Metabolism Retraining

By TransformME Weight Loss and Wellness

How many times have we heard the internet talk about that we are not losing weight because our metabolsim is low. This could be the case but what does it mean to have a low metabolism? Let’s first discuss what metabolism is.

Metabolism is the chemical process that converts our food into energy to perform certain functions in our bodies. So this is a very important process. To simply put it, metabolism is a factor needed in order to maintain life. But how do we know if we are actually having an issue with are metabolism.

The answer is, it could depend on multiple factors. Some of these factors include weight gain, fatigue, constipation, and craving sweets just to name a few. The most accurate and encouraged way to know for sure is to receive a blood test from your primary care physician.

There are so many questions surrounding what to do when you are experiencing a low metabolism. We see different answers to this question on social media and the internet, but which answers are correct? Here are some tips to help retrain your metabolism.

As far as what you should eat that will benefit your metabolism, will be foods that contain a high amount of protein. This includes lean meats such as chicken and lean beef, eggs, and dairy such as Greek yogurt. This helps to build and retain muscle.

For exercise, people who have extra weight to lose and who have been sedentary, any amount of physical activity is beneficial, including walking, swimming, and water aerobics. Start out slowly and gradually increase the pace and duration of such activities. Low-intensity activities such as taking a short walk or raking leaves will raise your resting energy expenditure as much as high-intensity activities will, but they have other advantages. For one thing, they help reduce body fat and build muscles. Muscle burns more calories than fat does.

Regular weightlifting also builds muscle and has a similar effect. Another benefit of regular physical activity of any sort is that it temporarily curbs your appetite. Of course, many people joke that after a workout they feel extremely hungry and promptly indulge in a snack*. But because exercise raises resting energy expenditure, people continue to burn calories at a relatively high rate. Therefore, a moderate post-exercise snack does not erase the benefits of exercise in helping people control their weight.

Are Prescription Drugs Really Fixing the Problem?

By TranformME Weight Loss and Wellness

We’ve all have suffered from terrible aches and pains in our bodies, even if it’s just a headache. What do you do for this pain? Most of us pop an Advil or a Tylenol. Then we feel okay right? But are these medications truly fixing the problem or is it just masking it? Let’s take a look.

The term that refers to treatments such as medications, antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc. is Allopathy. The majority of the time when we are having symptoms we use these treatments and experience some relief. The issue is that the problem could still be there and there is a great chance that the symptoms may come back. Allopathy addresses the symptom rather than the root of the problem. For example, you take a Tylenol to diminish a headache but the Tylenol does not go to the root of why you are experiencing the headache. The Tylenol just “masks” the symptom. Another example are blood pressure medications. Blood pressure medications control your blood pressure but it does not go to the heart to help it become healthier. You still have an issue with your blood pressure.

So how do we go about fixing the actual issue at hand? Let’s talk about the term Homeopathy.

Homeopathy or Homeopathic medicine was discovered by doctor Samuel Hahnemann. He designed this method because he was tired of the allopathic approach. Homeopathy is an alternative practice that takes a more natural approach. They do not involve chemicals to keep your body functioning in tip top condition. This will stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms and will allow you to be able to spot the actual root of the problem. Homeopathic medicine stimulates from plants, animals, and mineral. Red onion, crushed insects such as bees, and poison ivy are some of the more common sources of homeopathic medicine.

We encourage you to speak with health care provider if you are experiencing any symptoms that have progressed over time but to also do a self-check in with your own body. If this is something that you need support with consider attending our seminar that we hold on Thursdays and signing on to our 2030 Fast Track program.

Can Pumpkin Help You Lose Weight?

By TranformME Weight Loss and Wellness

We are heading into the fall season and there is still so much confusion when it comes to discussing weight loss. We’ve all heard people say, “eat less and exercise more”. Not to mention we are in the middle of a misinformation crisis where there are so many inaccurate facts regarding weight loss and overall health. There are also so many foods that have been labeled as “bad” or “dirty”. There has even been conversation regarding how “healthy” seasonings are which have lead people to eating foods that are bland. But did you know that some of these seasonings or spices have good benefits that can contribute to good health. Let’s discuss a popular spice that most of us have come to love during the fall season. Pumpkin spice.

Why do our bodies love pumpkin spice? Not only is pumpkin spice a delicious treat to enjoy in the fall, but it also serves a variety of health benefits that contribute to proper body regulation. Let’s break it down.

Pumpkin spice consists of different spices; cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger cloves. Let’s look at cinnamon first. Cinnamon is that common spice that we love to enjoy with apples and so many desserts, but it also serves a good purpose as a natural health stimulate. Cinnamon contains manganese, iron, calcium and fiber which are all very important in bone health, the digestive system, and the overall function of the body. Not only does cinnamon contain all of these nutrients, but it also is a natural appetite suppressant that decreases your blood sugar, manages insulin, aids in boosting your metabolism.

There are different ways that to sneak a variety cinnamon spices into a satisfying meal. You can try Chinese cinnamon in meat rubs, Ceylon cinnamon with fruits, and cinnamon with yogurt and ice cream.

Now let’s take a look at nutmeg. Nutmeg is often paired with cinnamon. It’s either both or one or the other. Just like cinnamon, nutmeg serves a magnitude of health and weight loss benefits. Nutmeg is low in sodium and cholesterol. It also high in fiber and maganese which is a catalyst for breaking down fats and cholesterol. This is very important when it comes to weight loss.

Lastly, let’s talk about that strong ginger. Ginger seems to be a hit or miss with certain individuals when it comes to the taste. We’ve heard of the benefits of eating ginger when it comes to having a cold or a tummy ache, but did you know that it can help with weight management as well? Yes that is correct. It helps to improve insulin sensitivity while lowering blood sugar and reducing cravings. Ginger can be added to both sweet and savory dishes.

Did you learn a lot? It is amazing what pumpkin spice can do. Besides pumpkin spice there is a fruit that also holds great benefits when it comes to good health. You guessed it. The actual pumpkin.

Pumpkin is full of fiber which aids in regulating our digestive system and helps us feel full for a longer period of time. For many, increased satiety, meaning satisfaction, means reduced sugar cravings and less calories consumed throughout the day. Pumpkin is made of mostly water, specifically 90% which makes it very low in calories.

There are so many ways that you can enjoy pumpkin. You can enjoy a can of puree pumpkin inside of a smoothie or tasty desserts. You can also enjoy roasted pumpkin inside of a savory dish for a nutritious punch that is oh so yummy!

Don’t Be Jerky!

Don’t be Jerky!

Big thank you to McKenzie’s Therapeutic Massage for attending last nights meeting and explaining the importance of stress relief 💆‍♀️ and hydration 💦 ! ⬆️ Stress leads to ⬆️ cortisol levels which leads to unwanted weight gain 😭, BUT let’s talk hydration and it’s importance to your muscles 💦
We know that water is important for weight loss, but have you thought about the effects it has on your muscles? In the image below you see a piece of juicy steak 🥩 that is well hydrated, which makes it pliable and tender. On the right, you have jerky which is dehydration which causes the meat to be brittle and extremely tough. Take this moment to check in and see how your body is feeling. Muscles that are not properly hydrated can cause cramps, stiffness, cartilage wear, and even friction in your joints. Moral of the story… Get that water in and be a juicy steak. Not jerky!