Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer

Latest Episodes:

Episode 39: What a 60-Day Whole Foods vs Carnivore Experiment Revealed Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition, Eliisa sits down with performance dietitian and coach Andres Ayesta to unpack a unique 60-day experiment that tested two very different ways of eating. For the first 30 days, Andres followed a strictly whole foods diet. Then, for the next 30, he transitioned into a carnivore diet and kept everything else as controlled as possible. Calories and protein were matched across both phases, and every detail was tracked using Cronometer, lab testing, wearables, and performance metrics.

The conversation dives into how each diet impacted his energy, mood, training, recovery, biomarkers, and mindset. Andres shares which phase felt easier, which one brought surprising benefits, and where things took a turn. They also explore the real-life challenges of eating in social settings, the risks of extreme restriction, and what happens when nutrition experiments have unexpected aftereffects.

Whether you’re exploring a new way of eating or just curious about what the data can reveal, this episode offers thoughtful insight and real-world takeaways.

Key Notes & Takeaways:

30 days of Whole Foods followed by 30 days of carnivore, with calories and protein kept consistent
All variables were tightly tracked using Cronometer, DEXA scans, blood panels, metabolic testing, and WHOOP data
Fat loss was nearly identical on both diets, reinforcing the role of calorie control over diet style
Whole Foods proved more sustainable long term, with fewer social limitations and rebound effects

www.planosnutrition.com/about

www.andresayesta.com/

Episode 38: Ethan Bernard’s Journey from 660 Pounds to Sustainable Health Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer, we sit down with Ethan Bernard, a former gaming broadcaster who once weighed 660 pounds. After surviving a life-threatening hospitalization, Ethan is now rebuilding his health and sharing the journey with hundreds of thousands online. He opens up about the realities of extreme weight loss, navigating criticism, and creating a sustainable approach with intermittent fasting, high protein, and balanced flexibility. His story proves it is never too late to take back your life!
Key Notes:

Starting Point: Ethan’s weight peaked at 660 pounds in January 2020 before a hospitalization for COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia changed his perspective.
Online Growth: How his broadcasting skills helped him go viral and connect with millions while sharing his journey.
Mindset Shift: Moving from body hate to self-respect and understanding the power of sustainability over perfection.
Tracking for Success: Using Cronometer to log everything—balancing accuracy with realistic, repeatable habits.
Nutrition Approach: Intermittent fasting, high-protein focus (250g/day), and balanced flexibility to allow for social meals and favorite foods.
Handling Opinions: Navigating unsolicited diet advice and “TikTok nutritionists” while staying grounded in his own plan.
Physical Challenges: Regaining independence after hospitalization and building strength through consistent gym work.
The Bigger Picture: Why he shares the ups and downs, not just the “before and after,” to inspire authenticity in others’ journeys.

www.instagram.com/ethanbenard/

www.facebook.com/EthanBenardLIVE/

www.cronometer.com

Episode 37: Fuelling for the Life You Live with Claire Shorenstein Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Whether you’re mountain biking, paddleboarding, chasing your kids or running just for the joy of it, how do you know you’re eating enough to keep up? In this episode of Discovering Nutrition, our host Eliisa sits down with registered dietitian and sports nutrition expert Claire Shorenstein to explore the energy needs of the everyday athlete. They dive deep into what proper fuelling looks like when you’re active but not training for a specific event, how to tell if you’re unintentionally underfueling, and why you might need to rethink rest days, recovery and those tempting wearable metrics. Claire shares practical tools, expert strategies and science-backed insights that can help you feel better, train smarter and live fully without obsessing over calories or falling into restriction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who moves their body most days, not because they have to, but because they love to.

Key Notes:

Why everyday movement counts, even if you’re not training for an event.
Energy availability explained using the “bank account” analogy.
How to use wearables and nutrition trackers as tools, not rulebooks.
The hidden impact of underfueling on recovery, mood, hormones and performance.
What to eat and how often when you’re on the move for hours.
Why weight loss and performance rarely go hand in hand.
When supplements are useful and when they just add clutter.
How to build a long-term movement lifestyle without burnout.

