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Bonus: Skratch Labs Founder Dr. Allen Lim on the Science of Sweat
This bonus episode is brought to you in collaboration with Skratch Labs, creators of hydration and fueling products designed for people who sweat on purpose.Whether you're training for your next ultra or just trying to feel more human after a hot yoga class, this episode is for you. Zoë sits down with exercise physiologist and Skratch Labs founder Dr. Allen Lim to talk about the science and soul of sports nutrition.This episode covers:Why GI distress happens—and how to avoid itHow to personalize your fueling strategy (yes, even if you’re not “a serious athlete”)The surprising science behind salt, sweat, and hydrationAllen’s “me-search” approach to product developmentWhat it really means to get better—and why progress matters more than perfectionThe emotional side of fueling, power-to-weight myths, and how nutrition can support identity, community, and joyWe promise: this is not just a long-form ad. It’s a deep, honest conversation about taking care of yourself when you’re asking your body to do hard things.Want to try Skratch for free?Use code YDSAMPLE at skratchlabs.com for a free Fuel Sample Pack, including singles of their Sport Drink Mix, Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix, Energy Bar, and Energy Chew.
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1:12:12
The Science of Semaglutides, Fitness, and Weight Stigma
Support us on Patreon!GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are everywhere — from medical journals to fitness influencers. But what do they actually do, and what happens when active people use them in pursuit of performance, health, or body change?In this episode, we unpack:The science behind semaglutides: how they work and what they were designed forWhat the research actually shows about weight loss, metabolism, and long-term healthWhy these drugs can complicate training, recovery, and fueling for athletesHow weight stigma influences healthcare decisions — and who gets prescribed whatThe risks of under-fueling, muscle loss, and GI side effects in active populationsWhy we need more nuance (and more data) before calling these meds a game-changerWe also dig into the cultural conversation: how fitness spaces are responding to the rise of these drugs, and what it says about how we view bodies, performance, and health.Support the ShowYour support helps us keep Your Diet Sucks research-driven, ad-light, and accountable to our listeners — not the algorithm.Join our Patreon: patreon.com/yourdietsucksYou’ll get bonus episodes, fueling guides (like our sweat test deep dive), recipes (including a purple protein smoothie), and one-on-one Q&A access.Skratch LabsScience-backed hydration and fueling, made from ingredients you can pronounce. We use the Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix to get carbs and fluids dialed on long runs — especially when it’s hot out.Get 20% off your first order at skratchlabs.com with code YOURDIETSUCKS20.Microcosm CoachingCoaching that prioritizes effort, context, and consistency. Whether you're running your first 5K or racing ultras, Microcosm offers fully individualized, human-first training.Learn more at www.microcosm-coaching.com
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50:45
Bonus : Live at Skratch Labs: We Answer Your Questions!
Support us on Patreon!In this special bonus episode, we're live at Skratch Labs in Boulder for a high-energy AMA! Zoë and Kylee tackle your biggest nutrition questions: from hydration hacks and gut-friendly teas to creatine for endurance athletes and whether IV drips are worth it before a race. Plus, budget fueling tips, travel nutrition, and why you should probably practice your aid station cup technique.Get ready for laughs, science, and some surprisingly useful metaphors (ever measured sweat loss in Chihuahuas?).💥 Save 20% at Skratch Labs with code YOURDIETSUCKS20 at SkratchLabs.com.
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46:01
Unpacking Ultra-processed Foods
Support us on Patreon!Follow us on Instagram @yourdietsuckspod!This week, Kylee and Zoë take a deep dive into ultra-processed foods: what they are, where they came from, how they’re designed to light up your brain’s reward systems, and what role they play in athletic nutrition. We talk about everything from cereal meant to prevent sinning to the low-fat diet craze, the war-time origins of shelf-stable food, and the engineering behind the foods that are hyper-palatable.We also get into the landmark NIH study that showed just how much processing—not just calories or macros—can influence how much we eat, how full we feel, and how our bodies respond to food. This episode is about helping you understand the systems at play, so you can make choices that support your health and performance without getting caught in fear or shame about the food you eat. Because when it comes to ultra-processed foods, context matters—especially for athletes.💥 This episode is fueled by:🧪 Skratch Labs Whether you’re training, racing, or just trying to stay upright during a long day—real ingredients matter. We love Skratch because they focus on performance fuel that actually tastes good and doesn’t destroy your gut. 💥 Use code YDS20 for 20% off your first purchase!🏃‍♀️ Microcosm Coaching If you’re an athlete who wants nuanced, compassionate, performance-minded support that isn’t based on shame or diet dogma, Microcosm Coaching is where it’s at. Individualized training, expert coaching, and the emotional support you didn’t know you needed.SOURCES:Hall, K. D., Ayuketah, A., Brychta, R., Cai, H., Cassimatis, T., Chen, K. Y., ... & Zhou, M. (2019). Ultra-processed diets cause excess calorie intake and weight gain: An inpatient randomized controlled trial of ad libitum food intake. Cell Metabolism, 30(1), 67–77.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2019.05.008Monteiro, C. A., Levy, R. B., Claro, R. M., de Castro, I. R. R., & Cannon, G. (2009). A new classification of foods based on the extent and purpose of their processing. Public Health Nutrition, 12(7), 1031–1036. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980008003762Sinclair, U. (1906). The jungle. New York, NY: Doubleday, Page & Company.United States Senate Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs. (1977). Dietary goals for the United States (2nd ed.). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.Moss, M. (2013). Salt sugar fat: How the food giants hooked us. New York, NY: Random House.Specter, M. (2025, January 13). Why is the American diet so deadly? The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/01/13/why-is-the-american-diet-so-deadlySnackwell effect. (n.d.). In The Decision Lab. Retrieved March 2025, from https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/snackwell-effect
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1:07:24
Your Nutrition Documentary Sucks.
Support us on Patreon!This week on Your Diet Sucks, Kylee and Zoë take a hard look at health documentaries, specifically the cult classic Game Changers—aka, the boner experiment film—and other nutrition flicks that have people rethinking their entire diet for about a week. They break down why these documentaries always go full fear-mongering mode, how they cherry-pick studies to push an agenda, why they obsess over masculinity and strength, the biggest nutrition myths they keep pushing, and how to actually fact-check food and health claims so you don’t get duped. Plus, Zoë does what she does best: fact-check their questionable science in real-time, rage-Google studies, and ask the real questions—like, who decided we needed a documentary about penis blood flow?Hit play, grab your popcorn (or, I don’t know, a block of cheese like we did), and let’s get into it.SponsorsJanji – The only running shorts we trust, period. These have been with us through countless long runs, big training days, and even 100-mile races. Five years later, they’re still a go-to for comfort, performance, and pockets that actually hold stuff. Snag a pair and use code YDS10 for 10% off your next purchase at janji.com.Tailwind Nutrition – Because your recovery shake should actually work. My go-to flavors are Coffee (because duh) and Birthday Cake (because recovery should taste like a party). Get 20% off your first order with code YDS20 at tailwindnutrition.com.If you love the podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify. Five-star reviews are our favorite macronutrient.
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1:01:56