Having a slow metabolism can feel hopeless, frustrating, and fruitless. Many women are told that there’s nothing to be done to alleviate a slow metabolism. This is simply not the case. Too many women have tried countless weight loss methods to little to no avail. However, there is another way. To address excess weight gain, we must look at the underlying causes of why the body gains weight. Here are 5 reasons you might have a slow metabolism and 4 and 5 might be the most important.
Potential Cause of a Slow Metabolism
What exactly does it mean to have a slow metabolism? In the simplest terms, the rate at which your boy breaks down and expends calories is slower than usual. Although the metabolic function is complex and differentiates between individuals, there are some common contributing factors to a slow metabolism.
1. Not Eating Enough (i.e. Dieting)
Yes, not eating enough can significantly slow or lower your metabolism. Skipping meals, replacing meals with shakes or smoothies, or simply not eating enough can signal stress to the body or that it may be starving. When it feels like this it will slow your metabolism down.
It may seem counterintuitive, but our bodies are meant to eat consistently and well. The major challenge that women face is that they have been told to eat less and exercise more. Now, every time they try a diet, they slow their metabolism down more. And of course, by eating less you can often force your body to lose weight. But eventually, they gain it back. So if you’re thinking of creating deficits for weight loss, especially large deficits or over a long period– think twice. Instead, focus first on what you are eating.
2. Not Eating Enough Protein
Protein helps us maintain and achieve an ideal weight for our body. Not only does protein help us feel satiated, it increases the rate at which we burn calories as well as supports maintaining and building muscle. Higher levels of protein can help diminish the effects of a slow metabolism. This is especially true for high-quality, organic, grass-fed, wild-caught and free-range protein.
3. Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep is essential for metabolic health. If you do not sleep enough hours during the night, this can increase your risk of various illnesses. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can lower your metabolic rate. This makes it all the more challenging to lose and keep off weight. Poor sleep quality can also increase cravings the next day which can cause you to eat more, and eat more processed foods.
4. Stress Levels
When stressed our body turns on our stress response which kicks in things like cortisol, higher levels of inflammation, increased blood sugar levels, increased levels of insulin and more. If you’re running from a tiger these things are awesome, for keeping you alive! But when this stress response is long-term or chronic, this cascade of hormones and inflammation start to become harmful to the body. For most, it leads to weight gain in your midsection, decreased energy, sleep disruption, and pain in the body. As it continues the problems just get worse.
It’s been shown that decreasing the number of stressors in your life can significantly affect your weight and overall health. Taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically has never been more vital.
5. Eating too Many Processed Foods
Processed foods are usually made with high levels of sugar, processed flour, industrialized oils, preservatives and additives. Although these foods taste amazing, they can cause serious issues in our bodies.
Remember how we mentioned above that stress can cause major problems in the body? Well, processed foods are a type of stressor that can slow metabolism, increase inflammation levels, blood sugar problems, insulin resistance, hormone disruption and much more. They can also trigger an addictive cycle in your brain. This makes us crave processed foods more frequently. The more we eat them the more problems they cause, which continues to slow your metabolism down.
There are however still ways you can eat your favorite desserts and snacks without causing such a negative impact on your metabolism. Check out these healthy alternatives in our snack guide.
When Does Your Metabolism Slow Down?
It’s a common myth that your metabolism naturally slows with age. But it isn’t as much to do with age as it is due to the 5 reasons above causing a major impact on the body and slowing the metabolism down year after year. Unfortunately, many women internalize this as though there’s something wrong with them and they are not disciplined enough or trying hard enough to reach their goals.
This is simply not the case. But, because of the chronic impact of the 5 things above and then the changes in hormones as they age, the metabolism takes a hit, making it harder to lose and gain weight, with previously successful techniques not working anymore.
Foods That Slow Metabolism
Although you don’t have to restrict yourself from enjoying life’s pleasures, certain foods slow your metabolism. As mentioned previously, processed snacks and foods will impact metabolic health significantly. Processed foods create more toxins in the body, are harder to digest, and increase inflammation.
Foods made with industrialized oils, processed flours, indistinguishable ingredients, and high salt or sugar content are some to avoid. Whole, nutrient-dense foods contain ingredients you can pronounce are the way to go. For a more complete list of foods that slow your metabolism click here
Take the Leap
Are you ready to transform your life from the inside out? Our team at the Metabolism Reboot can help. If you’re curious, have tried everything, and you’re ready to try something new, contact us today. One of our expert weight loss coaches will be there for you every step of the way. It’s never too late to take charge of your health.