Get the real facts behind 5 common myths about the role and function of metabolism in weight loss for menopausal women.
Healthy metabolism has become somewhat of a buzz word in fitness circles these days. But do you really understand how your metabolism works and how it affects your weight as you age? Improve your knowledge by reading up on the real facts behind 5 common metabolism myths.
Genetics Has Blessed Some Women with Better Metabolisms
While genetics does play a role in metabolism, it is not as large as many people think. The main way genetics affects metabolism is by determining body size, as larger individuals need more calories to run all the systems in their bodies and therefore tend to have faster metabolisms to get the job done. Body composition is also very important in determining metabolism, as muscle uses more calories at rest than fat. Two individuals with the same size, weight, and body composition will have much the same metabolism, regardless of how dissimilar their genetic backgrounds may be.
You Must Have High Metabolism to Be Thin
A common misconception is that thin women are able to stay in shape with little effort because they have high metabolisms. In reality, unless they are serious athletes, thin women tend to have slow metabolisms. This is because the less you weigh, the fewer calories you need to consume and the slower these calories will be metabolized.
Late Night Snacks Are Bad for Your Metabolism
The total amount of calories you consume in a day (and the nutritional value of those calories) is much more important than when you consume them. There is little scientific evidence to support the myth that eating late at night makes your metabolism sluggish.
Skipping Meals Will Jumpstart Your Metabolism for Weight Loss
Creating a calorie deficit is an important part of any weight loss plan. However, it is important to realize that skipping a meal isn’t necessarily the best way to go about this. If you cut too many calories at once by skipping a whole meal, you can actually trick your metabolism into thinking you’re in the midst of a famine and possibly in danger of starving to death. Your body may then compensate by using fewer calories to complete routine tasks, rather than by converting stored fat into energy for those tasks as you intended. When attempting dramatic weight loss, it is very important to cut calories safely with the guidance of a nutritionist.
A Slower Metabolism is an Inescapable Part of Aging
While it is true that women’s metabolisms slow down with age, the amount and rate that the metabolism slows can be controlled. Staying physically active, building lean muscle, and eating a balanced diet with healthy amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals will all help keep your metabolism working at a healthy rate as you age. If you still struggle with weight gain even after taking these steps, hormonal imbalance may be negatively impacting your metabolism. Turn to Renew Woman™ for testing and treatment options to balance your hormones and restore a healthy metabolism.