Metabolic Mindset

Shara Perry
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  • Nutrition

Metabolic Mindset is a science-backed podcast that breaks down metabolic physiology into simple, practical strategies you can actually live by. Hosted by dietitian Shara Perry, each episode cuts through nutrition dogma and teaches you how to fuel, train, and live for better energy, hormones, and long-term health.

  1. 3d ago

    Understanding Energy Availability and Metabolic Health

    Send us Fan Mail Many people believe metabolism is simply a matter of calories in versus calories out. But if that's true, why can two people eat the same amount of food, weigh the same, and exercise the same amount, yet experience completely different levels of energy, recovery, hunger, hormone health, and body composition? In this episode, we're diving into one of the most overlooked concepts in nutrition and metabolism: energy availability. You'll learn why your body doesn't just track calories—it continuously evaluates whether enough energy is available to support essential functions like hormone production, thyroid health, recovery, immune function, and daily activity.  We'll discuss:  What energy availability actually means  Why calories alone don't tell the whole story  The role of ATP, glycogen, and stored energy  How the brain gathers information about your energy status  Why chronic dieting can lead to fatigue, stalled progress, and metabolic adaptation  The connection between carbohydrate intake, recovery, and energy expenditure  What NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is and why it matters  Why some people feel and perform better when they start eating more If you've ever wondered why your body seems to resist your efforts despite eating less and exercising more, this episode will help you understand the metabolic signals happening behind the scenes. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on energy availability and metabolism. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  2. Jul 12

    Fruit Isn't the Enemy: Understanding Glucose, Fructose, and Carbohydrate Metabolism Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this series, we follow glucose and fructose to the liver, where their metabolic paths begin to diverge. Learn how the liver processes different carbohydrates, why fructose doesn't automatically turn into body fat, and how glycogen, ATP, fiber, and the food matrix influence your metabolism. We also explore why whole fruit is fundamentally different from sugar-sweetened beverages and why context—not fear—should guide the way we think about carbohydrates. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  3. Jul 7

    Fruit Isn't the Enemy: Understanding Glucose, Fructose, and Carbohydrate Metabolism Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 of this episode, we begin a deep dive into one of nutrition's most misunderstood topics: carbohydrates. Join me as we explore what carbohydrates actually are, how plants create them through photosynthesis, and what happens the moment you take your first bite. By understanding the science behind glucose, fructose, and digestion, you'll gain the foundation needed to separate nutrition myths from physiology. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  4. Jun 8

    A Pro-Metabolic Perspective on Cholesterol and Statins Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of the cholesterol series, we're taking a deeper look at why cholesterol labs are often misunderstood and why context matters when evaluating cardiovascular risk. We'll break down markers like LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ApoB, and ApoA1, discuss the role of inflammation and metabolic health, and explore why two people with similar cholesterol numbers can have very different risk profiles. We'll also dive into statins—how they work, why they're so heavily debated, and the situations where they may provide meaningful benefit. Finally, we'll discuss how to improve cholesterol markers through a pro-metabolic lens by focusing on the underlying metabolic environment rather than simply chasing lower numbers. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  5. May 25

    A Pro-Metabolic Perspective on Cholesterol and Statins Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 1 of this cholesterol series on Metabolic Mindset, I break down what cholesterol actually does in the body, how lipoproteins like LDL and HDL function, and why cholesterol labs are often misunderstood without proper context. I also explore the relationship between inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk — and why a single lab marker rarely tells the full story. In other words, this podcast is an attempt to explain cholesterol in the context of human metabolism. Topics covered: • LDL and HDL explained simply • Cholesterol transport and lipoprotein basics • What cholesterol actually does in the body • Why context matters when interpreting labs • Inflammation, metabolism, and heart health Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  6. Apr 14

    Metabolism Over Dogma: Why We Both Moved Beyond Low Carb

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, I’m joined by Zane Griggs (@zanegriggsfitness), a long-time personal trainer and host of the Healthy AF Podcast. Zane and I met years ago when we were both deep in the low carb world. Since then, we’ve independently shifted toward a more pro-metabolic, physiology-first approach to nutrition and training. This conversation is about what actually works for our clients. We break down why restrictive frameworks like keto or low carb can initially “work,” the psychological pull of diet camps, and what happens when identity becomes tied to a way of eating. More importantly, we talk about what changed our minds—and the client results that forced us to rethink everything. We also dive into:  Why under-fueling and overtraining stalls fat loss  How higher carbohydrate, lower fat approaches can improve insulin sensitivity  Real client transformations (including improved A1C on higher carb intake)  Pre- and post-workout nutrition for performance and recovery  Common mistakes people make when trying to “optimize” their metabolism If you’ve ever felt stuck between conflicting nutrition philosophies, this episode will help you step back, think critically, and start trusting physiology over dogma. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  7. Mar 25

    Taurine: Energy Regulation, Not Stimulation

    Send us Fan Mail Taurine is one of the most misunderstood nutrients in modern nutrition—often associated with energy drinks, but rarely understood for what it actually does in the body. In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, I discuss the physiology of taurine and why it plays a critical role in metabolic health. From cardiovascular function and calcium signaling to nervous system regulation, electrolyte balance, and bile production, taurine supports the systems that allow your metabolism to function efficiently. I also cover where taurine comes from, how it was discovered, key research-backed benefits, and how to effectively use it as a supplement—including dosing, timing, and forms. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

  8. Mar 6

    Why Overtraining Is Not Helping You Lose Fat

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Metabolic Mindset, Registered Dietitian Shara Perry breaks down why more exercise isn’t always the answer for fat loss. Chronic high-intensity training, under-fueling, and elevated cortisol can actually stall fat loss by breaking down muscle, lowering metabolic rate, and signaling the body to hold onto energy. Shara explains the physiology behind Zone 1 and Zone 2 cardio, how they support mitochondrial health, fat oxidation, and cortisol regulation, and why lower-stress training can be far more effective for sustainable fat loss and muscle retention. If you’ve been working harder but seeing fewer results, this episode will help you understand why — and how to train in a way that actually supports your metabolism. Brain fart sponsored by Pfizer. Here's that information I blanked on mid-episode: Aerobic exercise ("with oxygen") is sustained, moderate-intensity activity (e.g., jogging, swimming) that improves cardiovascular endurance and burns fat. Anaerobic exercise ("without oxygen") consists of short, high-intensity bursts (e.g., sprinting, lifting) that build muscle, power, and bone density. Support the show Work with me at Nourish (covered by insurance, often $0): https://signup.nourish.com/providers/shara-perry?referralSource=Nourish+dietitian&referralName=Shara+Perry&utm_source=Nourish_dietitian&utm_term=Shara_Perry

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About

Metabolic Mindset is a science-backed podcast that breaks down metabolic physiology into simple, practical strategies you can actually live by. Hosted by dietitian Shara Perry, each episode cuts through nutrition dogma and teaches you how to fuel, train, and live for better energy, hormones, and long-term health.

Information

  • Creator
    Shara Perry
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Metabolic Mindset
  • Show Website
    Metabolic Mindset