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One of the most well known low carb/keto advocates adding carbs back to build muscle changes the whole conversation. In episode 898 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes sits down with Maria Emmerich to break down why she added carbs back into her diet, how protein, fat, and strength training support muscle gain, and why nutrition is never one size fits all. They also dig into gluconeogenesis, metabolic health, hormones, HRT, peptides, GLP-1s, menopause, body composition, and the real cost of chasing weight loss over strength. This is a practical talk for keto, carnivore, and low carb listeners who want better results, better health, and a smarter plan.

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Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

Chapters

0:00 - What Does Maria Emmerich Eat Now?

2:37 - Why Add Carbs to Carnivore for Muscle Gain?

4:02 - How Much Protein, Fat, and Carbs Does She Eat?

5:31 - Why Morning Strength Training Feels Like an Antidepressant

6:26 - What Is Gluconeogenesis and Is It Demand-Driven?

8:23 - Can You Eat Too Much Protein on Keto or Carnivore?

10:24 - Are Peptides Overrated Without the Basics Dialed In?

13:14 - What Hormone Panel Markers Matter Most for Women?

14:45 - Why HRT Matters Even If You Feel Fine

16:46 - Is Bioidentical HRT Really Unnatural?

19:05 - Do Hormones Start Declining Earlier Than People Think?

20:43 - Should Every Perimenopausal Woman Consider HRT?

21:50 - How Often Should You Test Hormones and Is It Ever Too Late?

23:05 - How Women 40+ Should Train, Eat, and Protect Bone Density

24:03 - Why GLP-1s Can Backfire During Perimenopause

25:13 - The Perfect Storm of Kids, Stress, and Hormone Decline

27:20 - Why HRT May Be a Better Investment Than Peptides

28:11 - Quick Break: What Is Keto Brick?

29:00 - When Do Peptides Actually Make Sense?

29:42 - Which HRT Option Is Best: Pellets, Creams, or Injections?

31:56 - What Men Get Wrong About Testosterone Therapy

33:12 - What Are Peptides and What Was the First One?

34:48 - Which Peptides Help With Weight Loss, Gut Health, and Inflammation?

35:32 - Are Peptides Safe Long Term?

36:40 - Can GLP-1s Cause Anhedonia and Dopamine Problems?

38:33 - How Should You Cycle Peptides the Right Way?

40:47 - Should You Cycle Off GLP-1s Instead of Staying on Forever?

41:26 - What’s Next for GLP-4, GLP-5, and Myostatin Inhibitors?

42:48 - Can Athletes Even Test for Peptides?

43:27 - Do GLP-1s Cause Muscle Loss or Mostly Water Loss?

45:02 - Why Peptides Should Never Replace the Fundamentals

46:44 - Do GLP-1s Make It Easier to Eat More Junk Food?

48:36 - Should You Focus on Performance Instead of Scale Weight?

49:18 - The Dangerous High of Getting Too Lean

51:03 - Why Gaining Weight Can Be the Healthier Goal

52:21 - How Maria Is Mentally Navigating Weight Gain

54:16 - Why Maria Emmerich Keeps Evolving Her Views

55:26 - The Sardine Experiment That Spiked Arsenic

56:01 - Maria Emmerich’s Global Keto Retreats

57:28 - Where to Find Maria and Her New Book

57:46 - Hunting, Freezers, and Final Thoughts