Part 1: Understanding Your Metabolism Better

The digestive system has 4 purposes:

1. Breakdown food.
2. Absorb nutrients.
3. Store excess calories as fat (for energy).
4. Eliminate waste.

Having said that, if people became more knowledgeable about how their digestive tract functioned they would be able to make better choices regarding the types of food they eat, the frequency and portion of their meals. The moment the scent of food that you find appealing hits your nose or even enters your minds you begin to salivate. This is not accidental. This happens as the body anticipates your next meal. It is preparing for the food that you will consume. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that help break down the food you eat. Chewing aids in the process. The digestive enzymes in your stomach take the process one step further.

Most people don't realize that their stomachs do not function similarly to that of the gas tank of a car. The energy that you just consumed in the form of food does not just sit there until you need it the way that gas will sit in the tank of the car until you drive it somewhere. Once that food hits the stomach it is further broken down and the simplest molecules begin to get dispersed into your blood stream. If you take in a lot of calories in a meal from simple sugars your bloodstream is flooded with a tremendous amount of energy. If your body requires fewer calories than what you just consumed, the body will use whatever it needs at that moment and store the rest as fat. This is why you get a huge rush of energy followed by a big crash when you consume a large amount of calories from simple sugars. Eating this way is very inefficient and metabolically counterproductive.

Here are a few simple ways to minimize these crashes and excesses.

1. Don't ingest large amounts of calories from foods that are rich in simple sugars with very little fiber and void of nutritive content. They may taste great and give you a temporary boost but they are usually packed with preservatives and are "overkill" when it comes to how you choose to fuel your body. You might think that granola bar is better than a candy bar because it has "natural sugar." But the truth is that unless you are on a hike or about to engage in physical activity that requires tremendous exertion on your part your body will react the same. It is far better to have a piece of fruit for a boost. Fruit has far fewer calories, are natural sources of vitamins and minerals and also contain fiber which will help keep your digestive tract functioning properly and help slow the absorption of the sugar.
   
2. Unless you are a marathon runner or engaging in an activity like a triathlon you don't need energy/sports drinks. If you don't have enough energy to get through a work out at the gym there is something amiss with your sleep and/or overall diet. Those sports/energy drinks may just be sabotaging your fat loss goals.
   
3. Don't drink soda or juice. Water is the only drink you will ever need. While an 8 ounce glass of juice may be considered healthy whole fruit is a better choice.
   
4. Combine all three macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) during each meal. This will help slow the absorption of all the nutrients which will allow a slower, steadier release of energy into your blood stream. This equals more sustained energy and less excess calories stored as fat.
   
5. Eat smaller more frequent mini meals during the day as opposed to one - three larger meals.

It is a biological fact that people who take in an adequate amount of calories (not excess) consisting of a good macro breakdown will actually feel better (sustained energy) and lose excess body fat (less excess calories stored as fat from every meal) if they just break their larger meals into smaller more frequent meals. Before you decide what you eat next just ask yourself how much energy do I need "right now"? This should help you to make better decisions regarding what octane fuel you put into your stomach.