This page contains general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask your physician or other qualified health provider about nutrition, exercise and weight loss methods before you start a new diet or program.

Rev Up Metabolism - Be a Better Burner!
By Heidi Bates, BSc, RD:  Tri-Nutrition Consulting

Despite the claims of fad diet books and "miracle" products, weight loss can be a challenging and time-consuming process. The good news is that there are things you can do to rev up your metabolism and become a better fat "burner."

Simply stated, metabolism is the rate that you use or "burn" calories or energy (they're the same thing) from food. Metabolic rates differ between people. Research shows that some people burn more calories than others even when at rest. While genetics play a key role in determining an individual's metabolic rate, lifestyle is also important. The following strategies can help you become a "better burner:"

Put on some muscle. Dietitians and nutritionists refer to muscle as "metabolically active tissue." In other words, muscle burns calories and the more muscle a person has, the more calories he/she can burn in a day. Research clearly shows that as little as three months of resistance training can increase muscle mass to a point where metabolism also increases. Not sure where to start? Consult with a certified personal fitness trainer with experience in creating resistance-training programs.

Avoid low calorie diets. Cutting calories is an essential part of all weight loss programs. However, go too far and you can actually make weight management more difficult. Very low calorie diets cause the body to lose muscle mass. As a result, metabolic rate slows and results wane. Over time, this pattern can create a situation where the dieter gains weight, even though they may be eating much less than they did before embarking on the diet. Avoid low calorie diets and opt, instead, for a more moderate approach that focuses on portion control and limiting higher calorie, less nutritious foods such as higher fat snack foods, added fats, soft drinks and alcohol.

Fuel the fire. Skipping meals and eating infrequently sends a signal to the body that starvation is on the horizon. As a result, the body tries to preserve itself by slowing metabolic rate. Calorie needs drop off and you create a situation where you've become a better fat "storer" than "burner" - hardly the desired effect. Eat regularly, beginning with breakfast. Research shows that people who skip breakfast have lower metabolic rates than those who start the day off with a healthy meal. Fuel metabolism - eat healthfully and regularly.

Pass Up the Quick Fix. Literally hundreds of supplements, remedies and nutritional products claim to be able to increase metabolism and make the pounds melt off. There is no sound evidence to show that the vast majority of these products have any effect on metabolic rate at all. What's worse - some produce powerful and unwanted side effects. What to spend some money to increase your metabolism? Treat yourself to a one-on-one personal training session or a consultation with a registered dietitian.

company information:

Tri-Nutrition Consulting
46 Granville Crescent
Sherwood Park, AB
T8A 3B8
Ph: 780-449-3345