Sleep plays a huge role in recovery, muscle growth, hunger, and overall well-being, but getting consistently good rest isn't always easy. Alice and Giacomo discuss their own sleep struggles, from waking up in the middle of the night to navigating seasonal changes, competition prep, stress, and inconsistent schedules. They explore practical strategies for improving sleep, including establishing a consistent bedtime routine, getting natural sunlight in the morning, keeping the bedroom cool, reading before bed, and using relaxation techniques to quiet a racing mind.

The conversation also dives into the connection between poor sleep, increased hunger, cravings, and difficulty sticking to nutrition goals. Alice shares strategies for managing appetite after a bad night's sleep, planning meals ahead of time, and navigating nighttime eating without shame. They discuss nutrition for shift workers, eating before bed, weighted blankets, caffeine naps, and the importance of recognizing when dieting or undereating may be contributing to persistent nighttime hunger.

Finally, Alice and Giacomo tackle the often-overlooked impact of kids, pets, and partners on sleep quality. They discuss setting boundaries, creating separate sleeping arrangements when necessary, and challenging the stigma around couples sleeping apart. They also highlight the importance of seeking help for potential sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, and encourage listeners to prioritize sleep as a foundation for health, performance, and long-term progress.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Giacomo discuss the fear of injury and how our mindset can shape our experiences with pain, training, and recovery. They explore the biopsychosocial model of pain, why an injury doesn't necessarily mean something is permanently wrong, and how anxiety and catastrophizing can make setbacks feel more overwhelming. Through personal experiences and client stories, they highlight the importance of patience, reassurance, and building confidence over time.

The conversation also covers practical ways to keep progressing when injuries happen, including modifying exercises, adjusting loads, and gradually rebuilding training capacity. Ben and Giacomo emphasize the value of focusing on what you can do rather than what you can't, while recognizing that people sometimes need to feel heard before they're ready to look for solutions. Whether you're a beginner who's nervous about getting hurt or an experienced lifter navigating setbacks, this episode offers a more empowering perspective on training, recovery, and long-term strength.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

Can a little radical delusion help you achieve things you never thought possible? Ben and Alice explore the balance between believing in your potential and maintaining realistic expectations, using their experiences in natural bodybuilding, coaching, and major life transitions to examine how confidence, self-doubt, and ambition shape our progress.

They discuss why you don't need to feel like an accomplished athlete before you start acting like one, the value of competing and learning before you're fully ready, and how tying your self-worth to specific outcomes or timelines can undermine your enjoyment of the journey. They also explore the importance of process-oriented and mastery goals, finding ways to stay inspired, and focusing on consistent daily actions rather than waiting until you feel ready or believe you've achieved perfection.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, the Vegan Proteins coaching team sits down for their first-ever roundtable discussion to tackle one of the hottest topics in fitness right now: peptides. Ben, Dani, Sawyer, Alice, and Giacomo break down what peptides actually are, why they’ve become so popular on social media, and how the conversation around them has changed dramatically in recent years.

The coaches discuss the difference between well-studied peptide medications such as GLP-1 agonists and the growing number of unregulated compounds being promoted online for fat loss, recovery, muscle growth, and anti-aging. They explore why terms like “peptide” can be misleading, how influencer marketing has fueled the trend, and why many people underestimate the risks associated with injecting substances that have limited human research behind them.

The conversation also covers WADA regulations, natural bodybuilding, the appeal of quick fixes, the importance of blood work and medical supervision, and why foundational habits like nutrition, sleep, training, and stress management should come before chasing the latest performance-enhancing trend. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on GLP-1 medications, who may genuinely benefit from them, and why they’re not a substitute for addressing the underlying causes of overeating.

If you’ve been curious about peptides but feel overwhelmed by the hype, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-focused perspective from coaches who work with real clients every day.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Giacomo sit down with Cyrus Khambatta, PhD, co-founder of Mastering Diabetes, to unpack the science behind insulin resistance, diabetes, and long-term metabolic health. Cyrus shares his own journey living with type 1 diabetes and explains why his diagnosis ultimately led him to dedicate his career to researching nutrition and helping others improve their health through a whole food plant-based diet.

The conversation explores the differences between type 1, type 2, prediabetes, and insulin resistance, while breaking down why skeletal muscle plays such a powerful role in blood sugar regulation. Cyrus discusses the relationship between saturated fat, carbohydrate metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, addresses common misconceptions surrounding keto and carnivore diets, and explains why exercise and nutrition work together to improve metabolic health. The episode also covers GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, discussing where these drugs may be appropriate, where they may fall short, and why lasting lifestyle change remains essential for long-term success.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

Evidence-based nutrition doesn't always win the attention economy...but it's what leads to lasting health. In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Coach Sawyer sit down with Mic the Vegan to discuss his journey from skeptical omnivore to one of the most trusted science communicators in the vegan space. Mike shares how he built his platform by prioritizing research over sensationalism, the challenges of combating nutrition misinformation online, and why balanced, evidence-driven messaging matters more than ever.

The conversation explores why people are drawn to nutrition trends, how social media rewards controversy over nuance, and the importance of interpreting scientific research correctly instead of relying on isolated mechanisms or clickbait headlines. They also dive into common misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, saturated fat, whole foods, superfoods, and vegan diets, while discussing how genetics, lifestyle, and overall dietary patterns all contribute to long-term health.

Along the way, the group discusses athletic performance on a vegan diet, practical strategies for building sustainable eating habits, why enjoyable movement matters, and how everyday vegans can become positive ambassadors for the lifestyle. Whether you're interested in improving your health, understanding nutrition research, or simply becoming a more informed consumer of health information online, this episode is packed with thoughtful discussion and practical takeaways.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Sawyer take a broader look at the role of movement in a healthy lifestyle. They discuss why staying active is about much more than burning calories, covering everything from daily step counts and intentional cardio to recovery, longevity, and overall health. They explain how movement can improve energy levels, appetite regulation, cardiovascular fitness, and long-term consistency, while also clearing up common misconceptions like the importance of hitting exactly 10,000 steps per day.

The conversation also explores how to balance movement with strength training, especially for those who enjoy running or participate in other sports. Ben and Sawyer share practical advice on programming cardio without compromising muscle growth, why nutrition remains the primary driver of fat loss, and how to choose activities that are enjoyable enough to stick with for years. Whether you're lifting, walking, running, or simply trying to move more throughout the day, this episode provides a practical framework for making movement a sustainable part of your fitness journey.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================

Mobility, flexibility, and stability are often overlooked until pain or injuries force them into the spotlight...but they can make the difference between years of productive training and chronic setbacks.

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Dani and Giacomo discuss the key differences between these three concepts, why movement quality matters for every lifter, and how small amounts of mobility work can improve performance, reduce injury risk, and keep you training longer.

They also share personal experiences with chronic pain, CrossFit, bodybuilding, rehabilitation, and practical strategies for incorporating corrective exercises into even the busiest training schedule.

🌱 Coaching Application

Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching:

http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training

📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan:

https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll

💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership:

Try it free for one month:

https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/

✅ Membership Includes:

• 4 live coaching calls per month
• Monthly home or gym workouts
• 200+ high-protein vegan recipes
• Exclusive app features
• Habit challenges with cash prizes
• A supportive vegan athlete community

🔗 Follow Us Online:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins
• Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/
• Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops

SCIENCE:

MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.

=================================