Lumen Metabolism Tracker Review

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Several weeks ago I was sent the Lumen Metabolism Tracker to test and review. I’d heard of metabolic testing being offered at gyms but I’ve never had the opportunity to try it. I was excited to get started.

 

The premise behind Lumen is that it helps you increase your Metabolic Flexibility. That’s the ability of your body to switch between burning carbohydrates and fat based on their availability.

According to Lumen, Metabolic Flexibility has many benefits:

• Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
• Helps prevent obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases
• Helps improve the body’s ability to burn fat, resulting in reduced hunger and cravings
• Helps promote sustainable weight loss

How does Lumen Work?

Lumen uses a CO2 sensor and flow meter that determines the CO2 concentration of your breath.

How to Use Lumen

Using my Lumen was simple. I downloaded the Lumen app, connected the unit to bluetooth, then took a deep inhalation and held my breath until I was instructed to exhale. That was all that was needed for Lumen to determine whether I was burning fat, a combo of fat and carbs, mostly carbs or all carbs.

Once the inhalations/exhalations were complete, Lumen gives me guidelines for the day. Based on my sleep, workouts, step count and other criteria, it lays out a plan of exactly what my macros (fats, carbs, proteins) should be for the day.

There are many daily options to use Lumen:

Upon waking

Before a workout

After a workout

Before eating

After eating

After fasting

Since I was most interested in learning how to fuel my runs, I mostly did the morning breath as well as the pre- and post-workout ones.

My Goals

Since hitting menopause, I’ve found the fasted workouts I used to do no longer serve me and I ended up with increased cortisol-induced belly fat. Lumen helped me know when a pre-workout fuel was necessary.

Ways to Improve Metabolic Flexibility

Pay attention to your macros. Low carb days improve your insulin sensitivity and deplete your body’s carb stores. High carb days allow your body to use carbohydrates for energy and help keep hormones in balance.

Workout. Workouts enhance mitochondrial function, which makes your body burn energy more efficiently.

Try Time-Restricted Eating aka Intermittent Fasting. Intermittent fasting depletes your carb stores , which enhances mitochondrial function.

If you want to try Lumen for yourself check it out here and save $40 at their Black Friday Sale going on until 11/26. Use code MARCIA10 to save an additional 10%.

What I Love About Lumen:

It’s quick and easy to use.

The app is user friendly,

The unit is small and portable. It has a convenient carrying case and charges quickly

There is all kinds of support. Once Lumen suggests the macro plan you should follow for the day, it gives you food ideas and serving sizes.

If it recommends you fuel up before a workout it will make suggestions as to what and how much to eat.

There’s an active Facebook discussion group where people ask all kinds of questions which are promptly answered.

I receive a weekly metabolism report via email.

Final Thoughts

There is so much about Lumen I have yet to explore. Except for a couple of days when I logged my food in My Fitness Pal, I have not counted my macros. The Lumen has definitely inspired me to be better about taking in enough protein. And just knowing it’s coming up on time to use my Lumen deters me from hitting the snacks. All good things!

Try Lumen for Yourself

Use code MARCIA10 to save 10% off Lumen. Take advantage of their Black Friday Sale and save $40 until 11/26.

Have you ever used a metabolism tracker? Do you track macros? Use a food/exercise log? 

I’m linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida, for Fit Five Friday. Join us!