The Low Carb Consultant

Max Helmer The Low Carb Consultant

Welcome to the low carb consultant podcast, where I speak with leading experts, trainers, and athletes in the low-carb, fasting, and strength and conditioning communities, to ultimately discover the best health and nutritional advice available.

  1. 3d ago

    Chris Irvin | The Truth About Keto: Fat Loss, Brain Health & Performance | August 16, 2026 | Ep. 79

    Chris Irvin breaks down keto for fat loss, brain health, performance, and metabolic flexibility, including long-term keto and carnivore use. Chris Irvin, known as “The Ketologist,” joins us to unpack what ketogenic diets actually are, how they work, and where they’re most useful. Chris shares his personal journey into keto, how he went from curiosity to deep research, and why he sees ketosis as a flexible metabolic tool rather than a rigid dietary dogma. We discuss practical applications of keto for fat loss, energy, athletic performance, and metabolic flexibility, plus how ketones support brain health and healing. Chris tackles common misconceptions about keto and ketosis, including fears around carbs, protein, and sustainability. He also explains how diet shapes hunger, food choices, and our relationship with the modern food environment. The conversation dives into therapeutic uses of ketosis for mental health disorders, the work he’s doing with Metabolic Mind, and where he believes the most important future research in ketogenic therapy is headed. Throughout, Chris contrasts keto, low carb, and carnivore approaches and how to use them strategically over a lifetime. If you want a grounded, science-informed overview of keto that goes beyond weight loss hype, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more low carb, keto, and carnivore deep dives: Find Chris: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/theketologist/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicmind/ Site: https://www.metabolicmind.org/ Key  topics: Chris Irvin's background and journey into keto Practical applications of ketogenic diets for health and performance Common misconceptions about keto and ketosis The role of ketones in brain health and healing Sustainability and long-term use of keto and carnivore diets Keto for athletes and metabolic flexibility Impact of diet on hunger and food choices The food environment and discipline in diet adherence Therapeutic uses of ketosis for mental health disorders Future research and developments in ketogenic therapy Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Chris Irvin and his expertise in keto 02:13 Chris's journey from sports science to ketogenic research 04:54 Initial health benefits and personal experience with keto 07:10 Common misconceptions about keto and calorie restriction 09:05 The unique benefits of ketones beyond energy 10:58 The hunger game and how keto helps control appetite 12:57 Sustainability of diets and food environment challenges 15:12 Using diet as a tool, not a dogma 17:02 Keto for athletic performance and metabolic flexibility 19:52 The future of ketogenic therapy in mental health 21:55 Practical advice for starting and maintaining keto 24:56 Balancing diet, family, and lifestyle challenges 27:00 The importance of individualization in diet choices 30:02 Chris's day-to-day routine and diet 32:51 The role of keto in athletic and mental performance 35:59 The impact of diet on health markers and insulin resistance 40:03 Long-term use of keto and diet flexibility 42:53 Final thoughts on keto as a tool for health and performance Keywords: #keto #lowcarb #carnivore #metabolichealth #brainhealth #mentalhealth #ketogenicdiet

  2. Aug 9

    JJ Virgin | Build Muscle, Lose Fat & Fix Your Metabolism | August 9, 2026 | Ep. 78

