Lab Reality Check — Decode Your Bloodwork for Hidden Roadblocks


⏱️ Time Horizon: 1‑day draw → 7‑day analysis
📍 Ideal For: “Normal” labs but low energy, stalled fat‑loss, mystery inflammation, or anyone who wants data before deeper tweaks.

Prerequisite = Objective Baseline.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Labs spotlight nutrient gaps, hormone hiccups, and silent inflammation that lifestyle tweaks alone might miss.


Why It Matters

Marker Optimal (Functional) Why You Care Key Evidence
Fasting Insulin < 8 µIU/mL High insulin predicts weight gain ≈ 10 yrs before glucose rises Kraft 2008
HbA1c 4.8–5.2 % Glycation ages mitochondria & nerves Selvin 2010
hs‑CRP < 1 mg/L Inflammation drains dopamine & impairs recovery Ridker 2016
Ferritin 50–150 ng/mL Low = fatigue / hair loss; high = oxidative stress Looker 2022
25‑OH Vitamin D 40–60 ng/mL Modulates immune & muscle function Holick 2017
TSH 0.5–2.0 µIU/mL Outliers signal thyroid drag on metabolism Hennessey 2016
ALT / AST < 25 U/L Elevated = liver load, stalling fat‑loss Lee 2013


The 4‑Step Protocol


  1. Order the Core Panel
    CBC, CMP, Lipid Panel, Fasting Insulin, HbA1c, hs‑CRP, Ferritin, 25‑OH D, TSH, B12, RBC Magnesium.
    Use direct‑to‑consumer service or ask your GP with this exact list.

  2. Pre‑Draw Prep
    • Fast 12 hrs (water ok)
    • No caffeine or exercise morning of draw
    • Pause non‑prescription supps 48 hrs prior
    • Hydrate: 500 mL water 1 hr pre‑draw

  3. Interpret with Functional Ranges
    Conventional "normal" is population average—including the sick. Compare to table above. Flag ⬆/⬇ markers.

  4. Action Decision Tree
    • Single Deficiency (e.g., ferritin < 30): go to Nutrient‑Density Masterclass & consider targeted supplement.
    • Inflammatory Cluster (hs‑CRP > 3 + ALT > 35): prioritize NEAT Engine Upgrade + Protein‑First Plate.
    • Insulin > 12 or HbA1c > 5.4: queue Metabolic Flex Training.
    • Re‑test flagged markers in 8–12 weeks.


Metrics & Tracking

Metric Target Check‑In
Fasting Insulin < 8 µIU/mL 12 weeks
hs‑CRP < 1 mg/L 12 weeks
Ferritin 50–150 ng/mL 16 weeks
Subjective Energy (1–10) +2 vs. baseline Weekly


Completion Criteria


  • All flagged markers back in optimal range OR targeted plan in motion.

  • Subjective morning energy ≥ 7/10 three days running.

  • Clear next‑step module chosen (e.g., Metabolic Flex, Strength Reserve).


Study Receipts


  • Kraft JR. Hyperinsulinemia precedes glucose dysregulation. Diabetes Care 2008.

  • Selvin E et al. HbA1c as predictor of complications. NEJM 2010.

  • Ridker PM. Inflammation and chronic disease. Circulation 2016.

  • Looker AC. Ferritin and fatigue. Am J Clin Nutr 2022.

  • Holick MF. Vitamin D in energy and immunity. Nutrients 2017.

  • Hennessey JV. Thyroid function and energy. Thyroid 2016.

  • Lee J et al. ALT and metabolic health. J Hepatology 2013.