So... I'm turning 42. Or maybe I already did? Honestly, I’ve stopped counting. Not because I’m avoiding my age like an overdue bill, but because time feels like that one coworker who’s always around but you never really talk to. Anyway—Aries. Born under the fire sign that apparently means I’m passionate, driven, and just a bit dramatic (but in a charming way, okay?). Basically, I’m the type who’ll plan an entire new life direction at 3AM then forget about it by sunrise because I got distracted by a new productivity app.

Last year, I picked up running. For health? Yes. For sanity? Definitely. For the thrill of watching my bank account cry every time I see a new pair of running shoes? Also yes. Is it helping me lose weight? That depends—are we talking physically, emotionally, or financially?

Now, let’s talk about hormones. Or maybe not. These hormones are out here cosplaying as emotional terrorists—messing with my sleep, my weight, my skin, my sanity. It's like puberty threw a boomerang and it came back, just angrier and more chaotic. As a night owl, sleep and I are basically in a situationship. I want it. It avoids me. When we do meet, it’s intense and short-lived. On my worst days, I feel like a zombie who accidentally wandered into a productivity seminar and decided to stay.

Also, let’s address the elephant in the brain—undiagnosed ADHD. High-functioning, they say. Which means I function… while also forgetting where I put my phone, why I opened the fridge, (or why is my phone inside the fridge???) and how I ended up watching a documentary about ancient plumbing systems during my break.

This morning, Le husband NoodleBoy—bless his unintentionally savage soul—asked me, “So, are you running a 42K tomorrow for your birthday?” LUUUHH! Patya nalang ko! Me, looking like a panda with 2 hours of sleep and a mental load heavier than my laundry basket, was just... Sir, right now, I can barely run my life. Would it be iconic? Yes. Would I survive? Maybe. Would I finish in under 7 hours? Debatable. But honestly, I’m in that season where self-preservation is the real flex. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone—except maybe my past self, who thought she’d have life figured out by 30. (She was cute.)

Truth is, I sometimes lay awake staring at the ceiling, wondering:  What have I been doing with my life so far? Am I making a mark or just circling the same routine until I run out of ink? I feel like I’m in the middle of a midlife plot twist, where I’m both the main character and the unreliable narrator. Do I continue this path? Or veer off to the road less traveled where there's a cottage, a garden, and maybe slightly more sleep?

And yet... despite the chaos, the anxiety, and the lingering feeling that I’ve been winging it since 2004—I feel hopeful. Like rain on your wedding day or free food when you're already full. Not what you expected, but somehow... still kind of perfect?

So here I am. Forty-two. Sleep-deprived, hormone-ravaged, emotionally bruised, but spiritually scrappy. Anxious but excited. Unprepared but lowkey confident. I’m not who I thought I’d be—but I think I’m starting to like who I actually am. Padayon lang ta sa gibati. Even if the feelings are loud and messy, and a little sweaty from that last run... or indoor cycling.

Now that I'm in my 40s, I think aging isn’t just about getting older anymore. I feel like it’s about growing into a more confident and empowered version of ourselves. Since I started visiting Infinity Aesthetic Center in Ormoc in January 2024, I’ve learned that preserving our youth goes beyond what we see in the mirror. It’s about feeling good in our skin, letting go of insecurities, and finding strength in taking care of ourselves.

When I began my treatments at Infinity Aesthetic Center, I wasn’t just looking for a quick fix for my skin. At that time, my skin was really breaking out bad due to my hormones, and it was right after the holidays when I ate so much sweets and carbs that it was really wreaking havoc on my skin. I wanted to look good again, if not better. 

I told the aestheticians that I wanted to have Korean skin or glass skin. It was a long shot I know but we started treating my acne with some creams and a weekly facial, be it a refreshing Hydra Facials or their Signature Facials. Sometimes I'd get the skin-smoothing Carbon Laser Treatments. 

These sessions are more than just about looking good, but honestly, they’re about feeling good. Sounds cliche, right? But it's true! My husband also tells me I deserve to take time for myself, to care for my well-being, and to feel proud of who I am.

We’re often told by society that we need to look a certain way to be valuable. But for me, these treatments aren’t about fitting into someone else’s mold. They’re about taking charge of how I feel about myself. They allow me to look in the mirror and see not just a woman in her 40s, but a strong, confident person who can handle anything that comes her way.

