The Energy Balance Podcast

BV #22: Justine Stenger's Glaring Hypocrisy & Doubling Down on Fat vs. Carbs

In this episode we discuss:

 

• Justine’s response to our critique of her arguments against Ray Peat’s work

 

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:32 – recap of Justine Stenger’s claim covered in episode 19 

2:26 – Justine’s response to our critique of her post 

5:45 – why it’s crucial to separate personal feelings from intellectual discussions, especially when sharing information publicly 

10:48 – our goal as health educators is not to shame or discredit individuals 

13:33 – how today’s social media environment incentivizes low quality, thoughtless posts 

18:30 – why attention and clicks take priority over quality on social media 

21:34 – how to discern reliable information and whether we should outsource understanding to specialists 

26:49 – how to develop true discernment in a world full of self-proclaimed experts 

30:19 – Justine Stenger doubles down on her claim that fats are superior to carbohydrates32:47 –do carbs or fat better supports a compromised metabolic state? 

39:45 – Justine contradicts her earlier claim that fat is a cleaner-burning fuel than carbohydrates 

43:10 – Justine Stenger’s claim that glucose oxidation is only beneficial during hypoxia or the cell danger response 

49:55 – why carbohydrates are the superior fuel source 

55:17 – the difference between glucose oxidation and anaerobic glycolysis, and whether Justine is conflating the two 

57:28 – how Ray Peat’s metabolic framework drives growth and expansion in society as a whole 

1:01:53 – why having metabolic flexibility in a healthy state doesn’t refute our argument that carbohydrates are the superior fuel 

1:08:23 – the inherent cost of favoring fat metabolism over carb metabolism, and why restoring carbohydrate utilization is essential for restoring a healthy metabolism 

1:13:30 – Justine admits she hasn’t studied Ray Peat’s work 

1:19:17 – Justine’s claim that it’s optimal to switch between fuel sources 

1:20:55 – Justine’s claim that redox matter more than carbs vs fats 

1:25:11 – did we publicly dismantle Justine’s work, and is it okay to critique others? 

1:31:26 – Justine’s hypocritical shaming of us for addressing her incorrect claims about Ray Peat’s work and glucose vs. fat metabolism1:39:48 –there is no “Ray Peat Diet” 

1:40:20 – how to embrace criticism and whether debates are typically helpful 

1:45:04 – the responsibility that comes with being health educators 

1:48:33 – common problems with debates and why we aren’t interested in debating Bart Kay 

1:52:09 – how the nervous system impacts our ability to think critically 

1:52:56 – problems with debates cont’d – are debates truly valuable? 

1:57:24 – blood sugar improvements on a bioenergetic approach

He Reversed Sleep Issues, Poor Digestion, High Blood Sugar, and More with a Bioenergetic Approach

Check out the Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://ww.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/
 
Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:57 – how Andrew was introduced to Ray Peat, the bioenergetic view of health, and Jay’s energy balance approach 

5:48 – why we structure our programs with teaching the “why” alongside clear action steps and strategies 

8:41 – increased energy and lower blood sugar levels while increasing carbohydrates 

15:09 – how the Energy Balance approach resolved nighttime binging, high blood pressure, gut issues, and improved sleep quality 

19:02 – how restricting carbohydrates leads to binging and “carbohydrate addiction” 

21:33 – setting health and weight expectations: how long does it really take to heal your metabolism? 

27:07 – refeeding, weight regain, and paying back metabolic debt: the process of losing weight without compromising your health 

31:20 – the importance of keeping a health journal and documenting symptoms and wins 

33:46 – weight loss as a result of improved health 

41:29 – the cost of losing body fat by cutting calories 

47:08 – how we work with clients using the Energy Balance approach 

49:57 – how extreme diets isolate, while Energy Balance reconnects us by removing food dogma and providing the energy for healthy connection 

55:31 – Andrew’s experience learning and applying the Energy Balance system 

59:23 – how we structure the Energy Balance programs to foster learning and create lasting health improvements 

1:07:02 – how the Energy Balance approach reshaped Andrew’s coaching style 

Prediabetes, Gut Issues, Brain Fog, High Blood Pressure, & Fatigue from Low-Carb & Fasting

Check out the Energy Balance Food Guide here: https://ww.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/
 
Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 
1:03 – introducing Andrew Wallen 


1:50 – Andrew’s background in sports, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 


6:20 – Andrew’s experience cycling through various dietary camps (CICO, paleo, ancestral, carnivore, fasting, low-carb, etc.) 


