🍄 Functional Mushrooms 101 (and why they actually work) We already accept that some mushrooms can make you trip 🤯 So let’s stop pretending it’s wild to believe others can help with focus, energy, metabolism, and fat loss. Functional mushrooms aren’t drugs. They’re adaptogens — meaning they help your body adapt to stress and function better over time. Here’s why they’re legit 👇 🧠 Lion’s Mane Supports focus, memory, and brain clarity by nourishing nerve growth pathways. This is food for your brain, not a stimulant. 🔥 Cordyceps Improves oxygen use and cellular energy (ATP). Better workouts, better endurance, better fat utilization. 😌 Reishi Regulates stress hormones and sleep. When cortisol is calmer, fat loss and recovery improve naturally. 🛡️ Chaga & Turkey Tail Support immune health and gut balance — and yes, your gut plays a massive role in weight regulation and cravings. ✨ Why people doubt them Because mushrooms don’t “hit” like caffeine or pills. They work quietly, cumulatively, and biologically — like real food does. If mushrooms can alter perception… It’s not crazy to believe they can also improve focus, stress response, and metabolic health. Nature didn’t just make chaos. It made tools. 🍄💪 — CarlyLemboFiT

The Truth About Soy Lecithin (That Most People Don't Know) You've probably seen "soy lecithin" on ingredient labels dozens of times this week—it's in everything from protein bars to supplements to chocolate. But should you be concerned? As a pharmacist and functional health coach, here's what I want you to know: What it is: Soy lecithin is an emulsifier—it keeps ingredients from separating. It's extracted from soybean oil, often using hexane (a chemical solvent). The concerns: 🔸 Processing: Chemical extraction leaves residues 🔸 GMOs: 90%+ of soy is genetically modified 🔸 Phytoestrogens: Can disrupt hormones (especially in men and those with thyroid issues) 🔸 Gut inflammation: Processed soy can trigger digestive issues 🔸 Allergies: Common allergen Who should be most careful? → Anyone with hormonal imbalances (thyroid, estrogen dominance, low testosterone) → Those with autoimmune conditions → People with digestive issues → Men concerned about hormone health The nuance: Small amounts in processed foods occasionally? Probably not a deal-breaker. Daily consumption in supplements, protein powders, or as a primary ingredient? Worth reconsidering. Better alternatives exist: egg yolk powder, or simply choosing products without emulsifiers. My take: When we're trying to address root causes of metabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, or inflammation—every ingredient matters. Soy lecithin isn't the worst offender, but it signals ultra-processed food ❌

Let’s talk LYSINE 🧬 (and why I add it to my seed puddings) Most seed-based foods (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin seeds) are highly nutritious — fiber, omega-3s, minerals — but they’re naturally low in one key amino acid: lysine. 👉 Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning your body cannot make it. You must get it from food or supplementation. Why lysine matters: • Supports muscle repair & protein synthesis • Helps with collagen formation (skin, joints, connective tissue) • Supports immune function • Plays a role in hormone and enzyme production Here’s the functional food hack 👇 Seeds are rich in methionine but low in lysine. When you add lysine to a seed pudding, you complete the amino acid profile — meaning: ✅ Your seed pudding becomes a complete protein ✅ Better muscle repair ✅ Better satiety ✅ Better nutrient utilization (especially important for bariatric folks) This is how you turn “healthy” food into intentional nutrition. I personally mix lysine powder right into my seed puddings so my body actually gets what it needs instead of just eating fiber and calling it protein. If you want to try it, you can grab L-Lysine from https://www.maryruthorganics.com/ Use my code MROBBEAST on their website 💪 Functional food isn’t about eating more — It’s about building smarter meals that work with your body, not against it. 🧠✨

Imagine eating something this good that supports weight loss and inflammation issues vs something that doesn’t. Functional Food is the way to go. This starts with removing the things that are harming you. Tell me one ingredient you stay away from.

Here’s what I use in my recipes 👇 Vital wheat gluten (VWG) — the concentrated protein from wheat that’s left after the starch is removed. What you’re left with is almost pure protein that adds structure, chew, and real “baked-good” texture to recipes. Why I use Vital Wheat Gluten (especially for bariatric-friendly recipes) 💪 High protein, low volume - ~23g protein per ¼ cup - Perfect when portions are small and protein has to work harder 🥖 Better texture without junk - Prevents protein bakes from being dry or crumbly - Gives brownies, focaccia, pizza crusts, and wraps a legit bite 🧠 Supports muscle + metabolism - Naturally rich in leucine, which helps trigger muscle protein synthesis - Key for post-surgery bodies, fat loss, and long-term strength 📉 Low carb, low fat - Helps keep macros clean and blood sugar stable - Easy to hit protein goals without adding fillers 🍽️ Versatile + budget-friendly - Works in sweet and savory recipes - Shelf-stable, affordable, and replaces a lot of packaged “protein foods” Important note 🚫 Not gluten-free. Skip if you have celiac or gluten intolerance. 📏 A little goes a long way—this is a protein booster, not a flour replacement. Why this matters for bariatric patients Vital wheat gluten lets you eat real food that feels satisfying, supports muscle preservation, and helps you stay consistent—without relying on shakes or ultra-processed bars.