Claire's website: https://www.eatforendurance.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eatforendurance/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@eatforendurance

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatforendurance/

www.cronometer.com

Episode 36: The Data-Driven Pursuit of Fulfillment with Patrick Lyons May 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition, Eliisa sits down with Patrick Lyons—fitness coach, long-time tracker, and American Ninja Warrior competitor—for a powerful conversation on building sustainable health through data, discipline, and self-awareness. Patrick shares how tracking over a decade of nutrition helped him launch a coaching business, why walking is his secret productivity hack, and how seeking discomfort has transformed his mindset, habits, and happiness.
Key Notes:

Relatability in Coaching: Why clients tend to mirror their coach’s lifestyle, and why that matters
Tracking for Freedom: How logging daily for 10+ years shaped Patrick’s nutrition philosophy
Walking the Walk—Literally: Why he averages 20,000+ steps per day (and how it fuels focus)
Discomfort = Growth: How leaning into challenge sparked his biggest breakthroughs
Mindset Over Metrics: Reframing setbacks, finding fulfillment, and aligning with purpose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklyons/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@patricklyonsofficial

Episode 35: Dietitian’s Guide to Protecting Your Kidneys with Jen Hernandez Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer! In this episode, our host Eliisa sits down with Jen Hernandez, a registered dietitian and founder of Plant-Powered Kidneys, to explore an often-overlooked topic—kidney health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions worldwide, yet many people don’t realize they have it until their kidney function is significantly impaired.

Jen shares her expertise on how nutrition plays a vital role in kidney function, debunks common renal diet myths, and explains why tracking key nutrients can help prevent and manage CKD. Learn how small, intentional changes—like adjusting protein intake and increasing plant-based foods—can make a big impact on long-term kidney health.

Key Notes:
• Understanding CKD: Why kidney disease is often called the “silent killer” and how it affects overall health.
• Top Risk Factors: The role of high blood pressure, diabetes, and diet in kidney disease progression.
• The Changing Renal Diet: Debunking outdated advice on potassium and protein intake.
• Tracking Kidney Health: How tools like Cronometer’s PRAL score help monitor diet acidity and kidney function.
• Small but Powerful Changes: Simple diet swaps to reduce strain on the kidneys.
• Hydration & Kidney Function: The importance of tracking fluid intake and choosing the right beverages.
• Actionable Takeaway: Add one plant-based protein swap to your meals to support kidney health.

www.instagram.com/plantpoweredkidneys

https://www.plantpoweredkidneys.com/

https://www.facebook.com/plantpoweredkidneys/

www.cronometer.com

Episode 34: Fueling Balance with Gabrielle Palmeri Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer! In this episode our host Eliisa dives into an inspiring conversation with Gabrielle Palmeri, a registered dietitian who turned her personal challenges with disordered eating into a career dedicated to helping others find balance and joy in nutrition. Gabrielle shares her expertise in gut health, discusses the transformative power of fiber and protein, and offers actionable tips for building a healthier relationship with food.

Discover how Gabrielle empowers her clients to move past restrictive habits, embrace sustainable wellness, and navigate nutrition misinformation in today’s social media age. Plus, hear her nuanced take on controversial topics like Ozempic and crash dieting.

Key Notes:
• Gabrielle’s Journey: Overcame disordered eating to become a dietitian focused on sustainable wellness.
• Nutrition Basics: Highlights the importance of fiber, protein, and balanced meals.
• Gut Health Insights: Discusses common causes of bloating and how mindful eating can help.
• Debunking Trends: Explains why extreme diets are not one-size-fits-all and stresses variety.
• Sustainable Nutrition Tips: Shares ways to gradually improve fiber intake and use tracking tools effectively.
• Navigating Controversial Topics: Offers a balanced take on Ozempic and weight-loss medications.
• Actionable Takeaway: Create a rainbow plate with colorful fruits, veggies, fiber, and protein.

www.instagram.com/dietitian.gabrielle

https://www.youtube.com/@dietitian.gabrielle

www.tiktok.com/@dietitian.gabrielle

www.cronometer.com

Episode 33: Fuelling for Athletes and Everyday Warriors with Will Girling Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer, Eliisa sits down with Will Girling, a renowned performance nutritionist with over a decade of experience fueling elite athletes, including Tour de France riders and Olympic competitors. Together, they dive deep into the science of endurance nutrition, tackling questions like:

How do you tailor nutrition plans for optimal performance?
Is there a “magic window” for recovery nutrition?
Can low-carb diets fuel elite performance?

Will shares actionable advice for both elite athletes and weekend warriors, breaking down gut training, sodium loss, carb loading, and the nuances of personalizing nutrition strategies. Whether you’re running marathons or just looking to fuel better for life, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you optimize your results.

Key Notes:

Pre-Event Nutrition: Start gut training 4–6 weeks before long events and practice pre-event meals to build confidence.
During Event Strategies: Tailor carb intake to activity duration (e.g., 90g/hour for long events) and watch for sodium loss signs like salt streaks.
Post-Event Recovery: Consume 0.3–0.5g of protein per kg body weight with high-GI carbs post-workout, but prioritize total caloric intake for recovery.
Diet Trends: Keto and vegan diets require careful planning; balance and personalization are crucial for performance.
Everyday Health Tip: Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables daily (80g per portion).
Using Wearables: Use data as a tool, but listen to your body first—don’t let recovery scores dictate your performance.

