We talk about metabolism like it’s something we can manipulate by gulping a pill, downing some green tea, or running faster. You’ve seen the articles headlined “Boost your metabolism” or “Try this high-metabolism diet to lose weight. But this obscures many truths about this essential, yet still somewhat mysterious, biological process. Here are nine facts to help you understand metabolism, and how to think about it in the context of weight gain and weight loss. A lot of people talk about their metabolism like it’s a muscle or organ that they can flex or somehow control. But in reality, your metabolism refers to a series of chemical processes in each cell that turn the calories you eat into fuel to keep you alive, said Michael Jensen, a researcher who studies obesity and metabolism at the Mayo Clinic. Your “basal” metabolic rate measures how many calories you burn while you’re doing nothing, he added.
Instead of wasting time with misguided advice, stick to what works. Start your day by getting a good night’s sleep the night before. Adequate sleep will ensure that you have plenty of energy for your busy schedule. Greet the day with a morning stretch before breakfast to focus your mind on your health and well-being. Something as basic as what you wear can influence your subsequent food and movement choices throughout the rest of the day. Choose comfortable clothing that you feel good in. Flexible attire that allows for freedom of motion will enable you to be active as opportunities arise. For many people, work takes up a significant portion of the day. Don’t discount the importance of keeping your metabolism up at work, especially if you hope to burn enough calories to lose weight. How can you rev your metabolism on the job?
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Don’t forget to Pin this story for later and follow Redbook on Pinterest for more ideas! The answer lies in your metabolism, that little engine in your body that burns calories all day, every day. Because of genetics, some women burn fat faster than others. But age, weight, diet, and exercise habits also play a role. Translation: You may be burning fewer calories a day at 35 than at But there are easy things you can do to stoke your fat-burning potential. Putting yourself on a very low-calorie diet is a surefire way not to lose. So how many calories should you consume? Depending on your level of activity, you can safely lose anywhere from half a pound to two pounds a week if you multiply your current weight by 11, says Applegate. For example, if you’re pounds, aim for around 1, calories a day.