Metabolism

Metabolism is the name for the chemical reactions and processes that occur in the body and convert what you eat and drink into energy.  In the most simple terms……..it’s the rate at which your body burns calories.  A fast metabolism will help you lose weight more than someone with a slower metabolism.  There are a few things that can affect your metabolism.  Some of these factors you can’t control like:

1. Age:  Metabolic rates decrease as we get older.
2. Gender:  Men burn more calories than women.  Part of this is because men have more muscle tissue.
3. Genetics:  You get what you get.
4. Thyroid Disease:  Overactive or underactive thyroid glands can speed up or slow down your metabolism.

After reading that you may be thinking that there’s no hope.  But fortunately there are many things you can do to help rev up and boost your metabolism!  Here are just a few of them!

• Eat healthy fats – avocado, olive oil, natural peanut butter, almonds, salmon, flax seed….
• Eat small meals every 3-4 hours – Waiting long periods of time makes your body go into “starvation mode” which decreases your metabolism as a way to conserve energy and prevent starvation. 
• Drink water – According to webmd, after drinking 17 oz. of water, metabolism speeds up 30% within 10 minutes and reaches a maximum boost after 30-40 minutes.
• Get a good night sleep – Sleep deprivation signals metabolism to slow down, use less energy and causes many to binge later in the day.
• Avoid restrictive diets – Extreme calorie restriction can wreck any weight loss efforts by slowing down metabolism to conserve calories for survival.  If you are trying to create a calorie deficit, it’s important to do it safe and slow!
• Eat metabolism stimulating foods – raspberries, green tea, chili peppers, watermelon,  apples, chicken……

Remember that everyone is different.  Ever been around that person that can eat two hamburgers, three pieces of pizza, four orders of large fries, six cookies and a bag of chips and not gain a single pound?  And then you have someone that can eat one cupcake and seem to gain five pounds!!!  It’s all about how your body uses fuel and metabolizes that fuel!  It’s best to fuel your body with quality, real food!  It’s good for your body AND your metabolism! 

Have a WONDERFUL weekend everyone!