#Metabolic state

[healthhub80]

What is Ketosis? A Comprehensive Guide

If you're wondering what ketosis is, this comprehensive guide is for you! Learn all about the process of ketosis, the benefits, and potential drawbacks of this dietary approach.

Introduction

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body uses stored fat as its primary fuel source, rather than glucose. This process is achieved through a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, also known as the ketogenic diet. If you're interested in trying this dietary approach, or simply curious about what it entails, you've come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about ketosis, including the benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to achieve and maintain this state.

What is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a natural metabolic process that occurs when your body doesn't have enough glucose (sugar) to use as fuel for energy. In response, your body begins to break down stored fat into molecules called ketones, which are then used as an alternative fuel source. This process is achieved through a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, which forces your body to switch from using glucose as its primary fuel source to using ketones.

How Does Ketosis Work?

When you eat a diet that's high in carbohydrates, your body converts those carbs into glucose, which is then used as fuel for energy. However, when you eat a low-carbohydrate diet, your body doesn't have enough glucose to use as fuel. In response, your liver begins to break down stored fat into ketones, which are then used as an alternative fuel source. This metabolic process is called ketosis.

What Are Ketones?

Ketones are molecules that are produced by your liver when you're in a state of ketosis. They're an alternative fuel source that your body uses when it doesn't have enough glucose to use as fuel. There are three main types of ketones: acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone.

What is the Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that's designed to induce a state of ketosis in your body. The diet typically consists of 70-75% fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates. By drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake, your body is forced to switch from using glucose as its primary fuel source to using ketones. This can lead to rapid weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and other health benefits.

Benefits of Ketosis

There are several potential benefits of achieving a state of ketosis, including:

One of the primary benefits of ketosis is weight loss. When your body is in a state of ketosis, it's using stored fat as its primary fuel source. This can lead to rapid weight loss, as your body burns through its fat stores.

Blood Sugar Control

The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. By reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat intake, the body produces less insulin, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. This can be especially beneficial for people with diabetes who struggle to control their blood sugar levels through diet and medication alone.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response that helps your body fight infection and heal injuries. However, chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which may help to lower the risk of these and other chronic diseases.

Improved Mental Clarity

Some people report improved mental clarity and focus when they're in a state of ketosis. This may be due to the fact that ketones are a more efficient fuel source for the brain than glucose. Additionally, the ketogenic diet has been shown to increase the production of a brain-protective protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may help to improve cognitive function.

Potential Drawbacks of Ketosis

While there are many potential benefits to achieving a state of ketosis, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

When you first start a ketogenic diet, you may experience symptoms like headache, fatigue, and brain fog. This is often referred to as the "keto flu" and is thought to be caused by the body adapting to a low-carbohydrate diet. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a few weeks.

Digestive Issues

The high-fat content of the ketogenic diet can lead to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Additionally, some people may find getting enough fiber on a ketogenic diet challenging, which can further exacerbate digestive issues.

Difficulty Maintaining

Maintaining a state of ketosis can be difficult for some people, especially if they're used to eating a high-carbohydrate diet. It can be challenging to stick to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet long-term, and some people may find that they're unable to maintain a state of ketosis for an extended period of time.

How to Achieve and Maintain Ketosis

If you're interested in achieving a state of ketosis, there are a few steps you can take to get started:

Reduce Carbohydrate Intake

The first step to achieving a state of ketosis is to reduce your carbohydrate intake. Most people will need to consume less than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day to achieve and maintain ketosis.

Increase Fat Intake

You'll need to increase your fat intake to replace the calories from carbohydrates. Aim to consume healthy fat sources, like olive oil, nuts, and avocado, and avoid unhealthy fat sources, like trans fats and processed foods.

Monitor Protein Intake

While protein is an important nutrient, consuming too much can kick you out of ketosis. Aim to consume moderate amounts of protein, and focus on healthy sources like grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is important for overall health, but it's especially important when you're in a state of ketosis. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and consider adding electrolytes to your water to help prevent dehydration.

Test Your Ketone Levels

To know if you're in a state of ketosis, you'll need to test your ketone levels. There are a few different ways to do this, including urine strips, blood tests, and breath tests. Choose the method that works best for you and monitor your ketone levels regularly.

Be Patient

Achieving a state of ketosis can take time, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away, and remember that everyone's body is different.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Foods Can I Eat on a Ketogenic Diet?

On a ketogenic diet, you'll want to focus on foods that are high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates. Some good options include:

Meat, poultry, and fish

Eggs

Nuts and seeds

Avocado

Leafy green vegetables

Healthy oils like olive oil and coconut oil

Can I Drink Alcohol on a Ketogenic Diet?

While it's technically possible to drink alcohol on a ketogenic diet, it's generally not recommended. Alcohol is high in calories and can interfere with your body's ability to achieve and maintain ketosis. If you do choose to drink alcohol, stick to low-carbohydrate options like wine or spirits mixed with sugar-free mixers.

Is the Ketogenic Diet Safe?

For most healthy adults, the ketogenic diet is safe and can be an effective way to lose weight and improve health. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have a medical condition like diabetes or kidney disease, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting a ketogenic diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ketosis is a metabolic state that occurs when your body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. While achieving a state of ketosis can have many potential health benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. If you're interested in trying a ketogenic diet, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider first and to be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new way of eating. With the right guidance and support, achieving a state of ketosis can be a safe and effective way to improve your health and achieve your weight loss goals. Remember to focus on healthy sources of fat, monitor your protein intake, stay hydrated, and test your ketone levels regularly. With these tips and a little patience, you can successfully enter and maintain a state of ketosis.

