GLP-1s, Fasting, and the Future of Women’s Metabolic Health

What if one of the simplest ways to support your weight loss journey is already sitting in your refrigerator? In this solo episode, Dr. Mindy Pelz breaks down a fascinating study examining how probiotic-rich yogurt may influence hunger, blood sugar, and your body's natural GLP-1 production. The findings offer a closer look at why the bacteria in your food matter and how certain fermented foods may support your metabolic health. Dr. Mindy explains the connection between your gut microbiome and two important appetite-related hormones, GLP-1 and ghrelin, including why hunger can become more challenging as you lose weight. She also shares what to look for on a yogurt label, why she prefers protein-rich Greek yogurt, and how pairing fermented foods with fiber can help you build more satisfying meals. You'll walk away with practical ways to incorporate yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods into your eating window, along with a better understanding of how food and fasting can work together. In this episode, you'll learn: What a study involving 140 adults found about probiotic yogurt, blood sugar, and hunger-related hormones How your gut bacteria are connected to natural GLP-1 production Why certain probiotic strains and CFU counts are worth understanding The difference between GLP-1 and ghrelin and how they influence appetite Why Dr. Mindy recommends plain Greek yogurt over many flavored varieties Four fermented foods to consider adding to your meals How pairing probiotics with fiber can support gut health Simple ways to incorporate these foods into a fasting lifestyle RESOURCES MENTIONED FREE Fasting & Food Guide Study: Yogurt & Vitamin D (Food Science & Nutrition, 2022) For more resources related to today’s episode, visit the podcast episode page: drmindypelz.com/ep380

Have you reached a point in your marriage where you feel like you've changed, but your relationship hasn't?

Insulin resistance can develop gradually, sometimes long before you notice changes in your blood sugar. And while genetics and other health factors play a role, the habits you practice every day can have a meaningful impact on your metabolic health. In this solo episode of Live Like a Girl, Dr. Mindy Pelz shares six practical habits that can help support insulin sensitivity, particularly for women navigating midlife and hormonal changes. She explains why the quality of your carbohydrates matters, how a 10-minute walk after meals can influence your blood sugar response, and why building muscle is one of the most valuable things you can do for your metabolism as you age. You'll also learn how fiber and fermented foods support gut health, why sugary beverages deserve a closer look, and how your sleep routine can affect the way your body responds to insulin. In this episode, you'll learn: What insulin resistance is and how it develops Why carbohydrate quality matters for blood sugar regulation How pairing carbohydrates with protein or fat can support a steadier glucose response The benefits of walking for 10 minutes after meals Why resistance training and muscle mass matter for women over 40 How fiber, legumes, and fermented foods support gut health The impact of sugary beverages on blood sugar Why sleep consistency matters for insulin sensitivity Three practical habits you can start today

Food activist and Food Babe founder Vani Hari returns to Live Like a Girl to break down what's actually hiding in many of the foods we buy every day.

GLP-1 is a hormone your body naturally produces, and the foods you eat can influence its release. In this episode, I'm walking you through 10 everyday foods that support your natural GLP-1 response, satiety, and gut health, with practical ways to start adding them to your meals. We get into fiber, protein, resistant starch, fermented foods, polyphenols, and why I've become increasingly focused on building meals around protein and fiber. I'll also show you what happens when you cook and cool potatoes, why plant variety matters, and some of the foods currently sitting in my own refrigerator. _ IN THIS EPISODE: How your body naturally produces GLP-1 10 foods to add to your grocery list Fiber and food noise Protein and satiety Supporting your gut microbiome Why plant diversity matters How I build a protein-and-fiber-forward meal Simple ways to put these foods together _ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Fasting 101 Guide Dr. Ben Bikman Episode Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Wise Goat Organics MyFitnessPal For more resources related to today’s episode, visit the podcast episode page: drmindypelz.com/ep376