649. If Nothing Has Worked, Try This: The Keto Flex Protocol for Women, Hormones & Hashimoto's with Ben Azadi

What if weight loss isn't something you force, but something that happens when your metabolism starts working the way it was designed to? In this conversation with Ben Azadi, we talk about why ketosis is a metabolic process—not a lifelong diet—and why learning to move in and out of that state may be a more sustainable approach than staying there indefinitely. We discuss Ben's own transformation from obesity and prediabetes, why metabolic flexibility matters, and how inflammation, insulin resistance, thyroid health, and hormone balance are all connected. We also spend time on the questions so many women ask: Should women fast differently than men? How should keto change before and after menopause? Can you use a GLP-1 medication without addressing the underlying lifestyle factors that created metabolic dysfunction in the first place? Ben explains the thinking behind his Keto Flex approach, including practical strategies for easing into ketosis, avoiding common mistakes, and adapting the plan to different stages of life. What you’ll learn: Why ketosis is a metabolic process rather than simply another diet How metabolic flexibility differs from staying in ketosis all the time Why women often need a different fasting and keto approach than men The connection between insulin resistance, inflammation, thyroid function, and weight loss Common reasons people struggle with keto—and how to make the transition easier How to think about GLP-1 medications as one tool within a broader health strategy Why preserving muscle is just as important as losing body fat What current research suggests about ketosis and therapeutic applications, including cancer care If you're looking for a more practical and sustainable way to think about metabolism, this conversation is a great place to start.