August 27, 2009

Metabolism Slows As We Age

Did you know that your body's metabolism slows down about 5% every decade, starting in your mid-thirties?
Five percent may not sound like much, and it may not be a big deal for an active person, but what if you're more sedentary? If you're inactive, this 5% decrease will likely mean that you will slowly gain weight as you age. If you desire to stay at your current weight, you will need to begin eating less calories. If you desire to lose weight, you will need to continue cutting calories, but cutting too many calories out of your daily diet can be dangerous.
What's the best way to combat this 5% decrease in metabolism every year after 30? Exercise! Lift weights! Get rid of "empty" calories! Drink more green tea & water!
Exercise is extremely important as you age, because it creates a healthy heart & cardiovascular system, making you much more healthier and less prone to disease and sickness. Exercise also raises your metabolism by teaching your body to burn calories, even while resting.
Lifting weights increases your muscle tone and mass, which helps lower your BMI and helps prevent osteoporosis, a common debilitator in older women. Plus, muscle burns more calories than fat, which will help raise your metabolism!
Getting rid of "empty" calories means cutting back on sodas, candy, sugary snacks, fancy coffees, and all other foods that have no real nutritional value, and are mainly eaten as "treats". As your metabolism slows, these foods will cause you to gain weight if you're not careful.
When choosing calories to ingest, remember quality, not quantity. Choose quality "whole foods" snacks that have real nutritional value, and cut back on empty calories.
Drinking green tea has been shown in recent scientific studies to mildly boost your metabolism, no matter your age. And while these boosts may be small, any little boost will help you in the long run. Besides, green tea has many other health benefits (like powerful antioxidants that help prevent cancer) too!
Also, drink plenty of water because water is what literally holds our bodies together and helps them run properly. Water supports your body's metabolic processes, not to mention many of your other bodily systems!

1 comment:

  1. Hi - I found you on eHow. All of this is so true. Women have to be especially vigilant in maintaining their weight as they age because as they head into menapause they are more vulnurable for heart attack and stroke if they are overweight.
    Great article!
    Deanna
    Write Moms

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