As you get older your metabolic rate generally goes into decline and you require a reduced number of daily calories. This decreases your ability to burn fat fast. If you are affected by a slowing metabolism, you need to take preventative measures or you will gain weight. You will need to take a number of preventative measures to stop your metabolism declining and some measures to boost your metabolic rate.
It is important to identify some major causes of a slow metabolism so you know what to avoid, and what to take action on:
ALCOHOL – Alcoholic drinks are full of sugar and calories. They can also lead to dehydration which reduces the effectiveness of your metabolism. An occasional alcoholic drink is OK but binge drinking and/or drinking every day can lead to a reduced metabolism.
BIG MEALS – Larger meals contain more calories than smaller meals. Therefore, there is an increased likelihood that additional calories will be stored as fat. To maximize your metabolism you have to break these large meals down into smaller meals that you eat more frequently.
SUGARY FOODS – Sugary foods have a low nutritional value, are high in calories and digest easily. This means that less calories are burned in the digestion process and more calories are stored as fat. The occasional sugary treat is OK but your overall diet needs to contain limited levels of sugary foods. Look at your diet as a whole and try to substitute the unhealthy foods for healthier ones. Healthier foods generally have a higher nutritional value and are harder to digest, meaning more calories are burned during the digestion process. This has a positive effect on your metabolic rate.
SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE – Remaining active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle will help to stop your metabolism from slowing down. Taking your exercise more seriously can help increase your metabolic rate. If you participate in regular cardiovascular exercise and regular weight training exercise, you will be on your way to maximizing your metabolism.
