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Blog  /  November 25, 2017

10 Reasons Why Women SHOULD Lift Weights

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Yes, that’s right. I believe, without a doubt in my mind, that women should lift weights. It’s time to step down from the treadmill and back away from the pink weights.

Women (and men) have this preconceived idea that females should not participate in weight lifting.

“I don’t want to look like a guy”

“Lifting weights will make me bulky”

“I’ll gain fat without doing my cardio”

I’m going to put an end to those thoughts circling in your mind, right now. These statements could not be further from the truth.

Women workouts and weight lifting

Why Women Should Lift Weights

Without getting too far into biology and human anatomy, the fact is that women are made different from men. We, women, do not have the same biological structure, physical composition, or hormone make-up that men do. In order to gain muscle like a man, a woman would need to heavily supplement, in addition to committing to a tedious workout schedule and specific nutrition plan.

Take it from me, a female who has participated in consistent strength training for 5+ years and still doesn’t look manly. At least, I’d like think so. To prove my stance on this topic, I’m sharing my top ten reasons why women should lift weights:

Gain Muscle

This one is self explanatory. Lifting weights will help you gain muscle. No, it will not (notice the emphasis) make you look bulky. Yes, it will help you achieve the “toned” look you work so hard for.

Lose Fat

When strength training, your body breaks down the muscle. Once it’s broken down, it needs to build back up. This process can take 24-48 hours. Guess what? This means your body is continuing to work after your workout is done. Therefore, more calories are being burned, resulting in a greater fat loss. Alternatively, when solely participating in cardiovascular training, your body stops working and burning calories the moment your workout is finished.

Increase Metabolic Speed

The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism will be. This is good news for those of you who say you have a slow metabolism. If you want to increase it’s speed, try strength training. A quicker metabolism results in more calories being burned and increased fat loss.

Gain Strength and Stamina

When you gain muscle, you gain strength. Come on ladies, how cool is it when you can pick up a heavy box, open a new jar of pickles, or perform a pull up all by yourself? Increased strength is a wonderful thing, making you more self-sufficient, increasing bone density, gaining confidence, and more!

Burn Extra Calories

Like stated previously, increased muscle mass = a faster metabolism = more calories burned. Win, win, win. Amirite?

Achieve Aesthetic Goals

As the fat melts away, your lean muscle mass will begin to shine. Again, not to fret, this does mean you will “look bulky.” I promise. You’ll gain muscle definition, feminine curves, and hopefully, a nice booty to rival the Kardashian crew.

More Energy

As you begin to strength train, you’ll notice an increase in strength and endurance. As a result, you’ll probably feel more energized throughout the day. Walking through the grocery store, taking the stairs at work, or playing with your children won’t seem like such an exhausting task.

Drop Pant Sizes

Pant size > the scale. You’ve probably heard this before because it is so true. Muscle weighs more than fat, so naturally, as you gain muscle the weight on the scale will increase instead of decrease. That is OKAY. What matters is that your overall dimensions are decreasing. As the number on the scale rises, the love handles will begin to disappear.

Confidence!

As strength training starts to give you that “toned” look you’ve worked so hard for, your confidence will soar. This is probably the best result from weight training. As mama says, “if you got it, flaunt it,” and I second that.

I hope you think of this post the next time you step into the gym. When you’re debating heading to the treadmill or the squat rack, think of me and do both! If you don’t know where to start, I’d love to help you. Contact me for personal training services via the “Contact” page.

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Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Why I prefer to shop locally 🍎🥑🥕⠀⠀⠀ Why I prefer to shop locally 🍎🥑🥕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know local and seasonal foods are the most nutrient-dense? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yup! Think about it: an apple from the grocery store can be found year-round and likely traveled THOUSANDS of miles to get there. Meaning, it was harvested days (if not, weeks) before being delivered to the store and eventually eaten. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, to break it down, this is why I prefer to buy MOST of my groceries locally 👇🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🍎 Most local foods are in-season, providing the most nutrients and best flavor!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍎 I love the opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍎 I know exactly where my food came from. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍎 It’s often cheaper to buy foods that are in-season, than those that aren’t.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Foods that I prefer to buy locally 👇🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 🥩 Meat⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍳 Eggs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍓 Fruits⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🥕 Veggies⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍯 Honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🧀 Raw cheese and milk⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you can’t make it to your local farmers market every week, try to find a co-op nearby!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do you shop locally?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #seasonaleating #shoplocally
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared new c It’s been a hot minute since I’ve shared new content, but the Fall season is my absolute favorite (as are Fall foods), so I figured it’d be a good time to pop back on!

Fall foods to nourish your body 👇🏼

These foods are naturally their ripest and MOST nutrient-dense during the Fall season, which is why I load up all season long!
🥕 Carrots
🥔  Sweet potatoes
🍠 Beets
🎃 Pumpkin 
🍆 Squash 
🍎 Apples
🍐  Pears
🧄 Garlic

Other Fall staples that I include on a daily basis during the Fall:
✨ Bone broth
✨ Beef liver
✨ Fresh orange juice
✨ Raw honey
✨ Raw milk

These are a few of my favorite recipes to increase my consumption of Fall foods 😋
👉🏼 GF cassava pumpkin bread
👉🏼 Roasted fall veggie medley
👉🏼 Raw milk hot cocoa
👉🏼 Chili made with bone broth 
👉🏼 Apple crisp

Do you love Fall foods as much as I do??

