Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast

Kyle Kamp
  • 5.0 (60)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Monthly

Nutrition for preparation and optimal performance in the backcountry.

  1. Zone 2 Training & Fat as Fuel: Should You Eat More Fat to Perform Better?

    Jun 1

    Zone 2 Training & Fat as Fuel: Should You Eat More Fat to Perform Better?

    Zone 2 training is often labeled as “fat burning,” but what does that actually mean in real-world performance? Should athletes, hunters, and endurance enthusiasts be eating more fat during long efforts? Or is the body primarily relying on stored energy systems regardless of what you eat? In this episode of the Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in endurance nutrition: fat as fuel. We explore whether the body is using dietary fat or stored body fat during low-intensity exercise, how carbohydrates still play a critical role, and why it’s never as simple as “fat vs carbs.” You’ll learn how energy systems actually interact during Zone 2 training, multi-day efforts, and long-duration mountain objectives—and why relying on a single fuel source can limit performance. If you’ve ever wondered how to properly fuel Zone 2 training, ultras, backcountry hunts, or long mountain days, this episode will give you the clarity you need.   Download the cheat sheet Check out Valley to Peak and other Resources.  In this episode: What “fat as fuel” actually means in Zone 2 training The difference between stored body fat and dietary fat How the body actually breaks down and uses fat for energy Why fat and carbohydrates are always used together (not separately) The role of intramuscular triglycerides in endurance performance Why muscle glycogen still matters—even at low intensities The real timeline for dietary fat to become usable energy Why higher intensity changes everything about fuel usage How carbohydrate supports fat metabolism (“fat burns in a carbohydrate flame”) Why calorie balance—not macronutrient manipulation—drives fat loss Key Takeaways: Zone 2 training is not 100% fat-burning—it’s a blend of fat and carbohydrate use Most fat used during exercise comes from stored body fat, not what you just ate Dietary fat takes hours to become usable fuel during activity Carbohydrates are essential for higher intensity and mental performance Fat and carbs work as a system—not competing fuel sources Great listen for those interested in:  Endurance athletes Trail runners & ultrarunners Backcountry hunters and hikers Cyclists and hybrid athletes Anyone training in Zone 2 or long-duration efforts

    22 min
  2. 50K to the Stage: Marshal Whitaker on Teachability, losing 30lb, and changing his life

    May 15

    50K to the Stage: Marshal Whitaker on Teachability, losing 30lb, and changing his life

    In this episode, Kyle sits down with Marshal Whitaker of Argali Outdoors. Marshal’s story is a fascinating look at what happens when elite endurance goals meet a newfound dedication to metabolic science. Having recently conquered a 50K ultra marathon while losing 30lbs, Marshal is now shifting his sights to the bodybuilding stage. Episode Highlights The "Busy" Factor: Why staying active is Marshal’s #1 tool for managing hunger in a deficit. The Power of Coachability: Marshal discusses "swallowing his pride" and moving away from a restricted "chicken and broccoli" mindset to a flexible, macro-based approach. Performance vs. Weight Loss: How Marshal successfully increased his running mileage while simultaneously shedding weight—disproving the myth that you can’t do both. Volume Eating: The "magic" of frozen Potatoes O’Brien and how to eat full plates of food while staying in a caloric deficit. The Support System: How Marshal’s transformation sparked a fitness journey for his wife, turning their home gym into a hub of mutual accountability. Training in Quarters: Kyle breaks down the philosophy of dividing the year into four distinct focuses to prevent burnout and "wanting it all at once." Key Takeaways "I thought I would always feel fatigued and hungry... but I’m eating sandwiches with grilled onions and fitting it into my macros. My understanding of food has completely changed." — Marshal Whitaker Resources & Links Mentioned Argali Outdoors: argalioutdoors.com – High-performance gear for backpack hunters. Marshal on IG Valley to Peak Nutrition: Valley to Peak Nutrition – Search the full archive of episodes from #1 to the present and all of our resources.  Connect with the Show Follow Kyle on Instagram: [@V2pnutrition] Subscribe on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Search "Valley to Peak Nutrition" (Note: On Spotify, episodes currently start at #20, but the full library is available on the website!)

    42 min

  3. May 2

    FAQ: Fasted cardio, nutrition for longevity, and the Fiber "Cocklebur" Effect (W/ Lindsay)