[jbfly46]

How the government fucks poor people and permanently alters their metabolism to turn them into mindless worker drones:

• Free school lunches - Sysco poison

• Food pantries - Sysco poison

• Government healthcare - Bayer/Monsanto/Dow organ farming & Pfizer poison drugs

• Prison food - Sysco poison

• Military mess hall food - More Sysco poison

These are all giant corporations that were started by ex-military using their career contacts to contract with the military to purchase their waste, repackage it as food & drugs, then sell it to the general public.

[thateclecticbitch]

Hey quick question when does the misgendering stop

[mossymandibles]

Buncha Genevieve doodles and an obligatory ‘dad taking sleeping kid to bed’ pose of Kraw, even though Gen would normally abhor being held.

[verfound]

MINIFIC: Oct. 23: Day 10: Full Moon (MLB, Lukanette, DLM AU)

Continuing from Ch8-9. Let's see if I can stay caught up. 😂

For @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers October Minific Challenge 2023.

Read on Ao3

To Feel Alive Again: Ch10: Full Moon

“That won’t work, you know.”

Marinette jumped at the voice, and that was probably the proof of his words right there.  She tried to scowl at Luka, but she found her face didn’t want to cooperate.  She turned away instead, tipping her head back against the chair she had brought up to the roof a few hours ago and glaring at the moon.

It had no right to be so pretty, she thought as she took another long drink from the bottle in her hand.  The world wasn’t pretty.  It didn’t deserve pretty things like that full moon above her when it had such ugliness inside.

“At least share,” Luka sighed as he dropped to the roof beside her, plucking the bottle from her fingers and taking a swig.

“No one invited you,” she bit, snatching the bottle back.  Luka coughed as some of the alcohol went down the wrong pipe, and she smirked as she tipped the bottle back.  The lip was wet from…well, his lips.  Gross.  “I only share with people I invite.  This was a solo party.”

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s bad form to drink alone?” he asked, taking the bottle back.  She glared at him, and he lifted an unimpressed eyebrow in turn.

…she probably looked like a grumpy kitten to him.  He was condescending like that.  The asshole.

“Stop checking up on me,” she said, turning away with a huff and slumping back in her chair.  She pulled the blanket she’d brought up tighter around her shoulders.  It was an indulgence she had gotten with her first post-death paycheck: a thick, pink, Sherpa-lined throw that was sinfully soft and kept her entirely too warm.

She loved it.

“I’m not…” he started.  She shot him a Look, and he sighed as he leaned back on his hands and looked up at the moon.  She tried to ignore the way it lit up his eyes, making them shimmer in its soft glow.  “Ok.  Fine.  I’m checking up on you.  But I’m checking up on you because I wanted to, not because Mendeleiev is making me.”

…huh.  That was new.

“…why?” she asked, glancing over at him.

“Because she’s a bitch and dealt you a shitty hand,” he said.  His fingers tapped at the roof, and when he glanced over at her he offered her a small smile.  “…and I missed you.  And when Fred told me what happened, I started to worry.”

“Softie,” she chided, and he sighed as he looked back up at the moon.

“I’m afraid you might be right,” he said.  He was still smiling.  “Tell the others and I’ll kill you.”

“Isn’t that going to be a little hard?” she asked, nudging his knee with her foot.  “We’re already dead, Luka.”

“I’m pretty determined,” he said casually.  “I’ll find a way.  Even if it’s locking you in my closet until I finally get my own lights.”

“Asshole,” she giggled.  A comfortable silence settled between them, where they just watched the moon and pretended they could see the stars beyond the city lights.  It was nice, she couldn’t help but think.  She was finding Luka was nice.  Or, at the least, he wasn’t as prickly as she had initially thought.

She was starting to drift off, the exhaustion of the past few days meeting the quiet comfort Luka’s presence offered to lull her towards the sleep she desperately needed.  She might have missed his question, if he hadn’t nudged his knee back against her foot.  Her lips twitched with a smile as she looked at the roof before her, where their limbs were barely touching.  Where they were stretched out like the old friends they might have been another lifetime ago, had she been born a few years sooner or he had been born a few years later and they had both lived past the brief spark of twenty-something.

“He would have liked you,” Juleka had said.

She was starting to think she would have liked him, too.  Back before he was dead.

“Are you ok?” he asked, his voice soft in the quiet night.

She blinked tired eyes at the moon and thought of Abby Rousseau, the little girl who had been senselessly snuffed out even sooner than they had been.  She thought of the undead man beside her and the quiet comfort his presence brought.  Of Fred, downstairs, worrying over her like the papa he was because he couldn’t worry over his own little girl anymore and she no longer had a papa to worry about her, either.  Of Théo and even fucking Mendeleiev, their merry little band of reapers slipping through life on the periphery.  They didn’t have much anymore, but at least they still had each other.

She supposed that had to count for something.

It had to be enough.

“…no,” she answered.  Her hand slipped out of the blanket and reached for his, and she smiled when he threaded his fingers through hers and squeezed.  “But I think I will be.  Thanks, Luka.”

“Any time, Marinette.”

[theres-whump-in-that-nebula]

Me, scooping myself the most ginormous amount of Neapolitan ice cream you’ve ever seen: “Mmm protein.”

[supercantaloupe]

craving. pita sandwich...

[etlu-yume]

I really ought to finish these damn Transferrin Saturation paper notes but I'm struggling with the line-by-line horror stories of how fucked up it is.

