Metabolic flexibility is the body’s ability to use energy from either the food we eat, or from fuel already stored in body. Studies show that there is a relationship between the type of food we eat and how the body uses it for energy. For example: after eating carbohydrate-rich foods, the body uses more sugar (glucose) for energy than stored fat. After a high-fat meal the body will use more fat than carbohydrates, and less fat will build up in the fatty tissue in the body.

When you are metabolically flexible, you can easily switch between breaking down carbs or fat sources to maximize efficiency. In contrast, if your metabolic flexibility is damaged it will result in obesity even when the number of calories consumed is not high.

Metabolic flexibility and sugar are deeply connected. That is why understanding your body’s relationship with sugar is key to achieving metabolic flexibility. The more we make the right choices, the more we will be able to optimize our metabolic flexibility.

  • Track of your sugar levels to understand your individual metabolic flexibility.
  • Note your diet. A poor diet puts stress on your body. Focus on whole foods and minimize your added sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
  • Avoid overeating, extra calories lead to excess glucose (sugar), which leads to insulin resistance, fat storage, and reduced metabolic flexibility.
  • Adopt any type of exercise into your lifestyle.
  • Get good quality sleep and try to reduce stress.

Achieving metabolic flexibility can help you achieve:

  • Better weight maintenance.
  • Increased energy levels.
  • Better health.
  • More consistent, healthy glucose levels.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Optimized workout performance.

To encourage better flexibility in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates be sure to consult your health care provider first. It is important to remember that there is no one size fits all approach to health and well-being. We all have different body composition, body mass, body weight, metabolic rate, and other factors that come into play.

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