12:04 – whether we should shape our diets around what our ancestors did 
15:15 – how low-carb, keto, and fasting diets elevated stress and caused blood sugar issues for Andrew 


20:45 – “optimal” blood glucose, HRV, and resting heart rate despite crashing health 


23:50 – how stress-inducing (hormetic) health practices led to binging, self-blame, low brain energy, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function 


27:36 – low-carb, keto, carnivore, fasting, and fear about reintroducing carbs 


33:13 – Andrew’s breaking point with health and what led him to start questioning what being “healthy” really meant 


36:27 –exercise intolerance, fatigue, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, brain fog, gut issues, slow motility, and poor sleep: the product of years of low-carb and fasting 

How To Avoid Heavy Metals, Microplastics, PFAS, & Estrogenic Compounds in Your Home & Body

https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/healthy/

 

Check out the Energy Balance Solution program here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/solution/

Click here to check out the show notes:
https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/non-toxic-product-recommendations-for-your-home-body-cookware-skincare-clothing-emfs-more/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:53 – misconceptions regarding the Randle cycle in the alternative health world 

4:57 – what is the Randle cycle? 

7:06 – what most people get wrong about the Randle cycle 

10:44 – fat oxidation leads to increased ROS production and a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio 

16:29 – how fat oxidation inhibits the utilization of carbohydrates 

21:03 – the Randle cycle shows the benefits of burning carbs for energy 

25:56 – how fat oxidation inhibits the utilization of carbohydrates cont’d 

26:57 – metabolic dysfunction, not glucose, drives insulin resistance and aging 

32:07 – fat metabolism causes a buildup of citrate which reduces glucose uptake and utilization 

38:39 – how glucose oxidation inhibits the uptake and utilization of fats 

45:32 – whether you can “activate” or “deactivate” the Randle cycle 

47:22 – glucose oxidation leads to an optimal NAD+/NADH ratio and decreased ROS production 

52:08 – the protective effects of CO2 and why the brain can’t use fats as a fuel 

53:17 – whether we should strive for metabolic flexibility 

55:55 – fat metabolism and ketone production as a mechanism for energy conservation and glucose sparing 

1:00:02 – insulin resistance as a state of excess fat metabolism and decreasing fat metabolism or stress hormones improves this state 

1:05:28 – should we avoid eating carbs and fats together due to the Randle cycle? 

1:08:08 – different cells, tissues, and organs can use different fuels at the same time 

 

EB. 139: The Truth About the Randle Cycle: Why You Can Eat Carbs and Fats Together

In this episode we discuss:

 

• How the Randle Cycle actually works

• Whether eating carbs and fats in the same meal causes weight gain and insulin resistance

• The efficiency of using fats as a fuel vs carbohydrate

• How stress impacts fuel usage in the mitochondria

• How to determine the optimal amount of carbs and fats in your diet

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/

Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/

Check out the Energy Balance Solution here:

https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/

Click here to check out the show notes:
https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/eb-139-the-truth-about-the-randle-cycle-why-you-can-eat-carbs-and-fats-together/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:53 – misconceptions regarding the Randle cycle in the alternative health world 

4:57 – what is the Randle cycle? 

7:06 – what most people get wrong about the Randle cycle 

10:44 – fat oxidation leads to increased ROS production and a decreased NAD+/NADH ratio 

16:29 – how fat oxidation inhibits the utilization of carbohydrates 

21:03 – the Randle cycle shows the benefits of burning carbs for energy 

25:56 – how fat oxidation inhibits the utilization of carbohydrates cont’d 

26:57 – metabolic dysfunction, not glucose, drives insulin resistance and aging 

32:07 – fat metabolism causes a buildup of citrate which reduces glucose uptake and utilization 

38:39 – how glucose oxidation inhibits the uptake and utilization of fats 

45:32 – whether you can “activate” or “deactivate” the Randle cycle 

47:22 – glucose oxidation leads to an optimal NAD+/NADH ratio and decreased ROS production 

52:08 – the protective effects of CO2 and why the brain can’t use fats as a fuel 

53:17 – whether we should strive for metabolic flexibility 

55:55 – fat metabolism and ketone production as a mechanism for energy conservation and glucose sparing 

1:00:02 – insulin resistance as a state of excess fat metabolism and decreasing fat metabolism or stress hormones improves this state 

1:05:28 – should we avoid eating carbs and fats together due to the Randle cycle? 

