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3 Ways We Slow Down Our Metabolism

By Sandy Schroeder

Sometimes we can slow down our metabolism without even realizing it. We may not be gaining a lot of weight, but we may be setting the stage for heart disease, chronic inflammation, diabetes or Alzheimer's with the foods we eat and the lifestyle we lead.

WellAndGood.com outlines three crucial ways we can harm our metabolism.

Cutting Way Back on Fat

It's easy to go overboard with reduced fat foods. According to medical researchers, fat has no effect on insulin levels, and insulin is the major hormone that regulates metabolism. Healthy fats such as avocados and olive oil are good additions to a healthy diet, balanced with lean proteins such as fatty fish and beans, and smart carbohydrate choices such as spinach pasta. Talk with your doctor about the best diet, depending on your numbers. Then follow one that keeps cholesterol and sugar levels down.

Eating Tons of Processed Foods

Researchers say processed foods increase insulin levels, which regulates metabolism. If you eat processed foods, such as cold cereals loaded with sugar, blood sugar levels go way up and then zoom back down, triggering overeating and handicapping metabolism. When insulin levels go up, the body locks more fat away, making it harder to burn it off.

Not Eating Until You Are Starved

Doctors say hunger is a signal that the body needs calories and fuel to keep metabolism going. If you wait until you are ravenous, the body goes into a starvation state that raises insulin levels and the body burns calories at a slower rate. Carry healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts with you as you move through the day and navigate workouts.

Healthy Snacks that Cut Calories

Healthline.com provides some snacks to reduce hunger and calories.

  • Greek yogurt with berries
  • Apple slices with peanut butter
  • Celery sticks with hummus
  • Red bell pepper with guacamole
  • Mixed nuts
  • Dark chocolate and almonds
  • Cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes
  • Kale chips
  • Cucumber slices with dill and onion Greek yogurt dip
  • Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Baked carrots with blue cheese
  • String cheese
  • Canned salmon or sardines with spicy mustard
  • Marinated artichoke hearts
  • Pear slices with ricotta cheese
  • Turkey slice roll-ups filled with cream cheese and green onions
  • Green or black olives
  • Ricotta cheese with dark chocolate cocoa powder and honey

Keep your metabolism moving with less processed foods, more healthy fats, and lots of smart choices in snacks.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in McKinney, Tex.

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