Thursday, April 10, 2008

The Metabolism Paradox and How To Master It

The Metabolism Paradox and How To Master It
Most people know your metabolism is responsible for
converting your food into fuel, and affects how efficiently
you burn calories.

What you may not know is that your age, gender, and lean
body mass all influence your metabolism. Genetics also
play a role.

Very few people know that, actually, the heavier you are,
the faster your metabolism. This is because your body has
to work harder to sustain itself, even while resting. This
is part of the reason why when you begin a weight loss
program, you generally experience success losing weight in
the beginning, and then it becomes more difficult to lose
the remaining pounds.

And of course, it is easy to regain the weight you lose
because your leaner body needs less calories to perform, so
an increase in calories on your leaner frame will produce
extra pounds.

This is the metabolism paradox that baffles many seeking to
burn fat and lose weight.

So what do you do to master your metabolism and break
through weight loss roadblocks?

EAT! EAT! EAT!

Your metabolism will operate more efficiently if you eat
smaller meals, more often. It keeps your metabolism at a
higher rate, meaning you'll burn more calories overall.

Many dieters tend to deprive themselves throughout the day
in an effort to save on calories. This technique actually
tells your body that it's about to starve and it needs to
conserve. If you go too long between meals your metabolism
will actually slow down to help your body compensate. When
you eat a huge meal after going a long period without food,
your body wants to hold onto those calories, and processes
them very slowly. This won't necessarily sabotage your
weight loss plan if it happens every once in a while, but
if you make it a habit, you will experience difficulty in
losing unwanted pounds.

Eat What?

Popular culture has introduced us to the idea that hot
foods, spicy foods, jumpstarts our metabolism. In truth,
eating any type of food puts your metabolism in motion.

However, the spicy food idea is actually true. Athletes who
added red pepper to their diet boosted their resting
metabolic rate for about half an hour after eating, but
there's no evidence to suggest how long the increased
metabolic rate actually lasts.

Protein is one body fuel that takes about 25% more energy
to process, so a snack that is high in protein will rev up
your metabolism slightly more than a carbohydrate heavy
snack.

The best way to get your metabolism high charged is through
a program that includes high-protein and low calorie foods,
increased lean muscle mass and physical activity.

Make changes to your diet and activity level, and get a
good night's sleep. Your body will respond well to a
healthy routine and operate at a more optimum level.

If you stay hydrated and frequently eat a variety of foods
that contain fiber and protein, which your body will have
an easier time converting into fuel, you burn fat faster
and lose those unwanted pounds quickly.


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Debbie endeavors to encourage women to take care of their
bodies and feed their minds with good positive thoughts.
She shares her expertise on natural weight loss and
radiantly healthy living at her blog http://weonadiet.com .

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