Like phew I don't even know what's worse:

• Transferrin Saturation as an indicator of Hepcidin production (oop)

• >50% Transferrin Saturation exposure associated with joint symptoms

• High Transferrin Saturation (>50%) also associated with the appearance of NTBI (Non-transferrin bound iron), which is likely linked to things like *organ damage*

• Therapeutic Phlebotomy treatment linked to an INCREASED iron absorption after procedures because (somehow. I haven't found exactly HOW yet) it decreases Hepcidin production.

It's such a fucking hot mess like what do we even DO with this information??? There's no hepcidin synthetics from a few (admittedly quick) googles (I *did* check the clinical trials website and nothing of interest/help). The paper in question talks about how a Melbourne study suggests that it may be more beneficial to *NOT* treat mild cases of iron overload. Which I find wild because the same paper also points out that a low ferritin does not mean you have a low transferrin saturation, and it's exposure to a high TS% over a long period of time that seems to be associated with worsening symptoms (particularly joint pain, ability to do work, athletic ability, and libido).

From my brief googles, there's no easy lab tests for Hepcidin. There's no easy lab tests for NTBI. These are things that could be doing who-knows-what and we can't even tell.

Add to it the whole Estradiol/Hepcidin link and it just all is an absolutely hot mess and do not like the implications of where this leads nor the fact that it seems very few people in research world have looked at this. (I'm not surprised. I'm not fucking surprised. They love to run with the myth that women with haemochromatosis are protected by their periods. In the words of a specialist I absolutely loathed, "you're self medicating with periods". Yeah. Sure. Tell that to my 18 year old self. Tell that to anyone who either knowingly or unknowingly is taking a Contraceptive Pill that has iron tablets instead of sugar placebos. [Because I only just found out THAT is a thing. I was always so worried about what's in the hormone tablets, but this was a whole new level of 'wot'].)

I'm rambling because I keep stopping every couple of sentences. This paper goes hard. Sure it's not perfect and there's a lot of unanswered questions too but there's plenty of food for thought and ooooh boy I'm sorry Dr Haemotologist Sir, it's gonna be one hell of an introduction session.

[crimson-catalyst]

i also love dying on any hill AND have a staggering array of bird facts 😌

Sometimes i wonder if my followers have their own “headcanon voice” for me

[aarunresearcher]

United States point of care diagnostics market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.90% during 2024-2032. Numerous advancements in portable and handheld diagnostic devices have enhanced the convenience and user-friendliness of testing, which is primarily driving the market growth.

[weightlosstip1812]

Is it normal to gain weight before losing?

When you start a new exercise program or change your diet, your body goes through a variety of changes. One of the most common causes of weight gain before losing weight is water retention. As you begin to exercise, your muscles may become inflamed, which can cause your body to retain water. This can lead to a temporary increase in weight on the scale.

In addition to water retention, your body may also begin to build muscle mass as you start to exercise. While muscle is denser than fat, it also weighs more. This means that you may see an increase in weight, even as you're losing body fat.

Another factor to consider is that many people tend to overcompensate for their workouts by eating more food. This can lead to an increase in calorie intake, which can offset any potential weight loss from exercise.

Here are 5 points:

1. Gaining weight before losing weight is a common phenomenon that happens when you start a new exercise program or change your diet.

2. This initial weight gain is usually caused by water retention and muscle building, which can increase your overall weight.

3. It's important to keep in mind that weight loss is a gradual process, and it may take time to see significant results.

4. achieve weight loss goals, it's important to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly, as well as to be patient and persistent.

5. If you're concerned about your weight or are struggling to lose weight, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide you with personalized advice and support.

[fairyminnie444]

Why You Can Change Your Physical Appearance and Overcome the Limitations of Biology

According to the Law of Assumption, what you believe and feel to be true is what manifests in your reality.

The idea is that your consciousness is the only reality, and the body follows the mind’s command.

So if you firmly assume that eating any amount of calories does not affect your body beyond what you determine, that is what will be reflected. If you assume a new desired appearance, that is what will be reflected.

Biologically speaking, the body follows certain physical and metabolic laws. But from the perspective of the Law of Assumption, biology is secondary to consciousness, because physical reality is created by the mind. In other words, what you believe to be true about your body and the world is what manifests, even if it goes against traditional scientific explanations.

So, by the logic of this law: it doesn’t matter whether it’s biologically “possible” or not, because biology is shaped by your belief. If you firmly believe that eating 1,500 calories will have the same effect as eating 500, your body will respond to that belief. If you firmly believe that your eyes is blue, your body will respond to that belief. Nothing is "more likely" or less possible", >everything< has the same weight as your belief.

The most important thing is that you don’t see biology as a limit, but rather as something that adapts to your assumptions.

The focus is on assuming the internal state of what you want and letting 3D adjust to it.

The “how” of this doesn’t matter as in any other manifestation. Your mind can manifest changes in surprising ways, whether through natural means (spontaneous genetic change, color perception, etc.) or circumstances you never imagined. The only thing that matters is that you stay true to your desired state.

[all-i-do-is-try1]

Just got celcius energy drinks it’s so worth it. They’ve got a ton of vitamins too

[bluesidez]

[The Ideal Gaze]

lab tester: @ichigosluvrr 🩻

pairing: DadBod!Miguel O’Hara x Fem!Reader

summary: Miguel is feeling a bit out of your league, so you remind him that he’s just in your lane. 

content warning: established relationship (they’re married with kids!), domestic fluff, mild hurt/comfort due to Miguel being an idiot that does not understand The Female Gaze, some miscommunication between reader and Miguel, 18+ so MDNI, a little raunchier than I intended tbh but hopefully I presented DB!Mig well, body worship, heated tension, reader is like obsessed with Miguel’s new Dad Bod, deepthroat 😗, missionary position, unprotected p in v sex (WRAP IT UP 🫵🏾), the word Ma as a term of endearment from Miguel to reader two times

word count: 5.3k, halfway proofread

a/n: Fulfilling this first because this was technically my first request! I added a few more elements (thank you Miguel server!), so I hope you don’t mind. There were no specific requests other than fluff and smut, so I went with the flow. I hope you enjoy! (Also, I found the original artist's post here!! Go give them some love!)

