Your Metabolism is NOT Broken

I have tried every possible way to lose weight in my life. From extreme exercise routines, to diet pills, to starvation, to counting every calorie, to cleansing, and even weighing myself daily on a scale. I remember being happy after a round of stomach flu because the scale would usually show for it. What's really sad, that was me up until my 40's (and teaching fitness for 25-years at that point). My weight usually sat around 135-138 pounds my entire adult life (at 5'2"), until I changed my view point on one simple thing I was missing: I was FIGHTING my metabolism. I was sabotaging myself. My body was so confused!

We hope to get wiser with age, and this lesson for wellness was one of the toughest for me to learn. More wasn't the answer, less was. Less obsession, less brutal activity, less harmful attitude to myself, and more appreciation for my body. I started listening; if my body needed rest, I took it. I empowered my activities with positive self-talk and focused attention to my body, breath, and movement. I got comfortable eye-balling protein and nutritional intake; I start the day with protein, and make sure to end most nights with protein, probiotics, fruit, and water. I walk everyday to clear my head, and I foam roll every night to release tension in the muscles. I meditate at least once a day, and when I need a reset. My body fat dropped by 5%, my muscle mass hung on, and my skin healed. Bloating, upset stomach, headaches, and illness all disappeared. My focus improved so I could fit more activities into every day. I paint, I create, I learn, I grow, and most important...I'm happy. I'm also perimenopausal so this has been a huge relief for that battle as well.

The other side of this is, I don't have to be super hard on myself for having some dessert, a heavier meal, or not hitting a workout one day; it's just having a balanced routine and mindset that helps the system stay in homeostasis. Basically, I don't overindulge because I know that doesn't feel good anymore. Over the last few years, I also have stepped out of stressful situations that I knew were not good for my health (i.e. working for people who didn't value me). When I stick to those simple things to balance my mental and physical health, my body works with me instead of against me.

Lastly, positive body talk and thoughts create a trusting and loving platform to balance the energy inside of us. Remember to refrain from harmful or negative self-talk, whether it's said out loud or in the head, it starts to shape a belief that our body can feel. The body takes this feeling as a truth when that is all it hears, and will shape the system around these thoughts. Instead of repeating a negative thought pattern, reframe it.

Example:

I have never been skinny. My body holds on to extra weight and I can't ever seem to lose the last 10 pounds. It's so frustrating.

Replace:

My body is strong and resilient. I am grateful for my body, it works so hard alongside me. I am more than just my body and I appreciate how much it works to be strong and balanced with me. I am listening to the messages from my body to help it balance. I ask my body to heal, repair, and balance its systems everyday. I am grateful for my body.

*We can insert a specific ask here too:

I am asking my body to help me flush out some extra weight. Can my body help me optimize my weight? This will help me have more energy, feel lighter, and improve overall health by balancing our system. I know we can balance my weight and energy. Thank you!