Do you really need that post-workout protein shake, or is real food (and simple habits) enough for great health? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack the difference between training for performance and training for health, explain why “gym bro” advice often doesn’t suit everyday women, and show how small, consistent choices like fasting, strength work and low-carb real food can boost metabolic health without endless rules. Listen in to learn when fasted exercise is helpful, how to tell if you personally do better eating before or after a workout, and easy ways to get enough protein without relying on ultra-processed shakes.

Website links: 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/should-i-drink-a-protein-shake-after-exercise 

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Learn when supplements like chromium and milk thistle might help and when they won’t! Like many supplements, they’re not magic fixes! Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns explain why real food, good sleep and movement matter most for your health and weight loss. You’ll find out what to look out for before spending money on supplements, plus get their easy six steps for success you can start today. Listen and discover what really works for better health! 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/are-chromium-or-milk-thistle-useful-for-weight-loss 

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Get ready for tips you can use! In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns share simple ways to enjoy Christmas without feeling stressed by food, family, or parties. You’ll learn how to dodge sneaky marketing tricks, handle emotional eating, and pick healthy treats that taste good. Listen for practical steps to stay focused on your health goals while having fun, plus find out about a special free programme to help you through the festive season, so you start the New Year feeling great. 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript:
https://www.rlmedicine.com/avoid-the-pitfalls-of-christmas-marketing 

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Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson open up about why diets don’t work - and why being “perfectly thin” isn’t the goal. They share their own real-life struggles with weight and health, bust common myths from diet culture, and explain why being healthy on the inside matters far more than looking a certain way. You’ll also learn simple, science-backed strategies to break free from the all-or-nothing mindset, manage emotional eating, and stay on track with your health - without guilt, shame, or restriction.

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/why-were-not-skinny 

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Join Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns as they celebrate five years of podcasting and share what they've learned along the way. Discover why low-carb diets aren't the only answer, how diet culture has kept women trapped in guilt and shame, and why being thin doesn't equal being healthy. Learn about the surprising role that trauma plays in weight gain and why the old "eat less, move more" advice sets people up to fail. If you've been struggling with weight loss or trying to understand what really works for your health, this episode will help you see through the marketing hype and give you a more balanced, realistic approach to becoming healthy on the inside. Plus, hear why these two doctors changed their minds about so many things and why that's actually a good sign. 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/what-have-we-learnt-in-5-years 

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Dr Lucy Burns talks with money mindset expert Denise Duffield-Thomas about ADHD, perimenopause, and how women can change their relationship with money. Discover how ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until perimenopause hits, why getting a diagnosis can be life-changing, and practical ways to stop self-sabotaging behaviours around money. Learn why women's work is often undervalued, how to break free from guilt about charging what you're worth, and why it's okay to use medication, technology, and help instead of trying to do everything the hard way. This conversation will help you recognise the stories holding you back and give you permission to stop making life harder than it needs to be.

Find her at...
Website: www.denisedt.com 
Instagram: @denisedt 
Facebook: @denisedt 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/adhd-perimenopause-and-money-mindset 

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Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the confusion around fasting, protein, and what really works for women. You'll learn how to balance intermittent fasting with your protein needs, why you shouldn't worry about hitting protein targets on fasting days but must prioritise them on eating days, and discover common fasting mistakes like going "too fast and furious" before your body is ready. The doctors explain how to build up your fasting practice gradually, what to drink during a fast, when fasting might not suit you (including during different phases of your menstrual cycle), and why more fasting isn't always better. If you've been told that women shouldn't fast or you're confused about how to make fasting work with your goals, this episode gives you practical, flexible strategies you can actually use. 

Website links: 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/should-women-fast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wondering how much protein you really need each day? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson clear up the confusion around protein intake and explain why hitting your protein target matters for your health. You'll learn a simple rule of thumb for calculating your daily protein needs, discover why protein is essential for controlling hunger, managing blood sugar, and preventing muscle loss as you age. The doctors share practical tips for getting 30 grams of protein at each meal using everyday foods like eggs, meat, fish, and dairy, plus their honest take on whether protein powders are worth your money. If you're struggling to feel satisfied after meals or want to boost your metabolic health, this episode gives you straightforward, no-nonsense advice you can put into practice straight away. 

Website links: 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-much-protein-do-you-really-need 

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This episode tackles a sneaky trap that keeps many people stuck in the dieting cycle: all-or-nothing perfectionism. Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns explain why waiting for the perfect time to start or expecting yourself to be perfect is sabotaging your health goals. Listeners will learn how to break free from the mindset that says you're either doing it perfectly or you're a failure, discover why small slips don't have to derail your progress, and get practical tools for managing cravings and emotional eating without punishment or restriction. The doctors share their personal struggles with perfectionism and reveal how self-compassion and learning from mistakes—not perfection—are the real keys to lasting health changes.

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-common-diet-trap-you-might-be-falling-into 

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Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns tackle the tricky "holiday mindset" that can sabotage health goals when people go away. Discover why having more time doesn't automatically mean eating better and learn practical strategies to enjoy holidays without throwing your health plans out the window. The doctors share real examples of intentional food choices whilst travelling, from pints of Guinness in Dublin to chocolate tart in Paris, showing how you can still have special moments without going completely off track. You'll gain simple tools like the "half-assing holidays" approach and protein-focused breakfast strategies that let you enjoy your break from cooking and meal prep whilst staying aligned with your goals. Perfect for anyone who struggles with the all-or-nothing mentality around food during holidays and wants to return home feeling refreshed rather than regretful.

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/busting-food-myths-holding-you-back 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.