Metabolism is often blamed for weight gain or praised for effortless weight loss, right? It’s very likely that you’ve heard the classic advice “just eat less and move more!”

However, sometimes metabolism is much more complex than a simple calorie equation. It involves a combination of your genetics, hormones, lifestyle choices - and even environmental factors!

In this article, we’ll debunk some of the common metabolism myths and explore the science behind how your body burns energy.

Myth #1: Metabolism is just about calories In vs. calories out

The "calories in, calories out" model suggests that weight loss or gain is solely determined by how much you eat versus how much you burn. While energy balance matters, metabolism is influenced by factors like:

• Hormones such as insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol
• Muscle mass, as muscle burns more calories at rest than fat
• Sleep and stress levels, both of which impact metabolic rate

(Simply reducing calories may slow metabolism over time, making long-term weight loss harder!)

Myth #2: Exercise alone can speed up metabolism

Exercise helps, but the biggest factor in metabolism is muscle mass! Strength training builds muscle, which increases resting metabolic rate (RMR). However, cardio alone doesn't significantly boost metabolism long-term.

To optimize metabolism:

• Combine strength training with your cardiovascular exercise
• Increase daily movement such as walking, stretching, and standing
• Try to avoid excessive endurance exercise without strength training

Myth #3: Metabolism slows down significantly with age

While metabolism does decline with age, the decrease is often due to muscle loss and lifestyle changes, not just aging itself. Strength training and proper nutrition can help counteract this decline!

Here are the top ways to maintain your metabolism with age:

• Stay active and prioritise strength training
• Eat at least 30g of protein per meal support muscle retention
• Get quality sleep and manage those stress levels!

Myth #4: Crash dieting helps reset metabolism

Extreme calorie restriction can cause something called metabolic adaptation, where the body conserves energy and burns fewer calories. This can lead to weight regain once you start to eat normally again.

Here are some of the dangers of crash dieting:

• Muscle loss
• Slower metabolism
• Hormonal imbalances
• Increased hunger and cravings

Instead, try and opt for sustainable calorie deficits combined with exercise for healthy weight loss!

How Hormones Control Metabolism

Metabolism is regulated by hormones that influence how the body burns fat, stores energy, and responds to food. There are four key hormones: insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and leptin that all play a crucial role in metabolic function.

The key hormones that influence metabolism

• Insulin: Regulates blood sugar and fat storage. When carbohydrates are consumed, insulin moves glucose into cells for energy. Chronic high insulin levels from excessive sugar intake lead to insulin resistance, promoting fat storage and metabolic sluggishness.
• Cortisol: The body's primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels from chronic stress encourage fat storage, muscle breakdown, and increased sugar cravings, slowing metabolism over time.
• Thyroid Hormones (T3 & T4): Produced by the thyroid gland, these hormones control metabolic rate. An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, leading to weight gain, fatigue, and sluggish digestion, while an overactive thyroid speeds up metabolism, often causing unintended weight loss.
• Leptin & Ghrelin: These hormones regulate hunger and energy balance. Leptin signals fullness, while ghrelin stimulates hunger. Poor sleep and processed food consumption can disrupt this balance, increasing appetite and reducing metabolic efficiency.

How to Optimize These Hormones for a Healthy Metabolism

• Jennah Organics Hormone Balance: Packed with herbal extracts and nutrients, this research-backed supplement is designed to balance insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
• Jennah Organics Burn Boost: This scientifically formulated powder helps to naturally elevate your body’s metabolic rate and reduce the absorption of carbohydrates from the food you eat to lower insulin spikes.
• Balance blood sugar: Eat protein, fiber, and healthy fats to prevent insulin spikes and stabilize energy levels. Avoid excess refined carbohydrates and sugar.
• Manage stress and sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep and incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, movement, and adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha.
• Focus on whole foods: Avoid processed foods and extreme diets, which can disrupt hormone balance and slow metabolism.

Conclusion

Metabolism isn’t just about eating less and moving more! It’s a super complex system influenced by hormones, muscle mass, sleep, stress, and lifestyle choices.

Understanding these factors allows you to make sustainable changes for a healthier metabolism.

By adding in Jennah Organics Hormone Balance and Burn Boost, focusing on strength training, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep, you can support your metabolism naturally and effectively!