Your Metabolism And Losing Weight

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to loose weight? What role does metabolism have in weight control? Here is some advice for those looking to rid themselves of fat and apply principles to

increase metabolism.First let's look at what role Metabolism plays in your body. Metabolism is the body's process of turning food into the energy. Having a slow metabolism means that you have a low basal metabolic rate. This means the amount of energy the body uses when it is at rest, including basic survival functions such as breathing and blood flow. The metabolic rate is determined by a number of factors including body composition, age, gender and genetics.

To figure out an approximate estimate of your Basal Metabolic Rate, multiply your weight in pounds by 10. This is the minimum number of calories your body needs to function at rest. You will need more calories than that in order to live a normal active, healthy life.

What are some reasons your metabolism is slow?

Eating an a low amount of calories, less than what your body requires to maintain it's basal metabolic rate, will cause it's metabolism to slow down. Your body goes into a natural defense system mode to protect it against starvation. Another factor is your age, past the age of 30 there is a big drop in growth hormone as the body completed all it's major growth. This causes a loss in muscle mass and your basal metabolic rate slows down. Other reasons that slow metabolism are stress, not drinking enough water and a possible problem with your thyroid (can be diagnosed with your doctor).

Ways to increase Your metabolism?

The best way to increase your metabolism is by exercising. Add weight lifting types of exercise into your weekly program to help counter the natural loss of muscle that occurs in the body with age. Avoid foods that cause your body to become in-flammed, such as saturated fats, and partially hydrogenated oils, chips, fried foods, cooking oils made from corn, sunflower or soy as well as sugary products. Increase anti-inflammatory foods in your diet such as, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Green Beans, Olives, Spinach, Sweet potatoes. Herbs such as Cloves, Licorice, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Turmeric. And Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Drinks such as Green Tea.

Then give your metabolism a boost to avoid the yo-yo feeling . . .

In the morning for breakfast eat complex carbohydrates that burn longer in the form of whole grains and fruits, they will help speed up your metabolism and generate a full day of energy. A mid-morning snack and then for lunch a vegetable based carbohydrate is a good option, they are easier on your blood sugar level and require less insulin from your body to function. A mid-afternoon snack before dinner, dinner and a small snack before bedtime to get you through the night with a good sleep. It is important to make sure you put something in your body at frequent intervals to help you avoid the peaks and valleys which make you reach for the wrong energy foods, like sugary products.

Avoid food products that contain sugar, which actually slows down your metabolism and create a fat-storing machine. Reach for foods that contain complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains, low-fat dairy products or a protein-balanced smoothie. Start losing weight, controlling it and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by increasing your metabolism!


by Astro