Metabolic Mindset

Metabolism Over Dogma: Why We Both Moved Beyond Low Carb

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 show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562527/support] Work 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: Energy Regulation, Not Stimulation

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 show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562527/support] Work 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

Why Overtraining Is Not Helping You Lose Fat

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 show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562527/support] Work 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

Supplements That Support a Pro-Metabolic Framework

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 show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562527/support] Work 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

The Randle Cycle: A Physiology-Based Explanation of Fuel Competition and Energy Efficiency

Episode 5 – The Randle Cycle: A Physiology-Based Explanation of Fuel Competition and Energy Efficiency Why 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 show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562527/support] Work 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