Ready. Set. Go Metabolism Go!


Metabolism is a key if not the key to losing weight. There have been many studies and many ideas on how to boost metabolism. I have used some of those studies and ideas and utilized them in my own weight loss programs. Exercise has always been associated with burning calories and boosting metabolism. Exercise can also shape and tone the body.

Let's Talk About Food.

A key component of my eating habits in 2008 when I lost 20 pounds in a month was eating every 3 to 4 hours during the day. To do so, a snack needs to be eaten between lunch and dinner. Many studies have shown that eating every 3 to 4 hours helps to boost one’s metabolic rate. This is a very important understanding for me since my metabolism was very slow. A very popular diet plan, called the 3-Hour Diet is highly based on these studies. I was first introduced to this diet program by my doctor who recommended this diet to me and my husband. It really is more than a diet. It is a lifestyle change. She had read the book and had known some people who were having success with this diet plan. It is a great diet plan if you can stick with it. We tried it for about a month. My husband had more success with this program than I did as far as weight loss is concerned. My husband and I both found ourselves to be very hungry throughout the day which wasn’t something that we could handle very well; thus, we decided to quit this diet plan. I did take away with me more understanding about metabolism than I had before. I also decided to use the metabolic facts that this diet was using in my own way to help me lose weight in 2008.

There is another reason why I choose to snack between lunch and dinner. I drink beverages that have artificial sweeteners in them. I really don’t need all of that extra sugar in most sweet drinks; but, I prefer drinks that are slightly sweetened. Studies have shown that mice who were fed artificial sweeteners would gain as much or more weight than mice that were fed sugars. Experts suggest that artificial sweeteners confuse the metabolism. The sweet sensation tells the metabolic system that there are calories being consumed that need to be burned. The components that are used to break down the sugars are released but there are no sugars present that need to be broken down. Now the metabolic system recognizes that it released too much of the component to break down the sugars that are present and “learns” that less of that component needs to be released next time. Over time the metabolism becomes less efficient and doesn’t release enough of this component to break down the sugars that really are present when sugars are consumed. Without the release of these components for breaking down the sugars, actual sugars that need to broken down can’t be broken down and are stored as fat. I try to drink beverages that have artificial sweeteners in them when I snack to offset this metabolic confusion a bit. I figure that it is worth a shot and it’s better than drinking sugary drinks. I really don’t know if this works or not. All I know is that I did lose 20 pounds in a month while using this technique. If my metabolism still seems sluggish a few months into this challenge, I will consider dropping the artificial sweeteners in my drinks.

I have had some difficulty remembering to eat a snack midday. I am so busy now with the baby, the laundry, the house, my blog, etc. that time has been getting away from me. I have decided to set a reminder on my phone to eat a snack at 3:00 in the afternoon. This should help me remember as long as I don’t have my phone on vibrate because the baby is sleeping. I will let you know how well that works.

Our Favorite Subject: Exercise :-(

I am proud to announce that I have increased my treadmill program to 20 minutes. A few weeks ago I thought that I would never be able to do more than 15 minutes. I think the endurance test results helped me get past that hurdle mentally. I know now that I can run for 25 minutes straight. If I can do that I should be able to run and walk at various inclines for 20 minutes. I am not saying that it is easy. It is a challenge but a little challenge is good when one is trying to improve oneself.

I am going to add some new exercises to my exercise routine on Thursday. My husband bought me a wobble board for my 39th birthday to support me in my challenge to lose 40 pounds by the age of 40. My husband is so thoughtful. A wobble board is supposed to help develop your core muscles. I haven’t had the chance to look at the brochure or the DVD that came with my wobble board. I will go over the brochure, watch the CD and select some specific new exercises utilizing my wobble board. Tomorrow I will report the exercises that I have selected to add to my routine. Now that I have begun to build some of my core muscles through my treadmill program, I am ready to implement additional exercises for the getting in shape part of my challenge.

That’s A Wrap! No, I Am Not Talking About Food.

The important point I made regarding food today is to remember to eat about every 3 to 4 hours. Eating every 3 to 4 hours helps increase metabolism. To eat every 3 to 4 hours, a midday snack is needed. Try to find a way to help yourself remember to eat a snack between lunch and dinner. As far as exercise is concerned, I have increased my treadmill program to 20 minutes. I will select some new exercises using a wobble board and will report the exercises I have selected tomorrow. I will implement these exercises on Thursday. A wobble board is useful in helping to build one’s core. Toning occurs through building one’s core and it is an important part of my challenge to lose weight and get into shape by the age of 40.