    JJ Virgin, fitness Hall of Famer, on muscle, healthy aging, and why the scale did more damage to women's metabolism than age ever did.Her client lost 10 pounds of fat, gained 10 pounds of muscle, dropped her body fat percentage from 25% to 18% and went down two dress sizes, and she was disappointed because the number on the scale went up. It is the body recomposition case JJ Virgin has spent 40 years making, that fat loss and muscle gain happen together, body composition is the metric that matters, and muscle loss is what actually wrecks a metabolism.She explains why cardio makes you hungrier while resistance training is the only real lever on resting metabolic rate, cites research in which one week of bed rest cost young men 2 pounds of muscle and 37 percent of their insulin sensitivity, and walks through the gut permeability mechanism behind her seven-food elimination protocol.She calls the carnivore diet the perfect short-term elimination diet for gut health, put her brain-injured son on a keto diet, and argues the government protein RDA was written for a ten year old, so protein for older adults needs doubling rather than cutting.She also tells the story of the hit and run that nearly killed her son at 16, why the muscle he was carrying is what she credits with saving him, and what four decades of clients taught her about healthy aging.CHAPTERS00:00 Trailer00:50 Meet JJ Virgin01:44 Told to lose 30 pounds at 1705:34 Why women fear getting bulky07:36 What the scale did to women's metabolism10:20 Walking into the weight room12:55 Muscle is your 401k14:26 When to start lifting, and bed rest16:46 The hit and run that nearly killed her son22:51 What almost losing him changed24:35 The seven foods and food sensitivity29:14 The seventh food nobody counts31:37 Carnivore, keto and diets as tools38:37 How much protein you actually need41:40 Her low fat years at 25% body fat46:53 A typical day, peptides and travel55:29 Rapid fire, creatine and the biggest protein lieAbout our Guest - JJ VirginCelebrity nutrition expert, fitness Hall of Famer, and author of The Metabolism Fix - Restore Your Body's Ability to Build Muscle and Lose Fat Faster, out December 29.Website - https://jjvirgin.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jj.virgin/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jjvirginvideosFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial/Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/well-beyond-40/id911502027Host - Max Helmer, The Low Carb Consultant.Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/@thelowcarbconsultantFollow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thelowcarbconsultant/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellhelmer/Ep. 7810% off Equip foods prime protein - Code THELOWCARBCONSULTANThttps://www.equipfoods.com/?utm_source=superfiliate&utm_campaign=THELOWCARBCONSULTANT&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=eyJzZi1leHRlcm5hbC1zZXNzaW9uLXV1aWQiOiJhYzM2YTUzNi1mNjdiLTRmNmQtYTBkYi1lMTI5N2RiZWEwZjMiLCJzZi1vcmlnaW4iOiJvcmdhbmljLS1USEVMT1dDQVJCQ09OU1VMVEFOVCJ9&ref=superfiliate-THELOWCARBCONSULTANT&attributes=%7B%22sf-external-session-uuid%22+%3D%3E+%22e33bd5d6-b03b-4618-b6a3-5334531b4d13%22%2C+%22sf-origin%22+%3D%3E+%22organic--THELOWCARBCONSULTANT%22%7DKeto Brick Use code - TLCC https://team.ketobrick.com/TLCCSalty Provisions - High Mineral Clean Norwegian Sea SaltDiscount Code - TLCC#healthyaging #protein #bodyrecomposition

  3. Aug 2

    Robin Switzer | From Food Addiction to Building a Global Metabolic Health Conference | August 2, 2026 | Ep. 77

