If your weighing scale is NOT moving down, you’ve probably started blaming it on your metabolism. Or maybe you have heard people criticize their weight gain on having a sluggish metabolism. But, what does it exactly imply? Is it really the metabolism to blame? How does your body’s metabolism help you burn calories?

Well, it’s true that weight loss and metabolism are linked to each other. But, despite the popular assumption, a slow metabolism is seldom a reason for excessive fat gain.

Your body weight is dependent on how much you consume food, and how well you can burn it through workouts. Whereas metabolism is all about knowing your body’s fundamental energy requirements.

Metabolism: Generating Energy Through Food

Metabolism is the process through which a human body gains energy from what one eats and drinks. The calories gained after consuming a meal is mixed with oxygen in the body to release the energy one’s body requires to function.

Did you know that even when you are asleep, your body burns calories to do a few operations like circulating blood, breathing, balancing hormone levels and repairing and generating cells. Metabolism also known as basal metabolic rate is nothing but the amount of calories a body absorbs to carry on these essential processes.

An individual’s basal metabolism depends on a variety of factors such as,

Size & Structure of the body: People have a good muscle mass percentage or are larger, burn more calories than others.
Gender: It is observed that men have more muscle mass than women, hence, men are likely to burn more fat than women.
Age: The older you are, the less is your muscle mass and more fat percentage in the body. Thus, it becomes difficult to burn calories when you grow old.

The energy requirements for your body's core operations are fairly stable and difficult to adjust.

In addition to the above factors, there are other two significant factors that also play an important role,

Digestion of Food: Your body burns calories even when your food is being digested, absorbed, moved and stored in the body. When your food is digested and absorbed, the body consumes 12% of calories from protein and carbs you eat.

Working out: Playing squash, strolling to the shop, taking your dog on a walk, and other forms of physical activity and exercise account for the remaining calories your body burns each day. Physical activities are a dynamic part of the calorie burning process.

Talking About Metabolism & Weight

It is easy to blame it on metabolism when you gain weight. However, since metabolism is a biological cycle, your system has a number of processes in place to manage it in order to fulfil your specific demands.

Yes, it can be a rare occurrence if you are on some psychological medicines, or have undergone a surgery, or due to some hormonal imbalance.

Unfortunately, it is complex to understand the reasons behind weight gain. Your genetic build-up, hormonal balances, regular diet, and the influence of atmosphere on your routine, sleeping pattern, physical activity, and stress level - all contribute towards weight gain.

All of these elements contribute to an energy equation that is unbalanced. You gain weight when the equation of calories intake and calories burnt is not equal or more.

You may have come across people who are easily able to lose weight, but keep in mind that everyone loses weight when they burn more body calories than they consume food. There has to be a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories or by increasing your workout to burn more, so you lose weight.

How Can I Attain A Metabolic Balance?

Fortunately, a slow metabolism isn't lifelong, and with the correct dietary and lifestyle modifications, you may attain a metabolic balance that can get you to burn calories and feel better in the process.

What's even better? Making progress in the right way doesn't take long. Here are a few tips to boost your metabolic rate,

Every meal should include plenty of protein.
Adding more protein to your meals can help you lose fat by increasing your metabolism. In the long run, it will also keep you full for longer.

Increase your intake of cold water.
Water can assist in weight loss and weight maintenance. It boosts your metabolism and consuming it before meals can help you eat less.

High-intensity workouts
Incorporating a few high-intensity workouts to your fitness program will help you metabolize calories and enhance your metabolism.

Lifting Heavy Objects
Weight lifting is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. A greater metabolism is associated with more muscle mass.

Have a Restful Night's Sleep
Sleep deprivation can lower your basal metabolic rate, alter your sugar processing, and disturb your appetite-controlling hormones.

Drink Coffee
Coffee can aid weight loss by greatly increasing your metabolism. The caffeine gives you a sudden kick and energizes you before a workout. You can also consume it in the form of dietary supplements like Pro-Trim.

Dietary Supplements
Supplements in the market give you an additional hand at increasing your metabolic rate. These kinds of dietary supplements improve body composition and promote a good metabolism. At Garcia Weight Loss, we encourage people who are looking to improve their calorie expenditure to consume the Daily Metabolic Balance along with following a good lifestyle and routine.

The Bottom-line

Your metabolism can be boosted by implementing tiny lifestyle adjustments and adopting these recommendations into your daily schedule.

A faster metabolism can assist you in losing fat and keeping it off while also providing you with more stamina.