What causes low energy and blocks weight loss?
We did a poll in our private Facebook group as to what health issues are still plaguing people, despite eating a pro metabolic diet. The highest two selections were weight loss and low energy, with some people ticking both.
This is not surprising as interestingly, these two issues are often inter-related.
I recall hearing somewhere that obesity is actually an issue of lack of energy—it may have been a Jay Feldman Wellness video. This seems like a crazy notion as the mainstream view is that a state of overweight is caused by excess food.
But if you are not creating energy efficiently from the food you are taking in, then you will suffer from low energy and likely store it as fat.
Let’s start at the beginning and see what blocks weight loss.
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The right energy-creating carbohydrates are essential
Under this category, all of the following are important…
A) Just having enough carbs total—like 260g of carbs per day and not just 50g— the body needs lots of energy just to carry out bodily functions, let alone any activity.
B) The right type of carbs—fruit, fruit juices, fruit-like veges—which are easily digestible and contain vitamins & minerals to help the conversion into energy. (More on this later.)
C) Not complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest (already low energy & probably have slow motility, so this will make it worse.) Not to mention too much fibre & likely starch, which will cause endotoxin in a slow moving body. Causing more issues.
D) Not avoiding carbs altogether like in Keto, Carnivore or Low Carb—making the body work too hard to convert fats or protein for the necessary glucose—this will constantly raise stress hormones, which will lead to more issues. I’ve heard many fans of these diets parrot “carbs are not essential.” This is true from a survival point of view, but not if your aim is optimal health.
If we are having enough of the right type of carbohydrates, then we need to…
Consider any ways the body is blocking the conversion of carbohydrates to energy
A) Digestion issues
B) Assimilation issues (gut health)
C) Liver issues (fructose processing & glycogen storage)
D) Insulin resistance/diabetes
E) Lack of intake of necessary nutrients to enable the conversion to energy
F) Intake of too many substances that block vitamin & mineral absorption – phytic acid, oxalates, lectins etc
G) Excessive stress
H) Any other illnesses/issues, like thyroid problems, inflammation, etc
Essential nutrients in energy creation
In our private Facebook group & on Instagram, I did a quiz asking if people knew what nutrients were essential for energy creation in the body & the choices were:
A) B Vitamins
B) Magnesium
C) Iron
D) All three
The answer was actually D—all three in that instance. The truth is however, that there are way more involved. This is why the nutrient-rich aspect of a Pro Metabolic diet is critical to it’s success and the Sugar Diet will never measure up.
So here is the total list of vitamins/minerals directly involved in energy creation: –
- Vitamin A
- All B Vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Chromium
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Iodine
- Copper
- Selenium
And when I look up others like Vitamin K for example, apparently they are not directly involved but have support roles.
This is why the certain foods are critical in a pro metabolic diet. It’s not about taking endless supplements. It’s making sure you understand which foods provide the above nutrients and to make sure you get enough of them.
An example of some of recommended factors…
Fruit, Juices & fruit-like veges— Vitamin C, range of Vitamin B (in oranges) & a range of minerals
Dairy—Vitamin A, some B, D & a range of minerals especially the highest source of calcium
Shellfish—Vitamin B12, D, A, Selenium, Zinc & a range of other minerals
Beef/Lamb— Range of Vitamin B, & a range of other minerals
Coffee—magnesium & other minerals
Beef Liver— highest source of Vitamin A, one of the highest sources of B12 & a range of other vitamins & minerals
Sunlight— at least 20-30 minutes daily gives recommended daily amount of Vitamin D—apparently no food source gives enough.
So if you are still battling with something that blocks weight loss or struggling with low energy, despite being pro metabolic for some time, become a detective in your own diet & lifestyle. Look into each factor above to see what you are missing or blocking. Do some experiments and see what makes a difference for you.
True health and clearing what blocks weight loss, is more complicated than most realise.
Dr Ray Peat actually knew all this, and we are so lucky he left us with enough information to point us in the right direction. Forever grateful.
Kristy x
PS: Get started on your Ray Peat inspired Pro Metabolic Diet today…
