Metabolism

What is metabolism?

Our bodies get the energy they need from food through metabolism, the chemical reactions in the body’s cells that convert the fuel from food into the energy needed to do everything from moving to thinking to growing. Specific proteins in the body control the chemical reactions of metabolism, and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions. Thousands of metabolic reactions happen at the same time — all regulated by the body — to keep our cells healthy and working.

What is metabolic rate?

The metabolic rate (per minute or per hour) is the rate at which your body can breakdown food to energy which can be used to perform day to day activities like digestion, cell repair, breathing etc.

Are there ways of increasing your metabolism?

Yes, there are several ways to give your metabolism a boost…

• Eat breakfast – There is a reason breakfast is “the most important meal of the day”. Eating lean protein for breakfast will help jumpstart your metabolism for the day ahead. Protein from egg whites, for instance, will help stabilize your blood sugar, make you feel fuller, and keep you from overeating later in the day.
• Move! – Any activity above and beyond your basal metabolic rate raises your metabolism. This includes any “non-exercise” activities such as standing (instead of sitting), combing your hair, brushing your teeth and so on. Although one of the best ways to significantly increase your metabolism are planned aerobic or cardio work outs of at least an hour.
• Muscle – As we age, metabolism slows down and this is largely due to the reduction of muscle mass. Muscles burn more energy than fat, even at rest. Take the time to build your muscle and increase your metabolic rate.
• Sleep – Get your beauty sleep. Human growth hormones work directly on cells to increase your metabolic rate by 15 to 20% and can only be produced during the few hours of deep sleep.
• Healthy diet – During mealtimes try to mix lean proteins with the complex carbohydrates of fruits and veggies. Food is transferred into usable nutrients, speeding up your metabolism.
• Green tea - A research has demonstrated that green tea extracts modestly spike up metabolic rate by about four percent or around 78 calories (31 percent of calories contained in a regular-size Snickers bar). Researchers suspect compounds called catechins are responsible for this calorie-burning lift.
• Spice up your life - Studies show that spicy foods can give your metabolism a sudden surge by stimulating the release of your stress hormone.