Revitalize Your Metabolism and Enjoy a Healthier You!
Metabolism is the process of transforming food into usable energy, which comes after digestion. Digestion involves breaking down food in your gastrointestinal tract, and then metabolism takes over to turn that broken-down material into something you can use right away or store for later. In a nutshell: Metabolism converts what you eat into fuel!
If you think of a slow metabolism like an old car that gives only 15 miles per gallon, then the contrast with a healthy metabolism is clear; it’s like having a new vehicle that gets 30 MPG! Metabolism helps us determine how much energy we can obtain from the nutritious food we consume.
Despite popular belief, your metabolic rate is not the sole deciding factor in determining your body weight. Of course, it plays a role—how well your metabolism uses energy impacts where that energy goes—but there are several other elements to consider too, like diet and hormone balance.
I’m here to let you know that there’s no magical solution to jumpstart your metabolism. (In fact, it never really stops!) But we do have a few tricks up our sleeves that can help the process along.
- Initially, keep your body in motion. All movement matters! When you work out, the metabolism revs up to provide ample energy for your muscles. This acceleration of metabolism continues even after working out is done; it can last for up to an hour afterward. That’s why taking regular breaks away from the desk and moving often are so vital for boosting the metabolic rate.
- Subsequently, we should allocate space in our diet for certain foods and supplements that may have a positive impact on metabolism. It’s important to note that there is no single magical solution available, but there are several ingredients with strong evidence demonstrating their connection to improved metabolic function. Let us explore these options:
7-keto
7-Keto is backed by strong scientific research demonstrating its capacity to increase metabolism and support healthy body weight when combined with regular exercise and proper nutrition.
Plus, 7-Keto has few side effects compared to caffeine or green tea catechins, which are also worth considering if you want further options (we’ll discuss those further below).
Caffeine
While consuming caffeine alongside your food may provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, it is essential to be mindful of the potential side effects. These can include nervousness, restlessness, stomach discomfort, and sleep disruption.
Therefore, if you find that caffeine works for you without any negative impacts, then by all means use it as an aid in supporting a healthy metabolism; just make sure not to overdo it on the espresso!
Green Tea
Seeking something with a gentler flavor than coffee? Consider green tea! It’s been found to contain beneficial catechins, which provide metabolic rate advantages that regular caffeine can’t. Plus, these compounds occur in only one kind of tea: the distinctive and delicious green variety. Matcha is an equally exquisite choice here because it also springs from pure-green leaves.
Capsaicin
If you’re a fan of hot and spicy foods, rejoice! Capsaicin, the compound responsible for peppers’ heat, has been proven to increase energy expenditure in the body. Remember this when cooking at home—be daring with your spices!
Cinnamon
When used as part of your diet, cinnamon can help stabilize healthy blood sugar levels and promote balance in hormones that control appetite; such as insulin, leptin, and ghrelin. This way, we are not trying to suppress hunger but instead support our body’s natural ability to store glucose (sugar), effectively preventing any energy crashes throughout the day.
Holy Basil
For centuries, Ayurvedic herbs have been used to bolster our resilience to stress. We suggest incorporating them into your daily routine; which might include practices such as yoga or mindfulness, venturing outdoors with friends and family, etc. Preliminary studies indicate this approach—helping the body better handle anxiety—can minimize fluctuations in cortisol levels, which are connected to sugar metabolism and other hormones.
