Metabolism: What Is It?

            The dictionary defines metabolism as the sum of all biochemical processes involved in life, or the sustaining of life.  In application concerning our health, metabolism is related to the intake and use of food.  In reference to the case in point it is our ability to utilize our food to the fullest extent.

            Some people have really high rates of metabolism.  In other words, when they consume food, their bodies burn it up almost as fast as then consume it.  Then there are those of use who use our food intake so slowly, as to not even notice that we’re burning calories.  These people who burn quickly are often slim and trim, the people who burn more slowly are the people with a tendency toward obesity.

The body’s metabolism is a unique process for each individual person.  No two people metabolize food at the same rate therefore no two people have the metabolism.  We all use our calories at different rates, with different results.  Our metabolism, like our fingerprints is unique to each of us.  But the need to understand and accommodate this metabolism is an issue that we all face.

            All of this metabolic process is related to our calorie intake, our vitamin and nutrition needs, our thyroid and endocrine production, and how well all of these processes come together.  For years, people have sought ways to raise the metabolic rate.  If you can raise someone’s metabolic rate, you are then better able to control the burn of calories, especially for overweight or obese people.  This would make the goal of better or improved health a much easier reality for those people.  Efforts to date have produced very little results.  There are foods that we can consume that naturally raise our metabolic rate, but not to a great extent.  What we need is a way to directly alter the rate.  We need to be able to raise our metabolism to a point where we can actually see a benefit. 

            What determines our metabolic rate, as far as our genetics?  Generally, we tend to inherit the same tendencies for metabolic rates, body frames, and other related body functions from our parents.  Thus, the origin of “well, she comes from big people; naturally she’s going to be big”. 

Right now, the greatest results in raising our metabolism come from exercise and building our muscle mass, while reducing our body fat.  Adding more muscle to the body, in turn causes us to burn more calories, and this helps to elevate our metabolic rate.

            Our metabolism functions also depend on how well we have taken care of our nutritional needs.  The process of burning calories and creating energy is a delicate one, and one which must be carefully tended, or it can become imbalanced.  It is often through these natural imbalances that we tend to “inherit’ our metabolic rate. 

            I believe through careful analysis, and attention to each person’s unique needs, we could bring about a more natural balance of the metabolic burn vs. the calorie intake. To a level where optimal health and weight control are in equilibrium.

Rex Shell

What is a low carb weight loss diet



Carbs: The Good, the Bad, and the Healthy

        Carbs are a part of nearly every dieter’s vocabulary.  A number of diets are famous for fighting carb consumption.  But you should know that not every carbohydrate is created alike.  While it is true that you can lose weight by cutting carbs, carbs are also necessary for a good diet. 

        To begin with, I would like to define some terms used in this report.  Carbs are derived from a number of different sources.  They are present in bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables.  There are also a number of different types of carbs.  For instance, carbs come in the form of sugars, starches, and fiber.
          For the most part, the digestive system divides carbs into sugar molecules which can be taken into the bloodstream.  The majority of carbs are transformed into glucose or blood sugar.  In this way, carbs provide energy for our bodies.   Those who lack sufficient carbs in their diet may suffer from fatigue.  
         Carbs can be filled with nutrients.  For instance, fruit contains vitamins A and C, fiber, and folate.  Vegetables are also a good vitamin and fiber source; in fact, they usually contain a greater variety of minerals than other foods do.  Whole grains can provide you with fiber, protein, and B vitamins.  Legumes can provide you with protein, iron, and potassium.  
          But carbs can also be potentially bad for your health.  For instance, cookies, potato chips, and soft drinks also contain carbs in the form of sugar and flour.  You should know that refined carbohydrates have been linked with diabetes and heart diseases, making these carbs a dangerous choice.  There are a number of good reasons to ban these carbs from your diet.  For instance, they are extremely high in calories and offer little in the way of nutrients.   Because they contain no fiber, they will not keep you satiated.  In fact, such carbs offer you zero nutrients, but plenty of fat.
           Therefore, you should avoid processed grains and sugars.  Instead, eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to maximize your nutritional intake.   Instead of eliminating carbs completely from your diet, simply ban those that increase the size of your waistline.
             There is another way to think about carbs.  You can generally divide them into two categories: simple and complex.  A simple carb, such as sugar, promotes weight gain.  As a result, you should select low-sugar foods, especially low-sugar beverages.  In contrast, complex carbohydrates promote weight loss.  Health experts recommend that dieters consume between 55 and 65 percent of their calories from these types of carbs.  Such carbs include fruits and vegetables and a number of other natural foods.
      But it isn’t enough to simply eat fruits and vegetables.  You also need to avoid fattening sauces and condiments such as mayonnaise and butter.  By adding butter to your broccoli or mayonnaise to your potatoes, you can raise the calorie amount exponentially, sabotaging your diet.
        The U.S. Department of Agriculture promotes a food pyramid that recommends as many as eleven servings of bread, pasta, and cereal.  However, a number of dieticians are suggesting that Americans should cut the carbs—period.  In one poll, 81 percent of the respondents said they were abiding by a low-carb diet. 
          It is interesting to point out that neither the American Heart Association nor the American Diabetes Association believes that the glycemic index should be considered when following a weight loss plan.  While the Diabetes Association concedes that various foods offer different glycemic responses, the Association’s leaders believe the most critical factor is the number of carbs rather than the form of the carbs consumed.  
         Granted, dietary information about carbs can be confusing.  However, a number of dieticians say that, while you might not want to cut carbs out of your diet entirely, you should eat carbs only in moderation.  Health experts also say that you should limit your carb intake to good carbs and pass up the bad ones.  By following such a plan, you should have energy—but you shouldn’t pack on the weight.  It may be difficult at first to follow such a diet plan, since many of us are conditioned to eat bad carbs in order to elevate our moods.  In time, however, you may find that you enjoy the fruits and vegetables you’re eating, and you may not even miss those tortilla chips.
            A solid balanced diet is crucial to achieving your weight loss goals and maintaining that goal. Understanding the role that Carbs play in your diet will help you in your journey.
If you would like a Great Guide to Carb Dieting Click Below:

Rex Shell
Dedicated to Your Weight Loss and Diet Goals

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