23: We Talk Calories, Weight Loss, Body Composition Goals and More With Lulu Alarmali

Episode Description 

In this episode, I welcome back Lulu Alarmali, as we discuss weight management, metabolic health, blood sugar, and how to best maximize progress for those on a body composition journey. In this episode, Lulu draws on her extensive knowledge in neurology, gut health, sports nutrition, immune function, and cardiovascular health. We begin by discussing calories, if they matter, and how to healthily manage a caloric deficit. We then move to touch on the difference between men and women on their respective body composition journeys and finish our discussion talking through the various important elements of maintaining sustained metabolic health. Hope you enjoy! 

 

Key Themes & Takeaways:

Exploring Caloric Deficits  

• We begin by having an in-depth discussion the debate of calories, if they count, and the nuances in between.
• We then transition into how to properly manage a caloric deficit and how to maintain proper mental health while dieting. 

Insulin Resistance and Thyroid Health  

• We discuss the importance of managing insulin resistance and how it affects your body’s metabolism. We also touch on the importance of tracking thyroid health to contribute to positive metabolic health. 
• We then move to talking about the importance of sleep on the body composition journey. 

Promoting Your Own Metabolic Health 

• We begin by touching on the lab tests that Lulu recommends for those interested in dialing in their body composition, including a blood sugar panel, a thyroid panel, and other metabolic profiles. 
• We then transition to discussing the importance of having muscle to contribute to fat loss and overall metabolic health. 

Unpacking Metabolisms

• We wrap up the episode by discussing the idea of “fast versus slow” metabolisms and how Lulu believes there is validity to this idea. 
• We finish by touching on the importance of incorporating movement into your day-to-day life outside of traditional exercise. 

 

Timestamps

• 00:00 Intro to Lulu Alarmali

• 02:30 Do Calories Matter?

• 06:15 Managing a Calorie Deficit in a Healthy Way 

• 10:50 The Mental Health Side of Dieting

• 14:00 Eating to Boost Your Metabolism and Thyroid Health 

• 19:30 Proper Eating to Build Muscle 

• 23:35 Eating to Promote Weight Loss

• 25:00 Metabolic Differences Between Men and Women 

• 30:00 Insulin Resistance

• 33:30 The Importance of Sleep on the Body Composition Journey

• 37:17 Supplements for Fat Loss 

• 39:30 Recommended Lab Tests for Body Composition

• 43:13 The Importance of Muscle for Fat Loss and Metabolic Health 

• 46:50 Unpacking “Fast vs. Slow” Metabolisms

• 50:15 The Importance of Movement Outside of Traditional Exercise 

 

Connect with Lulu

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalnutritionist/?hl=en
• Website: https://www.thefunctionalnutritionistkw.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholesome_practice/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100049758914001 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeopleAndPlanetPodcast 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-alhamad 
• Website: https://alyaalhamad.com/ 

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor or physician. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication protocol.