"Improving" your metabolism isn't necessarily as simple as working out more or eating specific foods less.
What is metabolism?
Your diet isn’t the only thing tied to your metabolism. Lets get started with the QUIZ.
Metabolism is defined as chemical reactions that take place in all living organisms in which molecules are broken down to produce energy, and also where energy is used to build substances needed by the cells. In the body, it's what helps us convert the foods we eat into energy.
How many calories are in a gram of fat?
There are 9 calories in one gram of fat. In contrast, one gram of carbohydrate or one gram of protein each contains just 4 calories.
What does body fat do?
Funny that we so rarely think of fat as our friend, when it does so much for us. Most of all, body fat keeps us warm, stores energy from food so we can use it later, and protects our organs.
Body fat also houses the chemical reactions that manage growth and the immune system. Within our fat, hormones and proteins talk to one another to keep the body running.
You might be able to blame body fat for infertility.
It's amazing how many diseases either are caused by being overweight or are made worse by extra pounds. Think infertility, arthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even some cancers.
What is body mass index (BMI)?
The body mass index or Quetelet index is a value derived from the mass and height of an individual. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is universally. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 means you're overweight. A BMI over 30 means you're obese.
One pound of fat is equivalent to:
Because 3,500 calories equals about 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) of fat, you need to burn 3,500 calories more than you take in to lose 1 pound. So, in general, if you cut 500 calories from your typical diet each day, you'd lose about 1 pound a week (500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories).
Think of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. The term "hydrogenated" means:
The term "hydrogenated," as in hydrogenated vegetable oil, means hydrogen is added to the oil. This process turns a liquid fat such as vegetable oil into a more shelf-stable, solid, and spreadable fat, such as margarine. Some oils are only partially hydrogenated, and in this process some monounsaturated fatty acids are converted to saturated fatty acids (trans fats) that are harmful and can raise cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease.
Why would food manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil?
Food manufacturers use hydrogenation – adding hydrogen to vegetable oil – to increase the product's shelf life and to keep the intended flavors longer. Manufacturers started using partially hydrogenated oils to replace animal fats because they are cheaper, more stable, and they tend to have a better taste and texture.
Exercise makes it harder to lose weight because it adds muscle.
If you want to lose weight and keep it off, your best bet is a diet-and-exercise combo. It's much better than diet alone.
Don't be afraid of muscle. It's a good thing! Losing fat while keeping lean muscle mass through exercise keeps you fitter and stronger, so you look and feel better.
Where is the most unhealthy place to have too much body fat?
Can't tighten your belt? People with apple-shaped bodies, who carry a lot of weight in their middles, are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and other diseases.
Measure your waist. For a man, it's best if it's under 40 inches. For a non-pregnant woman, it should be under 35 inches.
