How is your weightloss journey intrinsically linked with your metabolism? Is it really linked at all? Learn all about common metabolism myths here.
Do you have a slow, fast, or regular metabolism?
According to Harvard Medical School, metabolism is a process in which your body uses energy and burns calories.
Many people that have slow metabolisms are constantly looking for effective ways to increase them.
Continue reading to discover 8 metabolism myths that are holding you back. Along with tips for living a healthier lifestyle.
1. Certain Foods Increase Your Metabolism
Many people are under the impression that certain foods and drinks can speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight.
Green tea and coffee are popular drinks that people claim to lose weight while drinking. Although you may see a temporary increase in metabolism after consumption, it quickly goes back down.
Unfortunately, most of the weight you lose while drinking tea and coffee is water weight.
Chili peppers are another food that has shown little evidence of increasing metabolisms.
2. No Eating After Eight
Have you ever been told that eating after 8 pm will slow down your metabolism?
There is little research to confirm this theory. Many people who do try to use this method also end up snacking more and don’t lose weight because they are hungry late at night.
You should be eating at regular times each day and they should be spaced out with snacks in between.
3. You Will Always Have the Same Metabolism
Whoever came up with this metabolism myth has made it difficult for people to find the motivation to lose weight.
Many people are under the impression that having a slow metabolism is inevitable if it’s in your genetics. Although genetics play a role in your metabolism rate, they do not define it.
Increasing muscle mass can help you speed up your metabolism over time. Muscles are constantly burning fat and can help you change your rate.
4. Thin People Have a Fast Metabolism
Some people think that if you are thin enough, you must have a fast metabolism.
This is not true.
People who are larger end up burning more energy and calories than thin people do. Losing weight will require you to eat less because you won’t have so much to fuel in your body.
Many people that become thin from diets tend to go back to their old weight once previous habits reform. If you are eating, be sure to stay active. Not to mention, the more muscle a person has, the more calories they can burn.
5. Low-Calorie Diets Are Good for Weight Loss
Have you ever tried cutting back on calories to begin losing weight quickly?
Unfortunately, this type of diet is typically not successful. Studies show that adults require 1,600 to 3,000 calories per day to sustain their weight. Although these numbers appear high, your body needs enough nourishment to function.
You are constantly burning calories throughout the day. Don’t be concerned about the number of calories you need to be healthy. You burn calories even while you sleep, which is why you should never under-eat.
6. You Have a Slower Metabolism As You Age
Although some people see a trend in lower metabolism as people age, it is not directly correlated to age.
Elderly people typically have a slower metabolism. Often, because they are not living an active lifestyle and aren’t consuming enough calories. Your metabolism should only slow down if you are not getting enough exercise as you should be.
If you are looking for an exercise that is easy on the body at older ages, water aerobics is a perfect solution.
7. Cardio Works Best for Increasing Metabolism
Just because you are burning calories and losing weight, doesn’t mean that you are increasing your metabolism.
Building muscles by lifting weights is a better way to increase your metabolism. Resistance exercises can help you by burning calories even while you aren’t working out. If you don’t have a gym membership or bench you can use your body weight as resistance.
8. Big Meals Slow Your Metabolism
Eating large meals, if they are unhealthy, can dramatically affect your metabolism. As long as you are having big meals filled with low-calorie options, like fruits and veggies, you can still increase your metabolism.
Large meals don’t influence your metabolic rate unless you live a sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy foods.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Knowing accurate information about these metabolism myths can help you lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.
Drinking water and getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night are two of the most important things for living healthy.
You should aim to live an active lifestyle where exercise is a priority. Not only will exercising help you burn calories and lose weight, but it will also keep your metabolism working hard!
If you deal with aches and pains, chiropractic weight loss may be a solution. Having poor posture can lead to issues down the road and increase pain levels. Ensuring that your body is properly working will help you lose weight more efficiently.
Don’t Be Fooled by These Metabolism Myths
There are many metabolism myths that people fall for. Unfortunately, they often don’t see results when they do fall for this false information.
Eating small portions throughout the day and cutting back on calories can help you lose weight quickly. But they don’t increase your metabolic rate. Living an active lifestyle can ensure that you have a high metabolism and won’t gain weight.
Green tea and coffee can help you get rid of water weight, but there is not enough evidence that increases metabolism rates. Always drink plenty of water and get enough sleep to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle!