As a Trainer and Nutritionist I am always asked questions about what to eat to lose weight. This question is difficult to answer because there are numerous factors that aid in weight loss. Nutrition, cardio and your workout routine are the three most important factors, nutrition being about 80% of the puzzle. Here is some information I think you should all know about your metabolism, which is what will burn off your calories and that excess fat!

Metabolisms are not fragile things and it is quite hard to “mess” it up. If you find you have a slow metabolism it is probably because you are not timing your meals correctly or not making the right food choices.

Metabolism’s are based on a few factors and is scientifically referred to as your Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR. This is the rate at which the body expends energy to sustain basic life and  takes into account all of the energy you use to digest food, in respiration, to keep your heart beating, blood circulating and to stay awake.

There are three major factors that can increase your metabolism:

Your metabolism can be increased by exercise! Exercising can vary your metabolism around 30%. Meaning it can increase your metabolism and your energy expenditure by around 30% of your natural, current BMR.  The amount you will increase it by will depend directly on intensity, duration, frequency of activity, and your body mass. As you become more efficient at one exercise and it becomes easier to you, you will need to turn up the heat and make it more difficult in order to see the same results!

Thermoregulation is another factor that will effect your energy expenditure metabolism. When your body is hot and sweaty it takes more energy to cool it down again, and vice versa.

Thermogenisis of food is the third main factor that can vary your metabolism. The thermic effect of food is how many calories it takes to digest a certain type of food. Protein requires the most amount energy to digest, it can vary your metabolism about 20 to 30%. Next is carbohydrates (about 5 to 10%) and then fat (about 5%). This may help you understand why people choosing to lose weight are often chose to eat high protein diets.

Tips to keep your metabolism running smoothly:

Drink up

Plenty of water will keep you hydrated to learn more on the importance of proper hydration click here.

Green Tea

Green tea has plenty of polyphenols called catechins. The specific type of catechins in green tea help increase your metabolism and burn stubborn belly fat.

Spices

A wide variety of spices will increase the thermic effect of food. Also, spices such as curry, and chili flakes have potent antioxidants in them helping you ward off oxidative damage, which is caused by exercise, and keep your body running smoothly.

Natural foods

Foods with little preservatives are much easier to digest and process then confusing additives. natural green food is best as it is vitamin and mineral rich and low in calories. Vegetables are known to be high in fiber, vitamin B and magnesium, as well as being relatively low in calories. Top picks: : tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, asparagus, broccoli, celery, beets, peppers, carrots and eggplants.

Hope this helps you make some better choices! Stay focused! Every healthy choice you make you become one step closer to your ideal physique!

Yours in Fitness,

xo,

Amanda Lee

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