Have you ever wondered why it becomes harder to maintain a healthy weight as we age? Over the years, many of us experience gradual weight gain, and one key reason for this is the loss of muscle mass. As we age, our bodies naturally start to lose muscle—a process known as sarcopenia. This decline in muscle mass has significant implications for our overall metabolism. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories at rest compared to body fat. When muscle mass decreases, our resting metabolic rate slows down, leading to fewer calories being burned throughout the day.
The downside to this change is that as our muscle mass shrinks, body fat can accumulate more easily, even if we maintain the same diet and exercise habits as before. This shift in body composition creates a cycle where reduced muscle means fewer calories are burned, which can lead to weight gain unless adjustments are made to our lifestyle and nutrition.
One important aspect of weight loss is how we nutritionally support our muscles. Protein plays a vital role in muscle health and recovery, as it provides the building blocks necessary to repair and rebuild muscle
tissue.
Choosing the right type of protein for your blood type is also essential. For each blood type, different proteins work better than others—certain proteins can be more easily digested and utilized based on individual blood type, which can enhance digestion, nutrient absorption, and muscle maintenance. For example, some blood types may thrive on plant-based proteins, while others benefit more from animal-based sources.
But muscle mass isn’t the only factor at play. Our dietary choices and cravings also reveal deeper stories about our overall health. Craving sweets or carbohydrates is a common challenge many people face, especially when trying to lose weight. These cravings can significantly impact weight loss efforts and blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels also encourage the body to store excess glucose as fat, compounding the difficulty of maintaining a healthy weight.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cravings are seen as signals from the body that indicate an imbalance in energy, a nutritional deficiency, or organ function. A persistent craving for sweets often points to an underlying imbalance in the spleen/pancreas function. In simple terms, when the spleen/pancreas becomes weakened or “deficient,” it struggles to perform these functions effectively and leads to more struggles with fatigue and continuous cravings for quick sources of energy, like sugary foods and carbohydrates.
Understanding the deeper meaning behind your cravings through the eyes of TCM and how it relates to your protein intake is an important step in managing your weight more effectively, and empowering you to make better choices.
Proper gallbladder function is also an important element to achieving your weight loss goal, ensuring efficient fat digestion, supporting nutrient absorption, and overall digestive health. The efficiency of your digestion, especially your gallbladder, can play a significant role in helping you achieve your proper weight.
Take a closer look at how your diet and lifestyle might be impacting your weight and overall health, and consider making small, mindful changes that can support your journey to better health and well-being. If you’re ready to take the next step or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help guide you on your path to achieving true wellness and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
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