People should know that youth isn’t just about having smooth skin or fewer wrinkles but more like the confidence that comes from feeling good about yourself. After each visit to Infinity Aesthetic Center, I walk out with more than just glowing skin. I walk out with a boost in confidence. This feeling isn’t about vanity. Instead, it's about shedding insecurities that can hold us back. It’s about stepping into the world with the mindset that I’m ready for whatever life throws at me.

When we take care of ourselves, we build confidence, and that confidence affects everything we do. I’ve noticed that I carry myself differently, speak more assertively, and approach challenges with a new sense of capability. Feeling good about how we look helps us focus on what really matters—living our lives to the fullest without worrying about how we appear to others.

Aging with grace also means accepting who we are at every stage of life. It’s about appreciating the lines that tell our story, the experiences that have shaped us, and the wisdom that comes with age. Getting beauty treatments like RF (radiofrequency) or HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) not only makes us look younger, but they help us feel comfortable and confident in our own skin, no matter our age.

When we accept ourselves, we feel empowered. We don’t need to change or hide who we are to be valuable—we’re already enough just as we are. Honestly, these treatments can highlight our natural beauty and help us feel strong and ready to face the world.

Preserving our youth isn’t a goal to reach, but it should be an ongoing process of taking care of ourselves and finding what makes us feel good. Let’s take care of our skin, our minds, and our hearts. Let’s build confidence that helps us tackle anything life throws at us. 

Aging with grace isn’t just about looking young, but it’s about feeling strong, confident, and completely at peace with who we are.

Tonight, as I looked at myself in the mirror, it dawned on me that 2004 was a lifetime ago. There, staring back at me, was a girl twice the size of my old self, getting ready for a weekend coffee date with my husband. No matter how busy our work week gets, we make sure to carve out quality time together, as if we don’t already spend 24/7 together, both working remotely from home. Still, quality time *IS* quality time together.

As I reminisced about how bustling the streets of downtown Ormoc City were 20 years ago, my mind wandered to twentysomething us, painting the town red with booze and beyond, bar hopping like there was no tomorrow, chugging beer like we were putting out fires in our bellies. 

Now, it’s eerily quiet where the parties used to rage. The people at the table near us were engrossed in conversations about their work lives, clocking in, keeping timers, and billing clients by the hour. At another table, a big family gathered, from toddlers to teens, obviously enjoying a bonding moment.

My mind flashed back to our usual watering hole, which was always full of tables with people we exchanged stories with—mostly peers, schoolmates, and even rivals. We were united by one common thing: we were party animals, and we knew how to have a good time without getting killed, arrested, or committing a crime. We drank with everyone within arm's reach.

Social distancing was unheard of back then, and we literally rubbed elbows with everyone who’s anyone. I suddenly missed the servers and bartenders who we knew personally and who gave us free shots, while I now slurped my extra caffeinated Java Chip frappe. How far I’ve come from shots of tequila chased down with ice-cold Red Horse beer. 

The aesthetically designed coffee shop we were at now in 2024 played lo-fi music instead of the all-too-familiar electronic dance or house music that was on constant replay on my old iPod. It had a really lovely ambiance, and I savored every moment because I’m still with the love of my life, my best friend, soulmate, and leading man… my cariño mio.

We spent the rest of our night walking around the dining district, where most shops were already closed, simply enjoying the cool night breeze. We talked about how the caste system was a real thing before, where people had to be matched according to their social classes, being shunned by their families when they fought for love, or in some cases, having to elope. We shuddered at the thought of it, had we been subjected to something like that. 

Our evening was briefly interrupted when our son, NoodleLito, called to ask for the Apple ID password, jolting me back to reality and reminding me of how much technology has advanced. Now, I can see someone's face to talk to them, and can’t express my annoyance, unlike before, when I could flip my phone hard when I wanted to “slam” it.

Everyone younger than us probably flocked to a new spot in the city where all the cool kids hung out, especially since there was a tattoo event happening tonight. But the crowd just isn’t for us anymore. Loud music gives me a mother-lovin' migraine, and I really don’t want to be screaming my lungs out and then losing my voice when I have back-to-back Zoom meetings on Mondays. 

So, we drove around the city proper for a bit, enjoying the traffic-less streets of Ormoc, a place that still feels like a sleepy town even as it progresses economically. My heart belongs here, though I sometimes dream of what it'd be like to live in a rural town in Okinawa with colder weather and better sushi.

We decided to conclude the night and head home when we realized we were low on gas. Lo and behold, we still don’t have a 24-hour gasoline station. When we arrived home, we didn’t immediately go in because, naturally, you’d have people/neighbors/friends to greet you. It’s more fun talking outside on the street, standing up for another hour, than actually going in and sitting down.

