According to an APA survey done for the year 2020, 2 in 5 of the 3,000 adults surveyed gained an average of 29 pounds per person. Ten percent said they gained more than 50 pounds. But on the flip side, in a survey by Gelesis, 148 million Americans are willing and eager to try a natural, holistic path towards a fat loss that supports well-being and mental health.
While movement and exercising is a piece of the puzzle, we can’t overlook the power of hormones and how they impact productive, long-term fat loss and well-being. One hormone to consider and manage well in order to do this is glucagon.
Glucagon signals the fat cells to release free fatty acids (a process called lipolysis) to be used for energy. When glucagon levels are stable (50–150 pg/ml), it makes fat loss more fluid and less miserable. Meaning, you quit fighting your biology with willpower. Here are three ways to boost glucagon to burn more fat.
✅Fasting
In one study, glucagon levels rose 2x on the 3rd day. If you’re new to fasting, start slow. Pick a day when you aren’t loaded with work, school, or anything involving heavy lifting of the mind. Water, tea, and coffee (no sugars added) are all game for the fast.
✅Sufficient Protein Intake
Protein-rich meals are shown to increase fasting glucagon levels by ~35%. It’s important to note that sufficient protein is in the range of ~20–30% of total daily intake. The probable reason for the rise in glucagon with protein-rich meals is the inverse relationship glucagon has to insulin.
✅L-Tyrosine
If you run low on glucagon, triggering adrenaline is a practical way to bump up your levels so you can burn more fat for energy. Supplementing with L-Tyrosine acts as a precursor of both epinephrine, which is an amplifier in the brain making you feel focused and driven. L-Tyrosine is normally dosed at 300–500mg on an empty stomach before meals.