Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/118258
live in good health Just the Facts: Mastering Your Metabolism You may know what metabolism is—you might even blame it for those extra pounds that keep hanging around—but Sarah Berndt, owner of Hybrid Athletic Club and Fit Fresh Cuisine, says many feel helpless to control it. She offers sure-fire ways to rev up your metabolism as you age What is metabolism? Metabolism is the process the body uses to turn the food you eat into energy it can use. Your metabolism keeps working day and night, whether you are awake or asleep, stationary or on the move. What determines how quickly it works? Your muscle to body fat ratio. The more muscular you are, the lower your percentage of body fat, and the higher your metabolism. "The body burns 50 calories a day to maintain one pound of muscle," Berndt explains. What slows or boosts metabolism? It's unavoidable—muscle mass declines with age, starting in the mid- to late-30s and picking up speed after about age 50. This loss of muscle mass contributes to a slowdown in metabolism—up to five to 10 percent a decade. "But if you exercise regularly (to keep your muscle mass the same)… you won't notice as much of a change in your metabolism," Berndt says. And of course, it always helps to keep tossing veggies into every meal. "If you have a poor diet, your metabolism will slow down," Berndt says. What are simple ways to boost metabolism? No surprise—exercise and strength training at least three times a week can do wonders. But remember, there are plenty of little steps you can take throughout the day to boost your metabolism. Take the stairs at work, park farther away, and get up and move around as often as you can. Berndt also recommends forcing your metabolism to speed up by eating lean protein at every meal. "It takes more work for your body to break down protein than it does carbohydrates and fat," she explains. LOSE the LINES H UMMINGBIRDS They're coming! Are you ready? $100 OFF Pellevé treatments & 15% OFF Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup. See immediate & lasting improvement with Pellevé! With one treatment you'll see smoother skin; complete a series of three for real and lasting results. Pellevé stimulates your body's own collagen, & you'll see the difference! Save $100 on Pellevé Offers End April 30! 8402 Old Sauk Rd., Middleton, WI (608) 664-1414 • www.wbumadison.com 14 BRAVA Magazine April 2013 (608) 829-7777 www.lemkefacialsurgery.com • www.SkinCare101.net 1200 John Q. Hammons Dr, Suite 101 • Madison follow us on facebook