fitNERD

Abbey Bell

Fit Nerd is where faith, fitness, and science collide. We geek out on genetics, health, and training — all while keeping Christ at the center. From nutrition and hormones to joyful movement and real-life faith, you’ll discover how to work with the body God designed so you can feel strong, energized, and fearfully fit. I like to explore the current trends- food, exercise, and lifestyle- and discuss who that trend will benefit and why. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 23: Protein Powders: What to look for, what they are made of, and how they work.

    Protein powder isn’t just a convenience food — it’s a metabolic signal. In this episode, we go beyond “20 grams per scoop” and talk about what protein actually does inside the body. Because when you ingest protein, you’re not just building muscle — you’re activating pathways. We break down: How protein is digested into amino acids and absorbedWhy leucine is the key trigger for mTOR and muscle protein synthesisThe difference between complete and incomplete proteinsPDCAAS and bioavailability (why 20 grams isn’t always 20 usable grams)Whey vs. plant protein from a digestion, absorption, and anabolic standpointWhat amino acid spiking is — and how companies game labelsThe role of essential amino acids in preserving lean massWe also unpack Gary Brecka’s Perfect Amino — what free-form essential amino acids are, how they’re absorbed differently from intact protein, and whether they truly improve nitrogen balance and utilization compared to whole food protein. And yes, we talk about the darker side of the industry: Heavy metalsArtificial sweeteners and insulin responseGums and gut irritation“Natural flavors”This is a deep dive into the physiology of protein — how it influences muscle, metabolism, blood sugar regulation, satiety hormones, and even aging pathways. If you care about performance, body composition, longevity, or feeding your family well, this episode will change how you look at that scoop forever. Because protein isn’t just macros. It’s messaging. Protein powder links: https://ballerinafarm.com/products/farmer-protein-powder-variety-pack https://www.shopflavcity.com/collections/all/products/try-it-kit-classic-protein https://shop.heartandsoil.co/a/collections/products?filters=protein Gary Brecka's Amino Acids: https://bodyhealth.com/pages/perfectamino-ultimate-human

    27 min

  2. FEB 24

    Episode 22: Overfed & Undernourished: What’s Really Happening in Our Kid's Bodies

    For the first time in history, more children worldwide are living with obesity than are underweight. Let that sink in. In this episode, I’m unpacking the presentation I gave on nutrition in our schools — and what I discovered is both eye-opening and deeply concerning. We are raising the most overfed yet undernourished generation in history. This isn’t about shaming parents.  It’s not about blaming schools.  It’s about biology. I break down what actually happens inside a child’s body when they eat — how protein builds brains and stabilizes behavior, how carb-heavy ultra-processed diets spike blood sugar and fuel mood swings, why healthy fats are critical for hormones and nervous system development, and how seed oils and food dyes may be quietly contributing to inflammation, focus issues, and long-term metabolic damage. We talk about: Why kids need more nutrients than adults (not less)The gut microbiome and why early nutrition programs lifelong healthWhat teachers and coaches are really seeing in the classroom and on the fieldHow school guidelines prioritize cost and compliance over cognitionThe long-term risks we are setting up if we don’t course-correctBecause when we feed kids poorly and expect them to focus, regulate emotions, and perform — we are asking their biology to do something it simply cannot do. This episode is science-heavy, practical, and faith-rooted.  Our kids are fearfully and wonderfully made — and their growing bodies deserve fuel that reflects that. If you’re a parent, educator, coach, or just someone who cares about the next generation, this conversation matters. Small changes. Big impact.  Let’s do better for our kids.

    33 min

  3. FEB 17

    Episode 21: Essential Oils: Do they really work?

    In this episode, I’m unpacking the real story behind essential oils — the history, the chemistry, the nervous system magic. We’ll talk about how ancient cultures used aromatic plants for medicine long before pharmacies existed, what essential oils actually are (hello, plant defense compounds 👩🏼‍🔬), and why scent has such a powerful effect on your brain, emotions, and stress response. I share where I’ve personally seen oils make a difference — sleep, meltdowns, headaches, immune support — and where I think we need to stay grounded and responsible. This conversation is science meets hippie:  🌿 Nervous system regulation  🌿 Limbic system activation  🌿 Plant chemistry  🌿 Ritual, belief, and healing  🌿 Safety and common sense If you love essential oils, are skeptical of them, or just want a balanced take that isn’t fear-based or fanatical, this episode is for you. Because sometimes healing isn’t about choosing between modern medicine and ancient wisdom. Sometimes it’s both. 🌿✨

    18 min

  4. FEB 10

    Episode 20: Updates on Genetics, Peptides, and Changes in Nutrition Polices

    In this episode, I’m sharing some real-life updates and what I’ve been seeing lately with genetics, toxins, and how our environment is quietly shaping our health (and our kids’ health 👀). I break down genetic expression in a way that actually makes sense—and why your genes aren’t your destiny, but your inputs matter. We talk peptides: what I’m seeing with growth hormone support, healing peptides, and why personalized protocols beat one-size-fits-all every time. I dive into school nutrition—how we went from real food to ultra-processed cafeteria meals, and why the return of things like whole milk is a big deal. I unpack the growing push to remove seed oils and artificial junk from kids’ food, and why this matters for gut health, behavior, hormones, and long-term metabolic health.