Looking up, it seemed the skies were going to be a killjoy again and rain cats and dogs soon, so we called it a night. Here's a fact: I’m the person who’s cleaning their house at 2 AM, doing the laundry, and watering their plants—not because I’m on drugs, but simply because my body clock is different and I’ve thrived working graveyard shifts for two decades now. 

Once the torrential downpour started, the lights went out, signaling I ought to take advantage of this “bed” weather. Unfortunately, the caffeine was too strong for me to hit the sack, so here I am writing this post at 3 AM. Thank goodness for cellular data and Fallout Radio.

But I guess now that the lights are back, the water is probably back (yes, unfortunately, the water in Ormoc gets cut off every time it rains). I’m ready for a warm shower so I can change into my favorite pajamas and cuddle with my family. A perfect end to a Saturday night… or maybe I’ll stay up a little bit more and do a K-drama marathon.

Hold onto your chimichangas (or in this case, shawarma), folks! Just watched Deadpool & Wolverine ❤️💛 and let me tell you, it was like getting a high-five from the 90s directly to my soul. Best time to watch: 2PM on a Monday in a nearly empty SM Center Ormoc theater, just 6 of us basking in the glory of what might just be the greatest cinematic bromance of all time.

First off, **NO SPOILERS** – because I'm not that girl anymore. But imagine every childhood dream you had, your favorite action figure or card you played with (at least I did) smashed together in epic battles, coming to life on the big screen. The cameos? *MWUUUAH* The pop culture references? Had me giggling like a school girl who just watched Van Wilder or American Pie for the first time. And the soundtrack? Pure, unadulterated 90s gold. I’m talking the kind of tunes that make you want to break out your old boombox and don a full-on Madonna costume!

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s chemistry? Explosive. You can see the sheer joy in their performances, like they’re just two best buds having the time of their lives – and it shows. It’s a beautiful reminder that when you love what you do, every day is a blockbuster.

So, if you haven't watched it, gooooooooo! And prepare to have your nostalgia levels cranked up to eleven. #DeadpoolAndWolverine is a love letter to every fan who’s ever dreamed big and believed in the power of epic team-ups. ❤️💛

In the tapestry of life, every thread tells a story, and mine weaves through a path less traveled, guided by a dream that refused to be dimmed.

Picture this: the 90s, a time when the world was on the cusp of digital awakening yet still clung to the traditional. It was then I stood at a crossroads, my heart set on storytelling, my mind alive with tales yet to be told. 

Journalism called to me, a siren's song promising adventure and the thrill of the chase. But the harsh reality of low pay and the peril that comes with voicing the truths that others wish to silence cast a shadow over that dream.

So, I chose a different path, one that didn't require a college degree in journalism to validate my passion or my ability to capture the essence of humanity in words. 

The decision wasn't easy. It felt like stepping off a cliff, hoping the wind would carry me. And carry me it did, through self-study, through nights turned to dawn over books and screens, learning not just the art of writing but the craft of weaving emotion and fact into narratives that speak.

I turned my gaze inward, to the boundless realms of imagination, finding stories in the mundane, the extraordinary, in the silent whispers of life. 

My education was the world itself, each experience a lesson, every person I met a chapter in the vast encyclopedia of life. 

The internet became my classroom, a portal to knowledge as vast as the sea, where I could dive deep into any subject that caught my fancy. 

I learned about human psychology, marketing, the subtle art of persuasion, and the bold art of storytelling. And then, almost without realizing it, I found myself in the world of copywriting. A world where words are not just words but keys that unlock desires, dreams, and decisions. 

Who would have thought that this path, once overlooked, would become one of the most sought-after professions? 

That I, writing from the comfort of my home, dressed not in suits but in pajamas, would find safety and fulfillment in a job that didn't exist in the minds of many when my journey began?

The irony isn't lost on me. The very essence of journalism—storytelling—is what I do every day as a copywriter. 

The medium has changed, but the heart of it remains: to tell a story that resonates, that moves people, that makes them see the world in a new light. 

And in this digital age, my words reach farther than I ever imagined, touching lives across the globe from my quiet corner.

This journey of mine, from a dreamer deterred by the daunting realities of the 90s to a digital nomad thriving in the virtual world, is a testament to the power of perseverance, of believing in one's self when the path seems uncertain. 

It's a reminder that sometimes, the road less traveled is the one that leads to the most beautiful destinations.

So, to those standing at their own crossroads, remember this: the essence of who you are and what you wish to achieve cannot be confined to a degree or a traditional career path. 

