Metabolism Myths: Busted

We've all heard them, metabolism myths that friends pass them on over lunch, the media passes them on over the morning news or via a commercial or fad diet. We never really research the cold hard truth behind them, instead we just begin eating that one item in mass quantities hoping to lose weight and look better in 90 days. We'll if you're currently on one of these kicks, you may want to look here first to figure out if your current diet item is on the metabolism myths lists. There are actual ways to stimulate your metabolism, unfortunately, these quick fixes aren't it.

1. Grapefruit: known to many dieters as a fruit that speeds up the burning of fats due to its acidity. Although this fact is widely spread, at this point there is no evidence behind it. In fact, grapefruits are a little higher in calories than other fruits, so you might want to think twice about grapefruit for breakfast lunch and dinner. Enjoy it, but there is no need to overdue it.

2. Fasting: Contrary to popular believe this isn't the best way to lose weight. According to Sue Ayersman, a certified clinical nutritionist at Kronos Optimal Health Centre in Scottsdale, Arizona, fasting causes your body to go into survival mode meaning it slows metabolism and stores energy in the form of fat to help you get by. (2007). So, fasting and skipping meals can have an adverse effect on your diet plan and is obviously not recommended.

3. Spicy foods: While spicy foods taste great, they don't actually cause a speed up in our metabolism enough to actually matter. The increase it offers is very minimal, so spicy food eating just to boost your metabolism isn't going to work. You'll have to weight train and exercise for that. Too bad, huh?

4. Supplements can boost metabolism: Sorry, evidence shows that it is food we get our nutrients from and not pills. There are no supplements out there that will actually speed our metabolic rate. (2003). You're more likely to spend a fortune than to get any other result.

5. Drinking water stimulates weight loss: Not really. Indeed switching to water instead of sodas or high calorie and sugar fruit drinks is much better, but that doesn't mean it is stimulating weight loss. The weight loss is coming more from your lack of drinking all the sugar and calories you used to. Still, keep drinking water instead of anything else, because replacing those sugary drinks will help your health.

6. As I get older my metabolism will slow and there is nothing I can do about it: False! So false! Age is only a factor because as we age we tend to be active less. If you maintain a healthy activity level you're bound to maintain a good metabolism. Take walks or jogs, go swimming, play tennis or racket ball, go to the gym for half and hour to an hour, join a dance class, there are a number of different activities you can do to stay healthy and keep your metabolism working for you. Sure it isn't as easy as when you were a kid, but you can have fun while staying healthy and stimulating your metabolism.

The key to any diet is to eat well, meaning follow a plan for a balanced diet. Moreover, get active, take up a hobby that keeps you moving for 25-30 minutes a day or at least 3 days a week. By just making slight changes each week to work into the optimal lifestyle (and maintaining a healthy body and weight is a lifestyle choice). In doing so, you're bound to help your metabolism more burn calories more easily. Weight loss isn't about a fad or doing it as fast as possible. It is about getting it off in a way that is beneficial to your body and keeping it off in a way that is beneficial to your body.

References:Whitman, S. (2003). The Truth About Metabolism. Retrieved March 19, 2007, from Find Articles Website: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_1_23/ai_107488078/pg_1

Sorgen, C. (2007). Rev Up Your Metabolism. Retrieved March 19, 2007. from WebMD Website: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/rev-up-your-metabolism