What is metabolism?

There are many misconceptions about metabolism and how it affects weigh loss or gain. Simply put, your metabolism rate determines how fast or slow calories are used up by your body. If your body uses up calories slowly then those extra calories not used right away are going to be stored by your body as fat for later use. If your body uses up your calories fast then your body will either maintain its weigh or lose weight.

How does your body rate it's metabolism? You metabolism rate is determined by your ratio of muscle mass to body fat. Muscle uses more calories than fat does so the more muscle mass you have the faster your metabolism rate is going to be.

To increase your metabolism rate simply increase your muscle mass. That means you have to exercise with the idea of building muscle not just burning off calories. Aerobic exercise will not raise your metabolism rate but will help your heart and lungs. You will need to add weight training to your work outs in order to raise your metabolism rate.

It's the holidays, have you lost any weight yet?

Since it is the winter holiday season and food is abundant at work, school and family parties I was wondering if I had lost any weight during this tempting time. I jumped on the scale this morning and to my surprise I had lost 2 lbs since last week. My guess is that I have been so cautious about what I eat that I now have better control of my appetite.

The funny part about it, is the fact that I thought I was pigging out at a few functions a few days ago. I guess not.

Feeling fat and bloated - too much holiday eating

It is the season for hoilday shopping and eating. I have to say no when people push a piece of cheesecake into my hands and say "you have go to taste this". Of course the portion size of the "taste" is almost one eighth the size of the cake. If you are a party host here is a tip for you - cut up your portions of rich high calorie items into smaller portions. Cheesecake doesn't have to be in pie slice shapes, try cutting it into cube sized portions for your guests.

The holiday weightloss blues

One of the hardest times of year to diet is during the winter months. Our bodies are triggered to gain weight for the long cold months ahead much like wild animals. That is one major reason why there are so many old traditions for feasting in the late Autumn and early winter. In order to break that cycle you must first be aware of it. Know that your body is trying to gain weight in anticipation of a winter with lack of food.

Break the cycle by going outside daily and doing some mild exercise, even if it just for a walk. Keep it up through the winter. Your body will then have a less of a tendency to want to eat.