Your blood is pumping as you round the corner, only a few more steps until you reach the driveway. 

The jog today was pretty refreshing. There were no calls from work asking about things that could wait until 8 AM, no toddler fussing about waking up, and no child whining about getting homework done. It was just you, your FitBit, your steamy audiobook, and the lingering thoughts of meeting your husband’s eyes this morning. Lately, it’s been like a little game to rile him up. 

You’ve been married for a few years and a family of four for seven years with a sweet little girl, a second grader with the attitude of an old lady, and a precious little boy, a preschooler with keen intuition. With your lives being consumed with work and taking care of the kids, you feel like your relationship has been put on the back burner. Long gone were the days in which you two made love at the drop of a hat, fucking on anything that could hold you. Now, you were lucky enough to get a little dry humping.

It was getting depressing, and more annoyingly, frustrating, so you started to put your riled-up energy elsewhere. You were up at the crack of dawn making everyone’s lunches and going on occasional jogs, you were using your PTO for brunches with the girls and spa days, you had regular pilates classes, the real pilates, and most importantly, you were finding small pockets of time for yourself. 

From buying yourself small gifts to filling your Kindle with romance books to pleasuring yourself on the nights Miguel worked overtime. You were sure to keep yourself busy. All of that, and you still couldn’t get the thought of Miguel entangled with you out of your head. 

You heaved out as you stopped at the end of the driveway, taking a few breaths to calm your state. The book you were listening to was on a particularly enthralling scene and you wondered if it was something that Miguel would be interested in trying. 

You looked down at yourself and decided to unzip the top of your athletic jacket, letting the tightness of your bra and the fabric push your cleavage up. One smooth swipe of your clothes and you were walking to the front door. 

It was 6:40 AM, so there was plenty of time to have a little quiet moment with your husband. 

You walked into the kitchen and saw him standing in all of his glory. A newspaper in his left hand, because some things didn’t need to be digitized, a “Best Papá Ever” mug in his right hand, black glasses on his face, and your favorite thing, a naked plush torso on display. 

In the first years of parenthood, his metabolism was through the roof. Despite him joining you for every snack, meal, and midnight dessert, he never lost that tiny little waist or those washboard abs. It wasn’t until your youngest was born and babbling that his appearance started to change. His arms became a mix of muscle and cellulite, his thighs were softer than ever, his chest was full and plump, and his waist widened gifting you with his soft belly and a happy trail that continued to his belly button. 

The early time didn’t stop the coil of neediness in your stomach from forming. 

“Good morning, hubby,” you say with a lilt to your voice. You walked closer to him, an extra bounce in your step, and leaned on the island. 

Sure enough, Miguel was peeking at your chest from over his glasses, mug hovering over his lips. 

You only smiled coyly, waiting for his response. 

“Good morning. How was your jog?” he puts the newspaper and mug down, folding his arms under his chest. 

You stared at his bulging arms, pressed-up pecs, and his tummy that moved with him and almost whined. 

“It was really good. Super nice and refreshing. Maybe a little warm,” you crossed your legs, impatient. “How’s your morning so far?”

“It’s better,” he says, making the short distance to crowd your space. He leans over you, hands going to the island. “My wife is here now.”

You smile at his words, hands itching to touch him but not wanting to ruin the stride. Instead, you look up at him and pan his lips. 

“I’m feeling better, too,” you whisper, waiting. 

Miguel leans forward to press his lips onto yours, the smell of coffee hitting your senses. You feel little fireworks go off as he starts to open your mouth. Everything felt just right in this moment. 

When his hand slid across your back, you almost jumped up to wrap your legs around him. You tilted your head and wrapped your arms around his neck. You could feel yourself slipping against the counter, but Miguel was right there to steady you. 

For what felt like hours to you after so long of a heated connection, the two of you made out on the kitchen island. Only some birds chirping, the occasional car passing by, and the hum of the washing machine could be heard next to the sound of you both breathing into each other’s lips

“Come with me to the shower?” you say, eyes heavy and pleading. 

You could feel Miguel tense up, back rigid as he moved back. 

“I better stay. Raul might wake up soon and he was having a hard time sleeping last night.”

Your heart dropped at the rejection. You were hoping that this would be the one, the moment that you’ve been anticipating for months. Some form of sexual connection. 

“Ok. I’ll be out soon,” you turn and go to the master bathroom, tugging the zipper down hastily. You felt a bit dejected and embarrassed, but you’re trying to let it go. Your mommy side knows that your youngest woke up in distress last night so it makes perfect sense that Miguel wants to be alert for his cries, but your wife side wants her husband back and can’t help but feel like he didn’t want you. 

With this brisk shower, you hoped this self-doubt and neediness washed away with it. 

You tapped your fingers against the desk, staring off at your computer. Work today was slow, which you didn’t mind because that meant you could frequent your watchlist, but your mind kept wandering off while watching some random K-drama. 

Last night, you woke up to what sounded like Miguel getting off in the bathroom. 

He got off work super late that day, so you took the initiative to get the kids to bed and go to bed early. 

What you didn’t expect was to wake up to the sound of his grunts coming through the bathroom door. 

