What is Metabolism?

What is Metabolism?

Many people claim that they cannot lose weight because they have a slow metabolism and are constantly looking for ways to boost their metabolism. A lot of these people do not truly understand the term metabolism. According to Wikipedia:

“Metabolism is a set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms in order to maintain life”

Metabolism allows our bodies to utilize the food and some other resources that are needed to maintain the functions of the body, to repair the damage, get rid of toxins, and heal the injury. It is really an essential process in living organisms, particularly in humans. Without this process, we would die.
In humans the food we eat fuels these chemical reactions. So when people refer to a fast or slow metabolism they are generally referring to the average amount of calories their body burns in a day.
Food is the most important instrument that will help you either lose/gain weight, considering that metabolism needs the energy from what you eat. Chemical reactions take place within the body's cells that convert fuel from the consumed food, ultimately into energy to do everyday functions like thinking, growth, household/work activities and so on. Without metabolism, cells wouldn't be kept healthy and functioning.
Enzymes break down proteins from food present in the digestive system. These are then converted into amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and sugar. These are then absorbed into the blood, namely amino and fatty acids, making their way into the cells. Other enzymes then actively control the chemical reactions thus metabolizing the compounds that are the result of the process.

Metabolism Kinds 
There are two kinds of metabolism, namely catabolism, and anabolism.

Catabolism
Also known as destructive metabolism, catabolism produces energy to make the cells active. Carbohydrates and fats are broken down to produce energy. This energy is then released to provide fuel for anabolism (read below). This, in turn, increases the temperature within the body, making muscles contract in being able to make body parts move. Complex chemical units are converted into the simple matter - like waste through the skin, lungs, and kidneys.

Anabolism
Also known as constructive metabolism, anabolism caters to storing and building. New cells are then formed and energy is stored for later use. This is then converted to large molecules of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Now you must have understood what is metabolism and why is it important. There are many reasons that stunt one's ability to lose weight like genetics, problems like hyperthyroidism, type 1 and 2 diabetes and so on. Make a point to check your family history, to gauge whether you have problems that hinder the way your body functions. Consult a doctor now if you're unsure of why multiple diet plans and workouts fail to bear fruit for you.

Foods/Habits That Rev Up Metabolism 
As a kid you may have been pestered day in and day out to drink lots of water. Dietitians say that drinking at least 6 - 8 glasses of water a day can improve not only health, but repair other problems like bad skin (oily/dry/acne prone), hair, increase metabolism, regular bowel movements, cleansing of bodily toxins and so on. Follow this regime, and see a considerable change in body mass and structure.

• Eat fruits and vegetables (because of high fiber content), as these are foods that boost metabolism.

• Walk long distances for at least a total of 30 minutes in a day (jog every now and then to boost metabolism, stick to walking if too tiresome).

• Drink green tea (known to contain a considerable amount of calorie burning properties).

• Increase protein intake like fish, white meat (chicken), cereal (fat free).

• Occasionally eat spicy food (throw in some hot spices to boost your metabolic rate).

• Substitute regular coffee with black coffee (avoid using cream, sugar or milk). 

• Constantly munch on something healthy like nuts (small helpings of peanuts, almonds, groundnuts and cashews - switch to pine nuts, salt free pistachios if you'd like; strictly avoiding wafers/biscuits).

• Make it a habit to opt for the stairs instead of the elevator.

• Avoid starch and sugar carbohydrates like white bread, sugary items, candy, aerated drinks, potatoes (fried/boiled), pasta and so on (try eating these items during the weekends instead of everyday).

• Eat a good breakfast and lunch; go easy on dinner (make sure you eat two hours before you head to bed, to avoid food from sitting overnight in your belly, causing it to bloat).

• Most importantly, avoid starving yourself.