Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the confusion around fasting, protein, and what really works for women. You'll learn how to balance intermittent fasting with your protein needs, why you shouldn't worry about hitting protein targets on fasting days but must prioritise them on eating days, and discover common fasting mistakes like going "too fast and furious" before your body is ready. The doctors explain how to build up your fasting practice gradually, what to drink during a fast, when fasting might not suit you (including during different phases of your menstrual cycle), and why more fasting isn't always better. If you've been told that women shouldn't fast or you're confused about how to make fasting work with your goals, this episode gives you practical, flexible strategies you can actually use. Website links: For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/should-women-fast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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278 How Much Protein Do You Really Need?
Wondering how much protein you really need each day? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson clear up the confusion around protein intake and explain why hitting your protein target matters for your health. You'll learn a simple rule of thumb for calculating your daily protein needs, discover why protein is essential for controlling hunger, managing blood sugar, and preventing muscle loss as you age. The doctors share practical tips for getting 30 grams of protein at each meal using everyday foods like eggs, meat, fish, and dairy, plus their honest take on whether protein powders are worth your money. If you're struggling to feel satisfied after meals or want to boost your metabolic health, this episode gives you straightforward, no-nonsense advice you can put into practice straight away. Website links: For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-much-protein-do-you-really-need See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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277 The Common Diet Trap You Might Be Falling Into
This episode tackles a sneaky trap that keeps many people stuck in the dieting cycle: all-or-nothing perfectionism. Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns explain why waiting for the perfect time to start or expecting yourself to be perfect is sabotaging your health goals. Listeners will learn how to break free from the mindset that says you're either doing it perfectly or you're a failure, discover why small slips don't have to derail your progress, and get practical tools for managing cravings and emotional eating without punishment or restriction. The doctors share their personal struggles with perfectionism and reveal how self-compassion and learning from mistakes—not perfection—are the real keys to lasting health changes. For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-common-diet-trap-you-might-be-falling-into See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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276 Busting Food Myths Holding You Back
Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns tackle the tricky "holiday mindset" that can sabotage health goals when people go away. Discover why having more time doesn't automatically mean eating better and learn practical strategies to enjoy holidays without throwing your health plans out the window. The doctors share real examples of intentional food choices whilst travelling, from pints of Guinness in Dublin to chocolate tart in Paris, showing how you can still have special moments without going completely off track. You'll gain simple tools like the "half-assing holidays" approach and protein-focused breakfast strategies that let you enjoy your break from cooking and meal prep whilst staying aligned with your goals. Perfect for anyone who struggles with the all-or-nothing mentality around food during holidays and wants to return home feeling refreshed rather than regretful. For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/busting-food-myths-holding-you-back See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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275 How to Change Your Relationship with Food
Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns tackle the deep-rooted belief that you must "clean your plate" because children are starving elsewhere. Discover why this childhood message creates guilt, shame, and disconnects you from hunger signals, plus learn the powerful mantra "my body is not the bin". Get practical strategies like using smaller plates, saving leftovers for later, and changing "I can't eat that" to "I don't eat that" for better results. Understand how marketing tricks exploit your fear of missing out with "limited time" offers and seasonal treats that are actually available year-round. Break free from "last supper" eating by saying "not for the moment" instead of "never again", and discover why eating food just to get rid of it creates more problems than throwing it away. Leave with simple mindset shifts that help you eat to true hunger, reduce food guilt, and build lasting healthy habits without the mental battle. For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-to-change-your-relationship-with-food See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast where you get Real advice from Real Doctors to help you lose weight and revolutionise your health not just now but permanently. You can change your future, starting now.
Imagine if everything you had been told about weight loss was wrong.
We are here to bust through some myths and give you actionable advice. Real health and weight loss is a journey and we, your hosts Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns from Real Life Medicine, are here with you every step of the way.
New Zealand