At first, you were a little hurt that he didn’t wake you up to help him out, but then you were so overcome by the sound of him whimpering and moaning that you couldn’t help but pleasure yourself. 

He sounded so desperate and wanton, cursing every once in a while. You bit your lip as you imagined him right next to you, voice right in your ear. You wanted his weight on you. You wanted to feel his skin against yours. 

You lay in the empty bed rubbing yourself until you came, his noises stopping a while before you finished. You were hoping he would come out and see you so you prolong your orgasm to no avail, sleep coming to claim you before he did. 

When you tried to ask him about it in the morning, he kept avoiding your eyes, saying something about his stomach giving him the blues. 

You let it go then, but that didn’t stop you from thinking about it all day. 

In a spur-of-the-moment decision, you decide to text him a flirty message, running to the bathroom to take a picture to match. You waited a little bit, hoping that he could take at least a peek. 

“You look gorgeous, honey.”

Just gorgeous? Not hot? Not good enough to make him want more?

You scrunched your mouth to the side, asking if he could send a picture back.

“Baby, you know I can’t. I’m at work right now.” 

You huffed at that. You knew he was just in his lab by himself. There was plenty of time and solitude to take a picture. He used to send random pictures of himself all of the time. 

For the rest of the day, you were irritated, feeling slighted at the hands of your husband.

You took a break from trying to seduce your husband, tired of the pushback. You put your all into taking care of the kids and maintaining the house when you could.

“And how many sticks does that leave Cassie with?” you asked Gabriella. You both were at the dining table with her math homework sprawled everywhere while dinner was in the oven. 

“27!” she shouted, voice becoming more confident over the course of the math sheet. 

“Correct! You’re knocking ‘em out, girl!”

“Buen trabajo, mija,” Miguel said with vigor as he came by to kiss the top of her head. “You’re doing so well.” (Good job, mija.)

“Does this mean I can get a cookie?” she asked, quick to melt her father’s heart.

“Not before dinner, Gabriella, you know this,” Miguel bounced Raul in his arms, a little fussy and sniffly. 

“Please, papá!” she looked up at him with big brown eyes and a pout.  

Miguel sighed, unable to say no to her 9 times out of 10. 

He looked at you frantically, watching you snickering behind your hands, “You have to ask Mamá.”

Whenever he really wanted to say no, he used you as a trump card.

Gabriella’s shoulders drop as she turns to you, already knowing the drill.

“The answer is no. You can wait until after dinner,” you say, squeezing her cheek.

“You always say no,” Gabriella whines dramatically, slumping in her seat with her arms crossed, pout just like her dad’s.

“And you can always go to bed with no cookies,” you chide as you get up to go check on dinner. “Now go put your homework up and wash your hands, dinner is almost ready.”

She puts her papers back in her folder with the theatrics of a Broadway actor, sighing dramatically with each step she took to her room.

Miguel laughed at her actions watching her leave, “She’s just like her Mami when she gets like that. Fussy.”

You pause to put your hand on your hip, “No, she’s just like her Father when she can’t get her way. Whiny.” You open the oven and pull the lasagna out to the stove to cool a bit. 

“Well, I can’t say no to her just like I can’t say no to you,” he says, placing Raul at the table with a hand running over his soft hair. “You both have the same puppy-dog eyes.”

“You like leaving the hard parenting to me.”

“That is not true. I just tussled with a four-year-old to get him to take his cold medicine and made a promise of not one, but two bedtime stories,” he says, coming up behind you as you reached to get the dishes. He got them down for you instead, hand on your hips and stomach pressed against your back.

You bite your tongue in order not to will your negligent, horny brain from awakening. You didn’t have time for those thoughts, little feet were near, and every advance you gave him ended in failure. 

“Is he doing ok?” you say, referring to Raul he sat at the table with his head down, a teddy bear hugged against him as he pitifully moved his toy car back and forth. It was definitely a big shift from his usual talkative demeanor.

“We might have to go to the doctor again. His allergies are really acting up.”

You leave Miguel’s side to go squat down by Raul, “How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

You rubbed his back, trying to see if he felt warmer than usual and sure enough, he was burning up.

“My throat hurts, Mama,” he said, little voice just about gone. 

“Oh, I know, my sweet baby,” you say with a soft voice. “Do you want me to make you some alphabet soup?”

Raul’s face twists up, lip a little wobbly, “But I want some cheese noodles.”

“Hey, it’s ok!. You can have some lasagna. I just want your throat to feel better. Hot things will make it feel better.”

“The cheese noodles are hot, too.”

You smiled, “That’s right, the cheese noodles are hot, but I mean a hot liquid.”

He stayed quiet for a moment, hands squeezing his teddy bear as he thought, “Can I have hot chocolate?”

“Of course you can. Can I give you a kiss?”

He nods his head slowly and you lean over to kiss his head. You needed to get him under the covers soon. Before you could pull away, he wrapped his arms around your neck, snuggling up to be held. You couldn’t resist holding your baby, especially when you couldn’t take his pain away. 

You get up to see Miguel helping Gabriella plate the slices of lasagna on each plate and setting up the side salad. Your heart filled with joy watching them giggle over the stretchy cheese. It was moments like this that reminded you that you were taking the right steps, that this was the perfect little life.  

As they set up the table with the plates and drinks, you kept Raul in your arms, ready to help him with tonight's dinner. 

“Thank you for the food, Mommy,” Gabriella said with a toothy smile. 

“You’re welcome, baby,” you say, cutting Raul’s food up even smaller, not wanting him to struggle any more than he had to tonight. 

