Episode #33: The Metabolic Freedom Episode with Ben Azadi

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dylan Gemelli Podcast
• Host: Dylan Gemelli
• Guest: Ben Azadi
• Release Date: June 11, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Dylan Gemelli welcomes Ben Azadi, a seasoned health expert with 17 years of experience and five best-selling books, including his latest, Metabolic Freedom. The conversation delves deep into the roles of fats, intermittent fasting, metabolic flexibility, and the debunking of common dietary myths.

1. Introduction: Welcoming Ben Azadi [00:00 - 03:11]

Dylan Gemelli opens the episode with enthusiastic praise for Ben Azadi, highlighting his extensive background in the health industry, his best-selling books, and his influential podcast, Metabolic Freedom. Dylan emphasizes Ben's commitment to educating others on health and wellness through evidence-based strategies.

Notable Quote:

Dylan Gemelli [00:00]: "I have yet to get to this day to be this excited about a guest I've had… But my man, today we are going to have a conversation… Welcome Ben Azadi."

Ben responds with gratitude, acknowledging Dylan's support and the importance of their collaborative mission to impact lives positively.

2. Ben Azadi’s Journey to Metabolic Freedom [03:11 - 06:45]

Dylan invites Ben to share his personal journey, emphasizing the transformation from a troubled youth to a health advocate. Ben recounts his struggles with obesity, addiction, and depression during his early years, culminating in a turning point at age 23 when he faced severe health issues and contemplated ending his life.

Through self-development books by authors like Dr. Wayne Dyer and Tony Robbins, Ben learned the importance of personal accountability. He shifted his mindset, embraced real food, and embarked on a transformative journey, losing 80 pounds in nine months and achieving both physical and mental well-being.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [03:45]: "I stopped blaming my genetics, my enabling family members… I started to become the victor of my destiny."

Dylan resonates with Ben's story, highlighting the critical role of accountability in achieving sustainable change.

3. Importance of Nutrition Over Calories [07:55 - 13:22]

Dylan raises a point of contention common in fitness circles: the debate over the significance of diet versus training and supplementation. He posits that 75-80% of results stem from diet, 10-15% from training, and 5% from supplements or enhancements.

Ben agrees, albeit with a slight adjustment, arguing that when mindset is included, nutrition accounts for up to 95% of success. He emphasizes that focusing solely on calorie intake is misleading, advocating instead for a quality-over-quantity approach to food.

Notable Quotes:

Ben Azadi [11:01]: "If we're not including mindset, that's an accurate statement. If we're including mindset, I would say 95% is mindset down in nutrition..."

Dylan Gemelli [12:00]: "I just don't understand how you can argue that those are equal in any way, shape or form."

Ben elaborates on how different foods impact hormonal responses and inflammation, challenging the simplistic "calories in, calories out" paradigm.

4. Understanding Metabolic Flexibility [15:37 - 16:54]

Dylan introduces the concept of metabolic flexibility, seeking Ben's expertise. Ben defines metabolic flexibility as the body's ability to efficiently switch between burning different substrates—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—for energy.

He points out that 93% of Americans are metabolically inflexible, primarily burning sugar instead of fats, which leads to constant hunger, energy crashes, and fat storage. Achieving metabolic flexibility allows for better energy utilization, reduced reliance on food for energy, and enhanced fat-burning capabilities.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [16:45]: "Metabolic flexibility means you don't have to snack… You're burning body fat and then when you eat food, you burn the food for energy."

5. Intermittent Fasting and Its Benefits [26:11 - 29:07]

Dylan shifts the conversation to intermittent fasting (IF), exploring what breaks a fast and the nuances of maintaining a fasted state. Ben clarifies that consuming anything that raises glucose levels—such as carbohydrates and significant protein—breaks a fast by increasing insulin and reducing autophagy (cellular cleanup).

He highlights permissible items during fasting, including certain types of coffee, herbal teas, water, and specific supplements that don't provoke an insulin response.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [34:11]: "My definition of breaking a fast is when you raise glucose and start the digestive processes."

Additionally, Ben discusses methods to accurately determine ketosis, advocating for blood ketone testing as the most reliable method.

