What Determines Your Carb Tolerance?

Your body’s ability to handle carbs isn’t fixed—it depends on multiple factors, including:

🍉Total caloric intake: Too many calories from any source—carbs, fat, or protein—can lead to fat storage.

☀️Light environment: Natural light exposure improves insulin sensitivity, while chronic artificial light disrupts circadian rhythms and glucose metabolism.

🤸🏽‍♀️Activity level: Movement increases glucose uptake in muscles, lowering the “load” carbs place on your system.

Put simply: your body can handle an occasional treat far better in the context of daylight, activity, and appropriate calorie balance than when you’re sitting indoors under artificial light late at night.

(If you haven’t yet, check out my Circadian Reset Protocol to learn how to optimize your light environment no matter where you live.)

How to Apply This in Real Life

Don’t fear carbs—but consider matching them to your needs.

🧭 Front-loading them earlier in the day, when your insulin response is naturally stronger.

🍓 Choosing seasonal, whole-food sources (fruit, tubers, whole grains) over processed snacks.

👉🏽 Why seasonal fruit isn’t the same as a candy bar: Watch here on YouTube.

👉🏽 The 5 times you shouldn’t cut carbs: Read my lates post on Instagram @tinamaaria

Final Word

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Next time you wonder “Should I eat carbs today?”—don’t look for a black-or-white answer. Instead, ask yourself:

🔋Am I in a calorie surplus or deficit?
☀️How much natural light have I been exposed to?
🏋🏽What’s my activity level today?

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When you learn to answer these questions, you stop guessing and start aligning your diet with your biology.

💫Ready to stop the guesswork? Work with me 1:1 and I’ll build you a personalised nutrition plan tailored to your needs and goals, or check out my Fat Loss Diet Protocol that’s carb-inclusive, and sustainable fixed protocol to help you reach your physique goals fast.

👉🏽 Reply to this email, and let's chat!

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​-Tiina <3

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*This newsletter is not personal or medical advice. Always consult your private health care provider before making changes to your exercise, nutrition or lifestyle.