ZOE Science & Nutrition

No.1 Protein Scientist: Are you eating enough? | Prof. Stuart Phillips & Dr. Federica Amati

31 Jul 2025

Audio

Description

Are you eating enough protein? This is probably a question you’ve asked yourself. With “high protein” labels on almost every type of food product you can imagine, it’s easy to get confused. In this episode, Prof. Stuart Phillips explains how protein can keep us healthy as we age. He also outlines when we should eat protein, how much protein we really need, and provides simple, practical advice to help you achieve it. Stuart is a professor in the Kinesiology Department at McMaster University. He’s the author of more than 400 scientific papers, many focusing on protein and muscle health, particularly during ageing. With so much confusion around this topic - especially in the context of fitness and ageing - this episode will provide clear, evidence-based answers from one of the world’s leading scientists on the topic, to help you make smarter nutrition choices. 🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 We’ve been lied to about protein 04:05 Why protein is completely different from carbs and fat 09:05 The depressing age when you start losing muscle 14:45 Your muscles have a secret second job 17:25 Why food companies are suddenly adding protein to everything 22:25 The shocking protein intake that fuelled your biggest ever growth spurt 26:45 Why the 'optimal' amount of protein is so hard to define 33:05 The surprising truth about protein for building muscle 40:15 Most of us are already eating the 'optimal' amount of protein without trying 42:30 When eating more protein could actually be harmful 45:00 The ‘anabolic window’ myth debunked 48:50 Why 'animal protein is superior' is an outdated idea 51:16 The myth of ‘incomplete’ plant proteins 51:55 The ancient food secret our ancestors discovered all over the world 53:50 Is there an upper limit for protein in one meal? 57:25 My number one food for a high-protein breakfast 59:05 A simple pyramid for choosing the healthiest protein sources 59:55 The 'healthy' protein source that’s a class one carcinogen 01:02:55 When a protein bar is no healthier than a chocolate bar 01:04:30 Why your protein cookie could be reducing your healthy life years 01:06:20 My number one tip for health (and it’s not about nutrition) 01:08:50 The ideal daily protein target for most healthy adults Studies: Optimizing adult protein intake during catabolic health conditions, 2020, Advances in Nutrition Integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis in recovery from resistance exercise with and without multi-ingredient supplementation in overweight older men, 2019, Frontiers in Nutrition Higher dietary protein during weight loss: muscle sparing?, 2018, Obesity What is the optimal amount of protein to support post-exercise skeletal muscle reconditioning in the older adult?, 2016, Sports Medicine 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

Transcription

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.

0 upvotes

🗳️ Sign in to Upvote

Popular episodes get transcribed faster

Other episodes from ZOE Science & Nutrition

Transcribed and ready to explore now

4 lifestyle changes that lower high blood pressure | Dr Sanjay Gupta

29 Jan 2026

ZOE Science & Nutrition

Recap: Fat: The full story | Sarah Berry

27 Jan 2026

ZOE Science & Nutrition

4 foods that heal your gut and reduce inflammation (in as little as 24 hours!) | Dr Will Bulsiewisz

22 Jan 2026

ZOE Science & Nutrition

Recap: How to maintain new habits in the New Year | Tara Swart & Sarah Berry

20 Jan 2026

ZOE Science & Nutrition

ZOE Science & Nutrition

No.1 Protein Scientist: Are you eating enough? | Prof. Stuart Phillips & Dr. Federica Amati

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from ZOE Science & Nutrition

4 lifestyle changes that lower high blood pressure | Dr Sanjay Gupta

Recap: Fat: The full story | Sarah Berry

4 foods that heal your gut and reduce inflammation (in as little as 24 hours!) | Dr Will Bulsiewisz

Recap: How to maintain new habits in the New Year | Tara Swart & Sarah Berry

Recap: How your gut microbes could fight disease | Suzanne Devkota & Tim Spector

How to drink alcohol without destroying your health | Prof. David Nutt

Sign in to Audioscrape

Share this moment