Metabolism, often described as the body’s calorie-burning engine, is a fascinating and intricate process. While we can’t magically turn it up or down, there are ways to influence it positively. Today, we’re delving into some intriguing human facts related to metabolism, and one of them might just empower you to take action.
First, let’s appreciate the complexity of metabolism. It’s not a single entity you can switch on or off at will; rather, it occurs within your cells. In essence, the more cells you have, the faster your metabolism. To put this in perspective, the average person boasts a whopping 30 trillion cells. That’s an army of cells hard at work to fuel your metabolism.
The foundation of your metabolism is your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). BMR is the energy your body expends to keep you alive, and it varies significantly among individuals. Some factors influencing BMR, such as genetics and gender, are beyond your control. However, you hold the key to enhancing your metabolism through your body composition.
Picture this as compound interest—it won’t make you rich overnight, but over time, the benefits accumulate significantly. Here’s the game-changer: increase the amount of muscle in your body through regular workouts. We’re not talking about bulging Hulk-like muscles, but rather strong, flexible, and supple ones.
Researchers estimate that every pound of muscle burns approximately 6 calories daily while at rest. In contrast, a pound of fat contributes a mere 2 daily calories to your metabolic fire. So, 10 pounds of fat torches around 20 calories per day, while 10 pounds of muscle incinerates a whopping 60. Over a year, 10 pounds of muscle torches 21,900 calories, equivalent to over 6 pounds, whereas 10 pounds of fat burns just 7,300 calories in a year, roughly 2 pounds.
This fascinating revelation highlights the benefits of workouts that focus on building muscle. These workouts not only burn calories during the exercise but also offer a bonus calorie burn down the line as you develop muscle. It’s a double-whammy effect that makes your fitness routine even more rewarding.
Aside from exercise, ensuring an adequate protein intake is crucial. Protein plays a pivotal role in building, repairing, and maintaining muscle. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, if your goal is muscle building, incorporate resistance training into your workouts and consume 1.2 to 1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, which translates to 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight.
So, the next time you lace up your workout shoes or savor a protein-packed meal, remember that you’re not just investing in your health and fitness today, but also in a more metabolically efficient future. Your body is an incredible machine, and with the right inputs and actions, you can optimize your metabolism and pave the way for a healthier, more energetic you.
Make it an amazing day!
Keith, Michelle & More Team
REFERENCES:
https://www.vox.com/2016/5/18/11685254/metabolism-definition-booster-weight-loss
https://www.healthline.com/health/number-of-cells-in-body
https://www.self.com/story/how-much-does-strength-training-really-increase-metabolism