We all want the dream of not putting on weight easily, being able to eat whatever we want, and never have to think about dieting. And for some people, that is actually their reality!
But for most of us, sadly we don’t have the ability to get away with naughty treats and high calorie food without paying a price on our waistline.
So what is it about people who can eat anything and not gain weight?
I know you have wondered…
Today I am going to tell you!
What is Metabolic Flexibility?
Metabolic flexibility the ability to switch back and forth between the two major energy systems — glucose and fat — in response to availability and need.
Before our modern conveniences such as pre-made meals, take-away shops, refrigeration to store food, grocery stores on every corner, people had natural metabolic flexibility, which allowed them to go days without eating and feel fine.
How would go now if you didn’t have another meal for the next 24 hours? I know my belly rumbled at the thought!
We are all designed for natural metabolic flexibility, but our modern lifestyles can start to switch off that particular switch at a very young age. But with diet modification, we can reclaim our flexibility, and start to burn fat for energy, have a clearer mind doing it, and result in overall better health.
QUIZ!
Pick the most relevant answer and tally the total.
What is an ‘Eating Window’? This is a set time in a 24-hour cycle where you consume all your calories. If you have your first meal at 7 am, and your last meal at 7 pm, that is a 12-hour eating window.
What is a serve of fat? Use the size, thickness and length of your thumb as a guide to equal 1 serve of fat.
Starchy carbs requirements vary depending on the individual. Some people have a high need for starchy carb intake. This quiz is a self assessment guide directed at the average person who has trouble with weight loss, and does moderate exercise no more than 5 x a week. Consider it fun, rather than a clinical diagnosis tool.
Why this counts
When you are metabolically flexible, you don’t store extra fat when you eat more calorie dense food that day. You also don’t get really hungry, light headed, cranky, or forgetful if you don’t eat regularly – instead you stay really stable.
Being metabolically flexible is a sign of good health and a clever diet….and the good news. You can correct this system with some savvy diet hacks and naturopathic intervention!
Issues that arise
When you don’t eat certain foods for an extended period, your body loses the enzymes and gut bacteria it needs to properly process them. Often diet correction involves slow reintroduction of foods, along with digestive supporting nutrients and enzymes. This is particularly true if you have avoided carbs for too long, and for people who don’t eat meat.
However, with time and correct guidance, this is usually correctable, and one piece of the weight loss puzzle for many of our clients.
Intermittent fasting (IM)
This is a very popular approach to diet, where you have a period of time without food – a fast. It serves many people well, increases metabolic flexibility, and promotes weight loss.
But is it right for you?
If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, chronic fatigue, and low cortisol production, IM is probably not for you. Diet is structured differently for these patients, and weight loss is still possible with the right care and supplementation.
Hormonal complexities of the Metabolically Stiff!
There will generally be several issues aside from diet affecting the metabolic process in those who store fat easily.
Blood sugars – Insulin resistance is what happens when you eat carbs, and your cells do not open up to receive the resulting fuel. High carb diets create this problem from repeated surges of insulin in the system in response to carb intake. This includes ‘liquid’ carbs which many tend to forget about – soft drink, sweetened coffee and tea, diet milk consumption, and fruit juices.
Metabolic Syndrome – This is a cluster of biochemical and physiological abnormalities associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Presentation includes; insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, high blood triglycerides and cholesterols, and high blood pressure. This is still generally reversible with functional pathology screening and corrective treatment.
Hypothyroid – if you have any of the classic symptoms – even if you are on medication – then your thyroid needs to be properly assessed. Sadly sub-clinical thyroid conditions are not recognised medically, even though they have a dramatic effect on our health, resulting in cholesterol issues, weight gain, brain fog, infertility, weight gain – just to name a few.
Cortisol dysregulation – if you adrenal hormones are too high or too low at the wrong times of the day, this means that your diurnal and nocturnal patterns are out of balance. This affects vitality, sleep, energy, blood sugars, mental health and of course, your weight. Most ladies with a weight loss issue over the age of 40 who see us test positive to cortisol dysregulation.
Step 1
Book in to chat to us and start a truly holistic approach to correct your hormones and reverse your symptoms.
Book your first FREE 15-minute appointment here
In this consult you will discover:
- How our clinic diagnoses hormone imbalances to help you lose weight and feel great.
- The must-have tests to finally get answers behind your hormones
- And if we can help YOU.
Step 2
A Lucy Rose naturopath will thoroughly evaluate your history and current health symptomology, guiding functional pathology recommendations and diet correction.
Step 3
Get your results and start a program to have you feeling great in as little 12 weeks!
Real results in 12 weeks!
~ M.K. Google review
“I was feeling sick, old, tired, frumpy and unusually overweight. After thorough testing and a dedicated treatment plan I have lost all the weight, my energy is up and I feel 20 years younger.”
Book your very first consult – there is no obligation to proceed and the first call is 100% free!
Results
I bet you thought I forgot!
If your total tally was 1 – 8
You have excellent Metabolic Flexibility! You probably don’t need to lose weight, or if you do, you find you can drop it in a matter of days by simply fasting or eating less.
Your brain is sharp, your energy is stable all day, and you enjoy moving and exercising.
If your total tally was 9 – 14
You have moderate Metabolic Flexibility, and probably find you can handle fasting for 12 hours ok without too much impact on your day. You can easily tip the scales however, and if you eat a high carb diet without enough protein, you find your energy and vitality suffers, and you will start to gain weight. Now is the time to balance your hormones and improve your metabolic flexibility. Book a call to get started.
If your total tally was 15 – 21
Your Metabolic Flexibility is very poor. Weight loss is exceptionally difficult with this level of hormone imbalance, and diet correction based on your particular health history, coupled with corrective supplementation can help get you back on track to having an efficient metabolism, and steady energy throughout the day. Book a call to get started.