My Metabolism Has Changed: What Can I Do To Activate It Again?

We spend months and months following strict diets, we take maximum care of each food we put on our plates, and yet we do not see results. We cannot lose weight. Not a gram. What is this about? It’s about metabolism.

The usual thing is that we go to the doctor and that a nutritionist prescribes us a more adjusted diet according to our particularities. However, it is always worth knowing why this problem is due and what are the guidelines that we should follow. In this sense, the metabolism can change due to many factors.

What is metabolism?

We have heard many times about metabolism, and how it influences us when it comes to losing weight more or less quickly. However, sometimes we get used to using terms without knowing very well what they really are.

Then, explained in a simple way, we will tell you that metabolism is a set of chemical reactions, through which we release energy and promote the proper functioning of the body’s cells.

All these processes are carried out through catabolism and anabolism, essential processes that help us to:

• Enhance blood circulation.
• Regulate body temperature.
• Breathe and get oxygen for the cells.
• Allow us to properly digest food and nutrients.
• Eliminate waste through urine and feces.

As you can see, it is a complex mechanism that includes important basic processes for the body and that, in turn, also involves numerous organs.

In essence, metabolization is a complex web of physicochemical reactions that change over time and that can also be affected by external causes. Let’s see more below.

Why does the metabolism change?

Hormonal changes

The metabolism changes over the years.

Although it is true that the weight of genetics determines whether we inherit a more active or slower metabolism, as we mature, the ease of losing weight becomes more complicated.

For what is this?

• As the years go by, women reach menopause, and we produce less estrogen and progesterone. All this is causing small changes.
• There is a slowdown in the metabolic rate and a decrease in basal metabolism.  In other words, we need less energy on a day-to-day basis, and any excess that the body does not need turns into stored fat.
• In addition, we lose muscle mass, which also becomes a decrease in metabolic rate.

Physical exercise

It is possible that you come home tired, that you do not stop all day and that, however, all that activity does not reflect on your body.

• You must bear in mind that standing, for example , does not help burn energy, nor does walking at a normal pace.
• The heart needs to “start up”, to accelerate at an adequate rate, not very high but constant.

• We are talking about aerobic exercise, that which promotes heart health and activates the metabolism.
• Leading a sedentary life or one of moderate or low activity accustoms the body to a stable level of energy. At this point we can “not gain” weight but, nevertheless, we will not be able to reduce those extra kilos.

Intake of certain foods

There are certain foods that, eaten on a regular basis, can help us to start our metabolism. Now, if we accustom the body to a certain type of components, we will be able to slow down all those basic processes at the cellular level that we told you about at the beginning.

Try to avoid excess of:

• Sugars
• Red meat
• Saturated fats.
• Refined flours
• Ultra-processed.

How can we activate the metabolism again?

Physical changes, attitude change

You have noticed that your body has changed, that before you used to lose weight easily and that, now, the results are not the same despite the efforts:

• Do not be discouraged, because low motivation can make us fall into hopelessness and negative emotions end up affecting health.
• Take it as a challenge. As a sign that now you have to try a little more, and that with efforts there are results.
• It is important that you have the support of your family, friends and the information of doctors who will tell you why you cannot lose weight more easily.

Foods that you can include in your diet

To get the most out of your diet, the ideal is that you follow the instructions of your doctor and nutritionist. This is important to maintain variety and balance in every way.

Additionally, you may consider including the following foods in your diet:

• Cinnamon.
• Radishes
• Ginger.
• Lentils.
• Artichokes

• Lean meat.
• Integral rice.
• Green shoots.
• Natural white yogurt Lentil and green sprout salads.
• Hot peppers or chili peppers.
• Foods rich in omega 3, such as fish, nuts or avocados.
• Fruit (pears, apples, grapefruit or grapefruit, oranges, kiwis, papayas).

Yes to aerobic exercises

It is important that you dedicate an hour a day to practicing aerobic exercises. If you wish, and to keep that pact with yourself and not leave it overnight, you can do this in the company of other friends.

For example, you can meet every day to walk outdoors in the morning, ride a bike, swim, do a dance therapy session, etc. What you want, but that forces you to put your heart into operation.

You will see how good you feel and how good you look after a few weeks if you take these recommendations into account!

 

Valeria Sabater

Graduated in Psychology from the University of Valencia in 2004. Master in Safety and Health at work in 2005 and Master in Mental System Management: neurocreativity, innovation and sixth sense in 2016 (University of Valencia). Collegiate number CV14913. He took the course Nutrition and obesity: overweight control, offered by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Student of Social and Cultural Anthropology at UNED, Valeria Sabater has worked in the area of ​​social psychology selecting and training personnel. Since 2008, she has been a psychology and emotional intelligence trainer in secondary schools and offers psycho-pedagogical support to children with development and learning problems. In addition, she is a writer and has received various literary awards.