In this episode of Vegan Proteins' Muscles by Brussels Radio, Dani and Alice dive deep into the realities of perimenopause, menopause, hormones, and maintaining a strong, healthy physique as women get older. They discuss the overwhelming amount of information online, the difference between helpful education and fear-based messaging, and why menopause is a complex transition rather than a simple explanation for every struggle with weight loss.

The conversation covers how declining estrogen and progesterone can impact muscle retention, body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, recovery, sleep, and overall stress tolerance. Dani and Alice discuss why calories in versus calories out still applies, while acknowledging that the factors influencing calorie needs and adherence can change over time. They also talk about why strength training, movement, adequate nutrition, and patience become even more important as women age.

They explore topics like chronic dieting, metabolic adaptation, reverse dieting, fiber intake, digestion, stress management, and the importance of avoiding extreme approaches. The episode also breaks down hormone replacement therapy (HRT), what it can and cannot do, why it is highly individual, and why medical guidance matters when considering hormonal treatments.

Whether you are navigating menopause yourself, coaching women through this stage of life, or simply want to better understand how the female body changes with age, this episode provides a balanced look at fitness, hormones, and long-term health.

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SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

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In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with coaching client Kelsey to discuss her remarkable first bodybuilding season, which culminated in earning professional status. Kelsey shares what initially inspired her to compete, how she balanced contest prep with a demanding legal career, and the lessons she learned about consistency, flexibility, and self-belief throughout the process.

The conversation also explores Kelsey’s long-standing commitment to animal advocacy, her journey from vegetarian to vegan, and how those values shaped both her career and lifestyle. They discuss the realities of contest prep, overcoming perfectionism, navigating setbacks, managing travel and work responsibilities, and why having the right coach and support system can make such a profound difference. Kelsey also reflects on the experience of stepping on stage for the first time, achieving pro status, and what comes next after accomplishing a goal that had been decades in the making.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

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In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with Dr. Angie Sadeghi for an in-depth conversation on GLP-1 medications, gut health, digestion, fiber, and the growing confusion surrounding modern nutrition advice.

Dr. Sadeghi explains how medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro actually work, why they’ve been so effective for appetite regulation and metabolic health, and what the research really says about concerns like muscle loss and long-term safety. The discussion also dives into insulin resistance, intramuscular fat, and why she believes many people have been misled about carbohydrates and fiber for years.

Ben and Dr. Sadeghi explore why most Americans are severely lacking in fiber intake, the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber, and how gut health is often oversimplified online. They also discuss probiotics, fermented foods, microbiome testing, digestive discomfort during transitions to plant-based eating, and why Dr. Sadeghi no longer recommends the FODMAP diet for most patients.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sadeghi shares practical insights from years of clinical experience helping patients improve their digestion, body composition, metabolic health, and long-term quality of life.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

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