    Why does weight loss stall even when you count your drinks? Plus, the truth about fasted cardio and staying active in your 70s. Let’s dive in! Episode Summary: In this listener Q&A episode, we tackle the nuance of nutrition that goes beyond simple "calories in vs. calories out." We discuss why alcohol can halt weight loss despite a calorie deficit , whether fasted cardio actually burns more fat , and how to adjust your diet as you enter your 50s, 60s, and 70s. We wrap up with a masterclass on fiber—explaining why it’s the most overlooked tool for heart health and cancer prevention. Key Takeaways: The Alcohol Variable: Why the body prioritizes alcohol metabolism and how cellular inflammation causes water retention Fasted Cardio Debunked: Why training on empty might actually be hindering your performance and metabolic flexibility. Nutrition for Longevity: Addressing the "Front Porch" phase—how to maintain muscle mass and energy in your 70s. Fiber 101: The difference between soluble and insoluble fiber and why "Keto-friendly" high-fiber wraps might be ruining your digestion. Podcast Chapters (Timestamps) 00:00 – Welcome & Show Season Recap 04:30 – Does Alcohol Stop Weight Loss? (Beyond the Calories) 07:15– The Difficulty of Measuring Liquid Calories 10:45 – Fasted Cardio: Weight Loss Benefit or Performance Hindrance? 15:20 – Teaching Your Body to Use Fat as Fuel 18:50 – Nutrition for the 70+ Athlete: Staying Overlooked No More 22:15 – Why Energy Levels Drop: Hormones vs. Activity 26:40 – The Three Pillars of Aging: Energy, Health Markers, and Strength 31:10 – Fiber Intake: Are You Falling Short? 34:50 – The "Cocklebur" Effect: How Fiber Cleans Your System 38:20 – Soluble vs. Insoluble: Which Foods Do You Actually Need? 41:05– The Danger of Overdoing Fiber: Avoiding the "Keto Wrap" Trap 44:00 – Closing Thoughts & How to Submit Your Questions   Guest & Resource Links: Submit Your Questions: info@v2pnutrition.com Follow Valley to Peak: Valley to Peak Nutrition   Related Episode: When is too much meat too much?

    33 min
  4. Testosterone & TRT: Separating fact from fiction (W/ Dylon Sanford)

    Apr 17

    Testosterone & TRT: Separating fact from fiction (W/ Dylon Sanford)

    In a world where "optimization" is the new standard, where is the line between healthy hormones and chasing a number? In this episode, we sit down with Dyllon Sanford of Henderson Family Medicine to break down the state of men’s health in 2026. We explore why testosterone levels are dropping in younger men, how to accurately read your lab results (Total vs. Free T), and the critical difference between medical intervention and natural optimization. From "gas station taquito" lifestyle traps to the long-term implications of TRT dependency, this is a no-nonsense guide for any man looking to reclaim his vitality without sacrificing his long-term health.   Valley to Peak 8-Week Challenge GLP-1 Podcast

    1h 9m
  5. Trail Q&A: lower protein intakes, not bonking on 9-day expeditions and hunts, plus stable protein ideas for the trail and hiking

    Apr 1

    Trail Q&A: lower protein intakes, not bonking on 9-day expeditions and hunts, plus stable protein ideas for the trail and hiking

    Check out more from Valley to Peak Nutrition here! - - - - - "If today’s deep dive into mastering your 'Trail Q&A'—from navigating lower protein intakes to staying fueled for those grueling nine-day expeditions—helped you rethink your backcountry strategy, we’d love to stay connected. Head over to our search page for our a full list of options and reviews to learn more. If you’re finding value in these trail-tested tips, please take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback is the fuel that helps us grow and ensures other mountain athletes and hunters can find their way from the valley to the peak."

    27 min
  6. Unstoppable at 45: Crushing goals when the world says you should be slowing down.

    Mar 18

    Unstoppable at 45: Crushing goals when the world says you should be slowing down.

    Think your best life is behind you once over the hill? Becki Honner is here to prove otherwise. At 45 and a mom of four, Becki was told that "age and hormones" were the new bosses of her biology. She decided not to listen. Instead, she teamed up with us to be at a composition she envisioned and hit performance peaks she hadn't seen in years. In this episode, we’re dispelling the midlife excuses and diving into the exact mindset shift Becki used to reclaim her strength and silence the skeptics.  - - - - - - Check out more resources from Valley to Peak. Take our 8-Week Challenge.

    42 min
  7. Hunt Expo + Toughbuck/Toughsheep nutrition (plus gear to keep your eye out for and more)

    Mar 4

    Hunt Expo + Toughbuck/Toughsheep nutrition (plus gear to keep your eye out for and more)

    We're back from a ton of travel and being a part of Toughsheep and Touchback in Reno and SLC.  We have had a ton of questions about how to fuel for events like this, so we dive into that in this episode.  We also cover products worth keeping your eye out for that are releasing soon and how to not get confused by ALL the supplement companies at shows like this.  - - - - - Roughridge Stove MTNTOUGH Exo Mtn Gear- K4X- coming soon + alert sign up.  Valley to Peak Nutrition

    21 min
  8. Sayonara bars; meet pouches to fuel your adventures (w/ Founder of Neve, Nora Fierman)

    Feb 26

    Sayonara bars; meet pouches to fuel your adventures (w/ Founder of Neve, Nora Fierman)

    I sit down with the founder of Neve, Nora Fierman to chat all things about opening a small business, time in the backcountry, and why smoothies are the wave of the future for fueling backcountry adventures.   - - - - - Find Nora and Neve here.  More from Valley to Peak.

    52 min
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Nutrition for preparation and optimal performance in the backcountry.

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