Demystifying metabolism

Our metabolism is constantly adapting to its input and output. Which is GREAT NEWS!

There’s something we can control. While we can’t control every outcome in our body, make no mistake - we can have an affect on the outcome, for better or worse, with our daily choices.

Demystifying metabolism is a MONSTER of a topic. But when we understand what it is, why we should care, and what we can do about it - you just may be inspired to begin mastering your metabolism! 🌟

The term metabolism is tossed around a lot in regard to dieting and weight loss. But what is metabolism?

Metabolism, in a broad sense, is all the chemical responses in your body and the energy that’s needed to keep you alive and give you energy. Simply stated, it’s how your food is converted into fuel for energy.

Our metabolism is constantly adapting to its input and output. Which is GREAT NEWS! It means that we have something here that we can control. While we can’t control every outcome in our body, make no mistake - we can have an affect on the outcome, for better or worse, with our daily choices.

A healthy metabolism is flexible and can adjust. You can miss a meal without a crash, or you can enjoy a few cookies without worry. But a frequently overloaded or stressed metabolism sends us signs. Excess weight just happens to be one that gets our attention. But here’s the thing…

Excess weight is not the problem.

It’s a SIGN. It’s a SYMPTOM that your metabolism has adapted to its inputs.

The output your body is displaying on the scale or in your stretchy pants is directly related to the input your metabolism has processed from sleep, stress, exercise, as well as types, quality, and quantity of foods and nutrients. From a functional perspective, we want to try to understand exactly - what inputs are telling your body to “save this energy?”

We want to know, “why is this weight here in the first place?!”

It’s never just about calories or will-power.

Excess weight can be a sign when there’s a significant sleep deficit or a lot of inflammation. Stress and hormone imbalance are almost always involved. It often points to nutrient deficiencies and/or food sensitivities. Your body most likely needs more protein or possibly to rebuild some lost muscle. You see, there’s more here than what the quick-fix culture claims.

For example, here’s an often overlooked connection. An unhealthy liver tends to store excess fuel as fat - especially around the middle. A healthy liver is a filter to remove toxins (which happen to live in fat cells), aids in digestion, and regulates your hormones and blood sugar. A healthy liver has flexibility to either store fuel or burn it. A stressed liver can only store it.

So when we see just a few of the physiological factors that could contribute to weight gain, why would anyone ask an app or Dr. Google what their metabolism should be and start subtracting calories to get there?!!

🤓 We’re smarter than that; so let’s dig deeper!

Why be concerned about metabolism and is there anything that we can do about it?

According to Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, there’s one diagnosis, it’s Metabolic Chaos!

THE BAD NEWS

If metabolism is a mystery, why should we concern ourselves about it? Consider this: 100 years ago, doctors helped people prevent infectious diseases. For the last 30 years, we are now more likely suffer from metabolic diseases.

7 out of 10 killer diseases are metabolically related. 92% of Americans already have one metabolic disorder. Just 3 years ago that number was 88%. So we are getting sicker and accelerating our decent into disease each year, even though over $70 billion dollars is being spent in the diet industry.

Here’s a big one. Obesity in children is on the rise. How many of us have an opportunity to set a better example? If we learn realistic ways to live more metabolically healthy, we help them be the generation that can change these sad statistics!

IS THERE ANY GOOD NEWS?

Yes, there is! For the past year I have been taking an advanced clinical training with Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. “Metabolic Chaos” is a copy-written concept that underpins everything we do. While genetic potential and lifestyle factors cause a long list of dis-ease, we believe all disease actually begins with stress. And ongoing stress leads to Metabolic Chaos. So we use functional testing to identify and reduce hidden stressors in the five body systems where diet and disease intersect. By identifying an entire “constellation” of healing opportunities, we can bring some relief, if not resolution, to Metabolic Chaos.

And, yes, there is more good news… metabolism is not fixed!

It’s time to toss out the common misconception that you are either born with bad or good metabolism. Metabolism can change, given the right conditions. Such as:

• Meal timing: what are the best eating windows for your body?

• Personalized nutrition: what are the best foods for your body?

• Eliminating toxins: what can you control or minimize?

• Lifestyle factors: how are sleep, stress, and movement making your metabolism work for or against you?

You can regain metabolic flexibility. And that change doesn’t have to come from dieting, deprivation, or with depression! It can come with personalized nutrition wisdom, action, and self-compassion.

You can regain metabolic flexibility.

And that change does not have to come from dieting, deprivation, or with depression. It can come with personalized nutrition wisdom, action, and self-compassion.

Here’s an essential truth that I hope will propel you into a new way of thinking about your health and your weight: your metabolism is not broken! It may need support and nurturing with good nutrition, but you are not broken. You have likely been misled by misinformation about your metabolism and weight loss for years. It’s time to welcome a new perspective!

ACTION PLAN

As I said at the beginning, metabolism is a MONSTER of a topic. Too much to cover in one blog, but I don’t want to keep you hanging. Head on over to my website for this month’s SPOTLIGHT RESOURCE: “Metabolic Assessment”. It’s a 9-page FREE workbook to help you assess your metabolic flexibility, your symptoms, struggles, and how to create healthier habits.

You might also like to check out my “Metabolic Insight - CGM Package,” where I support clients with their blood sugar using a continuous glucose monitor. This introduction to blood sugar stabilizing provides insights into your body’s metabolic processes to help you eat intelligently, improve your sleep, zap stress and cravings, unlock energy, and improve your moods and mental focus.

Metabolic flexibility is key for your energy, your well-being, and even future generations. And maybe, most importantly, it’s an invitation into a new, more self-compassionate way of thinking about how your body works and what it needs… instead of feeling stuck or as if there’s no hope for you. Let me assure you, there is, you just need to take some steps to begin your journey!

I can’t think of any better reasons for you to begin your New Leaf Life! 🌱 💚

Thanks for joining me here. I’m Julie and I am a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor. I help people optimize their blood sugar to improve their metabolic health, using continuous glucose monitors. This means practical support for Type 2 and pre-diabetes, as well as providing a foundational preventative step for other chronic health issues like heart disease, hormone imbalance, and managing autoimmune diseases, along with returning your energy and vitality. I also utilize functional testing to uncover hidden stressors contributing to Metabolic Chaos.

To learn more about how I can help you with your health, schedule a FREE Discovery Call by clicking HERE.