Follow us on Instagram! @thehealthspancollective
In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran welcomes back holistic nutritionist Grace Terrell to discuss her unexpected 20-pound weight loss and the mindset shifts that made it possible. This conversation challenges common beliefs around cardio, carbohydrates, and weight loss, offering a more nuanced perspective on what actually works.
Grace shares how years of consistent walking and weight training left her feeling stuck, and how training for a triathlon and half marathon ultimately changed her approach to fitness and nutrition. She explains why incorporating carbohydrates before workouts improved both her performance and results, and how shifting away from rigid rules allowed for more sustainable progress.
Nicole and Grace explore the concept of bioindividuality, how different forms of exercise impact appetite and metabolism, and why tracking calories can be a useful tool rather than something to fear. They also discuss the role of stress and inflammation in weight plateaus, the differences between zone 2 cardio and high-intensity training, and how to approach maintenance after a calorie deficit.
The conversation also touches on GLP-1 medications, fertility considerations, cycle syncing, and the importance of building habits that support long-term health rather than short-term results. This episode offers a grounded, realistic look at weight loss, performance, and what it means to work with your body rather than against it.
What We Cover:
🏃♀️ Cardio myths and why it may not be the enemy
🍞 Carbohydrates and performance in fat loss
⚖️ Bioindividuality and appetite differences
📊 Calorie tracking as a tool, not a rule
🔥 Stress, inflammation, and weight plateaus
🧠 Zone 2 vs HIIT and training smarter
💊 GLP-1 medications and fertility considerations
🔁 Reverse dieting and sustainable maintenance
🥗 Practical habits for long-term weight loss
Chapters:
00:00 Cardio Myths and Fear Around Fat Loss
02:43 Grace’s Weight Loss Backstory
05:54 Carbs Before Cardio Explained
10:24 Training Volume and Results
14:18 Calorie Tracking and Bioindividuality
18:17 Reframing Weight Loss Myths
23:31 Zone 2 Cardio vs HIIT
28:23 Reverse Dieting and Maintenance
39:21 GLP-1 Benefits and Considerations
56:40 What to Avoid for Sustainable Fat Loss
