As you enter the later stages of adulthood, you may notice changes occurring in your body. You may not be as active as you were in your 20s or be able to put off weight as quickly. For many, this can seem quite scary, and in response, they will start counting calories or going on restrictive diets. However, they may not be as effective as they seem.
In actuality, there are certain steps you can take to improve your metabolism past the age of 40. It should be noted that a decrease in metabolism is a completely normal part of the aging process. While it may seem disheartening, there are ways to maintain a healthy metabolism and prevent a sharp decline.
What Should I Know About Calorie Counting?
To begin with, light amounts of calorie counting can be helpful. It can be beneficial to track macronutrients such as proteins, carbs, and fats. However, you don’t need to focus intensely on calorie counting. Many times, this can be quite counterproductive as you may quickly feel burned out. However, this is not to say that you shouldn’t focus on what you eat.
Instead of routinely checking calories, you can focus on eating better-quality food. You should be consuming the proper servings of fruits and vegetables every day. For example, avocados can work wonders when it comes to improving your metabolism. In addition, you should also be eating lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. This can include chicken, salmon, lentils, chickpeas, and nuts. By focusing on what you should eat instead of what you can’t eat, you may suppress cravings and receive proper nutrition.
Furthermore, an excess of calorie counting can be quite harmful. It can lead to increased amounts of stress and guilt. For many, feeling overwhelmed can result in unhealthy eating or overeating. This can start the guilt cycle again, leading to overall weight gain. It also is not a realistic approach to boosting your metabolism. You probably aren’t going to check the caloric value of everything you eat at a restaurant.
How are Calories Measured?
But, how are calories measured, exactly?
A calorie is a unit of energy. In technical terms, a calorie is measured through a heating process. It is the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. Many times, this is also referred to as a kilocalorie or kcal.
As it pertains to food, this is the amount of energy you receive when eating a food item or dish. After your body receives the energy it needs, excess calories will be stored as body fat. Therefore, it is important to maintain normal eating habits with proper amounts of vitamins and nutrition.
In the United States, most food manufacturers will follow the 4-4-9 rule when calculating caloric value. The three main macronutrients are necessary for this process.
- One gram of protein = 4 calories
- One gram of carbohydrates = 4 calories
- One gram of fat = 9 calories
This is why processed foods including trans and saturated fats are higher in caloric value. You should not avoid fats altogether, as healthy fats can provide energy and increase vitamin absorption. Instead, you should try substituting unhealthy fats with foods such as whole eggs, almonds, tuna, and dark chocolate.
Want To Learn More? Reach Out To Us!
If you are interested in learning more about healthy eating and lifestyle habits, please contact us at The Metabolism Reboot. Our programs are meant to be suited to your everyday needs. You can schedule a call for a free consultation. We would love to help you as you embark on your weight loss journey.