Metabolism, often touted as the body’s internal furnace, is the complex network of chemical processes that convert food into energy. This intricate system influences how quickly or slowly we burn calories, impacting our weight and overall health. 

As we age, it’s no secret that the metabolic pace tends to decelerate, and a few extra pounds may stealthily find their way onto the scale.

This slowing of metabolism with age is a multifaceted phenomenon. First and foremost, it’s influenced by a natural decline in muscle mass, a consequence of aging, and a sedentary lifestyle. Since muscle tissue is metabolically active, its reduction results in a slower calorie-burning engine. 

Add to that the hormonal changes accompanying aging, and the perfect storm for a more sluggish metabolism begins to brew.

However, it’s not solely the passage of time that contributes to this metabolic lull; our lifestyle choices play a significant role. So, while pursuing a speedier metabolism is often lauded as the holy grail of weight management, our inadvertent derailment of the body’s calorie-burning capabilities requires attention. 

Let’s explore the undercover habits that might be covertly putting the brakes on your metabolism and discover strategies to kick it into higher gear!

1. Skipping Meals, aka, Extreme Caloric Restriction

Many people mistakenly believe that dramatically reducing their calorie intake or skipping meals will lead to weight loss. However, this approach often signals the body to enter a conservation mode, slowing down your metabolism to conserve energy.

Do this instead…Opt for a balanced approach to eating by incorporating regular, well-proportioned meals and snacks throughout the day. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that help provide sustained energy and support your metabolism. By nourishing your body consistently, you can maintain a more stable metabolism and avoid the pitfalls of extreme caloric restriction.

2. Low Protein 

For your metabolism, protein is more than a muscle supporter; it plays a crucial role in sustaining a well-operating engine. Since muscle tissue is metabolically active, a reduction in muscle mass can lead to a decrease in overall metabolic rate.

Do this instead…Ensure you include a variety of protein-rich foods in your diet, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and plant-based protein sources. Eat a balanced mix of foods throughout, incorporating protein into each meal. This approach helps preserve muscle mass, promoting a healthier and more efficient metabolism.

3. Not Prioritizing Exercise

If your idea of exercise is only lifting the remote, brace yourself for a metabolic slowdown. A sedentary lifestyle can significantly impact metabolism. Regular exercise, especially strength training, keeps your muscles strong and helps your body burn more calories at rest. On the flip side, not exercising can make you lose muscle and use less energy.

Keep in mind cardio is beneficial, but don’t rely solely on it. Skipping strength training might lead to muscle loss and a drop in your metabolic rate.

Do this instead… Blend regular exercise into your routine, balancing cardio with strength training for a winning combination. Engage in activities that build muscle, boosting both your metabolic rate and overall well-being. Whether sweating through squats, taking strolls, or dancing up a storm, make consistent movement a habit to keep your metabolism on its toes.

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4. Dehydration

Water is essential for various bodily functions, and when there’s an inadequate water supply, metabolism may slow down. Additionally, drinking water has been associated with a temporary boost in metabolic rate.

Do this instead…Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking adequate water consistently throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip water regularly, especially during physical activities or in warm environments. Aim for the recommended daily water intake to support optimal metabolic function and overall health.

5. Too Much Junk Food

Processed foods earn the label “junk food” due to their high content of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbs, all culprits in weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. These foods, lacking essential nutrients, can disrupt your metabolism and hinder your body’s efficient energy conversion.

Do this instead… Make mindful choices by incorporating whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet. While a little indulgence is allowed, it’s crucial to steer clear of processed foods known for their excess empty calories and lack of essential nutrients. Prioritize a balanced diet to support your metabolism and overall well-being. Enhance your decision-making by reading food labels and opting for whole, unprocessed alternatives, promoting a more favorable metabolic balance.

6. Too Many Cocktails

Did you know that enjoying a beer or a glass of wine with your meal can actually slow down your metabolism? Here’s why: when you drink, your liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol, temporarily pausing other calorie-burning processes. And don’t forget the calories added..

Do this instead…If you choose to consume alcohol, Consider opting for lower-alcohol beverages and incorporate alcohol-free days into your week. Prioritize a balanced lifestyle that supports both enjoyment and overall well-being while avoiding excessive alcohol consumption to maintain a healthy metabolic state.

7. Too Little Sleep, Too Much Stress

Ever notice that things tend to feel more stressed when you don’t get enough sleep? Insufficient and poor-quality sleep and stress go hand in hand, throwing a wrench into your hormonal harmony. In these situations, cortisol levels spike, potentially messing with your metabolic balance and hindering efficient calorie burning. 

Do this instead… Establishing a consistent sleep routine and a calm bedtime environment helps ensure you get enough restful sleep. Try stress-relieving activities like deep breathing, yoga, or a relaxing hobby. These small changes can make a big difference in supporting your metabolism and overall well-being.

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8. Not Enough Fiber

Not getting enough fiber in your diet can put a damper on your metabolism. Here’s why: fiber adds bulk to your meals, slows down nutrient absorption, and keeps things moving smoothly in your digestive system.^1-3

When you’re low on fiber, there’s a traffic jam in your digestive tract. Nutrients get absorbed too quickly, which can mess with your blood sugar levels, making your metabolism feel sluggish.

Do this instead…Include fiber-rich foods in your meals – think fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber not only keeps your digestion running smoothly but also helps you feel full, which can be a plus for managing your calorie intake. 

9. Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies

Eating enough vitamins and minerals can really help your body’s energy-making process. Without them, your body might struggle to make and use energy properly. Certain small nutrients play a big part in helping different energy-making paths in your body, and not having enough of them can slow down how your body burns calories.

Important vitamins like B vitamins, vitamin D, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc are very important for your body’s energy health. For example, B vitamins help turn food into energy, and if you don’t have enough, your body’s energy-making process can slow down.³ Not having enough vitamin D can affect how well your body uses insulin, which can affect how well your body makes energy.⁴

Iron, which is an important mineral, helps carry oxygen and make energy, and if you don’t have enough, you can feel tired and your body might not make energy as well.⁵ Magnesium is another important mineral that helps with many reactions in your body that make energy.⁶

Do this instead…To make sure you’re getting enough of these small nutrients and to help your body make energy as best as it can, it’s important to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Making sure you get enough of these small nutrients can help keep your body from feeling sluggish and promote overall good health. You might want to talk to a healthcare professional to check how well you’re doing with your nutrition.

In our quest for a smoothly running metabolism, let’s steer clear of the usual roadblocks and gear ourselves towards achieving metabolic excellence. By sidestepping these common errors and adopting habits that boost metabolism, you can tap into your body’s maximum calorie-burning capacity. So, prepare to ignite your metabolic engine and set off on an adventure towards a more energetic and efficient version of yourself!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/fiber/art-20043983
2. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/.
3. Aghdassi, E., McArthur, M., Liu, B., McGeer, A., Simor, A., Allard, J. P. (2009)
4. Takiishi, T., Gysemans, C., Bouillon, R., & Mathieu, C. (2015). Vitamin D and diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 44(2), 319–347
5. Ref: Beard, J. (2001). Iron biology in immune function, muscle metabolism and neuronal functioning. Journal of Nutrition, 131(2), 568S–580S.
6. Ref: Nielsen, F. H., & Lukaski, H. C. (2006). Update on the relationship between magnesium and exercise. Magnesium research, 19(3), 180–189