Are you asking yourself “Why can’t I eat like I used to?” If so, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll cover why our metabolism may change and how to kickstart it again.
Before we dive in though, think of this…
Have you taken your car to the garage lately? Perhaps for an oil change, brake check, or some new tires? Better yet, have you purchased a new vehicle recently? Most of you use your car to take kids to school, go to work, grab lunch, or rush around for errands before you finally park for the day. And guess what? You (and your car) do it again the next day…and the next…and so on. Like your car, your body acquires “mileage” year after year. It needs to be maintained and perhaps treated more delicately as it ages.
Considering your car’s and body’s similarities, let’s dive a bit deeper…
Metabolism is a chemical process that occurs within your body to maintain life. Your metabolism is how your body breaks down foods and other substances into energy. There are many reasons why what we did in our youth simply won’t cut it today when it comes to maintaining your health. Here are a few reasons:
Age
During adolescence and even into early adulthood your body goes through changes and growth. In adulthood, your body experiences new changes. The first signs of aging come with a few grey hairs, wrinkles, age spots or even a few extra pounds around the midsection.
Some of you may experience aging as a feeling in the body, often in the form of aches, pains and stiffness. Others may notice health-related issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin sensitivity, hormonal changes, and so on. No matter your first sign of the ongoing aging process, your body, is gaining more “mileage” year after year and may need a bit more maintenance.
Diet
Have you ever heard, “What you put in is what you get out?” Well, it’s TRUE! Skipping meals, especially breakfast, is like a sucker punch to your metabolism. Though excessive cortisol can damage the metabolism, just the right amount at its highest levels (in the morning) can help torch those calories and ensure you have the energy to start your day.
Plan to eat your breakfast and maintain a healthy balanced diet within your daily caloric intake. But, if you’re eating regularly and still find your energy level a bit low, it might be time to consider talking with your doctor. Some healthcare professionals and dietitians recommend the occasional cleanse or intermittent fasting to help the body reset your body’s digestive tract. With the right diet, your metabolism will function optimally. Schedule a visit with a First Stop Health provider to talk about your options!
Exercise
Were you an active kid or teen? Aging, with lifestyle changes, can cause a decrease in regular physical activity and muscle mass of your body. But keep in mind that the more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism. In fact, a pound of muscle has been shown to burn 7-10 calories per pound a day, in comparison to one pound of fat burning about 2 calories daily. That means muscle burns about 3x as many calories as fat at rest. So make sure you make time for regular cardiovascular exercise in addition to strength training 2-3x a week. This is a sure way to naturally enhance your body’s burn power.
Stress
Raise your hand if this is a common word in your vocabulary! When you’re stressed, cortisol levels rise. If your levels remain elevated long-term, you may notice a few health problems creep in like a lowered immune response, poor blood glucose levels, abnormal thyroid function and unusual cognitive function. All these symptoms can lead to a decline in your metabolism.
Try managing your stress by talking to a friend, counseling, journaling, meditating, relaxing, or using breathing techniques. Or take a much-needed vacation.
Sleep
Recall a night that you tossed and turned but you had to go to work the next day (for some of you, this may be more common than desired). How did you feel throughout each day? Sluggish? Groggy? Grouchy? Tired? Hungry? Well, cortisol comes into play yet again when your body does not get enough sleep. As little as two hours less sleep can increase your body’s cortisol levels by about half of its normal production. This not only affects your metabolism the day after your poor night’s sleep, but you may feel like you need to eat more than normal. This is because your body’s hunger hormones, like ghrelin and leptin, beg you to get calories throughout the day to maintain sufficient energy levels.
So, practice a normal bedtime and wake times daily along with investing in a good mattress and pillow to make getting some shut-eye a little less cumbersome.
There are so many changes you sustain in life alongside your body. But if you keep your oil changed, replace the tires within a timely manner, and protect its outer shell, you might just find your younger self inside! Making these changes can be challenging, so that's why our First Stop Health coaches are here to help! You can schedule a visit to talk about lifestyle changes to ensure you have enough energy to enjoy your everyday.
Care you will love.
