*This blog post is sponsored*
Hi! I’m Emily; I help women gain energy naturally, solve their period issues, and maintain a healthy, well-nourished weight.
I struggled with under-eating, horrible periods where I writhed in pain, and debilitating depression. By getting my metabolism and eating habits under control, I:
Regulated my hormones (pain-free periods – I went on a 9 km hike on Day 1 of my last period)
I gained healthy weight (I got hips & a butt at 27!)
I started to enjoy my life for the first time, feeling truly content
After attending holistic nutrition school full of mainstream advice like “Eat less meat – it’s so inflammatory!” or “Drink kale smoothies,” I discovered pro-metabolic accounts on Instagram. I gradually saw that these people knew what they were talking about, and I stopped being vegan over the next year.
Your metabolism is what determines everything; it is your quality of life.
After relying on that mid-afternoon coffee a few too many times, I wondered why I didn’t have any energy!
What is metabolism and why is everybody talking about “healing your metabolism?”
Metabolism turns food into energy (or fat if it is slow!). This is a simplified version of the numerous tasks that the metabolism handles. It is involved in every chemical reaction in the body. Naturally, it requires a lot of fuel to do so.
An efficient metabolism is so important. If your metabolism isn’t getting the nutrients it needs over an extended period, this leads to inefficient conversion of food into energy, forcing the fat cells to store it.
How do you know if your metabolism is sluggish?
Gaining weight/struggling to lose weight
Dry, cracked skin
Hair loss
Lack of energy
Feeling cold all the time
Frequently sick
Craving sugar
Menstrual problems
Depression
Low libido
Eventually, your immune system becomes less efficient, your thyroid begins to function poorly, your body stores waste, and you may hold on to stubborn weight.
What can you do for a more efficient metabolism? Eat breakfast within 30-60 minutes of waking. Eating breakfast helps your metabolism start in the morning, and those who do not eat breakfast start the day by slowing their metabolism.
I like to eat a couple of over-easy eggs, sausage, sourdough bread & fruit (I love pears).
Pair carbs with protein! Both carbs & protein are essential for energy production. When you consume carbs alone or “naked,” you will have a blood sugar spike, and eventually, that comes with a crash. Protein helps you remain satiated as well as keeps your energy levels stable.
Drink water. When you are dehydrated, your metabolism cannot function properly. I advocate for hydration through alternative sources besides water, so you don’t flush out all of your minerals (herbal teas, coconut water, juice, etc.). If you do drink plain water, add trace minerals to it!
Sleep enough! Your metabolism requires a good night’s sleep to perform effectively. Try getting 8-9 hours a night, more if you are on your period, sick, or it is wintertime. Try to go to bed before 10 pm to align with your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
BALANCE. You cannot do it all. People pleasing, lack of boundaries, raising children, cooking nutrient-dense food, picking up after everybody in your family, and so on. You should outsource help where you can.
Do a check-in with yourself; what can I do less of? How can I nourish myself and my family better?
Do you need childcare weekly to get your kitchen in order?
Do you need to meal prep on Sunday afternoons?
Where there is a will, there is a way, and eating less is not the answer.
Your body doesn’t run off thin air and water!
What are some signs of a well-functioning metabolism?
Easily maintain weight
Easily maintain temperature (warm hands & feet)
1-3 bowel movements daily
Not waking up to pee during the night
No PMS
Libido is good
Happy and content
No anxiety
No bloating
Good blood pressure
If you feel like your metabolism is suffering and you want to gain more energy or gain some healthy weight, feel free to reach out to me at emilymichellebitz@gmail.com, and we can work together on a customized nutrition plan for you!
I assess your entire lifestyle; it isn’t only about food.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more metabolism tips & some meal inspiration as well! @emilybitzrhn
Thanks for reading! Emily Bitz, Registered Holistic Nutritionist