Is Your Metabolism Working For You — or Against You?

What if the obsession with being skinny is quietly damaging women’s health — from the inside out?

Hi, I’m Shikha from LifeForce Strength & Conditioning. I help people get stronger, more mobile, pain-free, and ready to take on life — at any age.

Today, I want to invite you to think differently about a word we throw around a lot: metabolism.

Not in a "burn more calories" kind of way — but in a "build a resilient body, live better, and age stronger" kind of way.

Because when we prioritise being thin over being strong, we end up with bodies that might look “fine” on the outside… but feel exhausted, inflamed, and hormonally off-balance on the inside.

What Is Metabolism, Really?

Is it just about weight loss? Or is it your body’s entire operating system?

Think of metabolism like the engine in your car. It influences:

• How your body uses fuel (aka food)

• How clearly your brain thinks

• How balanced your hormones stay

• How strong your bones and muscles remain

Now ask yourself: Are you doing things that support this engine — or slowly break it down?

Could Your “Healthy Habits” Be Slowing You Down?

Let’s talk about things many of us do with good intentions — that quietly hurt our metabolism:

Extreme Dieting

Skipping meals? Eating as little as possible to “lose weight”?

Your body fights back. It slows your metabolism, breaks down muscle (which actually burns calories), and clings to fat for survival.

Isn’t it ironic? The more we restrict, the more our bodies hold on.

Only Doing Cardio

Do you run, bike, dance, or walk for hours — but never lift weights?

Cardio uses the engine you already have.Strength training builds a stronger, more efficient one.

Muscle is your most metabolically active tissue. Lose it, and your metabolism drops.

Are you trading short-term sweat for long-term strength?

Living in Constant Stress

Pressure from work, family, or trying to look a certain way?

Chronic stress = high cortisol.High cortisol = insulin resistance and stubborn belly fat.

What are you doing daily to manage your stress?

Skimping on Sleep

Sleeping 5–6 hours and calling it normal?

Sleep is when your body resets and repairs. Without it, hormones get thrown off, cravings rise, and your body stores more fat.

Is your sleep helping you recover — or silently wrecking your progress?

Eating Too Little Protein

Is your plate built around bread, rice, and snacks — with just a little protein on the side?

Protein has the highest Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) — your body burns more calories digesting it. It also helps you preserve muscle and stay full longer.

What would happen to your energy, cravings, and results if you started each meal with "Where’s my protein?"

Heard of the Protein Leverage Hypothesis?

This idea could change how you think about food forever.

Your body keeps eating until it meets its protein needs — even if that means taking in too many carbs or fats.

If you don’t eat enough protein, you stay hungry. Could this be why low-protein diets leave you constantly snacking?

So the goal isn’t eating less — it’s eating right.

What Happens When Metabolism Breaks Down?

It’s not just about weight gain. A sluggish metabolism can lead to deeper issues.

PCOS & Hormonal Issues

So many young women are struggling with irregular cycles, fatigue, acne, and mood swings.

At the root? Poor metabolic health.Cells aren’t using insulin well. Hormones are out of balance. Energy is low.

What if it’s not “just hormones,” but how we treat our bodies every day?

Osteoporosis & Falls

What happens after 50 if you’ve never built strength?

Shoulder pain. Knee issues. Constant injuries. It’s not just aging. It’s years of under-eating, not lifting weights, and letting muscle fade.

Falls and fractures aren’t random — they happen when the body’s too fragile.

Wouldn’t it be better to prepare before life forces you to?

Brain Fog, Mood Swings & Fatigue

Always tired? Fuzzy thoughts? Can’t focus, no matter how much coffee?

If your body can’t make and use energy well, your brain can’t function at its best.

What if strength training is the key — not just for your muscles, but for your mind?

Why Am I Sharing This?

Because I’ve seen it — again and again.

Women working hard, eating less, doing all the "right" things — but chasing the wrong goal. Always focused on the weight scale.

Focusing on shrinking their bodies instead of building them up.

What If You Gave Just 15 Minutes a Day?

That’s just 1% of your time.

What would happen if strong, healthy, and resilient became your new standard — instead of “skinny”?

Ready to Start?

Try these two simple movements — no gym needed:

• Squats (as low as you can with good form)

• Push-ups (on knees, against a bench, or full)

  
  

Can you do 5 of each, every day this week?

Not perfect? No problem.Start small — but start.

Because strong isn’t just beautiful — it’s essential.

It’s your power. It’s your protection. And it’s your future.

Stay Strong

Shikha Mishra

Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach

Founder – LifeForce Strength & Conditioning