New Year, New Metabolism: Transform Your Body and Health

New Year, New Metabolism is a weekend wellness retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, for anyone who wants to understand how metabolism works and how food and timing shape it. It is led by nutrition scientist and researcher John Bagnulo, PhD, and pairs his teaching with daily Kripalu Yoga.

The central question is whether a slowing metabolism has more to do with what and when we eat than with age. Bagnulo's view is that many people eat too little of the foods they need and start eating late in the day, which works against the body's ability to burn fat as its main fuel. The weekend explores how to retrain the cellular processes that generate energy, without restriction or fear.

What to Expect

The program centers on mitochondrial health. Bagnulo explains how mitochondria age faster when they depend on carbohydrates and lack specific saturated fatty acids and fat as a primary energy source. He also looks at early morning calorie and fat restriction, which can leave the body searching for sugar, and at the combination of protein and fat early in the day that supports beta oxidation, thermogenesis and lean body mass.

You will leave with:

- A clear picture of how metabolism works, why it changes with age, and why eating less is not a solution
- Knowledge of the foods most important for metabolic health and for gaining lean body mass
- Insight into how a fat-based metabolism protects against chronic disease
- Practical, repeatable recipes made from easily found foods
- A framework for metabolic flexibility that supports body composition and performance

The rhythm is simple. Opening day begins with check-in at 2:00 pm, a Kripalu Yoga class from 4:45 to 6:00, dinner, and a first program session from 7:30 to 9:00 in the evening. On the full day, yoga runs from 6:30 to 7:45 am, followed by silent breakfast, a program session from 9:00 to 11:30, lunch, another session from 1:30 to 4:00, evening yoga and dinner. On the closing day there is morning yoga, silent breakfast, a final session from 9:00 to 11:00, and lunch before departure.

About John Bagnulo

John Bagnulo, PhD, is a nutrition scientist and researcher. At Kripalu he teaches the science of metabolism, with a focus on mitochondrial health and the role of fat and protein in sustaining energy, nourishment and resilience.

The Setting

Kripalu is a yoga and health center in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. Options include private rooms, semi-private rooms, and community-style dormitories. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Three nutritious meals a day are included, with breakfast taken in silence.

Before You Go

This retreat is open to all levels. No background in nutrition science or metabolic concepts is needed. The program is taught in English.

Your stay includes three meals daily, more than ten yoga classes over the weekend, access to the Kripalu grounds, and all sessions with John Bagnulo. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe cost extra. Room check-out on departure day is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm. Actual times may vary, so check the schedule you receive at arrival.