Slow metabolism is a sore point with so many of us. Each shift of the needle on the weighing scale is blamed on our body’s metabolism, and we keep praying that a magic wand somehow boosts the metabolic rate. Wishful thinking, but do you feel the same way too?
Most people only vaguely understand the term metabolism, what it is and what it does. Metabolism is the body’s internal process of converting the food we eat into energy. It is considered slow for overweight people and faster for thinner ones. Also, men are supposed to have faster metabolism than women, and as you grow older, metabolism begins to get slower, the decline being as much 5% per decade after the age of 40.
The weight and metabolism connection
While there is a distinct connection between weight issues and metabolism, it is not the sole factor responsible for weight gain. Weight is the end result of the imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned through various activities. The calories burned are linked to the metabolic rate, but that is only one half of the weight problem. Weight is gained when the calorie intake is more than the amount burned and lost when the intake is less than the calories burnt.
Metabolism influencing factors
Our metabolic rate depends on numerous factors that are intertwined in our lives. Our lifestyle, attitude, diet and fitness routines and a host of other attributes have an impact on our metabolism.
1. Genetic factors- Though highly debatable, many scientists believe that some families are genetically inclined towards a faster metabolism compared to others. While little can be done to change the genes we are born with, we can be cautious about other aggravating factors.
2. Age- Age plays a big role in influencing the body’s metabolism. After 40, the metabolic rate declines by 5% every decade. The only way to reverse this is by maintaining a fitness routine and controlling diet.
3. Diet- Diet plays one of the most significant roles in the body’s metabolism. While fats and oils reduce it, a mineral rich diet with fruits, vegetables and yoghurt
4. Eating pattern- Though linked to diet, but the eating pattern assumes significance since timing affects absorption levels as well. Eating smaller meals more often is better than fewer big meals. Drinking lots of water, eating at least three hours before sleeping and never letting gaps between meals extend beyond two hours, are some positive steps that can be taken for better metabolism.
5. Exercise- The role of exercise, a fitness routine and being physically active and fit, can never be stressed enough. This has the ability to reverse negative metabolism trends, make people resolve weight, health and metabolism issues all together.
Your body’s metabolism need not remain what it is now, if you take the right steps to improve it, and in the process become fitter, healthier and perhaps thinner.
If you are finding it difficult to maintain a healthy diet at work, then why not try bringing a healthy packed lunch to work and pack it in one of the fun and imaginative bento boxes that are available on-line. Large Bento boxes are also a great way to pack a variety of different snacks allowing you to vary your meal with different ingredients
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