And how it also supports your metabolism, hormones, and gut health
As women enter their 40s and 50s, their bodies undergo significant changes—particularly in hormones, metabolism, and digestion. And here’s one thing many women don’t realize:
👉 Skipping carbs before workouts can actually slow your metabolism and increase belly fat.
At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, women in midlife receive personalized guidance on fueling, hormones, metabolism, and gut health—helping them understand why proper pre-workout nutrition truly matters.
Let’s break this down in the simplest way possible.
🔥 1. Carbs + Protein Protect Your Muscles and Metabolism
When you exercise, your muscles need fuel.
If you don’t give your body carbs:
- ❌ Your muscles can’t perform well
- ❌ Your body raises cortisol (stress hormone)
- ❌ Your metabolism slows down
But when you eat carbs + protein before a workout:
- ✅ You get steady energy
- ✅ Your body protects muscle (important after 40!)
- ✅ You burn fat during and after workouts
- ✅ Hormones stay stable
Simple examples:
- Banana + peanut butter
- Greek yogurt + berries
- Toast + eggs
- Protein shake + half a banana
Women seeking deeper support for hormone balance, metabolism, and workout recovery often turn to Functional Medicine Burbank, where carb timing and nutrient strategies are tailored to midlife changes.
🔥 2. Why Low-Carb Workouts Can Increase Belly Fat
Many women think, “If I eat carbs, I’ll gain weight.” But here’s the truth: When you skip carbs and work out, your cortisol rises. And when cortisol stays high?
- 👉 Belly fat increases
- 👉 Cravings get worse
- 👉 Energy drops
- 👉 Muscle breaks down
Midlife women are already more sensitive to cortisol because of hormone shifts, so skipping carbs often causes the opposite of what you want.
With the rise of fatigue, stubborn belly fat, and slower recovery, Functional Medicine Studio City emphasizes the importance of balanced pre-workout fueling to stabilize cortisol and protect muscle.
🔥 3. Best Slow-Burn Carbs for Steady Energy
Choose carbs that are gentle, easy to digest, and provide long-lasting energy.
These are perfect 30–60 minutes before a workout:
🍠 Sweet potato
🍌 Banana
🍎 Apple slices
🍞 Whole-grain toast
🍚 Oatmeal
🍇 Berries
🍿 A small handful of popcorn
🥔 Small portion of potatoes
🥛 Greek yogurt (protein + carb combo!)
Pair with a little protein, and you have the ideal midlife pre-workout meal.
Incorporating proper carb fueling into your routine enhances the effectiveness of your health exercises, ensuring better performance, muscle protection, and increased calorie burn—especially for women over 40.
🌿 4. How This Connects to Gut Health (Explained Simply!)
Your gut is like your “second brain.” It controls digestion, mood, metabolism, and inflammation.
When you eat the right carbs, here’s what happens:
✅ Fiber feeds the good bacteria
Good gut bacteria love fruits, whole grains, oats, and starchy veggies.
A happy gut = better digestion + better metabolism.
✅ Stable blood sugar = calmer gut
Carbs + protein prevent blood sugar spikes, which reduces bloating and stomach stress.
✅ Lower cortisol = healthier digestion
High stress slows digestion.
Fueling properly before workouts helps keep cortisol levels low and digestion smooth.
In short: Healthy carbs = better gut health = better metabolism.
💡 Simple Takeaway for Women in Midlife
You don’t need to fear carbs. You just need the right kind, at the right time.
✨ Before workouts, choose slow carbs + protein
✨ This protects muscles, boosts metabolism, reduces belly fat, and helps your gut work better
✨ Your body performs better—and recovers better—when it’s fueled properly
Your body is resilient—but it thrives on a plan designed just for you.