Protein Sparing Modified Fasting Days Explained: Maria Emmerich's Science-Backed Fat Loss Method to Preserve Muscle + Sharing Her Courageous Weight Regain Journey

Content Note / Trigger Warning: The first two-thirds of this episode focus on Maria Emmerich's expertise in helping thousands of people who are overweight, obese, or struggling with metabolic health to lose weight and dramatically improve their health and lives. In the last third of the interview, Maria shares her very recent personal experience with struggling with restrictive dieting, and her courageous journey of weight regain. Please listen with care if these topics around disordered eating may be sensitive or triggering for you. See *RESOURCE below if you or someone you care about needs support. Unlock sharper focus and support long-term brain health with Ketone-IQ—clean brain fuel for deep work, mental clarity, and sustained energy with no crash. Get 30% off your subscription, plus a free gift with your second shipment at Ketone.com/vanessa . Today's guest is Maria Emmerich, internationally renowned nutritionist, best-selling author, and an expert in her version of integrating 1-2 Protein Sparing Modified Fast Days (PSMF Days) in a week to create a weekly caloric deficit while protecting muscle and metabolism, including re-feed days to balance out the week. In this episode, we cover: What PSMF Days are and how they differ from the sugar diet or fasting How PSMF Days preserve lean muscle while accelerating fat loss The role of stall foods like nuts, dairy, and nut flours in holding back fat loss Client strategies for satiety, electrolytes, and exercise integration The science behind metabolic adaptation, and refeeds Why higher protein intake and supplements like creatine are key for recomposition Maria's personal story of becoming too lean, regaining weight, and how it reshaped her coaching philosophy This episode is packed with practical strategies from Maria's decades of experience helping people transform their health — and also offers a very candid look into her own personal journey. IQBAR is offering my podcast listeners 20% OFF all products, plus FREE shipping! IQBARs are packed with plant protein, fiber, and brain nutrients like Lion's Mane and omega-3s, keto-friendly, low in sugar, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. To claim your discount, just text VANESSA to 64000. That's VANESSA to sixty-four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. See terms for details. NEW! Support your strength and muscle goals with PUORI Creatine+ — a clean, effective creatine monohydrate supplement enhanced with taurine. Get 20% off at puori.com/VANESSA Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Free High-Protein Keto Guide Get 20% off on the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy Mask or the Tone Device breath ketone analyzer at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen. *RESOURCE: If you are in the United States and you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating, support is available. You can call the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or visit nationaleatingdisorders.org for resources.