1:08:08 – different cells, tissues, and organs can use different fuels at the same time 

 

EB. 138: How Low-Carb Diets Worsen AGE Formation (and What to Do Instead)

In this episode we discuss:

 

• How glucose and insulin decrease glycation

• Why ketogenic diets can be worse than high-carb diets when it comes to AGE formation

• How autophagy helps to clear AGEs, but increasing autophagy is not the answer

• The true primary drivers of AGE accumulation

• The best diet and supplements for minimizing glycation

 

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/

Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/

Check out the Energy Balance Solution here:

https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/

 

 

Click here to check out the show notes:
https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/eb-138-low-carb-diets-increase-glycation-and-what-to-do-instead/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:57 – how glycation products are detoxified and cleared from the body 

4:03 – glycation detoxification is impaired by oxidative stress and inflammation, as seen in type 2 diabetes 

7:56 – the benefits of carbohydrates for the detoxification of glycation products 

10:42 – the benefits of insulin for the detoxification of glycation products 

12:45 – how AGEs are cleared 

14:36 – increasing autophagy via hormesis is not the answer for clearing AGEs 

19:09 – autophagy can drive disease 

20:50 – ATP protects against oxidative stress and allows for proper autophagy when needed 

24:37 – impaired mitochondrial along with fatty acid oxidation impairs autophagy and increases oxidative stress 

26:54 – carbohydrates do NOT inhibit autophagy 

29:18 – adequate thyroid hormone supports proper autophagy 

30:15 – adequate ATP and mitochondrial function is needed for the UPS (ubiquitin proteasome system) 

32:56 – do high-carb diets actually impair metabolism and insulin sensitivity 

35:26 – is fructose really worse for blood sugar regulation and glycation? 

37:16 – are low-carb or ketogenic diets the solution to reduce glycation? 

40:32 – increased glycation and oxidative stress on ketogenic diets 

44:09 –low-carb diets don’t prevent glucose exposure 

47:56 – there are still considerable insulin and glucose excursions on low-carb diets 

50:06 – gluconeogenesis leads to same glycolytic intermediates as glucose metabolism 

51:52 –the main driver of AGE formation and impaired AGE clearance 

53:40 – the role of vitamin B1 (thiamine) and mitochondrial energy production in decreasing AGEs 

56:27 –endotoxin as a driver of glycation and increased AGE production 

58:12 – hypothyroidism as a driver of glycation and AGE accumulation 

59:37 – dietary solutions for reducing glycation and AGEs 

1:03:33 – how to support the glyoxalase pathway to support the detoxification of glycation products 

1:05:56 – avoid calorie restriction, low-carb diets, fasting, resveratrol, cold exposure, excess exercise, and iron overload to decrease glycation and AGEs 

1:07:33 – iron as a double-edged sword for oxidative stress 

EB. 137: What REALLY Causes Glycation (Is Sugar Really the Problem?)

In this episode we discuss:

 

• Why glucose and fructose are not the primary drivers of AGE formation

• Whether blood sugar spikes cause glycation

• How fats and ketones can cause glycation

• What’s really responsible for glycation in type 2 diabetes

• Whether fructose causes more glycation than glucose

 

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/

Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/

Check out the Energy Balance Solution Program here:

https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/

 

 

Click here to check out the show notes:
https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/eb-137-what-really-causes-glycation-is-sugar-really-the-problem/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:46 – common beliefs about carbohydrates and glycation 

2:35 – what are glycation and advanced glycation end products? 

6:57 – the process of glycation from glucose 

9:30 – is sugar the only source of AGEs? 

15:00 – primary drivers of glycation: dicarbonyls 

19:30 – how fatty acids, amino acids, and ketones cause AGE formation 

21:23 – how increased gluconeogenesis on low-carb diets increases AGE formation 

22:53 – glucose metabolism produces very few glycation products in the context of a healthy metabolism 

25:33 – omega-6s form AGEs more than 10x faster than glucose 

28:24 – the role of ALEs (advanced lipoxidation end products) in glycation and chronic disease 

30:36 – whether blood sugar spikes cause glycation 

38:52 – whether fructose causes more glycation (or fructation) than glucose 

47:05 – can glycation from fructose (fructation) be measured, and does this matter? 

52:06 – problems with research looking at fructose’s AGE formation in animal models 

BV #21: Fructose Lies & How Much Glucose Is Too Much

In this episode we discuss:

 

• Whether there are benefits to taking massive amounts of glucose for healing  
• Whether there is a limit to the amount of glucose we should consume

 

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

2:10 – David Stephens’ claim that glucose can't harm you in any way, no matter the amount 

7:46 – the difference between glucose and fructose and whether fructose just gets converted to fat 

11:13 – whether extreme acidity, alkalinity, and corrosivity are what make substances harmful to humans 

15:14 – David Stephens’ claim that sucrose can't cross the blood-brain barrier  

18:59 – how authoritarianism shapes the health industry and the difficulties of verifying information with AI 

23:14 – whether the “chemical heaviness” of sucrose means that it can’t be helpful in the body 

