BONUS: Optimal Protein, Red Light Therapy and Biohacking with Vanessa Spina

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Cynthia Thurlow

Science, Life Sciences, Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Alternative Health

4.7 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 11 May 2026

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

I am honored and delighted to have Vanessa Spina join me on the podcast today! Vanessa is the best-selling author of Keto Essentials and a sports nutrition specialist whose expertise on the ketogenic diet has left a lasting impact on countless lives! With a background in biomedical science and a multifaceted career as an international stockbroker, she has pioneered a journey in the health and wellness industry that is nothing short of remarkable! In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of nutrition, from unraveling the mysteries of protein-recommended daily allowances and the leucine threshold to exploring the pivotal role of strength training in metabolic health. We dispel common misconceptions about the ketogenic diet, debunk the deceptive nature of the scale, and unveil the significance of DEXA scans in understanding changes in body composition. Vanessa also sheds light on the crucial importance of mitochondrial health and shares invaluable insights on various methods, including red light therapy, cold thermogenesis, micronutrients, and structured supplementation, to support our cellular powerhouses. Join Vanessa and me on a knowledge-rich journey to uncover the keys to optimal health and well-being! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Common misconceptions about ketogenic diets Why a traditional ketogenic diet is not for everyone Why macronutrients are essential Misinformation regarding the recommended daily allowance for protein How to build muscle The relationship between metabolic health and muscle health The importance of DEXA scans for understanding body composition Why resistance training is a priority How to support the mitochondria The benefits of red light therapy and cold therapy Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow) Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Vanessa Spina On her ⁠website⁠ (ketogenicgirl.com) ⁠The Optimal Protein Podcast⁠ Vanessa’s Book ⁠Keto Essentials: 150 Ketogenic Recipes to Revitalize, Heal, and Shed Weight ⁠ Resource: Use Code CYNTHIA for $20 OFF any of the Tone ⁠LUX devices⁠.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Everyday Wellness Podcast.
0:04.0	I'm your host, Nurse Practitioner Cynthia Thurlow.
0:07.0	This podcast is designed to educate, empower, and inspire you to achieve your health and wellness goals.
0:13.0	My goal and intent is to provide you with the best content and conversations from leaders in the health and wellness industry each week and impact over a million lives.
0:28.9	This is Bonus Monday, your most downloaded favorite podcast. I love that this community runs the gamut from medical professionals,
0:40.3	research scientists, science writers, personal trainers, and more. These are your favorite,
0:45.6	most love podcasts of the last five years. I could not be more proud of the diversification of
0:51.5	guests that appeal to all of you. Thanks for tuning in.
0:56.4	Today I had the honor of connecting with Vanessa Spina. She's a sports nutrition specialist
1:01.6	and the bestselling author of Keto Essentials. She's also an international speaker and the host
1:06.8	of the popular optimal protein podcast and the co-host of the intermittent fasting podcast as well.
1:14.2	She also has a background in biomedical silence from the University of Toronto.
1:19.0	Today we dove into her really interesting background going from being an international stockbroker
1:25.4	to being interested in nutrition and biomedical sciences.
1:29.6	We spoke a great length about protein recommended daily allowances, the leucine threshold,
1:35.7	the role of strength training and metabolic health, common misconceptions about the ketogenic
1:41.4	diet, why the scale is a liar, the role of dexas scans and changes
1:46.7	in body composition, the importance of mitochondrial health, and discussions about ways to
1:52.4	support mitochondrial health, including red light therapy, cold thermogenesis, micronutrients,
1:59.5	and structured supplementation. I wanted to briefly express
2:04.3	gratitude for a recent podcast review from Mark Kilbourne. Cynthia Thurlow continues to provide
2:10.8	such important and useful information for all women. Her guests are high-level experts in
	...

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