The science behind metabolism

The Limitless Voice May 2022 – Acecia Jones

You probably have heard the word “metabolism” thrown around. People often say, “Your metabolism slows as you get older,” or “He doesn’t gain weight because he has such a fast metabolism.” But are any of these statements true? What is metabolism anyway—and how does it affect your weight?

“When people refer to metabolism, they’re really talking about metabolic rate, which, in simplest terms, is the number of calories you burn every day. Think of those calories like money. “You can be in surplus, which means you store calories, mainly as fat, or you might be in deficit, meaning that you’ve used up your stores, just as you might your bank account,” says Marc Hellerstein, MD, PhD, professor of human nutrition at the University of California at Berkeley.”

A recent article in Real Simple discusses ways to increase your metabolism… follow these tips and incorporate your favorite Limitless tools (products) to help you along.

• Build Lean Muscle Tissue- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend not only doing aerobic activity, but also strength training, and there’s a good reason for that. “The more lean tissue you have, the more calories you burn, which is why strong people burn more calories just sitting around,” Dr. Hellerstein explains. One of the best ways to build lean muscle is resistance training. Every 2 pounds of increased muscle on your body will burn an additional 90 calories a day, increasing your resting metabolic rate, Dr. Fertig says. Aim to do three strength training workouts a week, recommends Dr. Hellerstein. Doing yoga can also increase muscle mass.

• Get Your Heart Pumping– According to Dr. Hellerstein, burning about 3,000 calories per week through voluntary exercise is a healthy goal for achieving a healthy metabolism. That’s the equivalent of walking about four miles a day. If that’s too daunting, follow exercise guidelines by doing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five times a week. And don’t forget to move more throughout the day, taking brief walks after meals or two-minute walks every half hour, Dr. Means says. (Electrify is an excellent way to keep those calories burning!*)

• Eat More Fiber
• Eat Less Sugar

• Sip Water-You’ve heard it a million times, but there’s good reason to drink two liters (or eight eight-ounce glasses) of water a day to stave off dehydration. “That can slow metabolic rate by not allowing sugar and fat to reach muscle where it would otherwise be metabolized,” Dr. Fertig says. (We love getting our water in with SkinnyStix for flavor and energy!*)

• Seek Morning Light- By getting direct sunlight first thing in the morning (and avoiding excess artificial light near bedtime), you’ll be aiding your metabolism. “It signals to the brain what time of day it is and sets your body up to time genetic and hormonal signals that appropriately regulate metabolism,” Dr. Means explains. Every morning, go outside for a few minutes (even if it’s cloudy—although you might have to stay out a little longer for optimal effects). 

• Make Sleep a Priority- Your health—and your metabolism—depends on proper sleep. “Even one night of short sleep, or just going to bed at a different time than normal, can decrease insulin sensitivity and contribute to higher stress hormones and glucose spikes the next day,” Dr. Means says. Health experts generally recommend that adults sleep for seven to nine hours a night. If you’re really struggling to sleep, talk with your physician to sort out underlying issues disrupting your rest. (LunaGen is our favorite product to help with sleep and stress.*) Click this link to learn more!

I’m living my Limitless Life – and I can help you live yours as well!

~Terry K

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