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.

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