What is the link between cholesterol and muscle growth?

Today, we will explore whether increasing dietary cholesterol can promote muscle growth and strength gains. In several studies, higher cholesterol intake has been linked to increased lean mass and strength, potentially by improving muscle cell integrity and boosting repair signaling pathways. We know that dietary cholesterol does not negatively impact blood cholesterol or heart disease risk, though stay tuned for one thing in your diet that might. Today is all about the muscle-building side of cholesterol.

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Click here to apply for coaching!
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Today you’ll learn all about:

[2:37] Myth on the effects of dietary cholesterol
[5:12] Dietary cholesterol and muscle gain
[13:40] The effect of higher cholesterol intake
[15:01] The effects of statins
[16:01] Lower cholesterol intake of vegetarians
[17:45] Sources of cholesterol
[23:30] Outro

Episode resources:

• Join the Wits & Weights email list
• Meno Henselman's article “Is cholesterol the forgotten anabolic?”

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

If physical health is your top priority, then why aren't you allocating your most VALUABLE asset to it?

And no, it's not money.

Listen to today's episode to find out what it is!

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“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.

These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.

If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

Do you know how to adjust your diet and training based on your needs and biofeedback? Do you know the role of protein in body composition?

Learn more about this and more from today’s guest, Dr. Eric Helms! Fresh off of earning his WNBF Pro Card, he joins me for the second time despite his busy contest schedule. The last time Eric was on the show, we discussed balancing strength and physique goals, programming for lifters at different experience levels, self-determination theory and motivation, and optimal protein sources.

Eric Helms is a titan in the bodybuilding and nutrition world. He is a researcher, author, and coach specializing in physique and strength sports. Eric has a PhD in strength and conditioning and is a competitive natural bodybuilder and powerlifter.  He co-founded MASS Research Review and is the Chief Science Officer of 3D Muscle Journey.

Today, we’re going to get caught up on his recent exploits in the bodybuilding world and then dive into some of the nuances of nutrition and training, from levels of tracking and flexible dieting to macro splits to mini-cuts. We’ll also get into training volume, autoregulation, and whatever else we have time for.

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Click here to apply for coaching!
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Today you’ll learn all about:

[2:09] Update on contest season
[16:08] Levels of diet tracking from beginner to advanced
[26:33] Tracked approach towards a fat loss journey
[32:36] Diet tracking from intermediate to athlete or competitor level
[38:20] Very high protein and low carb strategy
[45:52] Two-year nutrition cycle structure for moderate experience 
[52:30] Ratios for cutting or maintenance
[55:56] Evaluating training to optimize for muscle gain
[58:21] Finding the individualized training volume
[1:02:47] Where to find Eric
[1:04:01] Outro

Episode resources:

• Ep 72: Balancing Strength, Physique, Recovery plus Animal vs. Plant Protein with Eric Helms
• 3DMJ Vault –Bodybuilding Program Design to learn how to build your own customized training split
• IG – @helms3dmj

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

Have you ever felt judged or guilty for wanting to look better and improve physique?

Well, you don't have to.

We explore the journey of physique transformation, debunking societal stigmas and affirming it as a valid health goal. We delve into the mental resilience, discipline, and self-love that accompany this transformative journey, emphasizing that it's not just a physical, but also a mental shift.

Stay tuned as we reveal inspiring client success stories that underscore the emotional and psychological impact of a physique transformation, including a heartwarming story where a client's success was acknowledged not by numbers or weights, but by loved ones noticing their improved physique.

Remember, it's your body, your rules, and you have every right to strive for a physique that makes you feel confident and empowered. Don't miss out on this empowering message of self-love, acceptance, and the strength of mind over body.

Listen in, keep lifting, keep learning, and keep transforming!

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“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.

These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.

If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

Did you know lifting weights and taking regular walks lower stress and build confidence? 

Today, we are exploring the science-backed mental health benefits of our two favorite ways to move: strength training and walking. If you’ve ever felt anxious, depressed, or just mentally foggy, you’ll want to listen all the way through because even I uncovered some surprisingly powerful links here.

There’s incredible research that shows just how much activities like lifting weights and taking regular walks can transform your mood and mental well-being. From lowering stress to building confidence, we’ll examine how strength training and walking can naturally improve mental health. It's not just about getting stronger physically; it's about strengthening your mental fortitude, too.

__________

Click here to apply for coaching!
__________

Today you’ll learn all about:

[2:38] Five-star reviews of the show
[3:50] The link between exercise and mental health
[5:04] Weightlifting vs. mindfulness
[8:25] Grit and resilience
[11:05] The benefits of lifting weights on mental health
[18:53] The benefits of walking on mental health
[25:37] Takeaways
[29:00] Outro

Episode resources:

• Join the Wits & Weights email list
• Inspired by Impact podcast (hosted by Carl J. Berryman) – Apple or Spotify

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

When is it time to fire your coach and find a new one?

