Metabolism: one word, a thousand thoughts. These days people – especially those looking to drop those extra pounds – refer to this body function more as an obstacle rather than a means to their weight loss goals. However, you may not have known that you can boost your metabolism to burn extra calories with little tweaks here and there. From myths to science-backed facts, we’re going to break down any piece of information you need to know about your metabolism on your way to a „better“ one.
What is metabolism?
Every time you eat or drink something, your body tends to convert all of these calories into energy. How did this happen? As soon as nutrients enter your body in the form of food or drink, your body performs certain metabolic movements due to chemical reactions such as losing or gaining electrons, as well as the use of oxygen and hydrogen.
You’re probably wondering what these powerful nutrients are that put all these functions in motion. Think organic compounds, carbohydrates (glucose, lactose, sucrose, citrate, and mannitol), essential amino acids, and the list goes on.
As soon as your metabolism kicks in, its function falls into two categories: the anabolic and the catabolic state. During the anabolic state, your body promotes the synthesis of all compounds by the cells while, throughout the catabolic state, your body is designed to break down cells for energy.
The end product of anabolism is ATP, a popular energy molecule. That is the point where you should know that the more stable these processes are, the higher their energy levels. In turn, a constant stream of energy allows your body to perform regular biological reactions.
Now when it comes to losing weight, your body follows the same principles. Therefore, if your metabolism is balanced, you are bound to shed the pounds on the line. On the other hand, an unbalanced metabolism slows or even pauses your weight loss plan, regardless of your healthy eating habits.
So, you see, a healthy metabolism and proper nutrition, which means enough food, go side by side. They work harmoniously with a single goal in mind: to produce enough energy. As part of this process, your body uses energy to make new proteins, as well as nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, etc.).
Why are nutrients important?
At this point, it is more than evident that sufficient nutrient intake is necessary to maintain an energy balance within cells. From the moment you bridge the nutrient gap, you and your weight scale will become witnesses to your weight loss testimonial.
It all comes down to healthy function.
From your size and gender to your age and mood, numerous factors affect the functions of your body. Even though each body has different nutrient needs, it all comes down to the fact that nutrients are vital to supplying your body with energy. Food is the main source of nutrients that helps you build, maintain and repair tissues.
2 tricks to burn 100 extra calories every day without exercising
Nutrients can also help you lose weight with protein that is the most important and efficient among them. In many cases, experts suggest that high-protein diets are one of the most efficient ways to shed that extra weight.
Trick # 1: It’s All About Protein
Since protein has the power to make you feel fuller longer, you tend to go for one less snack. In fact, research suggests that protein activates signals in the body that are responsible for curbing appetite. How is that possible?
These signals decrease the effect of ghrelin, as does the hunger hormone, while increasing the impact of hormones such as peptide, cholecystokinin, YY, GLP-1, etc. At the same time, a high protein diet helps you get rid of stubborn belly fat. Protein also prevents muscle loss in cases of calorie deficiency.
Therefore, protein helps you:
- Reduce your daily calorie intake.
- Stop the evening snack.
- Maintain long-term weight loss.
Trick # 2: why skipping breakfast is not a good idea
Skipping breakfast is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to losing weight. According to research, skipping breakfast has the opposite effects of what you go for during a weight loss diet plan.
Two scrambled eggs with collard greens or spinach will give you 12 grams of protein, and about 78 calories. At the same time, 2 tablespoons of homemade tuna salad (without mayonnaise) on fresh salad will give you about 10 grams of protein and 100 calories. Finally, 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds plus 1 glass of almond milk will give you around 10 grams of protein and 100 calories.
Not only are these breakfast options low in calories, but they can also satisfy your hunger for longer, nourish the cells of your body, stabilize your blood sugar levels, and therefore help you lose weight.
Tips for incorporating protein into your diet and burning calories
Make sure to eat protein rich foods for breakfast like eggs and bagels.
- Minimize grain consumption.
- Choose organic, clean, rich, and safe protein sources in poultry, meat, seafood, and fish. When it comes to breakfast foods like scrambled eggs, an omelet, tofu, Greek yogurt, a smoothie, they are true protein treats. You may also want to give the protein in pancakes a try.
- Unlike carbohydrates and fat, your body burns more calories to metabolize protein.
It becomes clear that protein rich foods are the ticket to achieving your weight loss goals as they help you burn calories better. However, this is not the case with fat that your body has a bit difficult to metabolize and, therefore, is stored in your tissues.
When it comes to planning your meals, it is always recommended to consult a professional to prevent triggering allergy symptoms, as well as other health problems that can hide between the lines and slow down the process of losing weight.
