Mor Mor Lemalu Metabolic Health

Stress affects more than just our mind. 💚

When we’re under stress, our nervous system switches into “survival mode.”

That’s exactly what it’s designed to do.

The problem is, when stress becomes part of everyday life, our body can stay in that state for much longer than it should.

Over time, this can contribute to:
💚 More inflammation.
💚 Poor sleep.
💚 Low energy.
💚 Cravings for sugary foods.
💚 Increased storage of fat around our organs (visceral fat), which can affect our metabolic health.

Our body isn’t working against us.

It’s trying to protect us.

That’s why improving our health isn’t always about eating less or exercising more.

Sometimes the first step is helping our nervous system feel safe again.

A walk outside.
A nourishing meal.
Enough protein.
A good night’s sleep.
Time with people who fill your cup.

Small habits really do make a difference.

Your body is always communicating with you. The question is… are you listening? 💚

53 today. 💚

What a year it’s been.

Looking back, I’m just incredibly grateful. Grateful for my husband, my children, my whānau, my friends, and every person who’s trusted me to be part of their hauora journey.

This last year has stretched me in more ways than one. There have been challenges, big decisions, a move to Auckland, and plenty of moments that reminded me not to take my health—or the people around me—for granted.

My family is my world. They are my “why.” They are the reason I keep showing up, keep learning, and keep doing what I do.

To my husband, thank you for always believing in me, backing me, and walking beside me through every chapter. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate.

As I step into 53, I’m excited for what’s ahead. I’ve already had enquiries here in Auckland, and I’m looking forward to continuing to support people across New Zealand through online consultations and body composition scan events.

Before I jump into this next chapter, I’ve got one important job to do—focus on my own health. Surgery, recovery, and healing. Sometimes the best investment we can make is in ourselves, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported me, encouraged me, referred people to me, and trusted me to be part of your health journey. It means more than you’ll ever know.

Here’s to 53… grateful, excited, and ready for whatever comes next. 💚❤️

Last day in Northland as a resident.

Wow… what a chapter.

Feeling nothing but gratitude as Cole and I make the move to Tāmaki Makaurau.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me, supported me, challenged me and allowed me to be part of your health journey. I’ve learnt just as much from you as I hope you’ve learnt from me.

Northland will always be home. I’ll be back often, and I’ll continue supporting whānau through Mor Mor Lemalu Metabolic Health—just from a different base.

Here’s to new beginnings. ❤️

It’s been a little quiet on here lately…

Life has been busy! Packing up our home, selling furniture, preparing for our move to Auckland and getting ready for hip surgery.

Today I took a walk to one of my favourite places.

For the past 10 years I’ve had Te awa o ngā Rangatira and Kororipo Pā right on my doorstep. Whenever my thoughts got muddled or I needed to work through something, this is where I’d come to process my next move.

In just over a week, I’ll be three hours away from my kāinga. I’ll miss this place deeply, but I’ve learnt I can always find clarity by looking up, wherever I am.

As a metabolic health coach, this is your reminder that health isn’t always about food. Sometimes it’s simply getting outside, moving your body, and giving your mind space to think.

Today, that’s exactly what I needed. 💚

Where’s your place to reset?

A little update from me 💚

Life has a funny way of changing plans.

Our family will be relocating to Auckland a little earlier than expected, so I wanted to let you all know what that means for my Metabolic Health practice.

I’ll continue supporting clients through my Metabolic Health Coaching, and I’ll also be travelling back to Northland regularly.

For those wanting a Body Composition Scan, my last opportunity for individual scans in Northland before the move will be Monday 13th July.

I’ll then be back on Sunday 23rd August for community scan sessions:

📍 Russell Strength – 8.00am–10.00am

📍 FitLab Waipapa – 12.00pm–2.00pm

Individuals are welcome to book into either location.

If your workplace, gym, sports team, marae or community group would like to host a group Body Composition Scan session while I’m in Northland, send me a message. I’d love to make the most of the day.

This move doesn’t change why I do what I do.

I’m still passionate about helping people understand their bodies, improve their metabolic health, and feel confident making changes that support them for life.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me to be part of your journey. I look forward to continuing to support you—whether that’s online, in Auckland, or when I’m back in Northland.

Ngā mihi,

Mor Mor Lemalu 💛

Something happened today that reminded me just how connected our bodies really are… 💩

This might be a bit awkward to talk about, but I reckon more people experience this than admit.

