High Performance Health

Join Angela and Dr William Li for a look at the complex world of heart health and hormonal shifts, in which they tackle the often-confusing link between menopause and rising cholesterol levels, debunking common myths and providing clarity on the real risks of high LDL.  Dr. Li shares his expert insights on the nuances of heart disease prevention, the importance of blood sugar balance, and how a holistic, evidence-based approach can help you navigate these sudden health changes with confidence and balance. KEY TAKEAWAYS: High LDL cholesterol is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease because it can build up as plaque in the arteries and impede blood flow. Total cholesterol levels are no longer the primary indicator of heart disease risk; instead, doctors focus on the ratio of "good" HDL to "bad" LDL cholesterol. While some people have genetic predispositions to extremely high cholesterol, modern medicine emphasises a more nuanced understanding of different cholesterol components. Maintaining blood sugar balance is crucial, but health influencers often exaggerate the dangers of minor "spikes" and "crashes" that are actually normal bodily functions. TIMESTAMPS AND KEY TOPICS: 0:45 How LDL cholesterol sticks to artery walls like "Velcro," 1:42 How medical understanding has evolved from tracking total cholesterol to focusing on HDL/LDL ratios. 3:07 The influence of health influencers on public anxiety regarding blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 4:03 Importance of "homeostasis" and how the body naturally strives for balance in its systems. VALUABLE RESOURCES ⁠Join The High Performance Health Community⁠ ⁠Click here⁠ for discounts on all the products I personally use and recommend A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible ABOUT THE HOST Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine. Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out. CONTACT DETAILS ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Disclaimer: The High Performance Health Podcast is for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of professional or coaching advice and no client relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should seek the assistance of their medical doctor or other health care professional for before taking any steps to implement any of the items discussed in this podcast. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

If you’re a woman over 35 who feels tired, stretched thin, and quietly disconnected from herself, this episode is for you. At 38, I was hospitalised, burnt out, and running on empty. Today, my biological age is more than 20 years younger than my chronological age, not because of biohacks, restriction, or endless workouts, but because I made a small number of strategic changes at the exact stage of life where they matter most. In this solo episode, I break down The Longevity Seven: the seven science-backed pillars I used to rebuild my health, and the same framework I now use with high-performing women to restore energy, strength, and long-term resilience. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Why women in their mid-30s to mid-40s are in a critical window for long-term health • The 7 simple pillars that radically improved my strength, energy, and biomarkers • How to build muscle, VO₂ max, and resilience without overtraining • How much protein women actually need as they age • Why plant diversity matters more than restriction • How sleep consistency impacts longevity more than sleep duration • The role of inflammation, gut health, and omega-3s in aging well • Why purpose, connection, and nature are non-negotiable for long-term vitality TIMESTAMPS TIMESTAMPS 00:00 My Wake-Up Call at 38 01:32 The Longevity Seven Explained 06:19 Pillar 1: Daily Movement Without Burnout 07:53 Pillar 2: Protein & Plant Diversity Simplified 10:51 Pillar 3: Reducing Inflammation with Healthy Fats 11:49 Pillar 4: Why Sleep Consistency Matters Most 13:04 Pillar 5: Purpose and Longevity 13:53 Pillar 6: Relationships & Social Health 14:14 Pillar 7: Nature, Movement & Time Freedom 15:27 How to Start (Without Doing Everything at Once) RESOURCES & LINKS • Episode: Creatine for Women in Midlife – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIMxC_QOmmw • 21-Day Hormone & Longevity Reset (Live on January 29, 2026) – https://academy.angelafosterperformance.com/reset A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible: • Beam Minerals – Go to https://beamminerals.com/angela | Use code ANGELA for an exclusive discount

