In this episode of A Balanced Life, Dr. Chris Byles breaks down why fiber is essential for gut health, stable energy, blood sugar control, heart health, and long-term longevity. Backed by research from leading medical journals like The BMJ (British Medical Journal), this episode explains what fiber does in the body, why most people don’t get enough, and practical ways to increase your intake—without overhauling your entire diet.

If you care about feeling better now and protecting your health long-term, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, we will dive into the importance of sleep for a healthy life.

In this episode, we break down what hydration really means, why electrolytes matter, and how dehydration quietly impacts energy, focus, recovery, weight management, and overall performance often without obvious symptoms.

We explore:

• The difference between drinking water and staying hydrated

• Why minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium matter

• Common signs of hidden dehydration

• How hydration needs change with stress, workouts, heat, and daily life

• Simple ways to hydrate smarter without overcomplicating it

Whether you are an athlete, a busy professional, or just trying to feel better in your body, this episode will help you rethink hydration in a practical, realistic way.

🎙️ Press play and learn how to support your body at the cellular level—starting with what you drink

In this episode of A Balanced Life, Dr. Chris Byles breaks down everything you need to know about protein—without the hype or confusion. From muscle growth and recovery to metabolism, weight management, and overall health, protein plays a critical role at every stage of life. But how much do you really need, does timing matter, and are plant-based and animal proteins equal?

Drawing from evidence-based exercise science and practical experience, this episode covers common protein myths, optimal daily intake, quality food sources, and how protein needs change based on activity level, age, and goals. Whether you’re an athlete, busy professional, student, or simply trying to live healthier, this episode gives you clear, actionable guidance to help you fuel your body the right way.

🎧 Listen in to learn how protein fits into a truly balanced life.

In the very first episode of A Balanced Life, we lay the foundation for what balance really means and why it’s no longer optional in today’s fast-paced world.

Hosted by Dr. Chris Byles, Professor, health educator, and performance coach with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from PennWest and a Doctorate in Education in Kinesiology, this episode blends evidence-based science with real-life application. Dr. Byles brings academic expertise and practical insight to conversations around health, performance, education, and sustainable lifestyle habits.

This episode challenges the “all-or-nothing” mindset around fitness and wellness and replaces it with a realistic, sustainable approach to health. We explore how imbalance—whether physical, mental, or lifestyle-related—can impact performance, longevity, and quality of life, and why balance is not about perfection, but intention and consistency.

Whether you’re a busy professional, educator, student, athlete, or someone striving to improve overall well-being, this episode sets the tone for the conversations ahead. You’ll gain clarity on what balance truly looks like, why it’s essential for long-term success, and how A Balanced Life will help you apply science-backed strategies to everyday life.

This is more than a podcast about health. It’s about building a lifestyle that supports who you are and who you’re becoming.

Welcome to A Balanced Life.

In today's episode we are talking about the correlation between hip weakness and knee pain.