6. Diets: Keto vs. Carnivore [31:26 - 33:51]

Dylan inquires about the distinctions between the ketogenic and carnivore diets. Ben explains that while both promote fat burning, the carnivore diet is more restrictive, comprising exclusively animal products with zero carbohydrates. In contrast, a traditional ketogenic diet allows for limited carbohydrates, primarily from vegetables.

Ben expresses a preference for the carnivore diet, especially for individuals with autoimmune conditions, as it eliminates plant toxins and supports gut healing. He also emphasizes the importance of metabolic flexibility, suggesting periodic higher-carb days to prevent metabolic adaptation and plateaus.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [32:00]: "I prefer the carnivore diet… It works really well because you're removing all these plant toxins…"

7. Effective Fat-Burning Foods [40:11 - 43:04]

Dylan requests Ben to share his favorite foods that support metabolism. Ben outlines a list prioritizing anti-inflammatory properties and hormone-friendly nutrients:

• Eggs with Yolks: "Mother nature's multivitamin," rich in essential fats and cholesterol.
• Red Meat: Highly absorbable nutrients without antinutrients.
• Butter and Ghee: Preferably grass-fed for optimal fat profiles.
• Avocados: Loaded with phytosterols and B vitamins.
• Sheep and Goat Dairy: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that boost ketone production.
• Fermented Foods: Such as sauerkraut and kimchi for gut health.

He also mentions beneficial supplements like coffee (loaded with chlorogenic acid), green tea (rich in catechins), and Grains of Paradise—a spice that promotes the development of brown fat, enhancing calorie burning.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [40:11]: "Eggs are mother nature's multivitamin… Red meat… Avocados are also great…"

8. Seafood Consumption and Mercury Concerns [43:45 - 46:34]

Addressing the concerns related to seafood, particularly mercury exposure, Dylan seeks Ben's advice on safe consumption levels. Ben introduces the SMASH protocol, recommending seafood options that are low in toxins:

• S for Salmon
• M for Mackerel
• A for Anchovies
• S for Sardines
• H for Herring

He advises limiting intake of larger fish like Chilean sea bass due to higher mercury levels and suggests using binders or supplements like glutathione to aid in detoxification if consuming such fish.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [43:45]: "The bigger the fish, the more toxins, including mercury it has."

9. Views on Oatmeal and Carbs [52:35 - 54:12]

Dylan touches on the controversial topic of oatmeal, which is often lauded as a healthy breakfast option. Ben candidly shares his stance, arguing that oatmeal is detrimental, especially for those who are metabolically unhealthy. He cites issues like glycemic spikes and the presence of phytic acid, an antinutrient that depletes essential minerals.

While acknowledging personal enjoyment of oatmeal's taste, Ben asserts that it should be relegated to occasional "cheat meals" rather than a daily staple.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [52:39]: "Oatmeal is not healthy for me. It's considered like a cheat meal."

10. Future Topics and Conclusion [54:34 - 57:12]

As the conversation nears its end, Dylan expresses his eagerness to delve into more complex topics like cellular science, autophagy, and mitophagy in future episodes. Both hosts express mutual respect and appreciation, emphasizing the value of their collaborative efforts in educating their audience.

Ben promotes his new book, Metabolic Freedom, and shares resources for listeners to further engage with his work.

Notable Quote:

Ben Azadi [56:11]: "It's available on Kindle and also Audible and Spotify…get a free course with the book 12 Lessons on the Metabolism."

Dylan concludes by commending the episode's value and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more insightful discussions.

Key Takeaways:

• Nutrition Over Calories: Emphasizing the quality of food over mere calorie counting for effective health and weight management.
• Metabolic Flexibility: The ability to switch between burning carbs and fats enhances energy levels and reduces fat storage.
• Debunking Dietary Myths: Challenging conventional wisdom on fats and carbohydrates, advocating for higher fat intake and lower carb consumption.
• Intermittent Fasting: Understanding what breaks a fast and how to maximize its benefits through proper food choices.
• Dietary Choices: Differentiating between ketogenic and carnivore diets, and highlighting the importance of choosing nutrient-dense, low-toxin foods.
• Food Sensitivities: Recognizing the impact of antinutrients and toxins in common foods like oatmeal and certain vegetables.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners aiming to enhance their health through informed dietary and lifestyle choices, grounded in scientific understanding and personal experience.