTY of setbacks along the way.  Michael and I talk through those setbacks, training, and yes- what nutrition looks like to climb the tallest mountain in the world.    Bar Recipe Other Resources from Valley to Peak 

The 2025 Exo Mtn Gear Death Hike of the Grand Canyon and our attempt at 100-miles.  We recap the hike, nutrition, how we changed our training- and a host of other topics.  Marks Food List Kyle's Food List Fueling When You Don't Feel Like It Guide At Home Muscular Endurance Circuit Resources from past Death Hikes

Updates to our Dehydrate Guide- and a free copy for those that purchased version one.  Listen to the episode for details.    V2P Dehdyrate Guide V2P Self-Guided Backcountry Course Other Free Resources

Gabriel had every reason on the planet to legitimately not show up to this years Death Hike.  Yet, his first question to his doctor after a finding in his health was "Am I still going to be able to make this hike?" We talked ABOUT the hike, but we also talk about the importance of not sitting on things in your health you need to handle and what it means to go all-in on a commitment you make.  Atomic Athlete/Exo Mtn Gear Training Template Ivory Holsters Website Our New Backcountry 101 Course Other Resources We Offer

Thanks for checking the podcast out!  Below are links referenced throughout the episode:    1. Prior R2R2R Podcast Episode (with attached Food list.  2. 2025 Nutrition & Food List. 3. Podcast on fat burning fat as fuel, and fat adaptation.  4. Link to 2 DIY Bars for the backcountry.    Our BACKCOUNTRY FOUNDATIONS course is now live if you want to check it out here.   

Nicholas Gilbert joins me this week to talk through his own personal journey.  From running track for University of Oregon in college to getting busy with a family, he found himself in the same spot most of us do- unhappy with our health, but not 100% sure what to do about it.    2024 was a year of redemption for Nicholas.  Not only did he solve for the questions about his health, he went back to the mountains of Alaska and redeemed a lifelong dream of taking a Dall Ram with his bow.     Nicholas’ Instagram and Contact information.  Hawaii Safari’s  More resources from Valley to Peak

Recap of the 2024 Death Hike with Nutrition List Stay in the loop for the release of our Backcountry Nutrition Course!

  Part 1 of 2:  Are protein bars glorified treats? If starvation mode isn't real; why do we plateau?  What's actually happening? What do you do in Valley to Peak?  What's your role in the process of someones progress? Do we need detoxes? Get more information and resources from V2P here!

We dive deep on what actually works in big wilderness pushes, what's garbage, and what shows promise, but still needs some adjusting.    V2P Backcountry Meat Care Guide  V2P Newsletter subscription to find more about the news Backcountry Nutrition Course launching this spring.  Get ahold of us!

Imagine waking up and not feeling like yourself.  It's a challenge many of us will hopefully never have to know.  It was, however, something Rachael Sanchez had to walk through.  But, as you'll hear, nutrition and training slowly started to help her feel like herself again.    If you'd like to contact Rachael, you can reach out on social media.    If you'd like to learn more about Valley to Peak, you can check out our resources here. 

Dyllon and I sit down and discuss everything from the basics to the more complex aspects of GLP-1's and medications like Ozempic.  We look at:  What is it?  What is GLP-1 as a whole?  What’s the acronym stand for?  Do we produce it naturally? If so, why are we suggesting people get a shot to get more of it?  What was it originally intended and created for? Why does it seem to be magic for WEIGHT LOSS? What are the obvious or hidden upsides? What are the obvious or hidden downsides? How long can a person take it? Can they live on it forever? Does the body naturally produce less if it’s getting some from other sources? Will appetite increase once they come off? Is there extra concern for muscle loss while on them?  Is that concern warranted? How can you make sure to mitigate that loss? Is there a way to maintain productive levels of energy while taking them? Sounds like a free lunch- something bad has to be lurking….right? and MUCH, much more!   Click here to check out more from Valley to Peak. 