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #fallseason #fallfoods
Your diet is only as beneficial as your digestion. Your diet is only as beneficial as your digestion.

Fact #1: You can eat all the healthiest foods in the world, BUT if you’re aren’t digesting and absorbing the nutrients, what’s the point?

Fact #2: Most of us have very poor digestion. In other words, we lack stomach acid and enzymes to break down and absorb the nutrients in our food. Signs of poor digestion = acid reflux, indigestion, stomach aches, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and gas.

Sooooo, now what’s a girl (or guy) to do?

There are a few ways to help support healthy digestion and actually utilize the nutrients you’re eating, starting with:

	• Avoid drinking water (or any liquid) within 30 minutes of meal time. Liquids dilute the acid in your stomach leading to poor digestion.
	• Address any gut issues (SIBO, H. pylori, dysbiosis) that could be robbing your digestive tract of the ability to absorb nutrients.
	• Focus consuming plenty of whole foods that are rich in digesting-boosting nutrients, like: pastured whole eggs, grass fed beef, organic fruits, raw milk, etc.

Did you know you’re likely not absorbing all the nutrients you’re consuming??

👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #digestion #nutrients
There's a good reason carbohydrates make up ONE of There's a good reason carbohydrates make up ONE of the 3 essential macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fat).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Over the last several years, carbs have become the "enemy." And, we now live in a society that fears carbs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But, what if carbs aren't the REAL problem?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Truth be told, carbs are a necessary and HEALTHY part of every diet. However, is one major issue that needs to be addressed.. THE OVERCONSUMPTION OF PROCESSED CARBS.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There, I said it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Real carbs are NOT the enemy. Processed, refined, and packaged carbs ARE.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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As a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I'm a huge advocate for carbs. Fundamentally, they provide our brain and bodies with usable energy, replenish glycogen stores, fuel our muscles, regulate digestion, and so much more!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My favorite REAL carb sources (that I eat almost daily) include:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sourdough bread (made local and fresh)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sprouted white rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sweet potatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
White/red potatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Squash⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Seasonal fruit⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Orange juice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Jam/jelly⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Raw, local honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know that carbs are essential? What's your favorite source of carbs? 😋
Unpopular opinion: your liver is the coolest organ Unpopular opinion: your liver is the coolest organ.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Think about it! The liver know which essential nutrients to absorb and recirculate, while excreting excess hormones, toxins, etc. And this is just the start of the list!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Seriously, your liver is the real MVP🏅⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, how do you know if your liver is functioning up to speed or if it needs a little more love? Signs of a congested or sluggish liver are:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Dark circles under your eyes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Skin issues (rashes, eczema, acne)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Orange-pigmented skin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• High cholesterol⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Alcohol and coffee intolerance⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Body odor⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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However, despite common belief, jumping straight to a juice detox protocol isnt necessarily the best way to address a sluggish liver.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Instead, if any of these symptoms sound like you, it’s time to give your liver some extra lovin’ 👉🏼 incorporate more liver-loving foods (beets, OJ, cilantro, beef liver), drink dandelion root tea, try castor oil packs, eliminate toxins from your home (plastic, fragrance, pesticides, etc), and get your SLEEP! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Tag a friend and spread the liver love! 💕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
PSA: the foods you eat directly impact your thyroi PSA: the foods you eat directly impact your thyroid!!! And, did you know most of us are currently dealing with some kind of thyroid dysfunction?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You can thank our chronically stressed out, fast paced, digital, and processed lifestyles.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Some foods actually work against our thyroid function, like processed foods, trans fats, PUFAs, cruciferous veggies, and even other raw veggies…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While other foods work FOR our thyroid, supporting healthy function. These foods include:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Seasonal fruits⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Root veggies⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Raw, local honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Pastured whole eggs⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Grass fed beef liver⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Wild caught oysters⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Raw cheese⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Sourdough bread⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Pulp-free orange juice ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So, if you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder or suspect poor thyroid function, enjoy plenty of these thyroid supporting foods every single day. Trust me, it’s not that difficult to do! 😋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Drop your thyroid Q’s below! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
In all honesty, life has been BUSY lately, my crea In all honesty, life has been BUSY lately, my creativity is lacking, and social media hasn’t been at the top of my list😅 

But, this morning, I want to leave you with a few basic reminders to help support healthy hormones, metabolism, and immune function! 

✨ Toddlers need to eat 1,200 calories a day. YOU are not a toddler. Most adults need to consume ~2,000 calories daily, if not more. Don’t understand-nourish yourself!

✨ Sleep is necessary to form memories, build muscle, and support healthy immune function. Make it a priority to sleep at least 8 hours per night!

✨ Breakfast is actually the most important meal of the day. No, coffee doesn't count. My go-to breakfast lately = sourdough toast + honey, eggs + sea salt, and coffee with raw milk. Easy and delicious!

✨ Over-exercising is as dangerous as being sedentary. Exercising too much creates extreme stress within the body. Learn to rest and allow time for your body and muscles to properly recover!

Did you know these friendly reminders?!

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #hormonehealth #guthealth #nutrientdeficiencies #poordigestion #foodsensitivities #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #metabolichealth #immunehealth
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