The table was quiet, save for Gabriella and Miguel smacking their food occasionally and Raul’s wheezy breaths. 

By the time dinner was over, Gabriella was buzzing in her seat for cookies, and Raul was close to falling asleep in your arms. 

You couldn’t ask for anything better. 

With Raul sound asleep, Gabriella tucked in bed, and Miguel watching cable, you had a moment to yourself to think. 

Did today’s small touches mean anything?

You stood in the bathroom moisturizing your skin after a hot bath. You said you were going to stop trying to fish for your husband’s attention, but if you were honest, today’s brief moment of connection did it for you. You couldn’t stop your thoughts once you were alone.

You decide to wear just a pair of panties and one of his old t-shirts to bed: a look that wasn’t trying too hard to get his attention, but you’re sure he’s going to notice it. 

You sat on the bed and decided to read until he came into the room. You hope you were giving a sexy girlfriend vibe. Your skin was all smooth, you smelled good, and you knew you looked good. 

When Miguel walks in, he pauses at the door to stare at you. 

“Why are you looking at me like that? Come to bed,” you say. 

Hook, line, and sinker. 

Miguel shuffled over, eyeing you from head to toe. He looked delicious in his tank top, fabric stretched in the best possible ways.

He crawled on the bed next to you, “My band t-shirt?”

“Yeah! It’s comfy.”

He rubbed his hand up your naked thigh and your nerves started to sing. Any further up, and you might just wet your panties from his touch alone. You missed it so much. 

He leaned over to kiss the juncture your neck and shoulder, your neck, your cheek, and then he stopped. 

He just…stopped.

“Well, I gotta go in earlier tomorrow, so I’m going to sleep early. Is it ok if I turn this light off?

You felt your throat dry up, “Yeah, ok.”

He got under the sheets and switched his lamp off, leaving you in the dark with the faint light of your Kindle illuminating the room.

“Goodnight, honey,” he said with a yawn. 

“Night.”

You turned your Kindle off and just sat in silence, his snores breaking the illusion of the dark consuming you. 

You’re starting to think the worst. 

You kept up a number of tactics subtle to glaringly obvious to appeal to your husband from changing up your perfume to what you would say was an amazing strip tease. Absolutely nothing is working. 

He kept listing off excuses from the kids to his job to his parents to his brother, anything to avoid an intimate session with you. He even chose a night out with his boys over a night in bed with you which was jarring because he always made you feel good before going out to have a good time. 

Did he not find you attractive anymore? You knew childbirth brought a lot of change, but you were still the same woman he met and fell in love with. 

Did he not love you anymore? He often praised you for being a good mom and his pet names never stopped, but after that, his declaration of love for you had been very surface-level.

Is he cheating on you?

You really didn’t want to entertain that thought, but your heart couldn’t take any more pain than it already had. 

So, one day when you say you’re taking the kids to the park, you drop them off at your mom’s place instead, hoping that if there was something going on, no little hearts would be broken once you unleash a beast in the house. 

You pull back in the driveway to see that he’s still here, just as you suspected. You make your way quietly through the house, inching closer to you all’s bedroom. 

Your heart almost stops when you hear the sound of Miguel’s voice, high and breathy in a way that should only reach your ears. You don’t think when you swing the door open, adrenaline pumping high.  

Miguel yells, scared to death but alone. 

“What are you doing?” you ask, voice frustrated.

“What am I doing? What are you doing?”

You look at the state he’s in, shirt up, waistband under his dick, and a mystery fabric in his hand. 

“Were you getting off?” you say, hands dropping to your side. “Do you…do you not love me anymore?”

“What?”

“Do you. Not. Love me anymore. You avoid me every time I’ve tried to initiate something with you. We haven’t made love in so long. You keep making excuses to not be alone with me. You don’t even want to do normal things with me like send pictures or makeout until we’re out of breath. I’ve heard you in the bathroom during the night and now you’re here doing the same thing, without me, your wife.” Your eyes start to water after it all, feeling utter defeat. 

“Cariño, this is a misunderstanding,” he pleads, voice distraught. “I do love you. I’ve never stopped loving you.”

“Then why are you doing this to me?”

“Because,” he pauses, fixing his clothes to have some decency. “I…haven’t felt the greatest about my body.”

Your tears dry up as soon as the statement resonates, “What? What do you mean?”

Miguel sighs.

“Lately, it’s getting harder and harder for my old clothes to fit me anymore, I’m way too busy to hit the gym and more than anything, I think you deserve a man who’s a little less,” he gestures to himself, “let go.”

“Says who?”

He looks at you as if you’ve grown two heads, “Uh, everybody?”

“Well, who is everybody because I’d like to strangle them for letting you think that my husband isn’t good enough for me.” You walk deeper into the bedroom crowding Miguel’s space. “You’ll always be perfect for me. The vows I promised to you will not be broken over something so normal as weight gain.”

He looked like he could cry. 

“Why did you hide you were feeling this way, baby?” you hold his head in your hands scratching at his scalp. 

“It felt stupid and silly. You’ve been doing so well socially and physically, I wanted to see if I could fix it on my own before bringing you down with my problems.”

“Miguel O’Hara,” you say, gripping his jaw firmly. “I’m your wife. I might not be able to solve everything, but at the very least, you need to talk to me. Tell me how you’re feeling, express yourself with words. Don’t hide.”

He wrapped his arms around you, sniffling, “I know. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

You pressed a long kiss into his scalp, rubbing his back. 

“Oh my gosh,” you chuckled. “You were feeling so much internally, meanwhile I was practically screaming at you to fuck me. I thought you weren’t attracted to me anymore.” 

