What do you think luck is? Who do you think is the luckiest in the world? For some, it could be someone adorned with immense wealth and prosperity, while others might point to an individual surrounded by a caring and affectionate family. The array of potential answers is vast, and among these, you might even encounter the notion that the person blessed with a fast metabolism is the ultimate epitome of luck.
So, if you think your friend is the luckiest – the one with a fast metabolism, the one who eats a lot and still doesn’t get fat, maybe this blog would be something that could interest you.
When it comes to metabolism, there are a plethora of misconceptions surrounding it. Whether you are a health and fitness-conscious person or a couch potato who lives to munch fries and burgers, you must know that the so-called ‘facts’ about metabolism you believe in are just a work of fiction. They are everything but true.
Let us bust those myths and shed some light on the truth
Lean people have a faster metabolism
Here, you may think again of that lean friend who doesn’t gain a pound even when she eats junk food all the time. She’s lean, so you may as well think that she has a faster metabolism. But it may not always be true.
She may not gain pounds because she has more muscles. The more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn. That’s why strength training and high protein intake are preached in the fitness industry, as they both help in building muscles.
You will get fat if you eat right before bedtime
Ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to the refrigerator’s glowing light in the dead of night, only to shut it promptly without indulging in any culinary delights? If you did that only because the well-worn phrase, ‘Late-night snacking makes you fat,’ echoed in your mind like a persistent trumpet, you are in for a surprise. It is commonly believed that late night munching makes your body store the fat, rather than burn it.
It is untrue. Your digestive system is made to digest food regardless of the time you have your food. Just so you know, eating out late at night does not make you fat. It doesn’t have anything to do with the time of the day you eat your food but the kind of food you are eating. If you are eating calorie-dense food, weight gain is only natural.
Eating multiple small meals will boost your metabolism
If you are ditching your usual 3-meals-a-day eating pattern just because you saw an Instagram post that suggested you eat multiple small meals to boost your metabolism, please do not fall for the misconception.
Although it is true that eating small meals can help you stay full, it doesn’t boost your metabolism. Your metabolism depends on an array of factors, including your age, gender, genetics and lifestyle habits.
However, if you are watching your weight, a multiple meals-a-day approach may support your fitness goals as it will keep you full, so you won’t eat mindlessly and exceed your calorie intake.
You can’t control your metabolism
It’s easy to blame your slow metabolism when you are putting on weight. Just so you know, metabolism is not something you cannot control. There are several ways to boost metabolism, such as increasing your protein intake and doing strength training to increase muscles, having enough sleep every night, and consuming a healthy number of calories, to name a few.
Closing thoughts
It’s time to bid adieu to these myths about metabolism that have lingered for far too long in our collective consciousness. Armed with newfound knowledge and a clear understanding of how metabolism truly operates, we can now make more informed decisions about our health and well-being.
Let’s break free from the shackles of misinformation and embrace a more balanced approach to nourishing our bodies. Remember, a healthy lifestyle encompasses more than just metabolism; it’s a harmonious interplay of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and self-care. So, let’s embark on this journey together, dispelling myths and fostering a deeper appreciation for our bodies’ marvellous mechanisms. Here’s to a future of informed choices and a happier, healthier us!