4 Important Things I’ve Learned about my Body from DNA

This post is in partnership with HomeDNA.

I’m turning 40 year this. One major goal I have as I count down to that milestone age is to feel the best I’ve ever felt. I’ve been stepping up my health and fitness goals. I’ve shared how I’ve been using technology to target and keep track of my fitness progress (see that post here). Last year, I was so blown away by the insights I gained about my skin (and its severe sensitivities) from a HomeDNA skin analysis. When I was given the opportunity to learn more about my body from a HomeDNA Healthy Weight Analysis, then, I seized the opportunity. And, just like my skin experience, I was floored by the insights I gained.

Before, I delve into what I learned, you must know how easy HomeDNA makes it to gather a sample. You receive a kit with an instruction booklet. The first step is setting up an online account using the code assigned to your kit. Doing so allows you to retrieve your results later. Then, using the four swabs included in the kit, you gather samples from inside your mouth. It’s as easy as swiping up and down. Next, you toss the swabs into the included sample envelope. Just like that, you’re on your way to insights about your body.

HomeDNA Healthy Weight Analysis

4 Things I’ve Learned about my Body from a HomeDNA Healthy Weight Analysis

1. My weight loss ability is below average. Yikes! Apparently, my body’s ability to lose weight from a program of regular diet and exercise is below average.

2. The optimal diet for me would balance complex carbohydrates with plant-based fats and proteins. I was particularly intrigued by the emphasis on plant-based sources for proteins and fats because I’ve been vegan for the last 10 years, and I’ve always felt like it was the best diet for me.

3. My DNA results indicate I have a higher risk of having low levels of key micronutrients. Some of these include B12 and vitamin D. As a vegan, I’ve been mindful about getting those nutrients since they do no not naturally occur in a typical vegan diet. Now, I’ll probably pay special attention to ensuring I get them.

4. My body’s response to strength training is enhanced but below average for cardio. Wow! When I introduced strength training, and I’m talking about serous lifting, into my fitness routine, my body completely transformed. So, this result is a kind of confirmation.

Now, the insights I shared today are only a snippet of what I received in my 30 page analysis. I received a detailed breakdown of results in 4 major categories, recommended diet plans, and even ideal workout regimens. Would you like this kind of information? Get $50 off your HomeDNA Healthy Weight Kit (making it a total of $69) using the code HW50 until 4/30.

How Technology is Enhancing My Fitness Journey this Year

Thank you Nokia for sponsoring this post. Visit the Nokia Body+ site for more info and start the new year off right!

You might soon grow tired of me saying this, but I’m turning 40 later this year. Yass! I’m so thrilled about it that I’ve been busy setting goals. One of my major goals is to seriously boost my health and well being. I want to be in the best health of my life. And, the start of the year is a cool time to start targeting that goal, right?

I’ve taken some important steps in that direction in the past. I created a fitness regimen that I love. I also cleaned up my diet. This year, to take things to a new level, I’m incorporating technology into my routine. And, when, I encountered the Nokia Body+ scale, I knew I found an accountability partner in fitness technology.

I know what you’re thinking, “not another scale, Psyche!” But, rock with me for a second. The Nokia Body+ is not just another scale, y’all. It is a body analyzer. This beautifully-designed device captures some critical components of your weight, including BMI, fat mass, muscle mass, body water, and bone mass. And, as if that wasn’t enough, it’ll even tell you the weather.

There are differing opinions on weight check-ins when on a fitness journey. When I worked with a trainer, we’d do periodical check-ins to get the kind of data that my Nokia Body+ gives me whenever I want. For me, getting information is crucial for tracking progress and targeting or retargeting efforts. By the way, the Nokia Body+ makes it easy to track progress because it syncs with the Health Mate app automatically and keeps a complete history of your health data. These two things together are like the ultimate fitness coach.

In addition to making it so easy to track your progress over time, the Health Mate app also gives encouragement and tips on how to best achieve your goals. By the way, if you’re already using other apps, like MyFitnessPal, Health Mate can sync to them as well.

fitness technology

My dog Nevis must’ve heard that the Nokia Body+ was family-friendly because he always wants to be around when I’m using mine. While he won’t be using it, the scale and its Health Mate partner can track up to 8 users. So, I’ve been tracking my husband Howard’s weight data too. It’s a family affair.

(Get 10% off at the Nokia Health store through December 1, 2018 here with this code: NEWYOU-WFA-N9Z)

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.