In 2021 Sarah Book was put on life support after complications arose from a hospital admit she found herself in the midst of.  Little did she know the worst day of her life would serve as a major catalyst for her future.  Her story is both heart-wrenching and motivating.     Her can reach out to Sarah here if interested.    Check out more from Valley to Peak here. 

Several updates (and announcements!) for 2025! Plus: A final bonus episode to wrap up '25 based on hiking questions for the trail.  See the list below.  Check out Valley to Peak Resources Here.  - - - - Hiking is my excuse to be able to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich 😀 What snacks offer some good energy? I have often heard that gummy bears are good but what quantity? How much is too much? Fresh fruit if available or dried fruit? No difference? I struggle to eat on longer hikes, how often should I eat, quantity etc I find I get really fatigued then eat something small to keep going On long hikes, I strive to eat every hour on the trail. I typically consume carbs. Should I also be eating protein? Is there anything we should prioritize to aid our recovery for hiking again the following day? I sometimes feel like I'm trying to get in a good meal at the end of the day, which means I might not sleep as well as I could, which makes the next day harder ... so I eat less and then have less energy than I want. Any tips? Options for protein and meal options when you can’t eat the commercial dehydrated meals! They don’t agree with my stomach…:( Since undergoing a couple of surgeries which involved bowel resections I have been advised to avoid nuts, seeds and skins to lessen the risk of an obstruction. I have always munched on nuts for a quick fix of protein. What snacks should I eat for a high intake of protein. I sweat way more than my husband and feel like I need to drink a lot more water. Is there a way to calculate how much salt/electrolytes to consume to stay balanced? Or is it just trial and error? I always have problems with salt/electrolyte tabs and powders. I prefer to simply drink water because the addition of supplements to the water makes me feel nauseous after drinking. I don't know if it's the key nutrients/minerals that bother me or the fact that I strongly dislike sweet drinks. Is there another way to replace lost salt/minerals during a long, hot hike? Are LMNT salts superior to over the counter electrolytes that I might be able to buy here or in Europe? Also, years ago you had to mix the exact ratio of water to an electrolyte packet to get the right ratio. Is this still a thing? Looking at the back of an LMNT packet online, there doesn't seem to be a quantity of water stated. Was that a myth?

"How in the world did you find time to get ready for a sheep hunt AND be gone for that long?"   This was a question posed by many of you...and the question that made it hard to decide whether to go or not in the first place .   Lindsay and I sit down together to get HER perspective on what it means to be gone that long, what the spouse leaving can do ahead of time to take the burden off of home life and some input from me on how I balanced it all.    Check out more from V2P here if interested. 

This week we look at cyclic dextrin as a fuel source during training- is it actually better for us/blood sugar response?     Weights vs cardio?  Is one more advantageous for goals?   And, we announce how you can save some cash on Black Friday beginning now.    Click here for an opportunity to take advantage of reduced cost on Foundations Plus Program.   Operation Net Zero Podcast referenced is linked here. 

Four of the top question you asked:  - What are discretionary calories, why do they matter, and how much should we aim for? - What your thoughts on blood work done?  Should I get some?  What should I get for nutrition? - Why do people "relapse" on their weight/performance/nutrition goals? - I'm getting older.  How do my protein needs change...or do they?   Plus more!   Check out our programs and materials or subscribe to our newsletter on our website!

Heidi is a dietitian who recently joined V2P to help create great content and educate folks who want to learn more about nutrition.     We do an introduction, learn more about Heidi, her background, and recent (successful!) solo trip for elk!   Check out all of our information and content on our website!

We get a bunch of great questions from listeners, but Jake wanted to do a role-reversal on this episode to cover a TON of different topics as they pertain to nutrition at home, in the backcountry, and getting it all to work together.      