Website: www.willgirling.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/willgirling

Facebook: www.facebook.com/willgirlingperformacenutrition

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WillGirling

www.cronometer.com

Episode 32: Fuelling for Endurance with Sports Dietitian Kylie Van Horn Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer, we sit down with sports dietitian and endurance athlete Kylie Van Horn, founder of Fly Nutrition. Kylie shares her expertise on balancing carbohydrates and fats to optimize energy levels for endurance sports like running, cycling, and triathlons.

Together, we debunk common myths around low-carb diets for endurance athletes and discuss how sustainable nutrition impacts athletic performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Kylie also provides practical strategies for fuelling before, during, and after workouts—whether you’re training for a marathon, hitting a 5K loop, or preparing for an ultra-endurance event.

Tune in to learn how personalized nutrition, including the careful tracking of macros and micronutrients with tools like Cronometer, can elevate your performance and help you feel your best.

Key Notes:

• Balancing Fat and Carbs: Both carbs and fats are essential for endurance athletes—carbs fuel higher-intensity efforts, while fat supports ultra-endurance events.

• Fueling Strategies: Pre, during, and post-workout fueling should focus on easy-to-digest carbs and adequate protein for energy and recovery.

• Carbohydrate Loading: Strategic carb loading 1-3 days before races maximizes glycogen stores for peak performance.

• Micronutrient Focus: Tracking key micros (like iron and magnesium) helps prevent fatigue and injuries, with Cronometer providing detailed insights.

• GI Distress & Food Sensitivities: Monitoring symptoms and adjusting fiber intake can reduce gastrointestinal issues during long workouts.

• Mindset & Sustainability: Building sustainable nutrition practices is key to maintaining performance and preventing disordered eating patterns.

• Kylie’s Practical Tips: Set up personal aid stations, use sports bras or belts for fuel storage, and experiment with biometrics in Cronometer to enhance training.

Quote to Highlight: “Nutrition is a performance enhancer—people don’t always realize how good they can feel until they start fueling their body the right way.” – Kylie Van Horn

Website: www.flynutrition.org/

Instagram: @flynutrition3

Podcast: Your Diet Sucks

www.cronometer.com

Episode 31: Demystifying Macro Tracking with Registered Dietician Emily Field Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer, our host Eliisa, sits down with Registered Dietitian Emily Field, a dedicated advocate for balanced eating using the macros approach. Emily shares her personal journey from restrictive eating to understanding the power of tracking macronutrients to fuel your body effectively. They dive into the essentials of macro tracking, common misconceptions, and practical tips for breaking free from restrictive diets while still reaching your health goals. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about how macro tracking can be applied to their diet, whether you’re looking to build muscle, maintain a healthy weight, or simply eat with more confidence and joy. Emily’s approach is rooted in science and flexibility, offering practical advice that’s easy to implement.

Key Notes:

Introduction to Emily Field, RD, and her approach to nutrition coaching.
Importance of tracking macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates).
How macro tracking provides more control over body composition goals.
Debunking myths about restrictive diets and demonizing food groups.
Practical tips on calculating macro needs based on individual goals.
Why eating more can sometimes lead to better results, especially for active women.
Encouragement to avoid obsessing over perfection in macro splits.

www.emilyfieldrd.com

www.facebook.com/emilyfieldrd

www.instagram.com/emilyfieldrd

www.cronometer.com

Episode 30: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity with Dr. Michael Greger Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer, our host Eliisa sits down with Dr. Michael Greger, a celebrated physician, New York Times bestselling author, and expert in lifestyle medicine. Together, they dive into the science of aging and explore actionable strategies to help you live a longer, healthier life. From the surprising ways your diet can reverse biological aging to the benefits of exercise, sleep, and even skincare, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you turn back the clock. Dr. Greger also shares tips from his latest book, How Not to Age, revealing the foods, habits, and lifestyle changes that can add years to your life and vitality. Whether you’re looking to slow down the aging process or simply improve your overall health, this episode offers the tools and knowledge you need to thrive at any age.

Key Notes:

Reversing Biological Aging: Explore how certain dietary and lifestyle changes can slow down and even reverse aspects of biological aging, giving you the health and vitality of someone much younger.
Impact of Diet on Aging: Delve into the specific foods that can protect your skin, reduce inflammation, and support overall health as you age.
Exercise and Longevity: Discuss the debated role of physical activity in extending lifespan and the undeniable benefits for overall health and well-being.
Skincare and Aging: Discover affordable, DIY skincare solutions that can help protect your skin from aging and keep you looking your best.
Sleep and Aging: Understand the importance of sleep in maintaining health and how it might impact your aging process.

www.nutritionfacts.org/

www.instagram.com/nutrition_facts_org

www.facebook.com/NutritionFacts.org

www.youtube.com/user/NutritionFactsOrg

www.cronometer.com