Ever wondered why your fitness goals seem elusive despite having a coach? You might be working with the wrong person. This episode gives you a peek into a conversation with one of my clients who found out the difference a good coach can make in your fitness journey. We dig deep into why a stress-free and streamlined coaching process is key to your transformation, and how a complex or frustrating process might be a signal that it's time to consider a new approach.

Getting in shape shouldn't be a struggle. That's why we're revealing what a good coach should do, how their process should work, and how it can significantly impact your progress. We also delve into how making the process simple and easy for the client is essential. This episode will guide you on how to make the best decisions for your fitness journey. Whether you're a current trainee or someone considering hiring a coach, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need. Don't let the wrong coach derail your journey to physical self-mastery.

Stay strong and tune in!

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“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.

These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.

If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

Have you ever considered running as more than just a form of exercise but as a philosophy for life?

Join me today as I chat with the inspiring Barry Karch, a runner and podcaster who defies age and gravity. Creator of the ‘Running For Your Life’ podcast, Barry motivates people to embrace running at any age. We’ll delve into his perspective on running, a topic we seldom explore, and his insights on strength training and nutrition.

In this episode, we delve into Barry’s transformative journey from running burnout to rejuvenation. In his 40s, Barry was an avid runner, participating in numerous races, including the Boston Marathon. However, after five years of intense training, he experienced burnout and took a 20-year break from racing.

In his 60s, Barry decided to shed the extra weight for a healthier life. Changing his diet, he lost 35 pounds and rediscovered his love for running. This newfound joy led him back to racing, feeling revitalized and whole again. He created his podcast to inspire others of any age to seize control of their health and join him in the race against time.

__________

Click here to apply for coaching!
__________

Today you’ll learn all about:

[3:25] What running means to Barry
[4:05] Message to people who don't have the same passion for running
[5:00] Burnout in the 40s and losing passion for running
[7:34] Attempts at other forms of exercise during the 20-year hiatus
[9:37] Diet changes and reigniting his love for running
[13:18] Training for running after the hiatus
[15:45] Mindset of excellence and resilience in running and podcasting
[17:14] The benefits of running on cardiac and bone health
[19:37] Secret to maintaining running motivation
[23:53] Importance of scheduling one exciting and scary event each year
[29:37] Impact of running on other life aspects
[31:58] Perception of outrunning Father Time
[32:58] Resources for running
[34:37] The question Barry wished that Philip had asked
[37:15] Where listeners can learn more about Barry and his work
[37:48] Outro

Episode resources:

• Barry's podcast: Running For Your Life podcast
• IG - @barry_s_karch

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

When it comes to selecting foods, this ONE thing is a game-changer for consistency and getting results.

Find out what that is in today's episode!

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“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.

These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.

If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

What is the most effective macro split for building muscle? Is it necessary to drink electrolyte mix, or is water enough? 

Find out the answers to these questions and more from the free Wits & Weights Facebook community and emails and messages from listeners.

I will tackle your burning questions on the most effective macro splits for muscle building, especially for women in their 40s, and debunk some myths along the way. I discuss the importance of electrolytes versus plain water during workouts and how to navigate hunger when transitioning from maintenance to a bulk. Plus, I get into the specifics of lean bulking and how to set your macros for optimal results.

Then, I am doing a rapid-fire Q&A based on questions from our recent rapid fat loss challenge, covering everything from the impact of high-intensity cardio on muscle growth to the most satiating foods when calories are tight.

__________

Click here to apply for coaching!
__________

Today you’ll learn all about:

[2:09] Two five-star reviews for the show
[3:33] What is the most effective macro split for building muscle?
[6:20] Is it necessary to drink electrolyte mix vs. water?
[8:03] What are your thoughts on hunger when transitioning from maintenance into a bulk, when you have reached your calories?
[11:31] Managing hunger and increasing calories for maintenance
[14:03] To transition to lean bulking, do I continue my current maintenance or find my new maintenance and set to gain? What are the macro recommendations?
[16:46] Rapid fire Q&A on the rapid fat loss challenge
[25:54] Outro

Episode resources:

• The Hunger Hacks Guide and Hunger Scale Guide & Diary:
   https://witsandweights.com/free
• Join the Wits & Weights Facebook community
• MacroFactor app – use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to extend your free trial to two weeks

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏

Do you really need to get 10,000 steps per day?

Where did that number come from, and how many steps is truly optimal for you?

Listen to today's episode to find out!

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“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.

These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.

If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.

💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - a 26-week evidence-based strength training and fat loss program for lifters over 40 to build muscle, lose fat, and maintain your weight loss and physique (even in perimenopause and menopause)

📱 Get Fitness Lab - AI-powered coaching app for evidence-based fitness and nutrition over 40. Real-time, personalized guidance that evolves with your data and lifestyle to help you build muscle, lose fat, and body recomp

👥 Join our Facebook community -  For adults over 40 who want to build muscle with strength training and lose fat with evidence-based nutrition. Support for lifting weights, hypertrophy, fat loss, and hormones.

👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape (evidence-based nutrition coach) on Instagram & thanks for making us one of the best fat loss and nutrition podcasts for adults over 40! 🙏