Best Boomer Towns Columns

Metabolism Boost for Baby Boomers!

First, let's talk about sleep. When you don't rest enough, your metabolism slows down. Your body is like a car that is on empty. You slow down and feel sluggish. You crave more carbs and sugar because you are low energy. So getting a routine of getting to bed the same time each night will help. Chamomile tea can relax you and if you're up for it, a short meditation can calm your mind and put you in a restful state. 8 hours a night is recommended.

Now let's talk about nutrition. I don't like the word diet because it seems to have negative connotations. What you eat and when plays an important role in boosting your metabolism and energy level. When you have the right amounts of nutrition, it will prevent you from over-eating. 5-6 small meals every three hours of lean proteins, vegetables and fruits is optimal. Stay away from fatty foods which can decrease your metabolism. In addition, include (in moderation) metabolism boosting foods and beverages like: rolled oats, almonds, eggs, beans, spinach, mustard, and green tea. I say moderation because portion control is extremely important for weight loss and weight maintenance. Check with your doctor to see what is a healthy amount of calories each day for your body. 1200 calories a day is good for some people but depending on your lifestyle, age and health, it may vary.
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If you want to live healthy and stay fit, limit your alcohol intake. It will not serve your health.

Another great way to raise your metabolism is to exercise. Exercising is very beneficial because it raises metabolism, increases fat burning and is very good for the heart. If you've never exercised, start with a 20-minute walk 3 days a week. Increase it to 30 minutes and then add a few more days. If you can walk 30 minutes 4-5 days a week, that's a great step toward improving your health and boosting your metabolism. Please remember to do long slow stretches and slow deep breathing to relax the muscles.

Another way to rev up metabolism is to lift light weights. By strengthening your muscles and increasing muscle mass, you will burn more fat. Start slow with light weights and 10-12 repetitions. As you get stronger, add a little more weight. I suggest that you hire a professional to give you a blueprint of what to do and how much weight to use per exercise. This fitness consultant can show you how to do the exercises properly, safely and most effectively.

Last, but not least, get out and have fun. Don't stress about things you don't have control over. Focus on your health and well-being. Here's a final thought. A happy person is not someone that has the most. He's the person that makes the most of what he has.

 

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