The world is vast, and the opportunities it holds are endless. 

Keep writing your own story, one word, one day, at a time.

As the world sleeps, my workday springs to life. For almost two decades, I've found my professional haven in the quiet hours of the graveyard shift. My journey into nocturnal work started not out of necessity, but from a preference that soon turned into a passion.

Why Graveyard?

There's a serenity to the night that fuels my creativity, especially in my remote work setup. The stillness enhances my focus, allowing my INTJ brain to delve deeply into projects without the distractions of daytime hustle. It's a period where my thoughts are clearest, and my productivity peaks.

The Health Balance

Managing health while working unconventional hours has been a journey of learning and adaptation. I've discovered that consistency is key. Maintaining regular sleep patterns, even on weekends, keeps my internal clock in sync. Nutrition plays a pivotal role, too, like opting for healthy snacks (nuts, lots of nuts!) instead of caffeine surges has been transformative.

Exercise: The Non-Negotiable

Regular exercise is my non-negotiable especially now in my 40s. It's not just about physical health (hello, maintenance!) but it's a crucial element for mental clarity. A mix of walking, light and brisk, as well as going up and down our stairs keep my energy levels balanced.

The Work Environment

This is it, pancit! A comfortable and inspiring workspace makes a world of difference. Investing in a good office chair and a desk that's got enough space as well as suits my height so I can do some standing while working has been a game-changer, hence, preventing the physical strain that often comes with long hours at a computer. Thoughtful lighting – not too harsh, not too dim – keeps my workspace conducive to productivity, yet cozy. Oh, and always a bottle of peppermint (or my favorite Clarity blend) handy so I can diffuse it when I need to be a little extra creative!

Updated workstation, circa 2024

Tips for Aspiring Night Owls

For those considering the graveyard shift, especially in remote work, here are a few tips:

Today, I want to share with you my personal journey and the reason why I've shifted my focus from makeup and skincare to health and wellness.

As someone who has always been passionate about beauty, I loved experimenting with different makeup products, skincare routines, and beauty hacks. I was fascinated by the transformative power of makeup and the confidence it could instill. 

But as time went on, I realized that there was something missing. 

I was so focused on the surface that I was neglecting what was beneath it... my health and well-being.

In my quest to look good, I had forgotten the importance of feeling good. That's when I decided to delve into the world of health and wellness. 🌿

Why Health and Wellness?

Health and wellness are the foundation of true beauty. When we take care of our bodies from the inside out, it reflects on our skin, our hair, our eyes – every part of us. 

We radiate energy, positivity, and a natural glow that no amount of makeup can replicate. Plus, prioritizing our health ensures that we age gracefully, maintaining our vitality and zest for life as we grow older.

There is an old saying that goes, "You are what you eat." And I've found this to be true. The changes I saw in myself when I started eating healthier were astonishing. 

My skin cleared up, my hair grew healthier, and I felt more energetic and alive than ever before.

My Evolution

I remember when I first started my blog, Basta Igat, Sikat by MyMaria, it was personal. I talked about my mid-life crisis, what it was like being independent living in a different city in an apartment, my drinking sessions, and travels and adventures with friends. And then I got married and it was about starting a family. 

Then it was all about the latest makeup trends and skincare products. But as I began to learn more about health and wellness, I realized that these were just quick fixes. They could enhance my appearance, but they couldn't make me truly healthy.

And so, I made the decision to change. That was before the pandemic. Then COVID hit and I lost track because of all the restrictions. Eventually, I started incorporating healthier habits back into my life - regular exercise, a balanced diet, and more positivity. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. It felt like forever to see changes but then I felt better, looked better, and most importantly, I was happier.

Steps Towards Health and Wellness 

If you're wondering how you can start prioritizing your health over aesthetics, here are some tips that have helped me:

1. Develop a Healthy Routine: Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water (or better yet, take Alkalete!) to cleanse your system. Follow it up with some light exercise, like stretching or a brisk walk.

2. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals. Avoid processed foods as much as possible and skip the soda whenever you can.

3. Stay Active: Find a physical activity you enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, hiking, gardening, or even just taking your dog for a walk. The goal is to keep moving!

4. Spread Positivity: Carve out a moment each day to soak in the good vibes. Whether it's meditating, taking deep breaths, diffusing your favorite uplifting essential oils, or just enjoying the peace of nature, let's let the positive energy flow. 

   
   

Remember, the journey to health and wellness is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time. So, take it slow, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every win, no matter how small! 

I'm writing all about my journey so that I can share it with all of you and hope that my experiences can inspire you to prioritize your own health and wellness. Remember, you are beautiful, inside and out.

Here's to a healthier, happier you! Until next time, stay beautiful and keep shining! 💫

Start your health & wellness journey by changing your eating habits with the 28-day Transformation Kit!

For local orders (within Ormoc City, Leyte or via pickup at my house),
you can pay via GCASH / MAYA / BANK TRANSFER,
 just click HERE to order!

You’ve seen the alluring headlines before, e.g., "Lose 10 pounds in 10 days," "Fit into your high school jeans by the weekend," and other such tempting promises of rapid weight loss. These "miracle diets" are often presented as the ultimate solution to shedding unwanted pounds. But if diets were the magic bullet they claim to be, wouldn't we all be strutting around in our ideal bodies by now? 

The reality is that most diets often fail in the long term. So, let's talk about the importance of lifestyle changes and improved eating habits as the cornerstones of sustainable weight loss, increased energy, and overall health. Mind you, I am on a Yoli Transformation Challenge as of this writing, happily doing carb cycling and seeing remarkable results!

The Dieting Paradox

Diets often offer quick fixes, targeting rapid weight loss through severe calorie restriction or elimination of certain food groups. Yet, studies have shown that nearly 65% of dieters regain the weight lost within three years. This cycle, often referred to as "yo-yo dieting," can lead to various health complications like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders.

Scientific research has shown that our bodies perceive dieting as a threat, triggering survival mechanisms that cause us to conserve energy and slow metabolism. This makes long-term weight loss incredibly difficult to maintain. In essence, dieting could be setting us up for failure from the start. And that's why I am NOT DIETING and instead re-thinking my meal plan and tracking my health journey to make sure I'm not missing anything.

The Power of Lifestyle Changes

Rather than focusing on the restrictive, often punishing nature of diets, we should instead shift our attention towards sustainable lifestyle changes. Elements such as regular physical activity, stress management, and sufficient sleep play significant roles in our weight and overall health.

Regular exercise doesn't just burn calories, it can also improve mood and energy levels, making you more likely to make healthier food choices. Similarly, stress management is crucial, as chronic stress can lead to overeating or unhealthy food choices. Lastly, getting adequate sleep is key, as sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and appetite.

Eating Right, Not Less

While the word "diet" often implies restriction, what if we focused on what to include rather than what to exclude? Eating a variety of foods from all food groups can provide a wide range of nutrients our bodies need. Mindful eating, which involves paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, can also prevent overeating.

Portion control is another aspect of healthy eating. My family eats up to 80% full. When we heard this is how the people of Okinawa get to live longer, we thought it just made sense and that we shouldn't be gluttonous or whatever. By serving smaller portions, we can still enjoy our favorite foods without overindulgence. On the other hand, overly restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and disordered eating patterns, doing more harm than good. I'm very happy I get to eat the food I want, but I just need to plan when to eat them! 

Practical Tips for Success

So, how can you turn these insights into action? Here are some practical tips:

• Start with small changes: A complete lifestyle overhaul can be overwhelming. Starting with small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or adding an extra serving of vegetables to your meals can be more manageable.

• Stay physically active: Find an activity you enjoy, so it doesn't feel like a chore. Whether it's dancing, biking, or hiking, the goal is to move more. I personally just prefer to walk. Either I go around the city with le husband or hop on our super reliable R2 walking pad/treadmill for an hour or two.

• Mindful eating: Take time to eat without distractions, savoring each bite. This can help you eat less and enjoy your food more. Learn about carb cycling, which I blogged previously. READ HERE if you didn't see that yet!

• Rest well: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to regulate your appetite and energy levels. Some sleeping info for you here (and for vampires, errr night owls, read here).

• Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's from a registered dietitian, a mental health professional, or a support group, you don't have to do this alone. Or let's do a quick chat! Book a call with me via https://calendly.com/mtvfranco/yolified-by-mymaria and let's embark on this journey together for a healthier you!

In conclusion, the quest for a healthier, happier you is not a quick sprint but a marathon. Diets promising quick results may be tempting, but they are rarely effective in the long run. Instead, a holistic approach incorporating balanced eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and good sleep hygiene can pave the way for sustainable weight loss, increased energy, and improved health. It's time to shift our focus from fleeting diets to enduring lifestyle changes... because your health is worth more than a quick fix.

So, are you feeling inspired yet? I hope you're ready to step into a healthier lifestyle! 