Angela is joined by Dr Will B to examine the critical relationship between meal timing, gut health, and inflammation.  They discuss how eating close to bedtime can negatively impact heart rate variability and create an inflammatory state in the body, particularly affecting the gut microbiome. They also look at the importance of allowing the gut to enter a recovery mode during the night and emphasise the benefits of earlier meal times KEY TAKEAWAYS: Meal Timing and Inflammation: Eating close to bedtime can lead to increased inflammation, as the body's inflammatory response peaks about six hours after a meal Importance of Fasting: Allowing the gut a fasting period of about 12 hours overnight can help recalibrate the gut microbiome, promoting a healthier gut environment and supporting overall health. Four Nutritional Pillars: To support a healthy microbiome and reduce inflammation, focus on four key nutrients: fibre, polyphenols, healthy fats, and fermented foods Dietary Patterns: While various dietary patterns (like vegan, carnivore, or keto) are often debated, the focus should be on ensuring adequate intake of the four nutritional pillars rather than adhering strictly to a specific diet TIMESTAMPS AND KEY TOPICS: [00:02:21] Nighttime gut microbiome recovery. [00:04:36] Inflammation and health risks. [00:08:03] Mediterranean diet and health. VALUABLE RESOURCES ⁠Join The High Performance Health Community⁠ ⁠Click here⁠ for discounts on all the products I personally use and recommend A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible ABOUT THE HOST Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine. Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out. CONTACT DETAILS ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Disclaimer: The High Performance Health Podcast is for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of professional or coaching advice and no client relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should seek the assistance of their medical doctor or other health care professional for before taking any steps to implement any of the items discussed in this podcast. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Today I’m sitting down with world-leading exercise physiologist Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD, to cut through the noise around strength training, protein, fasting, and midlife muscle. We talk about why women don’t need a completely different training programme than men, why just two resistance sessions a week can meaningfully improve strength and long-term health, and why consistency matters far more than “perfect” protein timing or supplements. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN • Whether women need different strength training programmes than men • How little resistance training is needed to protect muscle and aging • Why lifting across all rep ranges builds better long-term results • How cardio and strength training interact (and sometimes compete) • How much protein women actually need per day and per meal • Why protein timing matters far less than total intake • Whether fasted training harms muscle, hormones, or recovery • How under-fueling quietly sabotages strength and adaptation Timestamps00:00 Strength Training Myths for Women 02:31 Why Lean Women May Struggle to Gain Muscle 05:17 Muscle vs Strength vs Power Explained 17:31 How Much Protein Do Women Really Need? 26:48 Protein Per Meal: Absorption, Timing & Anabolic Window 34:24 Carbohydrates, Performance & Insulin Sensitivity 37:34 Fasted Training: Risks, Benefits & Reality42:43 Optimising Post-Workout Nutrition 47:41 Balancing Cardio & Strength Training 52:19 Aging, DEXA Scans & What Really Matters VALUABLE RESOURCES A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible:• Hormone Harmony – Go to https://lvluphealth.com/angela | Use code ANGELA for an exclusive 15% off ABOUT THE GUEST Professor Stuart Phillips, PhD is a world-renowned exercise physiologist and Professor at McMaster University, internationally recognised for his research on muscle protein synthesis, aging, resistance training, and nutrition. With over 30 years of research experience, Stuart is a leading voice in evidence-based guidance on strength training, protein intake, and healthy aging. Social Media:Instagram, X & TikTok: @mackinprofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMPPh.D/

Angela is joined by Sarah Rusbatch, to discuss the hidden health risks of alcohol, particularly for women in midlife. Sarah reveals the physiological reasons why women metabolise alcohol differently than men, leading to increased health risks, and shares the alarming statistic that four out of five women are unaware of the link between alcohol and breast cancer.  Together they focus on the three core pillars for successful behaviour change: focusing on what you gain, replacing the habit with a positive alternative, and embracing the power of small experiments KEY TAKEAWAYS: The Hidden Risks for Women: Women metabolise alcohol less efficiently than men due to lower levels of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, making them more susceptible to alcohol's negative effects Alcohol's Link to Cancer: One in five breast cancer deaths are linked to alcohol, and the risk increases dose-dependently. Four out of five women are unaware of this direct connection. The Power of Positive Substitution: Successful behaviour change requires moving the focus from the deprivation (loss aversion) to the gains (e.g., better sleep, more energy, better skin) and replacing the drinking habit with an effective, positive alternative. Addressing the Root Cause: For many, alcohol is a "solution to the problem" of boredom, stress, or escape. Lasting change requires looking at what alcohol is masking and making fundamental changes to your life TIMESTAMPS AND KEY TOPICS: 0:01:25: One glass of alcohol can be too much for those with genetic predispositions 0:03:08: Why women metabolise alcohol differently 0:04:45: Four in five women are unaware of the link between alcohol and breast cancer. 0:06:50: The alcohol industry's successful marketing strategy that led to the rise of female-targeted pink drinks 0:11:35: The three core pillars for behaviour change VALUABLE RESOURCES ⁠Join The High Performance Health Community⁠ ⁠Click here⁠ for discounts on all the products I personally use and recommend A BIG thank you to our sponsors who make the show possible Get weekly science tips to optimise your health and longevity to your inbox with Angela’s free newsletter. Click here to sign up  Reverse your biological age in 2026 - join Live Younger, Angela’s longevity membership for women.  Click here and use code “JAN26” for 30% off. Buy Sarah Rusbatch’s bestselling book Beyond Booze Sarah Rusbatch’s alcohol free challenge - https://sarahrusbatch.com/af-challenge Sarah Rusbatch’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahrusbatch/ ABOUT THE HOST Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Speaker and Host of the High Performance Health podcast. A former Corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela has been featured in various media including Huff Post, Runners world, The Health Optimisation Summit, BrainTap, The Women’s Biohacking Conference, Livestrong & Natural Health Magazine. Angela is the creator of BioSyncing®️ a blueprint for ambitious entrepreneurial women to biohack their health so they can 10X how they show up in their business and their family without burning out. CONTACT DETAILS ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Disclaimer: The High Performance Health Podcast is for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of professional or coaching advice and no client relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should seek the assistance of their medical doctor or other health care professional for before taking any steps to implement any of the items discussed in this podcast. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/