When trying to lose weight, we tend to focus on the hard stuff we stuff in our mouths. Think Pizza, Twinkies, and Hershey’s Kiss. But that’s only half the battle. We have to be careful with sneaky drinks that can pile up and undermine our good intentions. Your drinking habits play an important role in gaining or losing weight and can also indirectly affect your metabolism.
I’ll show you how, but first it’s important to understand metabolism. Metabolic processes are the processes by which the body converts food and drink into energy to fuel activity and all bodily functions that occur even when you are asleep. As you can imagine, babies and children have a high metabolism due to rapid growth of muscles, bones and other tissues. According to a recent study in , where his metabolic rate levels off until about age 60, he continues to expand until reaching a peak around age 20. chemistryAt age 60, your metabolism generally slows down. why? We tend to become less active as we age, and we naturally lose muscle mass unless we really try to maintain it through strength training. Calorie burning rate decreases.
So one way to speed up your metabolism is to have more muscle to burn calories. But what about the food and drink that accompany this process? A member of Eatthis.com’s medical review board says, “No food or drink will speed up your metabolism.” Amy Goodson, MS, RD, An expert in sports nutrition, sports nutrition playbook“While you can’t promote it indirectly, there are some things that do. In fact, some drinks and drinking habits can help you lose weight and affect your metabolism.” ”
So here’s what science and our experts say about drinking habits that may be wreaking havoc on your metabolism. Be sure to check 1.
not drinking high protein drinks
To build muscle that fuels your metabolism, you need the right building blocks: enough protein. Luckily, you can get it by choosing the right drink.”Drinking protein-containing beverages, like those made with milk, Greek yogurt, or protein powders, keeps your metabolism running and your appetite at bay.” “Protein can help you feel full faster and stay longer,” says Goodson. This is because it requires the most energy and time.”
choose sugary drinks over water
In order for your metabolism to function properly and the rest of your body to function optimally, you need to be properly hydrated by consuming foods and drinks that contain water. They can help you increase your intake, but most contain sugar, which can raise your blood sugar and calories, leading to weight gain. Sports hydration drinks also fall into that category. Unless you’re doing high-intensity or long-lasting aerobic exercise like long-distance running, you may not be burning the calories you’re burning. It is possible.
Are you hydrated enough? Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and cause fatigue. Your water needs may differ from the next person’s, US National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine We’ve determined that about 15.5 cups a day for men and 11.5 cups a day for women is adequate. says an endocrinologist trained at the National Institutes of Health. Florence Commission, Maryland, founder of the Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Health. “If you don’t want to measure, an easy way to measure proper hydration is to make sure your urine is clear.
more than just one or two
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. One drink is equivalent to approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liqueur. “Drinking more than that can certainly throw your metabolism out of balance,” said a member of Eatthis.com’s medical review board. Toby Amidor, MS, RDWall Street Journal best-selling author Diabetes Create Your Plate Meal Prep CookbookAdditionally, beer, wine, and especially sweet cocktails with fruit juices and sodas can add a significant amount of empty calories.
you like your nightcap
Drinking alcohol late at night is especially notorious for disturbing sleep and disrupting metabolism. “Some people believe that alcohol helps you sleep, but it can do quite the opposite by disrupting the flow of your normal sleep rhythms,” says Amidor. , she suggests drinking at least two hours before bedtime.
Your daily brew isn’t green
Nutritionists have long touted green tea as one of the most powerful drinks for weight loss. “The catechins in green tea are antioxidants, which have been shown to increase fat burning and may boost metabolism,” says Goodson.Also, the caffeine in green tea boosts energy. There is a possibility. To get the most out of green tea, choose matcha, a type of green tea highly concentrated in catechins, says Goodson.
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Jeff Chatterly
Eat This, Not That! Contributing Writer Jeff Csatari edits books and magazines for Galvanized Media and advises journalism students through the Zinczenko New Media Center at Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.Read more about Jeff