Check Ya Later, Metabolism.

I had always hoped it was an urban legend that your metabolism peaced-out when you became of a “certain age”. Well folks, I’m here to say, my age has come. I’ve always been pretty lucky to be able to eat and exercise at my desired frequency. Lucky days, no more.

I was raised by a health-minded mom– whose mother was even healthier. Growing up, my sweet grandmother would offer my mother and her siblings “Grapenuts cereal or television” as dessert options—on a special occasion. This always makes me giggle. And they are all lookin’ amazing to this day. Something to consider.

So it’s not a huge stretch to my regimen that I will have to tighten things up and fly a little straighter, though I sure will miss polishing off my kids’ chicken fingers on the reg. Those things are dynamite to the soul.

There are many myths and truths based on this whole metabolism “scare”. Some say it’s just due to the lack of activity as you get older– but I’m more active, I think? I did recently learn a little something as far as a “don’t”. Check out this “metabo-wisdom”….

Certain foods slow down the digestive process and increase free radical damage. Free radicals are the cause of aging. Processed food (mostly containing gluten) like cereals, breads, chips, pasta, crackers, flours, granola bars– and sugary drinks, artificial sweeteners and non-grassfed (low quality) dairy products *not only* are considered metabolism-squashers, they are actually causing aging. Dayum. I need that like another darn wrinkle on the forehead. (eye roll)

BUT- I don’t want to sit here and list the things NOT to eat or NOT to do; that’s lame. Instead I’m gonna throw down a little list of a few of my favorite energy and metab boosting champions. Even if you’ve heard them before, it can be helpful to remind yourself what to reach for next.

Chia Seeds– These magical little buds with their amino acid make-up raise your metabolism by burning fat…and much, much more. And there are endless opps to sneak them into your diet and your kiddos’.

Salmon- The omega 3 fats are in the form of DHA, which include oodles of dietary bennies such as decreasing obesity risks, improving brain activity and fighting depression– and, like the chia,  the amino acids help your body burn calories, simply by consuming them. Win.

Garlic- Being a thermogenic, meaning it produces heat through metabolic stimulation, it revs up the metabolism’s heat-producing effects. Garlic also lowers blood sugar levels and helps with less “fat accumulation”. I’m all good never using the term “fat accumulation” in association with my bod ever again.

Jalapeno, habanero, cayenne or chili peppers- Without getting too technical about their natural compound, these guys are fantastic for boosting metabolism through heat stimulation and keeping cravings at bay.

Green Tea- Age old antioxidant considered a natural metab booster (and with lower caffeine levels)

Apple Cider Vinegar- Great on any cuisine or as a quick shot when you need a little pep in your step. Seriously, the shot does give you some weird-good energy. It is also key for digestive and blood sugar balance.

Protein- Keeping that blood sugar stable is good and protein is the best for doing this. Just make sure it’s items of the wild-caught fish, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef or raw dairy products variety.

Stay active- Even if it’s a 20 minute walk—do it daily. Train your body to crave the activity. It’s the fountain of youth. Being active everyday has proven to preserve your brain function too! Sign. Me. Up.

And the last little nugget about the creeping doom of the metabolism lull goes back to what the doctors say about pain– just stay ahead of it. If you despise a gym like this one here (insert me pointing to myself), I’m obsessed with the Body Boss Method. Honestly, it showed up in my Instagram feed one day. I took the bait.  It’s perfect for on-the-go, quick, impulsive, ADD prone, variety-needed peeps.  No gym or membership required.  Just a suggestion. Now drop and gimme 20 ;)