In this episode, Clarissa interviews Nagina Abdullah, a molecular and cellular biologist and weight loss coach who has helped over 1500 midlife women boost their metabolism and permanently lose weight. Nagina shares her journey of losing 40 pounds and discusses why diets don't work. She explains the metabolic changes that occur during midlife, such as hormonal fluctuations, insulin resistance, and muscle mass decline. Nagina introduces the six metabolism-boosting principles and why she emphasizes the importance of building a sustainable lifestyle rather than relying on restrictive diets. In this conversation, Nagina Abdullah and Clarissa discuss the importance of timing and pairing of foods for metabolism and weight loss. They highlight the benefits of adding spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and coriander to boost metabolism. They also emphasize the significance of portion sizes and introduce you to the fat-burning food framework. In addition, Nagina emphasizes the importance of accountability and mindset in the weight loss journey. Top Soundbites* "Diets are based on restriction and eating less, and whenever we have to pull back or not eat what we want, there's so much research that shows that if we're forbidden to eat certain foods, guess what we think about all day long? It's the foods we're forbidden from eating."* "Our hormones are declining, and that's what jumpstarts this belly fat from happening. If you noticed that you didn't have as much belly fat, maybe you had belly fat, but maybe it's accumulating more. It's not anything you're doing wrong. It's actually because our hormones are changing."Takeaways* Weight gain and stubborn weight loss are common challenges for perimenopausal and menopausal women.* Diets based on restriction and eating less often lead to cravings, guilt, and a cycle of yo-yo dieting.* Metabolic changes during midlife, such as hormonal fluctuations, insulin resistance, and muscle mass decline, can make weight loss more challenging.* Eating more protein, adding metabolism-boosting spices like turmeric and cinnamon, and being mindful of fat intake can help boost metabolism.* Building a sustainable lifestyle with nutrient-dense foods and enjoyable physical activity is key to long-term weight loss and maintenance. Timing and pairing of foods can significantly impact metabolism and weight loss.* Adding spices like cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and coriander can boost metabolism.* Following the fat-burning food framework, which includes 40-50% protein, 40-50% veggies, and 10-20% healthy carbs or fats on each plate, can support weight loss.* Accountability and mindset play a crucial role in the weight loss journey.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Weight Gain and Metabolism05:32 Nagina's Personal Weight Loss Journey09:15 Metabolic Changes in Midlife13:08 Principle 1: Eat More Protein to Boost Metabolism21:03 Building a Sustainable Lifestyle for Long-Term Weight Loss22:46 Optimizing Metabolism through Timing and Pairing of Foods29:44 Pairing Foods to Control Blood Sugar Spikes33:59 The Fat Burning Food Framework for Weight Loss40:09The Power of Accountability in the Weight Loss Journey42:57 Mindset: The Key to Successful Weight Loss46:39 Join the Workshop: Boost Your Metabolism for Midlife WomenTo connect with Nagina, head to her website: https://masalabody.com/If you would like to join her upcoming free 5-Day Metabolism Boost that starts next week, then use this link: https://bit.ly/3Ku7FTZTo grab your copy of my new book Beyond Hormones: 7 Holistic Ways to Thrive Through Menopause https://bit.ly/49XBI1a Get full access to Heart of Menopause at clarissakristjansson.substack.com/subscribe