Possible Reasons Your Metabolism Has Slowed Down

Although some people have naturally fast – or naturally slow – metabolisms, many people’s metabolisms slow down as they age. However, even if you count yourself among them, there’s no need to fret.

There are numerous steps you can take to keep your metabolism operating at peak efficiency, many of which won’t prove draining on your time, energy or finances. Still, before you can get to work on improving your metabolism, you’ll need to pinpoint why it slowed down in the first place. And if you engage in any of the following behaviors, you may have your answer.

You’re Refusing To Accept The Aging Process

There are a variety of changes that occur in our bodies as we age, and while some people experience certain changes at a slower rate than others, it’s important to accept that aging is an inevitable part of life.

Slowed metabolism is among the most common changes people experience as they get older, and depending on how fast your metabolism was in your youth, this can come as quite the shock.

So, if you’re used to being able to eat whatever you want whenever you want, having to put actual thought into your diet is liable to be a most unwelcome change. Many people experience dramatic changes in metabolism as early as their teens years, while others don’t notice any real changes until their 20s, 30s or 40s.

However, regardless of when your metabolism begins to slow down, it’s imperative that you accept this change and make the necessary adjustments to your diet and approach to fitness.

You’re Skipping Meals

It’s easy to see why so many people associate skipping meals with losing weight. After all, it stands to reason that the less food one consumes, the more weight they’re likely to lose.

However, in reality, this line of thought is extremely misguided and can have a host of negative impacts on one’s health. Depriving yourself of meals can result in waning energy levels, negative outlook, decreased functionality and slower metabolism.

Eating three balanced meals a day and snacking between meals can help keep your metabolism chugging along throughout day. Conversely, going long periods between eating essentially results in your metabolism having nothing to do, ultimately making it less efficient. So, in the interest of maintaining a healthy mind, body and metabolism, abstain from skipping meals.

You’re Not Snacking

As addressed above, snacking can play an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. In addition to keeping your metabolism operational throughout the day, having a snack every three to four hours can help prevent you from overeating at mealtimes.

Since regular snacking can stave off intense hunger, you’re less likely to be ravenously hungry when you sit down to meals if you’ve snacked on the above-mentioned time-frame.

Additionally, when selecting suitable snacks, try to go with health-conscious options. For example, fruits, veggies and certain proteins can provide you with an abundance of energy and prevent you from being distracted by hunger throughout the day.

You’re Not Exercising

The benefits of regular exercise are impossible to overstate. Increased stamina, improved outlook and slimmer waistlines are just a few of the positive outcomes physical fitness can facilitate.

In addition, exercise that builds muscle can prove particularly beneficial to metabolism. Since people with more muscle tend to have a higher resting metabolic rate, strength training-based workouts are worth considering for anyone looking to speed up their metabolism.

Certain types of cardio – such as swimming, running and walking – can also serve to stimulate your metabolism. So, if you’ve allowed physical fitness to fall by the wayside, there’s no time like the present to get active.

Metabolisms can be a tricky thing. For example, people who enjoyed the benefits of lightning-fast metabolisms in their younger years are often shocked and dismayed by the rate at which their metabolisms slow down as they get older.

Needless to say, dealing with a slowed metabolism can be extremely frustrating if you’ve grown accustomed to eating whatever you want without consequence. Understanding the reason(s) behind your slowed metabolism is the first step towards correcting them.

So, if you’re unclear on why your metabolism simply isn’t what it used to be, consider the possible causes outlined above.

Want to learn how to stay physically healthy when you game a lot when you read our article about it here.