In order to improve your fitness and energy levels, you need to improve your metabolism. Having a quick metabolism helps with a better breakdown of complex carbohydrates and fats, which leads to proper absorption of nutrients by the body and energy.
In the following blog, you’ll learn about metabolism and how you can improve it with simple diet and lifestyle tips, such as using clean plant protein, avoiding processed foods, doing cardio, etc.
What is Metabolism?
Metabolism refers to the chemical processes of the body that help convert food into energy and vice versa. When talking about metabolism, we often use the word BMR or the basal metabolic rate. It is the rate at which your body burns calories when you are at rest. At BMR, your body only uses energy for essential tasks like breathing, digestion, and other vital processes.
Studies show that a sluggish metabolism may lead to inefficient calorie usage and lead to weight gain. This is why boosting metabolism is essential for maintaining weight and healthy BMI. Move to the next section to understand how certain lifestyle and diet key points can help you in this feat.
Smart Diet and Lifestyle Hacks to Improve Metabolism
You can improve your metabolism with the following tips:
1. Stick to Intermittent Fasting, Not Prolonged
People with slow metabolism may find it difficult to lose weight. Due to this, they may skip meals to shed some weight. It is true that reducing calorie intake causes your body to burn stored fat and help clean your systems; however, it can also have potential downsides. Studies show that initial fasting may result in rapid weight loss, but prolonged fasting can slow down your metabolism as your body begins to stock up its energy reserves for emergencies. The healthier approach would be to do intermittent fasting and eating clean foods like unprocessed fruits and vegetables and healthy fats. This will provide you with sufficient energy without adding weight.
2. Go on Post-Meal Walks
Walking is the easiest and the most effective way to boost metabolism. Studies have shown that walking soon after eating is more beneficial for calorie burn and glucose uptake than walking after long intervals or before meals. Research recommends a 30-minute walk right after a meal for weight loss.
3. Get Your Micronutrients
Several micronutrients like vitamins and minerals are important for healthy metabolism. Zinc helps with glucose and fat metabolism and thus helps regular insulin levels. Vitamin C and magnesium are involved with energy-related enzymes. Vitamin D is needed to manage calcium absorption and assist with cellular functions and bone metabolism. Not getting sufficient micronutrients through diet can hamper metabolism. Taking the best multivitamin for men and women can be a quick way to get rid of vitamin deficiencies and boost metabolism.
Wrap Up
Boosting your metabolism can be beneficial in managing calorie burn and losing weight. You can improve your metabolism by following a few diet and lifestyle tips. These include timing your meals properly and avoiding staying hungry for too long, eating healthy and unprocessed foods, walking after meals, and increasing your micronutrients intake. Make sure to balance out your diet and lifestyle habits instead of going overboard.