The mindbodygreen Podcast 628: The truth about lean muscle, GLP-1s & women’s metabolism | Ana Kausel, M.D.
Dec 14, 2025
Dr. Ana Kausel, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in women's health, delves into the secrets of metabolic strength and nutrition. She shares her personal journey of muscle gain, emphasizing the necessity of carbohydrates for effective strength training. Ana discusses the personalized approach to GLP-1 dosages for weight management and the importance of balancing protein and fat. She highlights the complexities of female hormone testing and offers insights on dietary choices for optimal health, advocating for a Mediterranean-style eating philosophy.
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Train With Structured Splits
- Structure strength training into splits and prioritize progressive overload to build muscle.
- Rest fully between heavy sets (1.5–2 minutes) and slowly increase training frequency as strength improves.
Prioritize Protein And Timed Carbs
- Increase protein substantially to support muscle gain and body composition, tracking grams to hit targets.
- Time carbohydrates around heavy lifting sessions to refill glycogen and improve strength.
Carbs Are Crucial For Strength
- Women commonly follow low-carb trends that undermine strength training and recovery.
- Muscles need carbohydrates for performance and growth, so carbs are essential when lifting heavy.