A slowed metabolism, of course, we would all rather be poor than rich. However, you don’t always have a choice. For example, your age can cause a slowed metabolism, but wrong habits can also cause this. But don’t worry, it’s not irreversible. With the following tips you can get your metabolism going again.
Slower metabolism
You can slow down your metabolism due to a wrong lifestyle, but unfortunately there is also a factor that we have no influence on: your age. As you get older, your metabolism slows down. The metabolism of a forty-year-old person has often already slowed down by 10 percent. And that sounds very annoying, but there are things you can do to boost your metabolism: by getting more ‘pro-metabolic food’.
“One way to boost your metabolism and gut health is to embrace pro-metabolic foods,” shares nutritionist and physiologist Steve Collins met Body and Soul. By this he means food that supports your body and intestinal health. These types of foods not only have a positive effect on your metabolism, but also ensure that your endocrine system and balance remain and that your bowel movements are in order. Below are some tips from Collins that fit into the idea of a pro-metabolic lifestyle.
1. Use ‘traditional’ greases instead of ‘industrial’ greases
Ever heard of industrial greases? These are vegetable fats that are chemically modified so that they do not become liquid at room temperature, in order to extend the shelf life. This kind of industrial fats just doesn’t make your metabolism very happy. “Instead, use traditional fats like coconut oil, olive oil, and animal fats like ghee or butter.”
2. Make sure that carbohydrate-rich foods are also rich in nutrients
Many foods contain carbohydrates, but not every carbohydrate-containing food is high in nutrients. Collins recommends eating high-carb foods that are also high in nutrients. “This can include fruits (especially ripe tropical fruits such as melon and papaya), raw honey, quality dairy, root vegetables such as sweet potato, beetroot, carrot and pumpkin.”
3. Ensure a balanced protein intake
You can have the will to eat enough protein, but then you have to know how much protein you should consume in a day – and that varies considerably per person. The absolute minimum is 0.83 x your body weight in kilos, according to the Nutrition Center. Do you exercise a lot? Then, according to research published in the Institute of Medicine, you better eat more: 1.3 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. “You can increase your protein intake by eating collagen, gelatin, and bone broth every day.” Collins recommends taking your protein intake very seriously. “To rebuild your metabolism, you have to work on your muscles and bones, so you need extra protein.”
4. Maintain a balanced blood sugar level
Keeping your blood sugar level is not that difficult at all if you eat a healthy diet, but it is important for a healthy metabolism. “All it takes is a balanced meal that contains protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates,” says Collins. “Proteins help you get and maintain a strong body, carbohydrates give your body energy to function normally, and fats help your body balance your hormones and reduce the glycemic load of a meal.”
5. Eat easily digestible foods
Also definitely do: include more food in your diet that your body can easily digest. “Easily digestible foods are foods that are unprocessed, high quality, seasonal, and well-prepared,” says Collins. “That means reducing your intake of packaged foods, as well as your intake of healthy, but hard-to-digest foods, such as raw vegetables, grains, and foods high in fiber.”
Bron: Body and Soul | Beeld: Jason Briscoe (Unsplash)
