Tag: muscle preservation

The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

The Nurses’s RX no. 5: Girl, Your Metabolism Needs This

Published on by J. Nicole, RNLeave a comment
The Nurse's RX newsletter header - Everything your doctor didn't have time to explain

Okay soooo….

Let’s talk about the absolute most frustrating thing in weightloss: the feeling that your body is a total energy hog. You’re moving your tushie, you’re eating your protein, drinking your water, and eating that fiber to stay running smooth (IYKYK), but when you look in the mirror, your fat stores are just waving back at you like, “Nope, still here!”

You are NOT failing. This is simply a matter of chemistry. This is why I’m breaking down L-Carnitine today, it’s the chemical assistant your system may be missing.

L-Carnitine Can Help

  • The Energy Crash::
    • You feel constantly drained because your cells aren’t getting the right fuel.
  • The Muscle Hangover::
    • You are totally wiped out and sore for days after a good workout.
  • The Stubborn Fat::
    • Your body isn’t using its stored fat for energy, so it just sits there.
I know we've covered this, but quick refresher: Amino acids are the basic building blocks of your body. Think of them as the individual beads on a long necklace, all working together to create the necklace. Lose one and it all falls apart. L-Carnitine is one of those crucial beads, and it has the most important job in your cell's engine room.

Your fat is your cells’ most powerful fuel, but the engine that burns everything up (your mitochondria) is tiny.

It’s like having a giant frozen pizza (your fat fuel), but all you have is a toaster oven. The oven will only fit one slice at a time!

L-Carnitine is your specialized tool. It’s like your pizza cutter, it cuts the bulky fat down into individual slices, ready to cook and use for massive energy.

L-Carnitine makes sure your body is working smarter, not harder.

Because L-Carnitine makes fat a better fuel source, it helps your body prioritize burning fat for energy. This is super important because it reduces the need to break down other valuable energy sources, like your muscle tissue. It helps keep your muscle strong while you lose the weight.

This is why L-Carnitine is one of the new, customized GLP-1 options available with EllieMD to tailor your weight-loss and wellness journey to your personal needs.

Let’s Get This Started!

START TODAY

XOXO,
NIKI, RN

PCOS. Perimenopause. Metabolic health. The real stuff. Not just “eat less, move more.”

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Let’s be clear about who I am (and who I’m not)

I’m a registered nurse and health coach who shares real, BS-free information about metabolic health, PCOS, perimenopause, and weight loss, because y’all deserve better than vague wellness fluff. But here’s what I need you to know: I am not YOUR nurse. Everything I share here is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, it’s not a diagnosis, and it doesn’t create a provider-patient relationship between us. Nothing here replaces the care of a licensed provider who actually knows your full health history. The opinions and content here are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer or the hospital where I work.

Scope of practice

As a nurse health coach, I can recommend over-the-counter products and supplements that may support your wellness goals. I don’t prescribe specific prescription medications. When it comes to GLP-1s and peptides, what I can do is talk about the science, what’s available, and what may be beneficial, so you can have an informed conversation with your licensed medical provider. The decision about what’s right for your body always belongs to you and your provider. Always consult your licensed provider before starting any prescription treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Transparency

I only recommend things I actually trust. Most are products I personally use, some are from partners whose clinical standards I believe in. I will always let you know when it’s something I haven’t tried personally. Some links in this email are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Results + Testimonials

Any testimonials or results shared here reflect individual experiences only. Results are not guaranteed and will vary based on individual circumstances.

Read the full fine print at nicoleinscrubs.com/disclosure

Protein After Weight Loss: What Actually Matters (and What’s Just Flavored Air)

Published on by J. Nicole, RN2 Comments

After losing 94 pounds, I’ve learned a few things about protein.

Some protein is actually good.
Some is… questionable.
And some makes you pause mid-sip and think, wait. Was that even protein???

For a long time, I thought protein was mostly for gym bros trying to bulk up & flex in the mirror. You know the vibe. Giant tubs. Aggressive labels. Shakers that smell suspicious even after washing.

Turns out, protein is way more important than I ever realized, especially during weight loss.

