What is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the pace in which your body burns calories. In this process your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Your Metabolic rate depends on various factors such as age, body size, gender, genetics, physical activity, hormonal factors, drugs, diet, body fat. As you age and with lifestyle changes your Metabolism drops. The Good News is that there are ways to increase and improve your Metabolism.
But There Are Some Habits That Kill Your Metabolism!!!!!
- SKIPPING OR EATING WRONG BREAKFAST : Eating a Nutritious breakfast is a great way to start your day. Your metabolism slows when you sleep and eating your breakfast can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories during the day. Skipping breakfast can cause your metabolism to slow down, which may lead to weight gain or harder to lose weight. So it’s also important what you eat for breakfast, if you are going for sweet cereals or muffins, then whole day you’ll crave for sweet or sugary drinks. instead choose your breakfast with good carbs, few veggies and protein, also fibre.
- SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: Sitting for a long time can make you lethargic, then your body will go into energy-conservation, which will eventually lead to lower metabolic rate.
- AVOIDING/LESS DAIRY: Dairy has Metabolism boosting power. The calcium and vitamin D found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.. helps in building muscle mass and maintaining your Metabolism. Before you start with dairy in every meal check the fat content, there are lot of options available.
- AVOIDING STRENGTH TRAINING: Running, cycling or any cardio activity is good it can burn calories quicker, but once you’re done it comes back to normal. When you do Yoga or any other strength training like HIIT, etc.. will help you lose fat faster. Strength training is very important for boosting your metabolism, it is linked to your muscle mass. If your muscle tissues are active then your Metabolic rate will rise up.
- NOT GETTING ENOUGH PROTEIN: Protein is the food for your muscle, to stay healthy, healthy protein is important. Protein can help you burn more calories, because it has high Thermic effect which gives a boost to your Metabolism. Perhaps help you burn more calories round the clock, even when you are sleeping.
- NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER: Drinking water increases your Metabolism by 20%-30%, for about an hour. Keep on drinking water throughout the day and stay Hydrated.
- EATING MORE REFINED CARBS/FAST FOOD: If you are a fan of refined carbs then that is definitely slowing your Metabolism, no matter how much workout you do but you wont burn as many calories or reduce fat, rather it will increase your cellulite. Carbs are important they give you energy but skip refined carbs such as white bread, waffles, pastries, pizza, breakfast cereals, white rice, etc…will make your journey towards weight loss difficult.
- IRREGULAR SLEEP: If you follow an irregular sleep pattern then cravings for refined carbs increases and you’ll feel lazy throughout the day, which will lead to sedentary lifestyle. Lack or irregular sleep causes hormonal imbalances all these factors leads to low Metabolism. More than quantity go for Quality of sleep. Most important a good night sleep will boost your Metabolism.
- VITAMIN/OMEGA 3 DEFICIENCY: If you are Vitamin or Omega 3 deficient then you will have low energy levels which will lead to drop in your Metabolic rate. Keep a check on your deficiencies. Intake of natural source of Vitamins and Omega 3 from your food or through supplements.
- CALORIE SHORTAGE: Intake of less calories than your body’s requirement can cause a major fall in your Metabolism . Right amount of calorie intake will give you more energy during the day to stay active.
- STRESS: When you are stressed the cortisol level increases. It will increase your cravings for sugary and salty foods, Umami flavours you would prefer with an increase in your appetite. Your sleep pattern and drive to stay active will reduce that will lead to lower metabolic rate. Uncertainty in your Stress level can play a major role in low metabolic rate especially during this Pandemic, but you can find your ways for stress management like YinYoga, Meditation, or any other way you can relieve your stress.
TWO THINGS I FOLLOW MYSELF EVERYDAY TO BOOST MY METABOLISM:
- REGULAR EXERCISE: Making exercise part of your daily routine can make lot of difference in your health and well-being and will result to higher Metabolic rate. With my personal experience I am telling you try for a month everyday minimum 30mins walk or any exercise you like to do, there will be a major shift in your Metabolism and energy levels.
- BE HAPPY: Having positive attitude and being happy are interrelated. There is a relation between the brain that manage weight and metabolism and areas that control your emotions. Find happiness in small things, be happy in the present moment, sometimes acceptance in many situations can bring peace inside and later leads to being happy. Try to be happy inside first. Happiness will most definitely boost your Metabolism.
LASTLY WHEN YOU RUB YOUR CHIN TO YOUR CHEST IT INCREASES YOUR METABOLIC RATE. TRY IT YOURSELF!!!!!
