Have you wondered how much you hear about metabolism is true? I've often wondered myself so I'm checking into the topic to find out the truth. I've always heard metabolism slows down around 30 and you will gain weight no matter what you do. Based on personal experience, it is not true for me because I weigh less than than I did when I graduated from high school. For others, it is true so what do official groups say about it.
To start with, metabolism is basically the rate at which our bodies convert the food we eat into energy used by our bodies. There is this myth out that we cannot change this rate at all but that is not quite true.
Genetics does help determine metabolic rate but we can do things to encourage better metabolism. One way is to create more lean muscle in our bodies because muscle burns more calories per hour than fat. This means if you work to turn the fat into muscle, you'll improve your metabolic rate.
Although muscle mass does decrease with age, there are things that can be done to slow it down. For instance, if you add hand weights to your work out you can slow down the decrease so as to help your metabolic rate.
There is a general belief that if you eat after 8PM at night you will gain weight but that is not exactly true. It depends on what you eat that will make the difference. If you eat healthy foods, there shouldn't be a problem unless you eat way more calories than you consume. However, if you eat lots of chips, soda, and other such snacks, you will be likely to gain weight. Remember, its what and how much you eat at a time that will determine weight gain.
Unfortunately, people believe if you eat a very low calorie diet and skip meals with the idea that you'll jump start your metabolism, it won't work. By doing this, you are sending signals to your body that you are unable to provide enough calories for your body and it will start making changes so it does the same functions using fewer calories. You could easily end up gaining weight.
Researchers have discovered if you do not get enough sleep per night, your metabolic rate slows down and its easy to gain weight. So make sure you get enough sleep every night.
So if you exercise, use weights, eat healthy, watch the amounts you eat and sleep well, you can help keep your metabolism functioning and stay well.
Metabolism is like some magical genie that if you rub it the right way, your wish will be granted - thinness. ^_^
ReplyDeleteThat last fact - "low calorie diet and skip meals with the idea you'll jump start your metabolism" is the only thing I disagree with. I think it depends on who you are.
For instance, if you are 300 pounds or more, you have excess body fat. What your body will do is "eat" the stores before it "eats" your muscle. But, for most people at normal weight, who don't have large stores of Fat, the loss of muscle is quicker.
What do you think?
Hi Lee,
ReplyDeleteGood to know. While I feel my metabolism is slowing down, so is my appetite. A good thing since I don't have time to exercise-- always blogging!
Thanks for sharing at Blogger's Pit Stop last week.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew