mitochondria

What if your “normal labs” are missing the real problem

I want to start the year with something inspirational, so we’re jumping straight into mitochondria because these tiny cell parts have the power to change your life or bring you to your knees. You decide.

And I mean that with love.

Let me tell you about a few clients I worked with this past year.

Client #1: A woman whose LDL and ApoB kept creeping up for no reason. She changed her diet. She worked out. She prayed. She did the thing where you stare at your lab results as if squinting changes numbers. Nothing. We addressed her mitochondrial function. Boom. She wasn’t “eating wrong.” Her LDL receptors were basically sitting around waiting for the energy to do their job. Once we supported her mitochondria, her labs shifted into the green zone and her cardiologist got off her back.

Client #2: A woman in perimenopause who thought she was losing her mind. Hot flashes. Irritability ... but more like ... RAGE. Two solid hours of sleep per night before waking. Mood swings galore. Everyone told her “welcome to midlife.” But when we worked together, we focused on mitochondria… and things improved gradually, but steadily.

Client #3: A woman gaining fat in places she swore didn’t exist last year. Her workouts were strong. Her meals were consistent. She was very disciplined. But she lost mitochondrial density + function as everyone does when it's not addressed. The machinery that burns fat was basically sending out of office emails.
We rebooted the system. Her body composition finally responded. First she noticed more energy (a perfect first sign of mitochondria coming online). Then her waist measurements started reflecting the progress.

Client #4: Joint pain all over. She assumed it was aging. Docs told her it was arthritis from "use + aging). I wondered if it was inflammation driven by mitochondrial distress and metabolic dysfunction. We worked on it. And worked on it some more. She's now able to tolerate all exercise except lunges, so we program around it and she enjoys her new pain-free routine.

Some women's blood pressure rises even though her lifestyle is "pristine".
Some women go gray faster than expected.
Some have the brain fog so thick they forget why they walked into the room.



Different symptoms. Same root. Once you learn to see the pattern, you can’t unsee it.

That’s why TRANSFORM works the way it does.

It’s not just macros and workouts. It’s not “drink water and walk” repackaged with better fonts.
It’s not “try harder this week and hope your nervous system cooperates.”

TRANSFORM is effective because we target mitochondrial function from every angle:

Your fuel.
Your food timing.
Your muscle.
Your nervous system.
Your sleep.
Your inflammation.
Your recovery.
Your circadian rhythm.
Your micronutrients.
Your stress signals.

We’re supporting the part of your body that decides whether your metabolism should burn fat for fuel and get lots of usable energy for your cells ... or use different pathways, not use up the excess fat, and not allow your cells to do their jobs properly due to an energy crisis

When women understand this… they stop thinking they’re the problem and realize their machinery was the problem. And machinery can be upgraded.

2026 is the year we do metabolism differently. We do health differently. We do us differently.

You don’t have to memorize biochemistry but you do have to stop assuming your symptoms are random and that you need different protocols for your different symptoms or goals.


Your health + body composition is a group project, and mitochondria are typically the bottleneck.

Stay wild + well,
Tara

P.S. Doors to TRANSFORM open this Friday, the 9th. Your mitochondria would like you to know they have big plans this year. The waitlist gets first access.



P.P.S. Yes, you can take it again. Many people do. Each round is different and there are new takeaways and deeper levels of implementation + momentum to be had. Returning TRANSFORMERS get 50% off. Just hit "reply" for your special link and code.

Warning: Low (Cellular) Battery?

You and me belong together like warm iced tea and warmer weather.



Have you heard this song yet? It's so fun! And also, it makes me think about us and our mitochondria. HAHA.


Mitochondria are the powerhouses or batteries of every cell in our body (except red blood cells). One of the 3 main reasons people experience any type of ailment or chronic disease like fat loss resistance, migraines, asthma, fatty liver disease, diabetes, arthritis. etc. is mitochondrial dysfunction. If you missed the 1 minute video I shared on instagram last week talking about these 3 root causes, here it is. Check out the caption where most of the info. is!


One of the main ways we can offset mitochondrial dysfunction is by being intentional about making choices that yield us mitochondrial biogenesis. This is just a fancy way of saying we can make our own new, healthy mitochondria when we know how to.


Let's talk about some nuanced factors that influence this intricate process so you can learn how to optimize your lifestyle for maximum mitochondrial mojo!

