(* This article was published on a health and weight loss website in the late 1990's.)

"Metabolism" ~ What is it?

It is the process of converting food to energy. Metabolism occurs in your muscles and organs. It is the speed at which your body works at burning calories.

"Basal metabolism" is the metabolic rate or caloric expenditure needed to maintain basal body functions such as your heart beating, breathing, muscle tone, etc. Basal metabolism accounts for about 75% of the calories you expend on a daily basis! It determines how fast your "motor" is running while you are sitting or sleeping.

There are ways to "boost" your metabolism!

Always eat breakfast! 
 
Eat earlier in the day!  Eat more at breakfast and lunch, then have a light dinner. Dinner should be eaten at least four hours before bedtime.
 
Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day!  You need plenty of water for your metabolism to function properly.  Carry a bottle of water with you and drink frequently throughout the day.  Avoid coffee, tea and alcohol.  These will depress your metabolism, stimulate your appetite and drain your body of necessary water.
 
Eat snacks!  Complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, boost your metabolism. Snacking helps you to control what you eat at meal times, and helps keep you full. The hungrier you are, the more you will eat.
 
Eat at least 1400 calories per day! You will need at least 1400 calories per day providing you are exercising 3 times a week, and eating healthy foods.  If you eat less, your body may go into "starvation-mode", and your metabolism will slow.
 
Eat more carbohydrates, and less fat! Carbohydrates kick-start your metabolism and give you more energy.  Fat is stored as fat.
 
Exercise at least 3 times a week (1 hour each time)! Our bodies need exercise to help regulate our functions.  As well as helping to keep us fit, it will promote fat-burning, calorie-burning, weight loss, and muscle tone.  Walking, working out in a gym, weight lifting, bicycling, step-aerobics or any fitness class will only benefit you.  Your energy will radiate from you!
 
Become goal oriented! Set goals for yourself; not weight loss goals necessarily, but simple goals such as walking to the store instead of driving, walking to the school to pick up your kids, having a sweet-free week, exercising 4 days one week, or losing inches off your hips.
 

  ©2004 Cheryl Kaye Tardif