    Summary: Robin Switzer breaks down her food addiction recovery, the evolution from KetoCon to Hack Your Health, and how metabolic health changes the brain and body.Robin Switzer is the founder and CEO of Hack Your Health (formerly KetoCon), one of the world’s leading metabolic health conferences. She shares her deeply personal health journey, from struggling with food addiction and metabolic disease to transforming her life through low-carb and ketogenic nutrition. Robin explains how changing her diet impacted her mental health, mood, and resilience as much as her physical health.Max and Robin discuss why she rebranded KetoCon into Hack Your Health, how the conference has expanded beyond keto into metabolic health, longevity, biohacking, and personalized nutrition, and what she’s seeing from top researchers, clinicians, and thought leaders. They explore the importance of community, real-life connection, and shared stories in sustaining long-term lifestyle change.You will learn how diet affects energy, cravings, emotional regulation, and mental clarity, plus Robin’s predictions on future trends in metabolic health, low-carb, and longevity-focused events. This episode is essential for anyone interested in low-carb, keto, metabolic health, or building a supportive community for lasting transformation.Subscribe for more conversations on low-carb, carnivore, metabolic health, and sustainable fat loss from Max Helmer, The Low Carb Consultant. Find Robin & Hack Your Health info: Conference tickets ( use code TLCC at checkout to save $100): https://hackyourhealth.com/#ticket-pricing Insta: https://www.instagram.com/therobinswitzer/ https://www.instagram.com/hackyourhealthevents/ Site: https://hackyourhealth.com/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2mNCHWMsOFsieQuw4jdZTQ Key  topics: Robin Switzer’s personal health journey Evolution from KetoCon to Hack Your Health Impact of diet on mental and physical health Community and connection in health transformation Future trends in metabolic health and longevity Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:29 Robin Switzer’s Background and Personal Journey 04:00 Early Struggles with Food and Body Image 05:24 Discovery of Keto and Its Healing Power 07:19 Founding KetoCon and Growth Over the Years 08:46 Impact of COVID-19 on the Conference 11:10 Decision to Cancel 2020 Event and Financial Challenges 13:14 Rebranding to Hack Your Health 14:16 The Mission and Vision of Hack Your Health 15:40 Robin’s Personal Health Tips and Insights 18:24 The Elevated Frequency of a Ketogenic Lifestyle 21:24 Facing Food Addiction and Overcoming Challenges 23:55 The Future of Healthcare and Metabolic Medicine 27:29 The Power of Community and Human Connection 30:15 The Energy and Inspiration from Attending the Conference 35:05 Health and Longevity for the 50+ Age Group 37:53 Bridging the Gap Between Different Age Groups 38:08 What Separates Lasting Health Transformations 42:47 The Future of Healthcare and Metabolic Medicine 44:46 Conference Highlights and New Features 47:29 Must-See Speakers and Sessions 48:52 Exciting New Topics and Workshops 51:25 Tips for First-Time Attendees 52:50 Robin’s Long-Term Vision for Hack Your Health 01:02:23 Robin’s Daily Routine and Diet 01:05:16 How to Connect with Robin and Hack Your Health Keywords: metabolic health, Hack Your Health, keto, community, health conference, food addiction, longevity, biohacking, fasting, health transformation

  4. Jul 26

    Mark Ennis | Conquering Depression, Eating Disorders & Improving Body Composition with Carnivore | July 26, 2026 | Ep. 76

    Summary: In this episode, Mark Ennis shares his inspiring journey from battling eating disorders and mental health issues to becoming a carnivore coach. He discusses the profound benefits of a carnivore diet, debunks common myths about carbohydrates, and offers practical advice for sustainable health transformations. He also shares his insights on training and mindset for optimal health and fitness, emphasizing personalized approaches and sustainable habits. Find Mark: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessbeyondtime01/ Website: https://fitnessbeyondtime01.com/ Podcast - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/victoria-olson2/ Key  topics: Mark Ennis's personal story of overcoming eating disorders The mental health benefits of a carnivore diet The role of carbohydrates in energy and mental health Practical steps for transitioning to a carnivore diet The impact of diet on body composition and performance Myths about carbs and muscle building The importance of personalized nutrition plans The process of reintroducing foods to find what works Diet and nutrition strategies for fat loss and muscle gain Training techniques for efficiency and effectiveness The importance of mindset and motivation in health Personalized approaches to macro ratios and workout routines Challenges and opportunities in the carnivore community Chapters: 00:00 Mark's Journey to Recovery 15:18 The Power of the Carnivore Diet 28:48 Training Insights and Misconceptions 29:19 Transformative Health Journey 35:04 The Role of Diet in Mental Health 43:48 Consultation Process for Dietary Changes 50:06 Tailoring Diet for Women 56:34 Optimizing Workout Strategies 57:59 Quality Over Quantity in Training 01:02:04 The Importance of Progressive Overload 01:06:15 Efficient Workouts: Less is More 01:15:23 Nutrition and Mindset for Transformation 01:20:16 Mark's Daily Routine and Future Plans Keywords: Carnivore diet, mental health, weight loss, nutrition, fasting, bodybuilding, food addiction, health transformation carnivore diet, fat intake, muscle building, workout strategies, hormonal health, reverse dieting, fitness motivation

