Metabolic health involves the integrated functioning of various body systems, including the immune system, endocrine (hormonal) system, and organs, all of which play vital roles in maintaining overall well-being. It’s influenced by how your lifestyle, environment, and nutrition impact your body. One of the major challenges to maintaining metabolic health is insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, leading to complications in managing glucose and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that often includes insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, is particularly alarming because it can develop subtly over time. Many individuals remain unaware of these metabolic changes until they progress to more serious health issues. Alarmingly, only about 10% of American adults are currently considered metabolically healthy, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.

In addition to its overall impact on health, metabolic health is closely linked to gynecological well-being. For women, metabolic issues like insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome can have significant implications for reproductive health. Conditions such as PCOS, which is associated with insulin resistance, can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, and other hormonal imbalances. Moreover, poor metabolic health can exacerbate menopausal symptoms and affect bone health, influencing overall gynecological function.

In my practice, I emphasize the importance of addressing the key aspects of metabolic health that are crucial for women. By focusing on Low Carb Nutrition and lifestyle design, we can improve metabolic function and support gynecological health. This comprehensive approach helps in preventing and managing conditions that affect both metabolic and reproductive health, ultimately enhancing overall well-being and quality of life.

I work with my patients using a Low Carbohydrate High Fat (Low Carb) Nutrition approach. The goal of Low Carb Nutrition is to improve metabolic health by reducing insulin resistance and inflammation through a shift from carbohydrates to fats as the body's primary energy source. Understanding Low Carb Nutrition and metabolic health can be challenging due to conflicting advice from non-medical influencers, leading to confusion.  In my practice, I use science and evidence-based approaches to help women cut through the noise. It starts with teaching women about their body's nutritional needs.

In discussions about Low Carb High Fat Nutrition, it’s important to differentiate between dietary fat and stored body fat. Dietary fat comes from food and is used for energy, while stored body fat is excess energy accumulated from past carbohydrate intake. Although both complex and simple carbohydrates are converted into glucose (sugar) for energy, their effects and processes differ. Reducing carbohydrate intake lowers blood sugar levels, decreases insulin secretion, and alleviates insulin resistance. The shift to using dietary fat for energy—known as becoming "fat adapted"—reduces reliance on glucose, aids the body in managing weight, lowers inflammation and insulin strain, and helps improve overall metabolic health.  

Many people abandon Low Carb Nutrition because of misguided advice. Cutting back on carbs (sugar) admittedly is often challenging. This is due to the convenience factor in our busy lives, but more so because of their addictive nature and presence in many foods that we typically don’t associate as being “unhealthy”. The unidentified sugar addiction that many women face can make it difficult to resist cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods. Despite this challenge, sugar addiction is rarely discussed in conversations about dieting or reducing carbs, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. When we aren’t taught about the role of sugar addiction in our diet, or properly guided through the process, we may be tempted to believe the misconception that cutting out carbs never works and only leads to more frustration. I want to walk with you through this process in a compassionate and loving way ❤️.

I believe food is medicine, and educating patients about their body’s nutritional needs is central to my practice. My goal is to clarify the science of Low Carb Nutrition to align your core values with your health goals, promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. See below for some Low Carb meal ideas. Recipes soon to follow!