Like almost everything you hear about losing weight, a lot of the information available about your metabolism oversimplifies how metabolism works and how it affects your weight.
A Metabolism Primer
The following are just a few facts to help you better understand how metabolism works and how it affects your weight loss and your body.
What is Metabolism?
Your metabolism is the process your body uses to break down the food you eat for energy and nutrition.
Your Basal Metabolic Rate
Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the speed at which your body metabolizes food when it is at rest. When we say our metabolism is fast or slow, we are referring to our BMR.
The basic misconception is that you can “flip a switch”, with exercise and/or diet, to boost your BMR to burn more calories. While it’s true that when you are active your metabolism increases, the effect really only lasts for as long as you are active and for a short time after.
In addition, while certain foods are shown to increase your metabolism, the effect is only temporary and doesn’t do anything to change your BMR.
In simple terms, your BMR depends on the “passive” energy your body uses to keep you healthy and alive. There’s not much you can do to increase your BMR for any length of time.
Your BMR Was Born That Way
Studies have found that your BMR is largely determined by genetics. It is mainly inherited from your parents and ancestors.
Metabolism & Weight Loss
Regardless of whether your BMR is “fast” or “slow”, you can still lose weight in part by increasing your metabolism. Sustained weight loss results from creating a healthy calorie deficit through a combination of a balanced diet and physical activity. The more that activity increases your metabolism, the more likely you are to lose weight.
Everyone’s metabolism is different. The nutrition counsellors at your nearest Herbal One Centre have healthy herbal supplements, like our Ultra Stabilizer, that they use to create a personalized meal plan just for you to optimize your metabolism for weight loss.
To learn more about metabolism, check out our article “Forget These Metabolism Myths if You Want to Lose More Weight”.