  5. Jul 19

    Mimi Morgan | Parkinson’s Reversal with Keto, Carnivore & Weights | July 19, 2026 | Ep. 75

    Summary: Mimi Morgan breaks down how she reversed Parkinson’s symptoms and autoimmune disease using ketogenic, carnivore diets, strength training, and a “just 10 more steps” mindset. Mimi shares her journey from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s diagnoses, and life-threatening infections to regained strength, metabolic health, and independence. She explains how she transitioned from standard care to low-carb, then ketogenic and finally carnivore-style nutrition, and why listening to her body became the core of her healing strategy. Mimi and Max discuss the role of strength training in neurological recovery, muscle preservation, and resilience, alongside the mental and spiritual moments that helped her keep going through setbacks.You’ll learn Mimi’s key frameworks: the Small Wins Mentality, Listening to Your Body, and Gradual Medication Weaning. She details how she worked with her doctors to safely reduce medications, used daily structure and nutrition to stabilize energy, and built a supportive mindset to sustain long-term change. This conversation is a practical roadmap for anyone facing Parkinson’s, autoimmune disease, or chronic illness who wants to explore ketogenic, carnivore, and strength-based approaches.Action ideas include identifying your own “ten steps” toward health, starting with small daily wins, carefully adapting your diet, adding resistance training, and working with medical professionals to adjust medications.Subscribe to Max Helmer The Low Carb Consultant for more conversations on low-carb, carnivore, and metabolic health. Find Mimi: Site: https://www.just10moresteps.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mimimorgank/ X: https://x.com/mimikmorgan?lang=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559122019739 Key  topics: Mimi Morgan’s health journey from rheumatoid arthritis to Parkinson’s recovery The role of ketogenic and carnivore diets in healing Importance of strength training for neurological health Mental resilience and spiritual moments in recovery Transitioning diets and listening to the body Weaning off medications safely and effectively The significance of small wins and hope in healing Building a supportive mindset for health transformation Key  frameworks: Small Wins Mentality Listening to Your Body Gradual Medication Weaning Action items: Identify your own ten steps towards health Start with small, consistent wins every day Listen to your body's signals and adapt diet accordingly Gradually reduce medications under medical supervision Incorporate strength training into daily routine Chapters: 00:00 Mimi's Inspiring Journey 11:00 Overcoming Health Challenges 23:43 The Turning Point: Just 10 More Steps 34:34 Diet Transitions: From Keto to Carnivore 40:04 Journey to Recovery: Weaning Off Medications 42:38 Diet Transformation: Embracing the Carnivore Lifestyle 46:20 Strength Training: A Key to Resilience 51:42 Daily Routine: Structure and Nutrition 58:41 Reflections on Health: Lessons Learned 01:03:10 Empowering Others: Just Ten More Steps Program Keywords: health transformation, Parkinson's, ketogenic diet, carnivore diet, strength training, resilience, autoimmune disease, metabolic health, healing journey

  6. Jul 13

    Dr. Don Layman | Everything Protein: Optimal Intake for Muscle & Health | July 12, 2026 | Ep. 74

