
If I look back, weight training has been a part of my life for years, even before I became a mother. At first, I loved how it made me feel: strong, energized, confident in my skin. But after pregnancy and stepping into motherhood, I discovered an even deeper truth about why muscle matters, not just for looks, but for long-term health, mental clarity, and the way we show up in life.
This isn’t just about moms or parents. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, whether you’re chasing toddlers or chasing personal goals: gaining muscle is one of the smartest investments you can make for your body and your future.

Why muscle is a game-changer for weight management
For years, I believed cardio was the “secret” to staying in shape. But here’s what I eventually realized: muscle is the real engine of your metabolism.
Muscle tissue burns calories even when you’re not working out, when you’re resting, working, or even sleeping. The more muscle you build, the more your body works for you, not against you. Instead of fighting your metabolism, you fuel it.
That shift changed how I ate, too. Protein became my anchor. Not because I was trying to restrict or “diet,” but because I finally understood that foods like eggs, yogurt, salmon, chicken, and high-quality meat are the building blocks of strength. They’re what help your muscles recover, grow, and do their magic behind the scenes.
⚠️ But a quick note here as a coach who works closely with naturopaths and nutritionists: muscle needs more than just protein. A balanced meal that combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats (PFF) will support digestion, hormones, and inflammation better than a protein-heavy or red meat-focused diet, which can acidify the body and strain the liver over time. It’s not just about eating more protein, it’s about eating smarter.
What I’ve gained beyond muscle

Sure, muscle helps with weight control. But here’s what truly surprised me:
- Energy that lasts all day: No more mid-afternoon crashes. My body feels steady and resilient.
- Mental clarity & confidence: Strength training feels like therapy. Pushing through a workout builds the same resilience I need in everyday life.
- Hormonal balance: Muscle supports better blood sugar regulation, lowers inflammation, and calms stress hormones.
- Aging strong: Muscle isn’t just for the young. As we age, we naturally lose it, which is why so many people struggle with weakness or injuries later in life. Building muscle now means we stay independent, mobile, and vibrant for decades to come.

The real “why”
When I first picked up weights, it was about me, about feeling strong, sculpted, and confident. Now, it’s about something bigger.
It’s about longevity. It’s about being able to travel, move freely, play, laugh, and live fully, not just now, but in 10, 20, 40 years from now. It’s about proving to myself (and showing others) that strength has no age limit, no gender barrier, and no expiration date.
Because let’s be honest: no one remembers what size jeans you wore. They’ll remember how you made them feel. If you had the energy to show up, to say yes to adventures, to live fully. And that’s my real why.
Training that fits real life
One thing I’ve learned: building muscle doesn’t require endless hours at the gym.
I love both home and gym workouts. Some days, I need the motivation of weights clanking and people around me. Other days, I just want to roll out my mat at home and get it done while life hums around me.
That’s exactly why I create workouts inside 5-Day Body Reset Challenge in the MyAuthentikSpoon App. They’re simple, powerful routines you can do at home or in the gym. You can repeat the workout twice if you want an extra challenge, or just do one round when time is tight. Either way, consistency is what builds strength. Trust me. A little truly goes a long way.

A loving reminder
Building muscle won’t make you bulky, it will make you strong, capable, and resilient. It will help you manage your weight in a way that feels effortless instead of punishing. And most importantly, it will give you the energy, confidence, and health to live the life you truly want.
For me, lifting weights has been the smartest decision I’ve ever made for my body and mind. It’s not just about the physical changes, it’s about the freedom I feel, the clarity in my head, and the way I can fully show up in life.
So if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of cardio or obsessing over the scale, I want to invite you to try something different. Pick up the weights. Fuel your body with balanced meals. Build the muscle.
Not just for today, but for the future you’re creating.
If this message resonated with you, please share it. Let’s inspire more people to stop chasing “smaller” and start building “stronger.”
Ready to begin? Let’s take the next step together
If you feel something shifting inside and you’re ready to start, here’s what I recommend:
1. Book your private Discovery Session with me.

In just 45 minutes, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and map out simple, personalized tools to help you gain energy, reconnect with your body, and stop feeling stuck.
👉 Click here to book your Discovery Session
2. Join the Authentik Reset Membership Waitlist.

Unlock your healthiest life with the Authentik Reset Membership , structured support all year round.
Inside the Authentik Reset Membership, we focus on sustainable weight loss, muscle-building nutrition, detox, hormone balance, and real-life fitness practices that keep your momentum going.
You’ll get access to expert-led programs, relaxing yoga, strength training plans, and naturopathic tools to support your energy, gut health, and mental clarity all year round.
👉 Click here to join the Waitlist
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About the author

I’m Louisa Mesquita, a health and certified glow-up coach with a passion for helping people live healthier, fuller lives. I help women and men rebuild a trusting relationship with their body, mind, and confidence through:
- Food and nutrition that support energy, hormones, and vitality
- Movement and exercise that feel natural and enjoyable
- Nervous system practices to bring calm and balance
- Mindset + confidence work to help you trust yourself and your choices again
This isn’t a band-aid. It’s the breakthrough. My mission is to help you create a lifestyle that supports you, inside and out, so you can finally feel like yourself again.