Can We Change Our Metabolism?
By Amy Silva
You've most likely heard someone say they have a slow metabolism and gain weight easily, or the reverse, that they can eat whatever they want and not gain weight. The truth is that your genes don't have the biggest impact on determining whether your metabolism is fast or slow. This is good news because it means you have some control over whether your body holds onto fat or not, provided you don't have a medical condition, of course.
A Quick Version of How Metabolism Works
Metabolism is how our bodies use the energy we give it. Consider that food is the fuel or energy needed to keep our bodies at their best. We should be eating healthy food that helps our metabolism function properly, not filling it with sugar to slow us down. If we miss meals or eat lots of junk instead of fueling it the right way, it can slow down, make us lose energy and reach for more unhealthy food as a quick way to feel better. Getting out of the sugar cycle can be difficult because it's so readily available and tastes so good. This cycle of consistently eating more and more calories without burning enough can make us gain weight because excess calories can get stored as fat. This is what can begin to slow down the metabolisms of even those who may have always had fast ones.
Here are some foods that may speed up metabolism
- Broccoli
- Chili Peppers
- Protein
Here are some drinks that may speed up metabolism
- Coffee
- Green Tea
- Water
What Else Might Help Rev Metabolism to Get Rid of Extra Weight?
- Skip the sodium - Foods high in sodium may make you feel like you've gained weight, or make you hold onto weight, because they make you retain water. Many prepackaged foods are packed with sodium to help extend shelf life. The fresher your food, the better, so avoid foods full of sodium as much as possible.
- Avoid skipping meals - Not eating enough throughout the day can make the body store fat longer, so aim to eat every few hours and start the day with a healthy breakfast to help get your metabolism going.
- Eat good food - Aim to make better food choices and try to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. That way you aren't left looking for unhealthy snacks or stopping for fast food when hunger hits.
- Move your body - Exercising, especially high intensity interval training, or HIIT, may help to make metabolism faster. Lifting weight to add muscle can give it another boost.
For those without health issues impacting their metabolism, diet, or physical abilities, there are simple changes that can be made each day that can help turn slower metabolisms into faster ones.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wellington, Fla.