A LONG OVERDUE DISCUSSION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Most people think the secret to building muscle or losing fat comes down to one thing: calories. Ask around and you’ll hear the same advice: “Eat more calories than you burn to build muscle. Eat fewer calories than you burn to lose fat.” And while that’s true—to a degree—it’s not the full story. Because it’s not just about how much you eat. It’s also about what you eat and, most importantly, how those foods affect your hormones. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Calories & Macros: Only Part of the Equation Yes, tracking calories ensures you don’t under- or over-eat. Yes, hitting your proteins, carbs, and fats is critical for fueling workouts, recovery, and daily energy. But here’s the real question: * Will those carbs and fats be stored as body fat… or burned for energy? * Will that protein go toward building new muscle… or be converted into sugar or fat instead? The answer? Your hormones decide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hormones: The Third Dimension of Nutrition Your hormones act as the “traffic controllers” of your metabolism. They decide where calories go, how nutrients are used, and whether your body shifts toward fat storage or lean muscle growth. This is why two people can eat the same diet but experience drastically different results. It’s not just the numbers—it’s the hormonal response. That’s why food quality, nutrient timing, and specific food choices matter just as much as total intake. If your goal is a lean, muscular, and energetic body, you can’t afford to overlook the hormonal dimension of nutrition.

🌿 Hello everyone, I’m excited to join the Life Opening Group! 🌿I look forward to learning, sharing, and growing together on this journey of mindfulness, peace, and inner balance. Thank you for creating such a supportive space — I’m grateful to be part of this community. 🙏✨