Things That Affect Metabolism
Genes. How much energy your body needs is determined by a handful of
genetic factors. Larger people have more muscle mass and usually need
more calories. Men tend to have less body fat and more muscle mass, so
they need more calories.
A common myth is that age causes your metabolism to slow. But age isn’t the
problem. As you get older, you may not be as physically active, you may have
less muscle mass, and your diet may not change to suit your body’s needs. All
of these things lead to a slower metabolism.
Diet. There are no miracle foods, eating plans, or perfect diets to maintain
your metabolism. But you can still improve your metabolism through your
diet. A diet of good carbohydrates, a suitable amount of calories, and
consistent meals will give your body the energy it needs.
One popular diet to improve metabolism is intermittent fasting. This involves
eating during a set number of hours each day (often about 8 hours) and not
eating for the rest of the time. When your body burns through the energy it
took in, it starts using energy stored in your body’s fat. This may allow your
body to clean and get rid of any extra fuel it has lying around.
Intermittent fasting can be helpful for weight loss, heart health, diabetes, and
obesity. There are many plans, so it’s important to pick one that works with
your own health and needs. Talk with your doctor before trying it.
Sleep. Sleep helps regulate your glucose, or blood sugar. A lack of
sleep causes your body to have trouble with glucose levels, leading to a lack
of energy.
Good sleep habits don’t involve counting minutes and sleep aids. Make sure
you’re getting good sleep by:
Going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day
Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and long naps within a few hours before bed
Avoiding blue light before bed, such as TVs, computers, and phones
Sleep is a great time for your body to burn extra energy. Boosting your
metabolism through diet and exercise will also help your body burn more
calories while at rest.
Exercise. An important piece of the puzzle is exercise. Moving your body uses
the most energy and burns calories. Regularly moving, even on a walk around
the block, boosts your metabolism to help you use excess energy, burn fat,
and improve your heart health.
Muscle-strengthening exercises are also important to make sure you have a
healthy amount of muscle. More intense strengthening exercises will help
reduce the signs of common metabolic diseases.
To help you get started try my online group training complimentary for 1 week,
Contact me through my website to get started!
Your Health Coach, Christine!
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