Metabolism 101: Where do the calories go??????

Did you know that 60-75% of all the calories you burn is
simply to keep you alive? Our bodies need calories to run essential functions
in the body such as heart, lung, and brain function.  The body needs
energy all the time, even while it sleeps.  Although there are many ways
to explain it, metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories to
sustain life. 

 

Physical activity levels, age, thyroid, how we fuel and how
often we fuel our body, stress, hydration and genetics have an important impact
on our metabolism.  However, how much muscle tissue you have has the
biggest impact on your metabolism.  The more muscle tissue you have, the
more calories you burn regardless of how active you are, how old you are, etc.

 

So what causes your metabolism to slow down? 

1.      
You lose muscle mass due to lack of physical
stress and a decrease in activity levels. The key is to keep moving your body
no matter what age you are. Have an exercise plan that includes both
cardiovascular and strength training.  Remember muscle mass requires more
energy to sustain at rest!

2.      
Your body cannibalizes muscle when it needs
energy so if you don’t supply any fuel because you are restricting calories or
skipping meals it will turn to the next best fuel source. The purpose of food
you eat is to fuel and build/repair the body.

3.      
Your food choices are important.  They say
“you are what you eat!” It is imperative that our bodies eat a combination of
lean protein, carbohydrates and fat.  Eating a variety of foods gives our
bodies important minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that are necessary for all
systems to work well together. Try to mostly fill up on foods that are more
natural and unprocessed.  Eating small mini meals 4 or 5 times a day or 3
meals and 2 snacks will help regulate your blood sugar too.  Your body
will learn that it can count on you to feed it and give it the energy it needs
to function well.  The longer you go between meals causes your body to
conserve energy and will cause unstable blood sugar/energy levels.

4.      
Lack of hydration can cause all of your systems
to slow down.  Over 70% of bodily functions take place in water.  Not
giving your body water places undue stress on your body.  Aim for at least
8, 8oz glasses of water a day. 

5.      
Genetics can affect metabolism too but you don’t
have to use this as an excuse.  You can’t change your genetics but you can
win the battle by making healthy food choices, exercising portion control and
staying active.