25:51 – whether we agree with David Stephens on the benefits of glucose 

29:14 – whether anxiety, irritability, depression, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes are caused by a lack of glucose for your brain 

34:37 – what David Stephens misses about the large amounts of glucose he recommends – poor glucose utilization, gut issues, and blood sugar instability 

38:06 – whether glucose deficiency is possible and whether most people are eating enough carbs to thrive vs survive 

39:04 – David Stephens’ claim that it’s impossible for glucose to be harmful to the body in any way 

45:25 – why someone might feel better using large amounts of dextrose as their main carbohydrate source 

48:00 – how large quantities of glucose can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and cardiovascular problems 

52:27 – how to avoid dietary extremes and what balance really means 

58:41 – weight loss and recovery from mental health issues using a bioenergetic approach 

 

BV #20: Huberman's Sleep Fix Fail, Resolving Nighttime Wake-Ups, & Meeting Nutrient Needs

In this episode we discuss:

 

• Andrew Huberman’s ideas about what causes of nighttime wakings and what to do about them  
• How to meet all our nutrient needs

 

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:21 – what Huberman misses when it comes to nighttime wakeups 

4:50 – the most common causes of nighttime wakeups and how to resolve them 

9:44 –Huberman’s advice to go to sleep earlier is impractical for most people 

11:42 – what a healthy sleep schedule looks like and whether running out of melatonin is a concern 

13:38 – the relationship between blood sugar and sleep, and whether to have a bedtime snack 

16:21 – common drivers of sleep disturbances: gut irritation and elevated stress hormones 

19:25 – hidden stressors that could be impacting your sleep: SSRIs, EMFs, devices, and more 

22:13 – how to handle unavoidable stressors that interfere with sleep 

24:05 – strategies for improving sleep quality and circadian rhythm 

26:32 – whether to avoid drinking too many fluids before bed 

27:52 – the metabolism-suppressing effects of melatonin and whether supplementing with melatonin is a good idea 

29:48 – supplements that may interfere with sleep, and paradoxical reactions that occur while using medications such as SSRIs 

33:09 – sleep strategies for shift-workers and recovering from working night shifts 

36:33 – the effects of Wi-Fi, EMFs, and dirty electricity on sleep 

39:21 – how hormones impact sleep for post-menopausal women 

40:54 – evaluating whether supplements are affecting your sleep 

44:34 – how low-carb diets impair sleep and increase stress 

47:01 – improved thyroid function and weight loss on a bioenergetic approach 

48:14 – meeting daily micronutrient needs with food and supplementation 

52:57 – how to identify nutrient gaps and excesses 

55:37 – which labs to get to gauge micronutrient status and how thiamine (vitamin B1) impacts nutrient absorption 

1:00:00 – how concerned should we be with nutrient absorption? 

1:03:00 – how anti-nutrients like phytates and oxalates impact nutrient absorption 

1:04:37 – navigating different forms of nutrients (non-heme iron vs heme iron, retinol vs beta-carotene, and vitamin K2 vs vitamin K1), and how to know if gut issues are interfering with nutrient absorption 

1:07:42 – problems with dietary camps that demonize single nutrients (low vitamin A, low vitamin D, and iron overload) 

1:11:24 – how fear and stress deplete critical nutrients

BV #19: Ray Peat Was Wrong About Biochemistry, Redox, and Structured Water?

In this episode we discuss:

 

• Whether Dr Ray Peat had it all wrong  
• Potential reasons why someone may be bloating from carbs
• How to add carbs back in following restrictive diet

 

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

 

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro 

0:32 – Justine Stenger’s claim that Dr Ray Peat had it all wrong 

6:15 – did Ray Peat ignore physics, structured water, and light? 

11:41 – carbs vs fat: which fuel produces more ROS? 

16:50 – Justine Stenger’s claim that carbs act as a crutch for a damaged metabolism, and restoring redox is the solution 

21:58 – carbs vs fat: which fuel produces more ATP? 

25:27 – conflicting health information on social media and why the “Ray Peat diet” doesn’t work 

31:55 – common challenges with implementing Ray Peat’s work 

34:09 – Justine Stenger’s mischaracterization of Ray Peat’s work as a “dietary roadmap for people with a broken metabolism” 

41:20 – why you shouldn’t outsource critical thinking to social media influencers or AI 

45:17 – Ray Peat’s generosity with freely sharing advice and information 

46:21 – improvements on a bioenergetic approach without extreme restriction 

47:31 – why you may experience bloating from carbs and what to do about it 

54:52 – what to do about gut dysbiosis and biofilms 

56:56 – how to restore gut health and digestion when transitioning away from keto