Slowing Metabolism And Aging

A slowing metabolism and aging are tied together. Your metabolism is at its highest when you are young and gradually slows as you age. The most significant slow down begins once you hit you mid-thirties. It will affect you during your Fit Over Forty plan.

The main reason for the slow down is the loss of muscle mass and the decrease in physical activity. So, turn those things around. Get active and stop the loss of muscle mass. Lifting weights or doing resistance training are both great ways to gain muscle mass. More muscle will burn more calories,whether you are at rest or being active.

Calories are the next important aspect of changing your metabolism. Don't starve yourself. This causes your body to shut down and reduce the amount of calories it uses. So if you are only eating 100o calories per day, your body will adjust to that and you won't lose weight. You also need to eat regularly so that your body is always burning calories.

Aim to eat 6-8 times a day and watch what it is you are eating. It has been shown that eating more protein will help. When you eat protein your body releases a hormome called glucagon. This hormone causes your body to release fat into your blood, where it gets used or burned off. So, the more protein you eat, the more fat you will lose.

Avoid refined grains and sugars. There are a lot of foods that have refined grains, such as pastas, breads, cookies, crackers, etc. Eating these types of foods releases insulin into your blood stream. It acts in an opposite way to glucagon. By helping your body absorb glucose (sugar) insulin plays a large part in you gaining weight.

I'm not saying avoid all of those foods, but look for ones that contain less refined grains and more whole grains. Whole grains contain a lot of vitamins and have a lot of benefits including helping with weight loss and the prevention of type II diabetes. Also try to eat a lot of fruit, vegetables and beans. Of course avoid foods high in fat and sugars. Read the labels of products and shop smart. If its not in the house you can't eat it without making an effort to go out and get it.

Metabolism and the way that it changes as we age is something we all have to deal with. But, your actions will affect whether it slows down or if it keeps on burning calories for you. Stay active and include some weight training. Watch your diet and eat whole grain products. Your metabolism is flexible and can be given a boost to keep you in shape and looking good.

We all need a good plan and I suggest that you start with the Fit Over Forty plan. It is a top to bottom complete plan that includes ways to lose weight, gain muscle mass and increase your bone density. Get the plan that was made for an aging body and turn your life around.

Allison Holt
Fit Over Forty