Lose the Fat but Not the Muscle

The Balancing Act of Fat to Muscle Ratio

Deb Mastrianna

One of the many challenges of weight loss is that you don’t just lose fat. When you weigh yourself and see the scale trend down; this weight loss comes from a combination of water, muscle, and fat.  If weight loss is your goal, whether it is a few pounds, or addressing obesity, losing muscle mass can negatively impact your long-term goals.

Age Related Muscle Mass Decline

Reduced muscle increases the risk of sarcopenia, a type of muscle loss that occurs with aging and/or immobility. Sarcopenia is characterized by the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength.  Losing weight often leads to some muscle loss, especially for postmenopausal individuals, older adults, those with metabolic disease and athletes. This heightens the chances of falls and fractures. the leading cause of injury and death for those over 65, according to the CDC.

What You Can Do

Don’t focus only on the scale. It’s more important to focus on your body’s composition than simply how much fat you lose. Instead of drastically cutting calories or trying to burn more with cardio, try changing your approach.

If you focus solely on weight reduction you can often mask broader health considerations, sometimes caused by synthetic supplements that are loaded with additives. Along with diet and exercise, many athletes are beginning to choose natural methods like herbs to boost fitness and performance.

Unlike synthetic supplements, herbs provide a holistic, science-backed way to support muscle growth and overall wellness. And they offer complex nutrients that benefit both athletic performance and general health. Make sure that you’re building a healthy, resilient body by getting enough protein and, strength training and making natural herbs a part of your routine.

Herbs For Enhanced Athletic Performance

Female Sports Formula boosts energy, focus, and stamina with antioxidants and neuroprotective adaptogens. Endurance athletes, often at risk for magnesium deficiency due to exercise-related nutrient loss, can benefit from such supplements. Popular in traditional Chinese medicine and under scientific study, adaptogens are thought to support immunity, increase energy, enhance sexual health, and promote overall well-being.

Ingredients: Blessed Thistle Leaf, Saw Palmetto Berry, Red Raspberry Leaf, Eleutherococcus Senticosus, Gotu Kola, Kava Kava Root, Arnica Flower, Lobelia Leaf

Male Enhancement/Formerly Male Energy & Power Formula

This natural formula is for any male that wants to increase circulation and improve mental energy and mental focus.  This formula does also enhance

sexual health: especially those who have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction or impotence.  

Ingredients:  Tonkgat Ali, Horny Goat Weed, Eleuthero, Suma, Yohimbe, Muira Puama, Maca, Tribulus, Nettle Root, Egyptian Blue Lotus, Damiana, Strawberry leaf, Schizandra Berry, Ginseng.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Boost your aerobic capacity

Cordyceps is a mushroom popular with athletes for its potential performance benefits. This Himalayan fungus, found at high altitudes, is thought to improve the body’s oxygen use and increase efficiency. Studies suggest Cordyceps can enhance endurance, making it useful for aerobic sports. By boosting oxygen uptake, it may support stamina, faster recovery, muscle growth, and energy.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Support joint health and reduce muscle soreness

Turmeric, known for its culinary uses, is valuable for athletes due to its active compound curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Turmeric helps reduce muscle soreness, speeds up recovery, and improves joint health, making it easier to maintain regular training. Whether as a supplement or added to food, turmeric naturally supports athletic performance and muscle recovery.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Increase energy

Rhodiola is a well-known adaptogenic herb that offers multiple benefits for those interested in athletic performance and building muscle. It has been observed to help reduce tiredness, manage stress, and boost both mental and physical stamina. By enhancing the body’s ability to cope with stress and lowering feelings of fatigue, Rhodiola can make longer, more intense workouts possible, supporting muscle growth and overall sports performance. Research indicates it can also assist with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Rhodiola is available as capsules or tinctures, and its adaptogenic properties make it a strong supplement choice for anyone looking to enhance sports results and foster muscle development naturally.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Support increased strength and vitality

Ashwagandha, a distinguished adaptogenic herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, is recognized for its capacity to enhance resilience to stress and promote overall wellness. Ashwagandha improves oxygen utilization during physical activity, supporting enhanced aerobic performance and cardiovascular fitness. Through stress reduction and regulation of cortisol levels, Ashwagandha may boost energy and assist in managing fatigue during intensive exercise. These combined effects can result in improved athletic performance, accelerated recovery, and increased muscle mass, making Ashwagandha a natural choice to optimize physical abilities and achieve peak fitness.

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)

Aid joint health and minimize pain and inflammation

Boswellia, or frankincense, offers strong anti-inflammatory benefits that aid sports performance and muscle growth. Taken orally, it reduces inflammation, eases joint pain, and protects cartilage for quicker recovery. Boswellia when used with turmeric relieves exercise-related acute pain effectively. Applied topically as creams or oils to target muscle and joint pain directly.

Boost Your Athletic Performance Naturally

Natural herbs may help with muscle growth and athletic performance due to their adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. And these supplements can aid recovery, increase endurance, and support overall wellness for athletes on their path to good health.

Safety

Herbs are usually safe but check with your doctor before taking supplements if you have health concerns or use medication. Professional guidance ensures safe usage.