Why protein matters way more than you think

Protein isn’t about getting huge. It’s about protecting what you already have.

When you’re losing weight, especially if you’re in a calorie deficit, your body doesn’t just burn fat. It also breaks down muscle if it doesn’t have enough protein to work with. And muscle matters more than people realize.

Muscle helps keep your metabolism humming. Less muscle can mean a slower metabolism, lower energy, and weight loss that feels harder and harder to maintain.

Protein helps prevent that. It gives your body the building blocks it needs to repair and rebuild instead of breaking things down.

It also keeps you full longer. Not “I just ate and I’m still thinking about snacks” full. Actual, satisfied, walk-away-from-the-pantry full.

And yes, it supports your metabolism even when you’re doing very important activities like sitting on the couch scrolling TikTok.

The nerdy nurse explanation you didn’t get in health class.

When calories drop, your body looks for fuel. Fat is one source. Muscle is another. If protein intake is too low, muscle loss happens faster. That muscle loss can slow your metabolism, which makes continued weight loss and maintenance harder over time.

Protein helps signal to your body, hey, we need this muscle. Please don’t toss it.

This is especially important if you’re losing weight with medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both. The goal isn’t just a smaller number on the scale. It’s feeling strong, energized, and able to keep the results long-term.

Not all protein is created equal

Just because something says “high protein” on the label does not mean it’s doing anything helpful for your body. Some options are high quality and easy to absorb. Others are basically flavored air with a side of digestive regret.

Over the past couple years, I’ve tried a lot. Powders. Ready-to-drink shakes. Bars. And a few things that can only be described as science experiments that should’ve stayed on the shelf.

Some tasted fine but didn’t keep me full.
Some had great macros but wrecked my stomach.
Some were so chalky they made me question my life choices.

Through trial, error, and a whole lot of label reading, I’ve figured out which ones are actually worth your time. Not perfect. Not magic. Just solid options that taste decent, digest well, and actually support a weight loss journey.

So what should you look for?

You don’t need perfection. You need consistency.

A protein source that:

  • Keeps you full longer
  • Doesn’t upset your stomach
  • Fits into your real life, not an influencer meal plan
  • Helps you hit your daily protein without feeling like a chore

Protein should make your life easier, not more complicated.

My real-life protein ratings

I’ve rounded up the proteins I actually use and enjoy. Not the ones that just photograph well. The ones I’ve gone back to again and again.

You can check out my full ratings and breakdowns here 👇
I rated my favorite proteins and shared the honest details

No hype. No fake enthusiasm. Just what worked for me after losing 94 pounds and trying… a lot.

Hitting reset without punishment

If the holidays left you feeling off track, tired, or frustrated with your body, this is your reminder that you don’t need extremes.

You don’t need to start over perfectly.
You don’t need to punish yourself.
You don’t need to survive on protein sludge and willpower.

Sometimes a reset just looks like fueling your body better and letting things feel easier again.

Protein is one of those quiet tools that makes everything else work better.

Your post-holiday reset doesn’t have to be dramatic.
It just has to be sustainable.

And feeling good again is a pretty solid place to start.

Professional Disclosure: I provide BS-free metabolic education as a registered nurse and health coach for women navigating PCOS, perimenopause, and stubborn weight loss. While I share evidence-based research and nurse-informed support, please remember that I am not your nurse. The content shared here is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Nothing on this site is a substitute for care from a licensed provider who knows your full health history. All opinions and content shared on this platform are my own and do not reflect the views or endorsements of my employer or the hospital where I am employed.

Scope of Practice and FDA: Per professional coaching guidelines, I may recommend over the counter (OTC) medications or supplements to support your wellness goals. However, I do not prescribe or recommend specific prescription medications. For prescription options, including GLP-1 tools, my role is to help you understand the available science so you can have an informed discussion with your licensed healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and medical treatments require professional oversight.

Trust and Transparency: I only recommend products I trust. Most are items I use personally, while others are shared based on my professional trust in the clinical standards of partners like Ellie MD. Some links are affiliate links or part of brand partnerships, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.