Managing your metabolism

‍

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that take place as your body converts foods and drinks into energy. You have probably heard of people talking about having a fast metabolism and burning calories quickly and easily and others complaining about a slow metabolism that prevents them from losing weight.

As we age, our metabolism slows and the rate at which we break down food decreases by 10 percent each decade after age 20. Luckily, there are ways to boost your metabolism at any age:

‍

Eat more often

Each time you eat you wake up your metabolism a bit. Eating smaller portions during the day but more often can help to keep your metabolism running. Just make sure you don’t add extra calories.

‍

Build more muscle mass, get more active

People with higher muscle mass usually have a higher metabolism. It’s because it takes more energy to maintain muscle mass in your body than it does fat.
‍

Drink more water

We often confuse being thirsty with being hungry. Drink more water to keep your body well hydrated, which also helps with breaking down your food and calories

‍

Avoid late night meals

You are better off eating more during the day than making it up for it later in the night. It’s because we naturally burn more calories during the day when we are active compared to sleeping.

‍

Get a better night sleep

Being more rested makes your body function better and makes you less likely to crave foods that you don’t need. People who get adequate sleep or more sleep tend to have lower body weight than people who don’t get enough sleep.

‍

Useful tip

Keeping active is one of the many ways to jump start your metabolism. Get motivated to move more with these exercise videos

‍

‍

‍

Source: The American Heart Association

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.