    Summary: Dr. Don Layman breaks down optimal protein intake, leucine, and muscle health, including protein timing, aging, and metabolic health. Dr. Layman, one of the world’s leading researchers on protein metabolism, joins Max Helmer (The Low Carb Consultant) to explain how much protein you really need, why leucine is a key trigger for muscle protein synthesis, and how protein intake changes with age. He contrasts protein quality from plant vs. animal sources, clarifies the science on “too much protein” and kidney health, and explains why muscle should be viewed as an organ of longevity. Dr. Layman also covers the best timing and dosing of protein after exercise, how protein supports injury recovery, and what current dietary guidelines get wrong about protein, carbs, and fat. He discusses how food industry influence shapes public nutrition advice and what that means for anyone trying to improve metabolic health on a low-carb or higher-protein diet. If you want an evidence-based framework for protein intake for athletes, older adults, fat loss, or general health, this conversation with Dr. Layman provides clear targets and practical examples you can apply to your own nutrition. Find Dr. Layman: Site: https://www.metabolictransformation.com X: https://x.com/donlayman?lang=en Insta: https://www.instagram.com/layman.don/ Key  topics: Protein requirements and myths Role of leucine in muscle synthesis Protein quality: plant vs. animal Timing of protein intake post-exercise Overconsumption of protein and kidney health Protein and injury recovery Dietary guidelines and food industry influence Muscle as an organ of longevity Protein for older adults Impact of diet on metabolic health Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Donald Layman and his research 01:21 How Dr. Layman got into protein research 03:00 Common misconceptions about protein intake 03:59 Understanding the RDA for protein and its limitations 05:54 Factors influencing optimal protein intake 06:47 Differences between plant and animal protein quality 09:09 Protein intake post-exercise: does timing matter? 10:58 Maximum safe protein intake and overconsumption myths 15:18 Protein and muscle building in older adults 36:17 The significance of leucine in muscle synthesis 44:10 The role of supplements versus food for amino acids 55:15 Thoughts on carnivore and low-carb diets 01:01:21 Dietary strategies for muscle preservation and aging 01:15:54 Optimal meal timing and distribution for muscle health 01:25:02 Practical tips to improve health with diet changes Keywords: protein, leucine, muscle health, aging, nutrition, dietary guidelines, protein quality, exercise, supplements, health tips

  7. Jul 5

    Dr. Jocelyn Foran | Autoimmune Remission With Carnivore & Low Carb | July 5, 2026 | Ep. 73

    Summary: In this insightful interview, Dr. Jocelyn Foran shares her personal journey with autoimmune disease, the transformative power of animal-based diets, and the critical impact of processed foods and seed oils on metabolic health. Discover practical dietary strategies, the science behind inflammation, and how to optimize health through nutrition. Find Dr. Foran: Site: https://www.metabolicmedical.ca/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/metabolic.medical/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566600833218&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=sp9ZARUkPjWD5Htt&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19HRrL2mRS%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drforan?_t=ZM-8y1SnJ3JDks&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Metabolicmedical Key  topics: Autoimmune disease and remission through diet The impact of seed oils and processed foods on health Progression from high carb to carnivore diet The role of insulin resistance in chronic disease Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:35 Jocelyn Foran’s Personal Health Journey 05:19 Discovery of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet 07:53 Transitioning to Carnivore and Health Improvements 11:11 The Power of a Meat-Based Diet 15:17 The Food Supply and Metabolic Disease 17:18 Processed Foods and Their Hidden Dangers 20:16 Inflammation, Visceral Fat, and Heart Disease 21:52 The Engineering of Addictive Foods 25:15 Seed Oils and Their Impact on Health 25:36 The Biggest Lies in Nutrition 28:15 The Rise of Metabolic Syndrome 30:02 The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Disease Prevention 35:32 Daily Routine and Dietary Practices 43:28 Blood Sugar, Insulin, and Heart Disease 49:25 Food Addiction and Emotional Eating 52:34 Who Should Avoid Carnivore Diets 53:31 The Evolutionary Perspective on Human Diet 54:10 Seasonal Eating and Metabolic Flexibility 55:34 The Role of GLP-1 and Weight Loss Drugs 59:32 The Future of Metabolic Health and Prevention 01:06:50 Upcoming Projects and Contact Information 01:08:19 lifestyle-outro-high-short.wav Keywords: metabolic health, autoimmune disease, animal-based diet, seed oils, processed foods, low carb, carnivore, inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrition science

  8. Jun 29

    Vinny Tortorich | No Sugar No Grains: The Truth About Nutrition | June 28, 2026 | Ep. 72

