Lindsay Boyers - 13 Nov

Dear Reader,

Have you ever found yourself blaming your metabolism (I just cant lose weight no matter what I do. My metabolism is too slow) or crediting someone elses metabolism (Shes lucky she has a fast metabolism. She can eat whatever she wants and not gain weight) for the difference in ability or inability to lose weight? If so, youre not alone. In fact, I was right there with you for a long time.

I had lumped myself into the category of people with a slow metabolism. I figured if I wanted to lose weight and keep it off, I would have to work much harder than most. Eventually, however, I realized that this wasnt the case. I didnt have to work harder. I just had to work smarter.

Your metabolism is not fixed; its dynamic, which means its constantly changing. This is an enormous benefit when it comes to weight lossand health in generalbecause it means that the daily choices you make have a tremendous impact on how your metabolism is functioning.

Your body composition (how much fat versus muscle you have), your hormones, and your stress and activity levels all largely affect your metabolismwhich puts the power in your hands. You have the ability to change your body composition, balance your hormones, reduce your stress, and increase your activity levels, all by making different daily choices.

Turning your metabolism into an efficient calorie-burning machine is not something that happens overnight, but the journey is well worth it. I hope youll join me.

I wish you all the best in health and in life.

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

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Avon, Massachusetts

To Tiffany

I could never put into words how much you mean to me and how lucky I am to have you as a big sister. I love you, B.

Copyright 2016 by F+W Media, Inc.

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.

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ISBN 10: 1-4405-9228-4

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The information in this book should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health problem. Not all diet and exercise plans suit everyone. You should always consult a trained medical professional before starting a diet, taking any form of medication, or embarking on any fitness or weight-training program. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

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Cover image StockFood/Keller & Keller Photography; StockFood/Comet, Rene; StockFood/Meridith, Marla; StockFood/Ranek, Lars.

Thank you to my familymy mom, Lola; my dad, Scott; my sister, Tiffany; and my brother, Seanfor always being in my corner and supporting me no matter what Im doing. I couldnt have handpicked a better family and I love you all.

Thank you also to Hillary Thompson for giving me this opportunity and answering my questions along the way.

In todays world, its commonplace to abuse your body. The combination of processed foods, high-stress lifestyles, and little time to unwind that has become the norm is a recipe for disaster. Eventually, this toxic combo takes a toll on your bodyand then enters misplaced blame.

When you find that youve gained weight, but have trouble losing it, you immediately point the finger at your metabolism with seemingly innocent phrases like I just cant lose weight no matter what I do. I have a slow metabolism. That might be true at this moment, but was it always that way? And does it have to stay that way? The answer to both of these questions is no.

Many people think metabolism is a fixed thing and theres really nothing you can do to change it, but this isnt true. Your metabolism isnt static. Its constantly changing and evolving based on the feedback it receives from your body. What youre eating, how much youre moving, how youre handling your stress levels, and your general attitude all affect the state of your metabolism.

Years of bad choicesprocessed and nutrient-poor foods, not enough sleep, too little exercise, exposure to toxins in your food and your self-care products, and a fast-paced lifestyle have all contributed to the state your metabolism is in right now. These choices have literally changed your biochemistry by changing the hormonal signaling in your body.

This was a gradual changesomething that happened over time. You may not have noticed it until you stopped for a minute and actually took a look at yourself in the mirror. All of a sudden youre overweight, tired, and moody. You can barely make it through lunch without wanting to put your head down for a nap at your desk at work. You cant go on like this. Something has to change.

The problem is you may not know where to start. Luckily, just like years of bad choices have altered your metabolism to the state its in now, making good choices can get it back to where it needs to be for you to reach your ideal weight and experience energy and clarity like never before.

Providing your body with whole and nutrient-dense foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking steps to reduce your stress doesnt just feel good; it alters your hormones and brings your body back to a state of homeostasisor balance. Your body wants to function optimally and healthily, it just has a hard time doing so when it doesnt have the right tools.