Our metabolism is one of the most complex and widely misunderstood systems in our body. Despite popular belief, it’s not simply a matter of eating less and exercising more to get the weight loss results we want.

In order to truly grasp how our metabolism works and how we can manipulate it, we need to dive deeper into the science behind it.

What is Metabolism?

In simple terms, metabolism is the process by which your body converts the food you eat into energy. This energy is used for various functions like breathing, digesting food, and movement.

The rate at which you use this energy is known as your metabolic rate.

Your metabolic rate is determined by a range of factors such as age, gender, body composition, and activity level.

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy your body needs just to carry out its basic functions such as circulation, breathing, and cell production. It’s important to note, though, that exercise, movement, and other activities can increase your overall metabolic rate throughout the day.

Why is Metabolism Important for Weight Loss?

In order to lose weight, we need to burn more calories than we consume. If we consume more calories than we burn, our body will store the excess energy as fat.

Therefore, in order to lose weight, we need to increase our metabolic rate to burn more calories throughout the day.

How Can You Boost Your Metabolism?

While there is no magic pill to increase your metabolism, there are several things you can do to give it a boost:.

1. Lift Weights

Lifting weights or doing resistance training can help increase your muscle mass. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate will be since muscles burn more calories at rest than fat.

It’s important to note that you don’t need to become a bodybuilder to reap the benefits of resistance training- even incorporating bodyweight exercises into your routine can help.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can also help increase your metabolism. One study found that drinking 500 ml of water increased the metabolic rate by 30% for up to 40 minutes. Aim for at least 2 liters of water per day to keep your body functioning efficiently.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep has a major impact on our metabolism. Studies have shown that getting enough quality sleep can help improve metabolic function and regulate hormones that control hunger and appetite.

Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help keep your metabolism functioning optimally.

4. Move More

Increasing your daily activity level can also help give your metabolism a boost.

This doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for hours each day- even small things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during your lunch break can help increase your overall calorie burn.

5. Eat Enough

Contrary to popular belief, eating too little can actually slow down your metabolism. When your body doesn’t get enough fuel, it goes into ‘starvation mode’ and conserves energy to survive.

This means that your metabolism slows down, making it harder to lose weight in the long run. Aim to eat a balanced diet that incorporates plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep your body functioning optimally.

The Bottom Line

While it can be tempting to turn to quick fixes or fad diets in the pursuit of weight loss, understanding how your metabolism works is key to long-term success.

By incorporating small lifestyle changes like lifting weights, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, moving more, and eating enough, you can help give your metabolism a boost and achieve your weight loss goals.