Mitochondrial biogenesis isn't a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. Rather, it's a complex interplay of various factors that dictate the health and vitality of our cellular powerhouses. From environmental influences to dietary choices and lifestyle habits, every aspect of our lives can impact mitochondrial biogenesis in unique ways.

I'm just going to list some of the key players in mitochondrial biogenesis and how they shape our cellular destiny (ahem ... and all health and fat loss goals):

  • Sunshine: Exposure to natural sunlight influences mitochondrial biogenesis by modulating circadian rhythms and reducing inflammation, ultimately supporting optimal cellular function.

  • Grounding: Practicing grounding techniques can influence mitochondrial biogenesis by connecting us with the Earth's electromagnetic field, promoting balance and cellular vitality.

  • Toxins: Environmental toxins can impair mitochondrial function and hinder biogenesis, underscoring the importance of minimizing exposure to pollutants and toxins for cellular health.

  • Processed Foods: Consumption of processed foods laden with artificial additives, flavors, dyes and processing can disrupt mitochondrial function and hinder biogenesis, emphasizing the importance of eating mostly real, whole foods for cellular health. 

  • Protein Intake: Adequate protein consumption provides the building blocks necessary for mitochondrial biogenesis, supporting the synthesis of new mitochondria and ensuring their structural integrity.

  • Movement: Physical activity stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis by activating cellular signaling pathways and promoting mitochondrial adaptation to metabolic demands.

  • Heat Exposure: Exposure to heat, such as sauna use, can stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and enhance cellular resilience through heat shock proteins.

  • Breath Work: Practices such as deep breathing and breathwork can support mitochondrial biogenesis by optimizing cellular oxygenation and energy metabolism.

  • Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels supports mitochondrial biogenesis by preventing oxidative stress and promoting metabolic flexibility.

  • Fiber Intake: A diet rich in fiber supports gut health, influencing mitochondrial biogenesis through the gut-microbiota-mitochondria axis.

  • Laughter: Positive emotions, including laughter, have been linked to improved mitochondrial function and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of mental and emotional health for cellular vitality.

  • Sex: Hormonal fluctuations associated with intimacy and sexual activity can impact mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical and sexual health.

  • Circadian Rhythm: Adherence to a consistent circadian rhythm supports mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular repair processes, optimizing overall health + vitality.

  • Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can disrupt mitochondrial function and impair biogenesis, emphasizing the importance of mitigating inflammation through diet and lifestyle choices.

  • EMF Exposure: Excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can disrupt mitochondrial function and hinder biogenesis, underscoring the importance of minimizing EMF exposure for cellular health.

  • Brain Challenges + Novelty: Engaging in cognitive activities and challenging the brain supports mitochondrial biogenesis and cognitive function, promoting overall brain health and vitality.

  • Supplements: Certain supplements, such as Coenzyme Q10, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and Nicotinamide Riboside, have shown promise in supporting mitochondrial biogenesis and enhancing mitochondrial function. I'm not suggesting you take these! Check with your healthcare provider. Supplements should be highly individualized.

  • Hydration: Adequate hydration is essential for cellular health and mitochondrial function. 

  • Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is crucial for mitochondrial repair and regeneration. 

  • Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can support mitochondrial health by reducing stress levels and promoting overall well-being. 

  • Social Connections: Strong social connections and meaningful relationships have been linked to improved health outcomes and longevity. 

  • Environmental Exposure: Beyond toxins and EMF exposure, consider other environmental factors that may impact mitochondrial health, such as air quality and exposure to pollutants. 

  • Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent fasting has been shown to promote mitochondrial biogenesis and improve mitochondrial function. Fasting approaches should be tailored to you as an individual.

  • Photobiomodulation: Light (and darkness), wavelengths and light angle all impact mitochondria density, health and biogenesis.



Mitochondrial biogenesis is a dynamic process influenced by a myriad of factors spanning from lifestyle choices to environmental exposures. Some of these factors are not fully in our control, but most factors absolutely ARE in our control at least a bit and are worth exploring. One big reason my 28-day metabolism-boosting course, TRANSFORM: Body + Mind, works so well is because we take action in the areas of mitochondrial health, chronic inflammation reduction and oxidative stress reduction. The March round started yesterday! I'm so excited to hear all of the wins that come from this new group of people who are changing their lives. <3 



While the next round of the course won't be until May, the waitlist is currently open for it. Hop on if you'd like to stay in the know and be notified of any special offers, discount codes ;-) and when enrollment begins.


If you need or want individualized help, here's some more information about 1:1 coaching.


Wishing you and your mitochondria a powerful day,
Tara