Everyone is talking about it - “metabolism”, but what is it? It’s the process of converting food to energy (movement and heat). Metabolism happens in your muscles and organs and the result of it is what we generally refer to as “burning calories” resulting in weight loss.
“Basal metabolism” is the metabolic rate or caloric expenditure needed to maintain basal body functions such as your heart beating, breathing, muscle tone, etc. It’s how fast your “motor” is running when you’re still in a reclined position or sleeping. Basal metabolism accounts for about 75% of the calories you burn on a daily basis!
The good news is that there are many ways you can kick start your metabolism! The more of these you’re able to incorporate into your life, the more you’ll boost your metabolism. That means you’ll be burning more calories 24 hours a day encouraging weight loss!
Always eat breakfast! Skipping breakfast sends the message to your body that you’re starving because you haven’t had food in 18+ hours. As a protective mechanism, your metabolism slows down. Food, especially complex carbohydrates, feeds your metabolism.
Eat earlier in the day! Research has demonstrated that you can achieve weight loss simply by eating a substantial breakfast and lunch, and a light dinner. Dinner should be eaten as early as possible, preferably at least four hours before bedtime.
Never eat less than 1200 calories per day! Less than 1200 are usually not enough to support your basal metabolism and thus will slow your metabolism.
You can’t have successful weight loss with a slowed metabolic rate.
Snack frequently! Complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and grains) fuel your metabolism. Also, snacking prevents you from becoming too hungry. The hungrier you are the less control you have over what and how much you eat, that may lead to binge eating.
Eat more carbohydrates (food from plants), and less fat. Carbohydrates boost your metabolism and have fewer calories per weight than fat.
Do some type of aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobic dancing, etc.) on a daily basis (preferably in the morning)! Forget this twice-a-week stuff. Our bodies were designed to be active on a daily basis! When we are, our metabolism soars and weight loss is eminent!
In addition to your regular aerobic exercise, take a brisk 10 to 15 minute walk at lunch or in the evening. This serves to boost your metabolism even more!
Tone your muscles with weight training three days per week. Toned muscles send your metabolism through the roof. This helps, just do it!
Look for situations to be active. Park as far from the store as you can rather than looking for the closest parking spot. Use the stairs rather than the elevator, a broom rather than a blower, etc. Look for the “hard” way to do things!
Avoid alcohol! Alcohol depresses your metabolism and stimulates your appetite which is contrary to weight loss. Not good news just before the holiday season but hey, we want to fit into that nice little dress.
Drink 60+ ounces of water a day. Your metabolism needs plenty water to function properly. Carry a bottle of water with you and drink frequently throughout the day to flush away those toxins.
Get started today! You’ll feel better and your metabolism will be in top shape for all weight loss efforts.
Marg Roukens
202-657-5874
SKYPE: Skype Me
Tri Power Team
