Resting Metabolic Rate
Did you know that your body never truly rests?! Even when you are sleeping or sitting quietly, your heart is beating and your body is carrying out other functions that you are entirely unaware of (making new blood cells, detoxifying, etc.) This all requires energy. The amount of energy needed (as measured in calories) to carry out all of these bodily functions is referred to as metabolism. Because these functions continue 24 hours a day, even when you are asleep, this is also referred to as your "Resting Metabolic Rate" (RMR).
It slows down as we get older. For some of us, it may never have been very fast to begin with. You likely know your metabolic rate and weight loss are related, but do you know how?
Weight loss and metabolism: intimately related
When you restrict your calories to an amount less than your resting metabolic rate your body fights back. When you cut back too much, your body thinks it's starving. So it kicks into conservation mode, hanging on to all those calories and burning them at a slower rate (by lowering your metabolism). This all happens as an attempt to prevent you from starving to death. Think of it as The First Commandment of Weight Loss and Metabolism: If thou eat too little, thou will burn even less!
Boost metabolism with factors you can control
1. Build lean body mass (muscle) though exercise. Did you know that 1 pound of muscle burns up to 50 calories a day? Build Muscle = boost metabolism. All you need to develop is a habit of regular physical activity.
2. Eat smaller, more frequently meal (less junky food). Don’t skip meals. Pre plan your meals and snacks to help you keep on track.
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