Kick Start Your Metabolism

Many people attribute their failed weight loss efforts to a slow metabolism.

- Dr. Suresh Shottam

Some look for answers in a magic pill or meal replacement powders. The truth is, no pill or artificial aid can speed up your metabolism. The reason why these mistaken notions exist is because most people don’t understand how the human metabolism works. So let’s start at the very beginning.

WHAT IS METABOLISM? 

The simple definition: Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories to sustain life. This means that your body burns calories 24 hours a day, every day, whether or not you exercise. This is because your body needs energy ALL THE TIME, even while you sleep!

Question: What has the greatest impact on your metabolism? 

1. Your activity level?, 2. Your thyroid?, 3. Your age?

Answer: None of the above. While these factors do influence your metabolic rate, they are nothing in comparison to…MUSCLE TISSUE!

The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest, regardless of how active you are, how old you are, etc.

Factors which impact your metabolism in descending order of importance:

Muscle tissue - Burns calories 24 hours a day, every day!

Meal frequency – The longer you go between meals, the more your metabolism will slow down to conserve energy

Activity level – This is important but it won’t make a difference if you don’t match your eating to your energy expenditure

Food choices – Low-fat diets tend to slow down the metabolism due to poor hormone production. Eating healthy fats (such as omega-3) is essential for efficient metabolic activity

Hydration – Since 70% of all body functions require water, insufficient intake will cause the system to slow down and add to the body’s stress levels