Do you need some guidance? That's absolutely okay! I'm here to help. Remember, it's not about being perfect, but about making sustainable, healthy choices more often. So, let's get started on a new health-focused lifestyle. Just shoot me a message on Facebook.

Don't worry, this isn't about pushing products. It's about exploring what tools and resources can best support your journey to well-being. So, if you want me to explain how I lost weight without dieting, why not book a quick, no-pressure chat with me? Let's discuss your goals, and I'll share how Yoli's range of products can complement your lifestyle changes. No strings attached, just a friendly conversation. Click here to schedule a FREE call!

For local orders (within Ormoc City, Leyte or via pickup at my house),
you can pay via GCASH / MAYA / BANK TRANSFER,
 just click HERE to order!

Maintaining a healthy weight is a struggle that many of us face. Especially women my age, who are working professionals or mothers (or both!), and often juggle multiple responsibilities. With so many different diets and approaches out there, it can be hard to know where to start. 

One approach that's gained popularity recently is carb cycling, which involves alternating between higher-carb days and lower-carb days. But what is carb cycling, and does it really work? First, let's talk about the science of macronutrients and explore how carb cycling, protein days, and higher carb days can impact weight loss.

Before we dive into the details of carb cycling, let's talk about macronutrients. Macronutrients are the three main components of our diet: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Each of these macronutrients plays a unique role in our bodies and has different effects on our metabolism.

Carbohydrates are our body's primary source of energy. When we eat carbohydrates, our body breaks them down into glucose, which is used to fuel our cells. Protein, on the other hand, is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. And then there's the fat, which is important for hormone regulation, brain function, and insulation. (Whoa! That was like third grade all over again! But wait, wasn't it just Go, Grow, and Glow food?)

Anyway... now, let's get back to carb cycling. Carb cycling involves alternating between higher-carb days and lower-carb days to manipulate your body's metabolism and encourage weight loss. On higher-carb days, you consume more carbohydrates to provide your body with energy. On lower-carb days, you reduce your carbohydrate intake to encourage your body to use stored fat for energy instead.

The benefits of carb cycling include improved insulin sensitivity, better energy levels, and increased fat loss. However, some people may find it difficult to stick to a strict carb cycling plan, and there's limited research on its long-term effects. Also, carb cycling may not be appropriate for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions.

Another approach to weight loss is protein days. On protein days, you consume mostly protein and limit your intake of carbohydrates and fat. This approach can be effective for building muscle mass and reducing body fat, but it may not be sustainable in the long term. Additionally, consuming too much protein can place strain on the kidneys, so it's important to consume protein in moderation.

Higher carb days, on the other hand, involve consuming more carbohydrates than usual to replenish glycogen stores in the muscles. This approach can be effective for athletes or those engaging in high-intensity exercise, but it may not be appropriate for sedentary individuals or those with insulin resistance.

So, what's the bottom line? The best approach to weight loss is a balanced diet that meets your individual needs. Carb cycling, protein days, and higher carb days can be effective tools for weight loss, but they should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A word to the wise: Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.

To get started with carb cycling, try incorporating a few higher-carb days and lower-carb days into your week. Aim to consume complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and limit your intake of refined sugars and processed foods. Here's an example meal plan:

Higher Carb Day: oatmeal with fruit and nuts, turkey sandwich on whole grain bread, sweet potato fries

Lower Carb Day: spinach omelette with avocado, grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, roasted vegetables

Click here to view my ACTUAL meal plan that I am currently tracking via my health journal.

Remember, the key to successful weight loss is consistency and balance. By incorporating carb cycling, protein days, and higher carb days into your routine, you can achieve your weight loss goals while still enjoying delicious and nutritious food.

I'm sharing with you my weight loss journey because now that I'm in my 40s, my metabolism is not as great as it was before. I felt it was pretty much non-existent for the past 6 months that I've been doing intermittent fasting and walking for exercise. (Update: See results of my 28-day Transformation Challenge!) And if you're curious about what I ate during this period... (and still eating right now because carb cycling is definitely the key!), watch this:

If you want to know more about the Yoli Better Body System, check my post where I break it down into simple gamer terms to help you better understand what this quest to embark on a health adventure is all about!

Join me and start your health & wellness journey
by changing your eating habits with the 28-day Transformation Kit!

For local orders (within Ormoc City, Leyte or via pickup at my house),
you can pay via GCASH / MAYA / BANK TRANSFER,
 just click HERE to order!
For debit/credit card purchases, you can shop directly HERE.