menu 919-999-0831

Nutrition for Muscle Mass: Building Strength from the Inside Out

Creatine is a naturally occurring substance found in the body, primarily in muscle tissue. It plays a crucial role in providing energy for high-intensity, short-duration activities such as weightlifting, sprinting, and other explosive exercises. In recent years, creatine has gained popularity as a dietary supplement, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders. This article will discuss the benefits and risks of using creatine as a supplement.

Most adults, especially women, under-eat protein. Aim for 0.4–0.9 grams per pound of ideal body weight daily. A 150-pound adult needs about 60–90 grams per day (20–30 grams per meal). At 200 pounds, that’s 80–150 grams daily or 25–40 grams at 3–4 meals, depending on your goals.

Animal-based proteins are typically more complete and easier to digest. Choose organic, non-GMO, wild-caught fish, pasture-raised poultry, grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised eggs.

Plant-based options like lentils, hemp seeds, and quinoa can form a complete diet when combined thoughtfully. Vegetarians and vegans should eat a variety of plant proteins to meet amino acid needs.

Choose whole foods whenever possible. For protein powders, look for organic or grass-fed sources with minimal ingredients—no added sugar, colorings, gums, or “natural flavors.” Pure Paleo Bone Broth Protein, WheyCool Grass-Fed Protein, and Mikuna Chocho Plant Protein are excellent options.

Muscle synthesis is optimized when protein intake is spread evenly throughout the day—20–35 grams per meal. Start with a protein-rich breakfast to balance blood sugar, cortisol, and energy.

Before workouts, have a small snack with protein, carbs, and healthy fats—like apple slices with nut butter. After strength training, consume 20–30 grams of protein within 20–30 minutes to maximize recovery. Plan ahead so quality protein is available during this window.

Hormones and Aging

With age, hormones like growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen decline, making muscle harder to maintain—but not impossible. Nutrients such as creatine, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3s support hormone sensitivity and muscle health. Resistance training naturally boosts anabolic hormones and signals the body to preserve lean tissue. Pairing consistent strength training with adequate protein amplifies results.

Your Longevity Organ

Think of muscle as your longevity organ. Supporting it means combining strength training, quality protein, restorative sleep, and stress management. Small daily choices compound over time.

Avoiding soy? Sensitive to dairy? Recovering from injury or surgery? Your protein needs will change throughout life. At your next visit, ask your CTW care team about an InBody composition scan to see where you’re starting and create a plan for your goals. Your team is here to help you build strength, resilience, and a foundation for lifelong health.

Aging Gracefully

Sara Yadlowsky, FMHC

Aging is inevitable. Irrespective of our efforts to appear youthful or feel younger, aging will catch up with us eventually. However, vitality is the key to aging gracefully.

Vitality embodies an energy of involvement, appreciation, and liveliness. It represents a harmonious blend of pleasure, purpose, and significance. When we are full of these feelings, we experience a vibrant, open responsiveness.

An excellent question to ask yourself is: How vibrant am I? Vitality manifests as an ability to openly express profound emotions. It’s evident in hearty laughter, streams of tears, and a willingness to engage fully without concerning oneself with outcomes, approval, or social media “likes.”

The most vibrant individuals:

  • Seek opportunities to make a positive impact and follow through with action
  • Dedicate themselves to continuous learning from others
  • Exemplify remarkable generosity and openness
  • Embrace both laughter and tears with equal intensity
  • Share a deep connection with the spiritual realm
  • Are willing to be authentic even if it means being unpopular

This level of aliveness represents soulful fitness, which is not tied to appearing younger than our years. Soulful fitness results from a stead fast commitment to and consistent practice of the vitality-enhancing measures mentioned above.

An excellent idea is to meditate daily with the thought that this could be your last day alive, and let this awareness guide you to fully embrace and cherish each day.

Aging can be viewed as a profound opportunity to establish deeper roots and witness more abundant blossoms. We can perceive the beautiful trajectory from innocence (youth) to ambition (productive years) to wisdom (later years)as a magnificent symphony, with each phase a complete and essential component of a breathtaking unity.

Aging is not an error or shortcoming, but an invitation to embrace life more fully.

To schedule a new patient or health coaching appointment, please call our office at 919-999-0831. 

Your Partner in Health!
Sara Yadlowsky, FMHC

Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is a science-based health care approach to assess, prevent and treat complex chronic disease.

Answers to frequently asked questions provided by Carolina Total WellnessLearn More

Allergy Testing & Drops

After a brief allergy test, you can begin sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), or allergy drops under the tongue. No more allergy shots!

learn more about Allergy testing and drops provided by [VAR_PRACTICE_NAME]Learn More

About Your Visit

Learn how to prepare for your visit and what to expect at your initial consultation and at your follow-up visits with our office.

What to expect at your appointment with Carolina Total WellnessLearn More

facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon