The kind of metabolism you have will determine how you should eat to be healthy and not to gain (or lose) too much weight. Your metabolism is a function of your body that’s responsible for transforming nutrients into energy.
Sometimes, certain factors can make it faster or slower than normal, with the imbalance leading to symptoms that range from mild to serious. In this article, you’ll find out what is metabolism and what the consequences are when it doesn’t work like it should. We’ll also talk about what the best diet is for you.
What is metabolism?
Your metabolism consists of certain physical and chemical processes that take place in your cells. Through these changes, nutrients in food are transformed into energy.
The energy produced by your metabolism is used in vital functions, including:
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Circulation
- Maintenance of body temperature
- Elimination of waste through your kidneys and intestines
Your metabolism also affects energy expenditure and calorie burning. That’s why you should consider your metabolism if you fail to lose weight despite following strict diets. That’s also why it’s fundamental to eat a proper diet and regulate your metabolism naturally.
Symptoms of a slow metabolism
People with a slow metabolism may show the following symptoms:
- Difficulty losing weight, or frequent weight changes. Fat accumulates in the hips and legs.
- Tiredness and fatigue.
- Slow or difficult digestion.
- More frequent constipation.
- Difficulty getting up in the morning.
- Risk of depression, in some cases.
Symptoms of fast metabolism
On the other hand, people with a fast metabolism may show the following symptoms:
- Difficulty putting on weight. Fat accumulates in the arms and abdomen.
- Constant hunger.
- Poor absorption of nutrients in the intestines.
- Excess energy.
- A tendency towards nervousness and anxiety.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
Metabolism and your diet
There is a nutritional theory that says that there is a relationship between the kind of metabolism a person has and their eating preferences. From this perspective, you should learn what type of food best suits you if you want to be healthy and avoid gaining weight.
A diet for people with a fast metabolism
People with a fast metabolism have a good appetite and usually prefer foods rich in fat and protein. They almost always opt for salty or savory over sweet.
If this describes you, reduce your consumption of carbohydrates, especially sweets and refined (white) flours, to maintain a healthy weight.
However, it’s also very important to not overdo your consumption of animal proteins. Try to mix it up with vegetable proteins such as legumes or nuts.
Fats are not harmful, as long as you opt for good quality fats:
- Virgin cold-pressed oils: olive, coconut, sesame, flax
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Egg yolks
- Oily fish
Don’t forget to combine protein and fats with a good amount of raw vegetables. Have them in juices, smoothies or salads. If you have a big appetite, eat several meals a day; do not skip any of them.
A diet for people with a slow metabolism
People with a slow metabolism tend to gain weight and feel fatigued, despite not eating very much.
They usually go for sweets, which is generally not a healthy temptation. Our advice is to consume healthy carbohydrates made with sweeteners like stevia and whole grain flour. Oats, for example, are an excellent ingredient for satisfying, delicious desserts.
Reduce your intake of sodium, which usually causes bloating and water retention.
When you have a slow metabolism, you probably look for energy in stimulants such as coffee or soda. As an alternative, we suggest preparing your own energy drinks with fruits, ginger, maca, pure cocoa, ginseng, etc.
Moderate your consumption of fats. Eat them in moderate quantities and choose the same ones we recommended for people with a fast metabolism.
Drinking water throughout the day, outside of meals, will also help accelerate your metabolism.
Via: MayoClinic | VeryWellFit
