In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with coaching client Kelsey to discuss her remarkable first bodybuilding season, which culminated in earning professional status. Kelsey shares what initially inspired her to compete, how she balanced contest prep with a demanding legal career, and the lessons she learned about consistency, flexibility, and self-belief throughout the process.

The conversation also explores Kelsey’s long-standing commitment to animal advocacy, her journey from vegetarian to vegan, and how those values shaped both her career and lifestyle. They discuss the realities of contest prep, overcoming perfectionism, navigating setbacks, managing travel and work responsibilities, and why having the right coach and support system can make such a profound difference. Kelsey also reflects on the experience of stepping on stage for the first time, achieving pro status, and what comes next after accomplishing a goal that had been decades in the making.

🌱 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.

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In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with Dr. Angie Sadeghi for an in-depth conversation on GLP-1 medications, gut health, digestion, fiber, and the growing confusion surrounding modern nutrition advice.

Dr. Sadeghi explains how medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro actually work, why they’ve been so effective for appetite regulation and metabolic health, and what the research really says about concerns like muscle loss and long-term safety. The discussion also dives into insulin resistance, intramuscular fat, and why she believes many people have been misled about carbohydrates and fiber for years.

Ben and Dr. Sadeghi explore why most Americans are severely lacking in fiber intake, the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber, and how gut health is often oversimplified online. They also discuss probiotics, fermented foods, microbiome testing, digestive discomfort during transitions to plant-based eating, and why Dr. Sadeghi no longer recommends the FODMAP diet for most patients.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sadeghi shares practical insights from years of clinical experience helping patients improve their digestion, body composition, metabolic health, and long-term quality of life.

🌱 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.

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Ben and Sawyer begin with a life update covering travel, training structure, and adapting to new environments as a vegan athlete living abroad. Sawyer discusses moving from Spain to Albania, dealing with culture shock, finding vegan food options, and maintaining gym consistency while adjusting to a new lifestyle.

Ben shares updates on training flexibility, managing stress, and maintaining progress through structured but adaptable programming. They also discuss meal prep strategies, including homemade soy milk, tofu, seitan, and high-protein vegan foods, along with the importance of sustainability in long-term physique development.

The main discussion focuses on the creators and educators who have influenced their perspectives on vegan nutrition, bodybuilding, and evidence-based fitness. They highlight a mix of scientists, coaches, communicators, and advocates who bridge research and practical application.

They discuss why these voices stand out, the importance of evidence-based communication, and how different styles of content (long-form podcasts vs short-form videos) serve different learning preferences.

🌱 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.

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