We all spent the whole year of 2020 cooped up inside our houses due to COVID. Due to this, a lot of us gained weight and didn’t focus on our bodies as much. However, that is not the only reason a person would’ve gained weight. Another factor that people blame is slow metabolism. Our body is very complex, and even little changes can result in big outcomes.

So, what is metabolism, and how do we reset our metabolism or speed up our metabolism? These are some of the questions that are frequently asked when talking about the topic. If you are looking for the answers to these questions, then you are at the right place. Here is everything that you need to know about metabolism.

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is not a specific process; rather, it is an umbrella term that describes all the chemical processes that happen inside your body continuously. These processes are essential to keep you alive and keep your organs functioning normally. Breathing, repairing cells, digesting food, etc., are all regulated by our metabolism.

Your body needs the energy to carry out various processes. This energy is called the basal metabolic rate or BMR. If someone has a “slow metabolism,” then it means that they have low BMR.

Effects on weight due to metabolism

There is a misconception about metabolism that a slow metabolism is making people struggle to lose weight. However, metabolism is much faster in people with more weight. As the body needs more energy to work with a heavy body, the metabolism rate needs to go up.

Rather than slow metabolism, researchers found out that people tend to eat more than they think. Most of the time, the reason you are gaining weight is because of the excess calories and not “slow metabolism.” 

Also, keep in mind if you are trying out crash diets and other types of calorie-restricted diets, if you are not being careful, they can actually slow your metabolism. As some diets are not able to compensate for the energy needed for daily tasks, our body tends to break muscle mass which ends up slowing our metabolism.

Some methods to speed up metabolism

There are certain foods that can boost your metabolism. However, the effects of these foods are not very effective and are certainly not long-term. Here are some practices that can boost your metabolism:

  • Drink cold water

It is a scientific fact that water is the healthiest drink in existence, at least for the human body. People who replace water with other beverages tend to have a faster metabolism.

  • High-intensity workout

HIIT or high-intensity interval training consists of intense sessions of activity. It can help burn a lot of calories. The way it does that is by increasing your metabolic rate.

  • Weight training

Rather than fat, your muscles are more metabolically active. If you are building muscles, it will directly boost your metabolism.

Conclusion

Your metabolism is essential for your body and will directly impact how it works in daily life. Now that you know all about it, you just need to follow the tips that we’ve mentioned and keep your health in check.