Are you one of the more than 17% of Americans on a special diet? Whether you’re dieting for health, to lose weight, or to feel better, understanding your metabolism is an important key to your health. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is metabolism?” then this article’s for you! We’ll give you the definition of metabolism, and we’ll also offer answers to the questions, “What does it mean to have a slow metabolism?” and “what does it mean to have a fast metabolism?” 

What Is Metabolism?

Your body is home to a lot of complex and interesting chemical processes, and your metabolism is one of them. The human body needs energy for everything it does, from eating and drinking to breathing, moving, and thinking. Metabolism is the chemical process of changing food into energy within the body. 

How Does Metabolism Work?

Even when you’re asleep, you’re using energy and burning calories. There are two main parts to the chemical process of metabolism:

• Catabolism
• Anabolism

Catabolism is the process of breaking down molecules to gain the energy your body needs. Anabolism is when the body synthesizes compounds needed by the cells. 

After you eat or drink something, the body breaks the food or drink into simpler forms that release energy. The body uses that energy for every bodily function, including cell growth and repair.

Even if you’re a full-grown adult, your body still grows new cells, including brain neurons. You also grow new hair and skin cells all the time. The body uses the energy it needs to function and stores most of the excess as fat. 

Factors Affecting Metabolism

Body size, gender, and age all affect your metabolism. Exercise and diet also play a big role in your metabolism. 

Are you dieting to lose weight? Extreme caloric restriction can slow your metabolism, though there’s evidence that some diets may boost your metabolism. 

Most people don’t gain weight due to a slow metabolism. The more likely culprit for weight gain is poor dietary choices, oversize portions, and lack of exercise. Having a slow or fast metabolism isn’t as important as making sure you burn more calories than you take in. 

Metabolism and Weight

A problem for modern humans is eating big portions of high-calorie foods that have little to no nutritional value. Highly processed junk foods are sugar, salt, and fat-laden. Your taste buds love them but they’re nutrient-deficient and don’t build a healthy body. 

Processed foods fool your metabolic system. They leave you feeling hungry a few short hours after eating because your body metabolizes the food so fast.

If you want to lose weight, eat foods low in sugar and high in fiber (veggies, fruits, and whole grains). Fiber fills your stomach and takes longer to metabolize while foods low in sugar, don’t raise your insulin levels so high. A nutritious diet of protein, vegetables, and fruits balances your metabolism, making it easier to lose weight. 

Understanding Metabolism

What is metabolism? A complex process in which the body converts food to energy. Treat your body to a healthy diet for a balanced metabolism and you’ll feel and look your best in the process!

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