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I first started testing the Lumen Metabolism Tracker back in November of last year. Read about it here. After using my Lumen throughout the holiday season, I thought now was a good time to give you an update on my progress. Also there’s a don’t-miss WINTER SALE where you can save $100 off Lumen PLUS an additional 10% when you use code MARCIA10.
My initial goal with my Lumen was to learn how to best fuel my workouts, so I chose the Fitness Performance track. There’s also a Weight Loss track and a Metabolic Heath Track to choose from.
Since hitting menopause, I no longer have the estrogen levels of my younger self that buffer cortisol and aid in workout recovery. A tough fasted workout in the morning spikes cortisol. High cortisol (stress hormone) results in excess belly fat. Mucho no bueno.
At the outset, I learned pretty quickly that I tend to use carbs for fuel the most, which as a runner, is totally to be expected. Intense exercise like running definitely requires glycogen from carbohydrates. While Lumen gives me daily guidance on what macros (carbs, fat, protein) to hit, at the beginning I didn’t change what ate and I didn’t track my macros. I would eat a little something before I worked out, if my Lumen indicated I needed to, and that helped make my runs and workouts feel much stronger.
I was a tad disappointed though, as I watched many in our Lumen Facebook group wake up in fat burning mode many mornings, while I almost never did. What was up with that??
So I started tracking my macros, monitoring portion sizes and following the Lumen recommendations as closely as possible, to see what difference, if any, it made. Just a couple of days in, after logging my meals with My Fitness Pal and following Lumen’s carbohydrate recommendations, I woke up in the elusive (to me) fat burn zone. Gradually I’m training my body to shift from carb-burning to fat burning mode. 
Things that are helping me succeed with Lumen
Following the daily macro guidelines as closely as possible (duh)
The closer I come to hitting my protein goal for the day, the more successful I am in reaching fat burn, and the less cravings/hunger I have.
Using my Lumen several times a day: Upon waking, before and after a workout, before and sometimes after I eat. Knowledge is power!
Being patient. Like anything worth doing, being mindful and consistent are key.
Final Thoughts
Lumen is not a keto or low-carb program. The carbohydrate guidelines change from day to day, based on your goals, your activity, the amount of sleep you get, stress levels. etc.
The focus is on metabolic flexibility vs counting calories. Be sure to read my previous post to learn how exactly Lumen works. There’s a ton to learn and it is really fascinating.
Are you intrigued? Now is a great time to try Lumen for yourself. The Winter Sale is going on for a limited time only so check it out! Remember to use code MARCIA10 at checkout for an ADDITIONAL 10% off!
Have you tried a metabolism tracker or had metabolic testing done? Do you track your macros? Log your food?
I’m joining Kookyrunner and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Linkup! Join us!
I am sure I will end up buying this gadget. It must be so fascinating to see how the body reacts to nutrition over time. I especially like that this is all about hard data: it’s not based on how you feel but on what is actually going on in the body.
Of course, it’s a bit of a hassle with all the macro tracking, but I think it’s well worth the effort. Thanks for this review, Marcia!
Catrina I resisted macro tracking for SO LONG! I’d do a poor job of it, then just quit. It is so interesting to see the changes that take place when I stick to it!
It does sound fascinating. I’ve been in the food tracker and macro tracker mode before (like, decades) but I’ve moved more to an intuitive way of eating which mostly seems to be working (even if I could always stand to lose a few pounds).
I’m pretty sure I’m a sugar burner, although I actually don’t eat a ton of sugar (or simple carbs).
Knowledge is most definitely power!
Sounds really interesting.
I don’t track. I’m too lazy lol
But I try to eat healthy not eat too much sugar and Move. A lot.
I hope this continues to work for you. But you look great!
Your initial review of Lumen inspired me to get one so it’s great to read your update. While I don’t love tracking macros it is fascinating to see what happens when I stick with the Lumen plan. I still have a lot to learn about using the device and know that I need to test more throughout the day.
Great update Marcia – thanks for the inspiration!
This really is fascinating! Congrats on all your progress 😉 I’m a bit lazy with tracking macros (or anything related to food intake). While I think I do a good job of keeping things in moderation, my sugar intake is most likely still higher than it should be. I am so accustomed to the fasted cardio routine, right out of bed, that it would really be a change of mindset to alter that. That said, I don’t do any intense cardio in a fasted state. The HIIT workouts I do are tough, but not what I’d call “depleting.” But that’s my subjective analysis, LOL
There’s SO much to learn it can be intimidating. It is really fascinating though!
For sure it is a very useful item.
I never did metabolic tests and I don’t log my food but I confess that I exceed a little with sugars: drinks and cookies.
Sugar apart my diet is healthy.
This is so interesting! I missed your earlier post so let me read through that as well. So happy to hear you’re making good progress!
Interesting! So when you’re in fat-burning mode, you’re less hungry and have fewer cravings? Was belly fat becoming an issue for you again, and is this helping? There’s no doubt I need help in this area! Thanks for the update.
This sounds really interesting, and I love that it’s science-based. It seems like it really gives you useful information that can be used to make proper decisions when it comes to workouts, types of meals, etc.
Fascinating gadget! Who would have thought you could get interesting information like that? I know I should but I do not track anything. Good to know it’s working out for you.
I have also learned a lot from my Lumen. I usually wake up in a 2 or 3 state and have never reached the 1 on wakeup. Tracking macros especially protein has been a game changer for me as well. Congrats on your progress. it is a great little gadget to have in your arsenal