If you had to guess what impacts your metabolism the most, what would you think it is?
For men, it is mostly the amount of muscle mass they have. The more muscle they have, the more calories they burn at rest.
For women, having more muscle does help boost our metabolism. However, unlike men, it is not the factor that plays the greatest role.
What is?
The amount of calories we consume daily.
This research study found that, among women, eating more calories (not less) = a faster resting metabolic rate (RMR).
On the flip side, women who ate less calories consistently, had a slower metabolism.
Doesn’t fit in with the mentality most women embrace of “we’ve got to eat less and less as we age to see fat loss,” does it?
To really solidify this, take a look at what they found.
The researchers gauged this success over a 3 year period.
Those women who consumed less calories gained more body fat over the 3 year period, than those women who ate enough calories, or more calories, over the 3 year period.
The real shocker, those women who ate more calories saw body fat loss over the 3 year period.
🌟Where are the weight loss companies that show you that?
🌟Where are the weight loss medications that remind you of that truth?
Nowhere to be found. Because both avenues promote and reinforce the detrimental outcome and mentality that you must constantly eat less and less to be healthy.
That’s a lie. And until you free yourself of that lie you will constantly feel guilty for fueling your body in a healthy manner.
So, why does eating more calories promote fat loss?
Because the very thing that promotes more calories burned, such as walking, building muscle, doing cardio exercises, moving more, etc. requires fuel.
And those individuals who rob their body of fuel will not build muscle as they age nor will they have the energy reserve to walk incessantly, do workout classes, etc.
Most people who eat less and less sit on the couch more and more. And that slows down a metabolism.
Movement, energy, muscle growth, strength, and vitality are all signs of a healthy, functioning metabolism.
Your metabolism is not only shown on the scale.
Among many clients this week, we have had the same conversation:
“Look at how much food you are able to consume and to not gain weight.”
Can you say that about yourself? Can you eat hefty portions of food and not have your body go into a tail spin? Can you maintain your weight by eating enough?
The amount of calories my clients consume, most “dieting” people would kill to be able to eat.
Your body needs more calories to build (and heal) the body you ultimately want.
is represented with the dotted line.
What about quality?
That always matters. If you’re struggling with weight loss, enhance the quality of food you consume first. Eat in a blood sugar balancing way while decreasing inflammation.
Eating enough calories as we age, should be in a balanced way that provides our body with the carbs, fat, vitamins/minerals, and protein we need.
Do you need help learning to do so? If so click here to apply to join my coaching program where you learn to use nutrition, movement, and lifestyle to build a strong, healthier you as you age.
