Ever notice how cats always seem to be napping, yet somehow maintain their sleek figures? It is as if they have unlocked the secret to burning calories while doing absolutely nothing! If only our metabolism worked like that – we could all be couch potatoes with six-pack abs!
And then we wouldn’t need to…
Eat frequently and eat only certain foods to boost metabolism.
Eat early because eating late slows down our metabolism.
Become thin because thin people have faster metabolisms.
Well, well, well.
In case you haven’t got it, all of the above are MYTHS.
Metabolism is the process your body uses to turn the food you eat into energy. This energy is what you need to do everything, from breathing and moving to thinking and growing. Metabolism is like your body’s engine, constantly running to keep you alive and active.
So, obviously you can’t nap 18 hours a day like a cat or eat only certain foods and expect to burn calories without moving around. Fuel goes in, fuel burns, smoke goes out – that’s how the machine works.
How to assess your metabolic health?
BMI: The “cat on a scale” approach. It is quick but not purr-fect.
Waist size: Measures abdominal fat, which is a risk factor for metabolic diseases.
Body composition: Assessing the ratio of fat to lean mass (muscles, bones, water, etc.). Better than BMI.
Blood pressure: High numbers? Not good. Obviously.
Blood tests: Fasting Blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile – the holy trinity.
Resting metabolic rate: How many calories do you burn being a couch potato?
Glucose tolerance test: See how well your body handles sugar.
Inflammation markers: C-reactive protein – your body’s silent alarm system.
Hormone levels: Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), cortisol, sex hormones etc. – the puppet masters of your metabolism.
Liver function: Assessing enzymes like ALT and AST can indicate liver health. Keep your liver purring smoothly.
Fitness tests: Watch out for cardio fitness, VO2 max, strength and flexibility.
Diet, sleep and stress assessment: What goes in and how you recharge matters.
Remember, these tests work together to give a full picture of your metabolic health. If something is off, keep calm and chat with a doctor.
Below are some concrete ways to boost your metabolism realistically without any supplements:
One thing must be clear so far. There are no specific foods that can significantly improve your metabolism. Period. If you want a better metabolism, you need to have a healthy lifestyle along with healthy, wholesome food. Like the following:
So, while we can’t all have a magical metabolism like our pet cats, understanding the real science behind our energy expenditure is the first step to achieving our health goals.
Remember, when it comes to metabolism and overall health, it is not about nine lives – it is about making the most of the one we have got.
On that wise note, see you next Friday!