    Vinny Tortorich breaks down the origins of the NSNG (No Sugar No Grains) diet, common myths about sugar, grains, and seed oils, and how industry influences public health advice.Celebrity trainer and health advocate Vinny Tortorich joins Max Helmer (The Low Carb Consultant) for a deep dive into the philosophy and history behind NSNG. Vinny explains how his experience as a Hollywood trainer and his own health challenges led him to develop the No Sugar No Grains approach, and why cutting sugar and refined grains can radically transform metabolic health, weight, and energy.Max and Vinny unpack widespread misconceptions about “healthy whole grains,” low-fat dogma, seed oils, and calorie counting. They discuss why ultra-processed foods drive obesity and diabetes, how seed oils contribute to chronic inflammation, and why many official nutrition guidelines remain stuck in outdated science. Vinny also highlights the role of food industry lobbying, government policy, and politics in shaping dietary recommendations that often conflict with real-world clinical results.You will learn practical steps to start NSNG, how to navigate social situations and cravings, and what to focus on when removing sugar and grains from your diet. This conversation is ideal for anyone curious about low-carb, keto, carnivore-adjacent diets or looking to understand why conventional nutrition advice keeps failing. Find Vinny: Site: vinnytortorich.com Insta https://www.instagram.com/vinnietortorich/ X - https://x.com/VinnieTortorich Fitness Confidential Book - https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Confidential-audiobook/dp/B00FB4RUYO/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LzKlBuGw4Ke_BQRLGRKinCIzhFdfowCG_abH137DbitqA1VsnxaHKvUSCAbH8-lD2uiNOhYngSSl4YcRp33bwSyaSNlo7baV2LszvyrkN4tE9YIVe-ssdWMKvJ0MsV-c8i8r8OO831hpMkHQpxKtYkMuFByBDkmbdIpr4dAtF0tDidYvzhrzzNyIdeCt8iLy8D2G8u6qsGpC5_B0t2ZoUKFvF6Xri5fDGNc83mRjspY.SbFeyngLHQVm7mSY6W31tb0fHzGnwtpQONg2Rl0ejpU&dib_tag=se&keywords=fitness+confidential+book+by+vinny&qid=1782669002&sr=8-1 Fat 1 Doc1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVJM_0XEiBI Fat 2 Doc - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoPisYHbMcg&t=3s Key  topics: The origins of the NSNG diet and its impact Myths and misconceptions about sugar, grains, and seed oils The influence of industry and politics on public health advice Action  items: Eliminate added sugars from your diet Reduce or eliminate grains and seed oils Focus on whole, unprocessed foods for sustainable health Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Vinny Tortorich 01:15 Vinny's Journey in Fitness and Nutrition 14:05 The Evolution of Celebrity Training 20:17 The Impact of Nutrition Guidelines 26:42 The NSNG Approach: No Sugar, No Grains 30:47 The Rise of No Sugar, No Grains 34:30 Understanding the Impact of Sugar and Grains 36:57 Critique of Veganism and Misleading Health Advice 45:55 The Influence of Wealth on Dietary Beliefs 53:36 Personal Dietary Practices and Daily Routine 57:32 Dietary Habits and Meal Structure 01:03:21 The Importance of Routine and Boring Meals 01:09:06 Exercise Regimen and Recovery 01:14:55 Cancer Journey and Dietary Impact 01:20:31 Practical Advice for Weight Management 01:24:58 lifestyle-outro-high-short.wav Keywords: nutrition, diet, NSNG, no sugar no grains, health myths, celebrity trainer, fasting, exercise, cancer, ketogenicdiet

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About

Welcome to the low carb consultant podcast, where I speak with leading experts, trainers, and athletes in the low-carb, fasting, and strength and conditioning communities, to ultimately discover the best health and nutritional advice available.

Information

  • Creator
    Max Helmer The Low Carb Consultant
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Max Helmer The Low Carb Consultant
  • Show Website
    The Low Carb Consultant