Angela welcomes back Ben Azadi, author of the new book "Metabolic Freedom" to delve into the critical differences between metabolic freedom and the common state of metabolic prison, where individuals are trapped in a cycle of sugar burning and insulin resistance. Ben shares insights from his extensive research, stressing the importance of maintaining balanced blood sugar levels and the role of muscle mass in enhancing insulin sensitivity, while Angela recounts her personal journey with PCOS and how dietary changes transformed her health. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many individuals are trapped in a "metabolic prison," primarily burning sugar for energy, which can lead to insulin resistance and various health issues. In contrast, metabolic freedom allows the body to efficiently switch between burning sugar and fat, promoting better energy levels and overall health. High insulin levels are a precursor to metabolic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. Regular testing of fasting insulin levels is crucial for assessing metabolic health, with optimal levels being in the single digits. Increasing muscle mass through strength training enhances insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Maintaining muscle as one ages can prevent metabolic slowdown and promote better health outcomes. Focusing solely on calorie counting can be misleading. Instead, prioritizing the quality of food—such as whole, unprocessed foods—can lead to better hormonal balance and overall health, making weight loss a natural side effect of improved health. Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which promote fat storage and hinder fat burning. Managing stress through various methods, including exercise and mindfulness, is essential for maintaining metabolic health and overall well-being. BEST MOMENTS "Unfortunately, most people are in a metabolic prison. They're handcuffed by food in order to have some short energy... when you are stuck burning sugar, it's not a fun way to live." "I think the misconception is that if we don't have good control of our metabolism, then we're going to look overweight. I certainly didn't... I was slim and fit and looked fine." "High levels of insulin... it's the first domino to fall that leads to all these metabolic diseases. It starts with high blood pressure, you start gaining weight, and then it's pre-diabetes." "We have a slight advantage insofar as we have a menstrual cycle and we can check what's going on... I think that maybe we're a little more conscious of our health because we get these signs." VALUABLE RESOURCES Click here for discounts on all the products I personally use and recommend Check out my blog to learn How Spermidine Can Reset Your Sleep and Hormonal Balance During Perimenopause A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible: Oxford Healthspan Primeadine: Target 9 out of the 12 Hallmarks of Aging - click here and use code ANGELA to save 15% LVLUP HEALTH: Slow aging, repair gut health boost collagen and recovery and more with LVLUP Health’s amazing products. Save 15% with code ANGELA at https://lvluphealth.com/angela Sign up to my Fresh Start Newsletter: Start your week feeling in control with one simple, science-backed step for your hormones, health and longevity—get your free weekly fresh start at angelafoster.me/freshstart ABOUT THE GUEST In 2008, Ben Azadi went through a personal health transformation of shredding 80 pounds of pure fat. Ever since, Ben Azadi, FDN-P, has been on a mission to help 1 billion people live a healthier lifestyle. Ben is the author of four best-selling books, Keto Flex, The Perfect Health Booklet, The Intermittent Fasting Cheat Sheet, and The Power of Sleep. Ben has been the go-to source for intermittent fasting and the ketogenic diet. He is known as 'The Health Detective' because he investigates dysfunction, and he educates, not medicates, to bring the body back to normal function. Ben is the founder of Keto Kamp; a global brand bringing awareness to ancient healing strategies such as the keto diet and fasting. Ben is the host of a top 15 podcast, The Keto Kamp Podcast; and the fast growing Keto Kamp YouTube channel with over 130,000 subscribers, and TikTok channel with over 145,000 subscribers. ABOUT THE HOST Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine. Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out. The High Performance Health Podcast is a top rated global podcast. ...