It’s really tough to make any kind of progress in training when we have near-constant setbacks while training.  Little issues can go from annoyance to concerning quickly.  We’re joined by Rob Minturn of Wilderness PT this week to talk about how we can avoid setbacks by taking care just a few small things on the front end.  Link to:  Super Feet Sheep Feet Glutey Tubey + cost. Bands on Amazon Rob’s social content

This is the recap of Kyle's 2024 dall sheep hunt in the Alaska Backcountry with Limitless Alaska Guiding and Mark Rowenhorst.  ---- Detailed gear and nutrition list is linked here for those interested.  ---- Click here for more information about Valley to Peak Nutrition and available resources!

Creatine has gained a load of attention in the last couple of years for it’s reported ability to enhance athletic performance, increase muscle size, and improve brain function.  With accolades like that, it’s no wonder that people are starting to ask “is there a use and benefit for taking creatine in the backcountry to enhance performance while in the mountains?” We’re here to answer that question today by evaluating:  What is creatine exactly? Should we care- why or why not? What’s the deal- does it actually work? Is it dehydrating- a common question that comes up in the conversation?  Should I avoid or take it into the mountains? Should I avoid or take it in preparation and training for the mountains?  Let’s dive in…

My guest this week is Dustin Diefendurfer.  Dustin runs MTNTOUGH- a program and app that has become synonymous with training the dedicated.  This includes folks in the military, backcountry hunters, thru-hikers, wildland firefighters, ultra-runners, and just about everything in between.     Having had the chance to get to know Dustin and the entire crew over at MTNTOUGH through work we’ve done together in the last year has been nothing short of a great experience and learn from the exception attitudes, work ethic, and thinking they operate from everyday.  I wanted you all to get to experience that.    So, we cover the origins of MTNTOUGH and it’s grown over the years.  What’s been good- and difficult- about that.  How the most impactful things rarely start out as trying to create any kind impact at all.  We talk about making decisions and when to take leaps and at what point are decisions just plain stupidity….and so much more.  ---- Check out more from MTNTOUGH here.  Resources on nutrition?  Check out Valley to Peak here. 

Science is ever-evolving. The science of nutrition is not immune to this.  The worst thing someone who studies nutrition can do is plant their feet so firmly on an idea that they're unwilling to hear how it might've changed over the years.  I'm not immune to that.    Mark and I cover three things that we've both changed our minds on over the last five years when it comes to the topic of nutrition.    We delivered on the recipes for the backcountry bars.  You can find them linked here!   More from Exo Mtn Gear.  More from Valley to Peak.

This week I’m joined by Brian Barney.    You'll hear one theme come up time and again in this podcast: operating optimally on nothing more than the bare minimums.  Minimum time, minimum intel, minimum resources, yet still making it work.  I couldn’t think of a better person to invite on the podcast and learn from…plus he’s one of the genuinely best dudes on the planet.    Topics we look at:  Hearing how he’s approached his nutrition in the field- especially when water sources are scarce in the earlier parts of the season.  How to find water on maps.  And, how to fit in time for training amidst working a full-time job, hosting his own podcast, raising a family, and being a husband.   You heard us reference a course he puts on, videos he’s done, and other resources he’s had his hand in, in the past.  We’re going to link those in the show notes so if you want ot check those out, you can below: Brian's social media channel Brian's podcast Hunting course Brian's high country films  We appreciate you joining us this week- and every week!  If you have any questions you want us to sort through in our Q&A segments, questions, or topics- let us know.  You can email us at [email protected].   

Words like processed foods, inflammation, and seed oils are thrown around daily in articles and social media.  But, what do they really mean?  Are they as big of a concern as is suggested in the 30-second reels we see each day?  We cover more topics this week as we look at: processed food seed oils saturated fat inflammation antioxidant Questions?  Email us at [email protected].  Interested in free resources?  Check out all of the offerings at v2pnutrition.com. 

Words like GMO, organic, additives, and preservatives are thrown around daily about the topic of nutrition.  Most of us make our purchasing decisions based off of them, but do we really know what they mean?  This is a two part series to break these down and look at definitions and separate fact from fiction.