So much for communication. 

Miguel just burried his face in your chest while he groaned, “That’s the thing! You were driving me crazy with your tight little workout clothes and your lingerie. You looked so good, but I couldn’t get out of my own head. I’ve been…”

“You’ve been what?”

“I,” he got red in the face. “I’ve been using your underwear.”

You look down to Miguel’s crumbled up hand and it was in fact your underwear from the night you wore his band t-shirt, drenched in his essence.

Your stomach turned with excitement.

“So this is what you were doing in the bathroom in the middle of the night, hm? Using my panties? Giving them more action and attention than me?”

Miguel nodded, eyes hazy.

“Did it feel good?”

Another nod.

“I bet it did. I would wake up and hear you trying so hard to cum.”

You don’t know how, but his face got even warmer.

“You left your poor wife all alone, thinking about you on top of her until she came too.”

“I did?”

“You didn’t know?” you ask, playfully. “I was up all night imagining you walking out to see me. I wanted these arms to come and hold me.”

You squeeze at his arms on your sides. 

“I wanted your weight on me. I wanted your chest against mine.I needed you so bad.”

You move to sit in his lap, knees on the side of him.

“You do such a great job of being a father. This beautiful change in your body is only proof of your hard work and dedication. It’s proof of love for your family.”

Miguel only melted in your hands, face a cloud of emotion.

“I love you, Miguel. I adore you. I yearn for you. I want you.”

With every declaration, came a kiss to his lips.

“Can I show you how much I love you?”

“Please.”

With that, you took his shirt off and made your way down his chest. You lingered around his chest, holding his pecs as you kissed them all over. You couldn’t stop your moans as your tongue felt across the hairy planes of his chest, sucking and pulling on his nipples. Miguel shudders as you pay special attention to them, sensitive after not being with you for so long.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this,” you breathe into his skin. You slide onto the floor and just press your face into his stomach.

“You like it that much?”

“Love it. You look so yummy walking around. You could be just standing there and I get so,” you cut yourself off, trying not to overwhelm him with just how much you were feeling. “You’re hot, baby.”

You kiss down his happy trail to reach his pants, his stomach twitching. You tugged a bit too hard on his pants, causing him to laugh. 

“What’s so funny?” you say with a pout. 

“I haven’t seen you like this since we won that couple’s retreat.”

“Not my fault. You were all sexy up there, beating the other husbands with your big brain. It was doing something to me.”

You finished pulling and you could almost cry with joy when Miguel’s cock springs next to your head. The sound you make when you see it also has Miguel wound tight. 

Completely taken over by your neediness and desperation, you pull one of his thick legs over your shoulder, kissing and sucking on the skin while your fingertips dance around the entirety of his length. 

The display of strength shocks Miguel who drips and whines at your actions. 

“I’m gonna make you feel so good, baby. Do you want that?”

“Yes,” he whispers. 

You cup him while you take his head in your mouth. It felt like pure bliss to have that familiar taste in your mouth. With the way you were humming, Miguel can tell that you were about to put him to sleep. 

You took no time letting your tongue stretch to take more of him in. Your cheeks hollow as you go further, one hand kneading at the thigh you were holding and the other switching from fondling him to wrapping around the base of his length. 

“God,” Miguel’s voice filled the room, the loudest it had been for the past few months. “I don’t think I’ll last that long.”

You let go of him and lick down the sides, “That’s because you’re too busy fucking other things instead of me.”

“’M sorry,” he whined as you went back down on him. “I-I was still thinking of you and, ngh, wanting you.”

“Mm hm,” your voice sent shocks down his spine as you didn’t let go. He moved his hips steadily, dick sliding in and out of your mouth and pudge occasionally pressing against your face. 

The faster he went, the noisier the sounds got. He moved his hands to your head, thighs eerily close to tightening around your face. You couldn’t have it any better. 

You dug your nails into his hips, throat contracting in order to take him in. Even with your jaw slacked, it’s been so long since you took him like this that you gagged more often than not. With every sound of your throat struggling, Miguel shouted your name, hands gripping tighter on your hair.

You could tell he was close by the way his thigh was tensing on your shoulder, so when he said the four words, you took him to the hilt, face completely pressed against him. 

“Shit!” he felt like passing out as he released into your throat. You swallowed as much as you could, but you couldn’t take it all, saliva and cum esxaping down your chin to his balls. 

He grunts when he pulls you off, chest moving sporadically. 

You lick your lips and let out a satisfied sigh, “Finally.”

Miguel could only chuckle as he laid back on the bed. You crawled on top of him, sitting on his thighs with a smile. You rub your hands on the skin of stomach, slowly getting to his chest, “I’m like, really wet right now if you want some more painties to use.”

He growled as he pulled you closer.

“You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

“Nope,” you say, popping the P. “I really want you to do it in front of me. Maybe send me a video for the nights you work overtime.”

He had the nerve to look embarrassed as he wrapped his arms around your back, “I might be able to arrange that.” He kissed your lips to distract you from speaking on it further.

After Miguel returned the favor with his head between your legs, the both of you were enjoying a quiet moment together before having to go pick up the kids.

“I can’t believe you thought I was cheating on you,” Miguel said as you were drawing circles on his chest.

“Miguel,” you say, lifting your head. “I pulled all the stops. I did things that I knew you loved: the t-shirts, going commando, the flirty pictures. I even brought whipped cream to the bedroom and you told me ‘I can’t eat that, it’ll blow up my stomach,’ when you were literally in the kitchen taking shots of it the night before.”

“Ok. So I see how you might have gotten to that ludicrous conclusion, but did you not notice how much I’ve been staring at you?”