    23 min

  5. JAN 27

    Episode 19: What Nootropics, Pre-Workout, and Nicotine Really Do to Your Brain

    This one is for Tony J! We’re tired…   So naturally, we’re reaching for pre-workout, energy drinks, “focus” supplements, and yes — even nicotine — just to get through workouts, workdays, and life. But what if more energy isn’t the answer? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of nootropics, what they actually are (and what they are not), and how they differ from traditional pre-workout supplements that spike adrenaline, cortisol, and caffeine tolerance. We break down the science of neurotransmitters, brain energy, stress hormones, and nervous system regulation — in a way that actually makes sense — so you can understand whether you’re building focus and performance… or just borrowing it from tomorrow. We also tackle the spicy topic of nicotine — why it’s suddenly trending as a “brain hack,” what the research really says about its effects on focus and cognition, and why short-term mental sharpness can come with long-term neurological trade-offs. This isn’t fear-based or hype-driven — it’s a clear, balanced look at what’s happening inside your brain and body. If you’ve ever wondered: Why pre-workout feels amazing… until it doesn’tWhether nootropics are actually safer or just marketingHow stimulation impacts hormones, sleep, recovery, and motivationOr how to support your brain without frying your nervous systemThis episode is for you. As always, we bring it back to biology, stewardship of the body, and honoring how we were designed to function — not forcing performance at the expense of long-term health. Because real strength isn’t being wired…  It’s being regulated.

    29 min

  6. JAN 13

    Episode 18: Which exercise is right for you?

    Not all workouts are created equal — and the one that makes your friend feel amazing might leave you inflamed, exhausted, or burned out. In this episode, we break down the most popular workout styles and decode what’s actually happening inside your body when you do them. From heavy lifting to walking, running, HIIT, yoga, CrossFit, and more — we explore the science, the benefits, and the downsides of each so you can make smarter choices for your body. We talk genetics, hormones, inflammation, recovery, and why your “perfect” workout might look very different from someone else’s. This episode is all about learning how to move in a way that supports your health, your goals, and the body God uniquely designed for you. If you’re starting a new routine — or rethinking the one you’re already doing — this episode will help you train with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

    42 min

  7. JAN 6

    Episode 17: Depression: The Story We’ve Been Told Might Be Wrong

    What if depression isn’t what we’ve been told it is? In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest bombshells in modern mental health — the idea that depression may not be a simple chemical imbalance in the brain at all. Inspired by A Mind of Your Own by Dr. Kelly Brogan, we take a deep dive into the science that challenges the conventional narrative and asks us to look at depression as a whole-body experience, not just a brain disorder. We talk about how inflammation, hormones, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid function, trauma, stress, and lifestyle can all play powerful roles in mood — and why treating symptoms without addressing root causes may leave people feeling stuck. This episode isn’t about blaming, shaming, or dismissing anyone’s experience. It’s about opening the door to a much bigger conversation — one that offers understanding, agency, and hope. If you’ve ever felt like the standard explanation didn’t fully make sense… this episode might completely change the way you think about depression.

    29 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    Episode 16: Healing by Light: The Science of Red Light Therapy

    What if light — literal light — could help your body heal faster, move better, think clearer, and recover stronger? In this episode, we’re diving into red light therapy 🔴 — what it is, why it works, and why it’s becoming one of the most talked-about tools in recovery, wellness, and longevity. This isn’t woo-woo… it’s cellular science. We break down:  • What red and near-infrared light actually do inside your cells  • How light impacts mitochondria (your energy factories)  • Why red light supports muscle recovery, joint health, skin, and inflammation  • How it can help with hormones, sleep, and nervous system regulation  • Why humans were designed to interact with light  • How to use red light safely and effectively (without overdoing it) We’ll also talk about how modern life pulled us away from natural light — and how red light therapy may help restore something we’re missing. Ancient wisdom meets modern science in this episode — and once you understand how light communicates with your body, you’ll never look at recovery the same way again. Turn on the light… and let’s get into it ✨

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Fit Nerd is where faith, fitness, and science collide. We geek out on genetics, health, and training — all while keeping Christ at the center. From nutrition and hormones to joyful movement and real-life faith, you’ll discover how to work with the body God designed so you can feel strong, energized, and fearfully fit. I like to explore the current trends- food, exercise, and lifestyle- and discuss who that trend will benefit and why. 

Information

  • Creator
    Abbey Bell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 fitNERD
  • Show Website
    fitNERD