What Is Metabolism, and Proven Ways to Boost it!
Good morning Fit Family! The focus for July is all about metabolism!
Ready to press the “FASTER” button on your results!?
You probably already know that your metabolism plays a HUGE role in your results – because it affects how your body processes fuel, both how fast and how much.
Over the next few weeks we’re going to talk about PRACTICAL, ACTIONABLE STEPS you can take to fire yours up and balance it out. (I’ve also got a VERY exciting announcement! More below!)
It’s tempting to think of your metabolism as a “thing” – kind of like your body’s speedometer that controls the rate your body burns energy.
But your metabolism actually is a complex PROCESS where your body converts the food you eat into energy. It’s a series of chemical reactions that happen inside your cells.
Your own metabolic burn depends on many things. Some are outside your control … like your genetics and gender. But the great news is that you have control over a LOT of the other factors … like your activity level, sleep and even how stressed you feel!
Here’s a fast look at 5 major factors that YOU control that play a role in how fast or how slow your metabolism is:
FOOD CHOICES – Eating a balanced, whole-foods-based diet with enough protein and fiber can help boost your metabolism and keep you feeling full. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day will also make a big impact!
EXERCISE – Nearly all workouts can help you burn more calories, but strength training and high-intensity interval training workouts can give you some bonus burn after your workout is over.
STRESS – When you are stressed, it can affect your body’s hormones, which can in turn make your body burn fewer calories (and store fat).
SLEEP – Not getting enough sleep also affects your hormones. You can end up feeling extra hungry AND burn fewer calories (this is why I talk about sleep so much!).
OTHER ACTIVITY – This is a secret weapon for metabolism! Basically, the more active you are OUTSIDE your workouts, the more calories you burn all day. It can add up fast.
Here’s the best thing that no one talks about when it comes to those 5 components: when you get them working together, not only does your metabolism rev up … but you also FEEL GREAT.
You’ll feel more energized, lighter on your feet, and you might even start to hear people comment on your healthy “glow!”
Lots more to come in the coming weeks. We’ll dive in deeper with actionable advice and pro tips to help you fire your metabolism up and keep it there!
Committed to your Success,
Karina Cross - Master Trainer ACSM ALPOFI TRX IHP ASFA Owner Karina Cross Fitness
We are proud to announce that as July 1st we will be carrying a variety of Good To Go Fresh pressed juices in the studio.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Let the freedom fought for us by the heroes of this country never be in vain. Let us all work hand in hand to protect it. God bless America, and happy 4th of July to all the beautiful people of this great country.
It's Foodie Friday with Christin at Karina Cross Fitness
CHICKEN BROCCOLI STIR FRY (serves 4)
¼ cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp mirin (or apple cider)
2 tsp sesame oil
¼ tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cups (175 g) broccoli florets
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced ginger
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, sliced very thinly
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the first 6 ingredients until dissolved.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp. olive oil. Add chicken and saute until cooked through, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove to a plate.
Add remaining olive oil and let heat before adding the broccoli. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until it starts to soften.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Whisk the prepared sauce and pour over the broccoli, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well.
Add the chicken and stir to coat. Serve and enjoy!