You clicked your teeth, “Yeah, but what does that mean when you don’t act on it?”

Miguel twisted his lip, “Will you feel better if I told you that your work pictures turned me on too?”

You pinched him resulting in a yelp, “I’ll feel better right now if you give me a shower round.”

He pulled you in his arms as he got out of the bed, “Let’s go before your mom calls.”

You giggle and swing your feet on the way.

After your afternoon of praising his body, Miguel emerged as his previous confident self. This meant more days with him walking around shirtless, more quickies in the morning, makeouts that ended in pleasure, him smacking your ass, you smacking his ass back, and sex. Lots and lots of sex.

Right now, Raul was down for a nap and Gabriella was enjoying her tablet time. 

You, however, were clawing at Miguel’s back like a cat as he pounded you into the mattress. 

“Fuck!” you shouted, eyelids fluttering as Miguel’s cock dragged across your walls. “It feels so good.”

“Quiet, mi vida,” he whispered. “The kids are in their rooms.”

You were quick to cover your mouth, moans muffled. It really didn’t matter because the creaks of the bed were just as loud as you. One change in position and the headboard denting the walls could be added to it. 

It was all too much. 

First, he woke you up with kisses down your body and a promise to lighten your load around the house. Then, he got the kids up and prepared breakfast with the help of Raul. Later while you were out running errands, he sent you a coupon for a spa that just opened up down the street and warm message. 

Now, he has you losing your mind with his hips slapping against yours, whispering praises in your ear.

“Miguel!”

“Hm? Talk to me.”

“I-I can’t-” your voice keeps getting louder unintentionally. He was so calm while he was reaching so deep inside. Your mind was hazy, wanting nothing more than him to keep going.

“You’re doing so good, Ma. You’re so good to me and the kids. You’re such a beautiful wife. Such a pretty Mama. Just wanna make you feel good.”

You felt yourself clench around him at his words, tears falling across your temples. He kissed your tears tenderly, strokes getting deeper. 

“M-Miguel,” you say with your heart full. “I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. So, so deeply,”

That was all it took for you to suck him in and scream into his shoulder, nails digging into his shoulder blades. His release was soon after, painting your walls with his lips pressed against your ear.

“Papá! You have to be more careful,” Gabriella fussed with her hands on her hips while Miguel was in the kitchen trying to make the family a snack. “You got hurt at work!”

Miguel paused and reached behind his back, fingers roaming over the healing scratches on his shoulder from his last session with you. 

You covered your teeth with your lips as Miguel turned to look at you with his eyebrows raised. 

“It’s ok, mija. Papá is tough!”

“But you gotta put something on it,” Gabriella said with a huff.

“Thank you for your concern, nena. I’ll get Mamá to take care of it, ok?” he ruffled her hair as he handed her a plate of bunny-shaped apple slices. “Now go sit with your brother and watch some TV.”

Miguel huffed as he walked up to the side of you with his arms crossed.

“What? You should put your shirt on!”

“That’s not what you said when you-”

“Hush and go get the aloe.”

Miguel snickered as he gave your lips a peck, “Yeah, yeah.”

Life was wonderfully sweet.

With that, my first request is done! As always, like, reblog, and COMMENT. Let me know how you guys feel! 🩵

[charcoaldustonmyfingers]

Mikey skeletal anatomy! Click for better quality

Box turtles are the kinds of turtles who can fully fit into and close their shells along a single hinge in their plastron, which once closed is extremely hard to break into for any kind of predator especially if they cannot get a proper grip on the dome of the shell. Box turtles are also usually found in plains rather than ponds, and while they need water to survive and keep hydrated and can swim well, they’re not generally considered aquatic. Box turtles do have an interesting adaptation due to their more northern range of being able to survive freezing temperatures for a short period of time by slowing their metabolism outside of seasonal brumation (similar to hibernation, but more of a dormant state) if absolutely needed.

After watching TMNT ‘03 where the turtles meditate to save oxygen and prevent suffocation in a broken airlock, I thought, why not mix their ninja ability to conceal their body heat and breath and mix it with a turtles natural ability to brumate? Perhaps the brothers could enter into a completely dormant state on command with enough training in order to survive extreme situations or astral project in some form. Just a fun thought to tie their strong mystic powers with their physical abilities!

Although I use the term heterothermy to refer to them being able to vary between generating their own body heat while active and relying on environmental temperature while inactive, the intricacies of understanding thermal regulation in animals eludes me. If there’s a term that fits better, go ahead! I’m not a biologist so you probably know better lol

These are all my personal head cannons! You can use em’ as reference or not, whichever you prefer :)

[General][Raph][Donnie][Leo][Splinter]

[theshiftingwitch]

My subliminals:

Here are all of the subliminals that are currently available on my channel:

The only shifting Subliminal you'll ever need

The only manifesting subliminal you'll ever need

Lucid dreaming

The void state

I am pure consciousness

I am a master manifestor

I am living the dream

I am a powerful creator

Shifting self hypnosis

A master manifestor/shifter

Sleep paralysis

I am waking up in my desired reality

No more intrusive thoughts

God-like intelligence

Shift to the Slytherin Common Room

Pure consciousness/void state/immediate shift

Daughter of Lilith: the seductress

Ethereal Beauty

Popularity subliminal

An army of simps subliminal

Perfect hair

Perfectly symmetrical face

Born into wealth

Perfect visualisation skills

Extremely fast metabolism

Money comes to you instantly

The perfect family

SP obsession subliminal

Perfect self concept

Sex icon

The most powerful booster

Attracting the hottest of men

Enjoy ❤️