Benefits of Metabolic Flexibility for Women 40+

Metabolic flexibility is the ability to adapt to conditional changes in metabolic demand by substrate sensing, energy partitioning, and energy storage. Simply stated, it is the body's ability to use different energy sources efficiently (mainly carbohydrates and fat). Adopting a lifestyle that is based on whole, healthy, low carbohydrate foods can promote metabolic flexibility and offer many health benefits.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is based on carbohydrates (a recommended 45-65%). Although there are healthy carbohydrate sources (plants, fruits etc.), the most common source of carbohydrates in America are processed and refined in the form of crackers, baked goods, refined pasta, refined grains, sugary drinks, and low fat sugar filled dairy products. This type of eating pattern can cause an excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream (hyperglycemia) and lead to insulin resistance, chronic disease, difficult weight management, and negative hormonal balance.

The Burden of Carbohydrates in Health and Disease - PMC (nih.gov)

Women have a delicate balance of hormones and metabolic changes that occur throughout our lives. After 40, many women seem to deal with an array of issues with a common thread running through them... unexplained weight gain, unstable moods, inconsistent energy levels, hormonal fluctuations. These issues can be tied to genetics, lack of exercise, poor dietary habits, lack of sleep, and certain changes related to the natural ageing process.

Despite your genetic predisposition to certain issues, and taking exercise out of the equation for just a second, women (especially over 40) who achieve metabolic flexibility can transform their health and experience the following benefits:

• Improved insulin sensitivity

• No more "hangry" episodes throughout the day

• Reduction in visceral fat

• Lowered risk of chronic diseases

• Easier weight management

• Less hormonal fluctuation and better hormonal balance

• Delayed ageing by mitigating oxidative damage from excess glucose and insulin patterns

Remember that calories are important, but approximately 80% of body composition is influenced by your diet. The nutritional quality and macronutrient makeup of your dietary choices should be emphasized over mere caloric intake.

If you are a woman who is looking for answers to these types of frustrations, or if you have additional questions on these issues, I would be happy to work with you. Send me a message and get in touch!

Prioritize your health!