Metabolism is the process in-which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Calories in the food and drinks you consume are combined with oxygen to release the energy your body needs to function. Your body even needs energy for the basics such as breathing!
The number of calories your body uses for the basic functions your body requires is called your basal metabolic rate. This can differ from person to person and is determined by:
•Your body size - the bigger you are, even if it is a high amount of muscle tend to burn more calories more calories, even at rest.
•Gender - Men usually have less body fat and more muscle than do women of the same age and weight, burning more calories.
•Your age. As you get older, the amount of muscle tends to decrease and fat accounts for more of your weight, slowing down calorie burning.
Your basal metabolic rate accounts for about 70 percent of the calories you burn every day. So it is key to keep it at its optimum!
The other factor that are key for your metabolism is exercise. Physical activity and account for the rest of the calories your body burns up each day
There are key 'Good' foods that are great for metabolism. And very simple to remember. These are:
Fish
Fresh vegetables: cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, peas, sprouts, broccoli etc.
Salad: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, celery, spring onions
Fruit: apples, oranges, pears, kiwi fruit, grapefruit, grapes (well washed)
What to avoid?
There are some food items you always have to avoid consuming in excess:
Fatty food
Fried food
Fried Potatoes and/or other vegetables
Soft drinks (sugary and/or fizzy)
Alcohol
Important facts to be considered:
Breakfast habits
The most important meal of the day. Have food rich in fibre and proteins. Avoid fat and oils at breakfast. Eat a healthy breakfast which will help you have a stable body all day along.
Lunch habits
Do not intake too much food at once. If at all possible, split lunch into 3 servings. One at 11:00 one at 12:30 and one at 14:00 for example. This is not always possible but by eating little and often, it will regulate insulin levels and also stops you feeling hungry
Dinner habits
Do not eat too late in the evening, ideally at least 3 hours before you go to bed. This allows the food to digest beforehand.
Drinking habits
Lots of water! At least 3 litre a day. First thing in the morning, make sure you drink a cup of hot water with lemon. Not only is it a daily detox, but it's great for weight loss and firing up your metabolism
Give it a try! You will not be disappointed!