Since my hip injury I’ve been taking opiates for the pain. They do the job, but they also slow everything down.

I’ve noticed that when I haven’t been to the toilet for a while, my whole body feels different. I feel heavier, tighter, and like there’s pressure through my hips and lower back.

Then, when I finally go… it’s like my whole body relaxes. I literally feel lighter. My muscles soften, I move more freely, and I feel so much better.

It reminded me that bowel health isn’t just about digestion. It’s part of how our body gets rid of waste, reduces pressure, and helps us function the way we’re meant to.

If you’re taking pain medication, don’t ignore your gut. Hydration, enough fibre, regular movement (within your ability), and listening to your body really do matter.

Tell me I’m not the only one who’s felt this? 😅💩

The biggest lesson telehealth has taught me…

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting whānau through both kanohi ki te kanohi and telehealth metabolic health coaching.

At first, some people weren’t sure about telehealth. They wondered if it would feel as personal as meeting face to face.

What I’ve learnt is that for many people, telehealth removes some of the biggest barriers to getting support.

No long drives.

No taking half a day off work.

No spending money on fuel.

No trying to juggle childcare or other commitments.

People can connect from home, from work during a lunch break, or wherever they feel most comfortable.

One thing I’ve noticed is that many people actually open up more during telehealth appointments. Being in their own environment often helps people feel more relaxed, and our kōrero naturally goes deeper.

Telehealth will never replace kanohi ki te kanohi care, and there will always be times when meeting in person is the right approach.

But it has shown me that quality healthcare isn’t always about being in the same room. Sometimes it’s about making care easier to access.

I’m grateful that technology allows me to continue supporting people wherever they are in Aotearoa.

If distance, work, family commitments or travel have been getting in the way of looking after your health, telehealth might be worth considering.

Mauri Ora. ❤️

Eight weeks ago this awesome group at FitLab 24/7 committed to more than just turning up to train. They committed to tracking their progress.

This week they invited me back for their follow-up body composition scans to see what had changed beneath the surface.

The scales only tell one part of the story. These scans showed where the real work has been happening—body fat reducing, muscle being built, and healthier body composition developing through consistent training and better nutrition.

Not everyone hit every goal, but every person walked away with something even more valuable: real data. Knowing what’s working means you can adjust your plan with confidence instead of guessing.

This photo is a testament to the commitment of this FitLab 24/7 whānau. Eight weeks of showing up, putting in the work, supporting each other, and investing in their health.

Consistency beats perfection. Every time.

Thank you for having me back. I can’t wait to see what the next Eight weeks brings. 💪🏽📈

One of the biggest nutrition lessons I’ve learnt after working in the health sector for the past nine years, including the last six years as a Metabolic Health Coach, is this:

Consistency beats perfection.

The people who achieve lasting change aren’t usually the ones with the perfect meal plan or the perfect routine.

They’re the ones who keep showing up.

One balanced meal.

One walk.

One strength session.

One better decision than yesterday.

Health isn’t built by being perfect.

It’s built by repeating the habits that matter most.

I’ve learnt that in my own life too.

Between injury, family, work, and building a business, there have been plenty of days where perfection wasn’t possible.

But consistency was.

If there’s one thing I’d encourage you to focus on, it’s not doing everything.

It’s simply doing the next right thing.

Then do it again tomorrow.

Sleep is one of the most valuable health tools we have, yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice.

I’ve come to believe that sleep is the catalyst for change.

Not because it magically fixes our health overnight, but because a well-rested mind is better able to make decisions, solve problems, manage stress and plan ahead.

When we’re tired, everything feels harder.

We’re more likely to reach for convenience foods.

Less likely to move our bodies.

More reactive.

Less patient.

And often less aware of the choices we’re making.

For me, making time for sleep is about more than closing my eyes.

It’s about creating space at the end of the day to unwind.

To slow down.

To reflect.

What went well today?

What could I have done better?

What did I learn?

What will I take into tomorrow?

Not with judgement.

Not with guilt.

Just awareness.

Because lasting health isn’t built by being perfect.

It’s built by paying attention, learning from each day, and giving ourselves the opportunity to recover so we can show up again tomorrow.

Tomorrow starts the night before.

Ngā mihi,

Maureen (Mor Mor) Lemalu
Mor Mor Lemalu Metabolic Health