3 Ways You Might Be Slowing Your Metabolism

Slow Your Metabolism -Weight Loss

You’re cutting your calories, upping your exercise, and steering clear of sugary snacks – all signs point to weight loss, right? But what if the pounds just refuse to come off? You could be making some common mistakes that keep you from losing weight.

It all comes down to your metabolism. We tend to think of metabolism in simple terms – how fast we burn calories – but it’s a little more complex than that. Your metabolism is all the things your body does to turn food into energy, and it requires a ton of nutrients and other factors to run smoothly. While our bodies are pretty good at regulating metabolic rate naturally, many of us make key errors every day that slow our metabolism. As a result, our bodies run less efficiently (read, burn calories less efficiently), which is trouble when it comes to weight loss.

Where are you going wrong?

 

  1. You don’t eat – or drink – enough. Yes, reducing calories is key to weight loss. But too much calorie restriction (eating less than your body needs to function, or about 1200 calories for most women) can actually slow down your metabolism. Hydration is important, too – your body needs H20 to burn calories. To keep your metabolism on track, eat smaller meals and snack on protein-rich foods like nuts.

 

  1. You’re not sleeping enough. Skipping ZZZs can make it harder for your body to metabolize carbs, which can affect blood sugar and insulin, resulting in your body storing energy as fat. Lack of sleep also makes you more susceptible to stress, which has a negative effect on your metabolism. For best results, be sure to clock eight quality hours of pillow time a night.

 

  1. You’re not building muscle. A higher muscle mass means you’ll burn calories at a faster rate. Besides, building lean muscle mass by eating protein and strength training won’t just boost your metabolism, it’ll have you feeling like you can take on the world.

 

Some people are blessed with a speedy metabolism (lucky them!). For everyone else, stoke that inner fire and take the steps to boost your metabolism: eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated, rest easy, and think protein. Let us know how it pays off!

Looking to learn more about your health? Check out the PGX blog for a wealth of tips and info.

 

 

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6 Simple Solutions for Occasional Stress

PGX-Canada-blog-stress-relief

It’s easy to fall into the busy trap. We’re encouraged to believe we can “have it all”, but while we’re distracted with the pursuit of more, the important things – moments of connection and peace – can fall off the radar. Pretty soon, occasional exhaustion and everyday stress are in the drivers seat.

When it comes to stress relief, less really is more. These simple solutions will help you reclaim your life.

  1. Eat Mindfully – Devote an extra 5-10 minutes to each meal. Take small bites, and put your fork down between each to encourage a slower pace. Stress affects your digestive system, too, so slowing down at dinner can help you digest better – leaving you with more energy overall.
  2. Respect Routine – Establish a morning and evening routine to simplify your day. That way, you won’t be rushing out the door every day, or staying up too late and sacrificing sleep.
  3. Find Time for You – Make a list of the things that make you feel happy and fulfilled – like taking a bath, going for a run, or snuggling with your little one. Each day, carve out ten minutes (or more) for one of them. This valuable “you time” will help you recharge.
  4. Breathe – Breathing is an amazing way to stop the stress cycle. Slow, deep breaths calm your nervous system, so take 5 minutes when you first wake up to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. When you feel overwhelmed, a few deep breaths will quickly return you to a state of relaxation.
  5. Manage Mealtime – Healthy eating is the best way to set yourself up for overall health, but also the hardest to tackle during a busy day. Devote an hour a week to prepping a big dish or two – maybe soup or stew – that you can serve up all week long.
  6. Do Less – Prioritize what you need to do and what you really want to do – the rest of it? Not important. Allow yourself to let go of stress simply by simplifying your schedule.

How do you deal with stress?  We’d love to hear your tips!

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