Optimal Metabolic Fuel
In the last post, I likened metabolism to a fire that needs fuel added every 3 to 4 hours. Not only to you need fuel added every so often, your metabolic fire needs optimal fuel foods. Donuts and chips are like putting water-logged wood on your fire – they are so high in fat that it causes your metabolic fire to fizzle out, hence feeling tired and lethargic after eating these foods. And straight sugary foods, like candy and frappaccinos, act like dry cedar branches on your metabolic fire – they cause a temporary leap in sizzling flames, only to die down again shortly after – much like the sugar crash you experience about an hour after eating candy.
Optimal fuel for your metabolic fire is a combination of complex carbohydrates (ie. fruit or whole grains) with protein or healthy fat, which slows the absorption into your system. Hence this type of fuel will stick with you for 3 to 4 hours. Example snacks include: apple with natural peanut butter, pear with cheese, whole wheat pita dipped in hummus, or pineapple mixed with lowfat cottage cheese.
But unlike a fire, the other optimal fuel ingredient for your metabolism is WATER. Too often we confuse thirst with being hungry and end up eating more than we need while trying to satisfy ourselves. The simple solution is to carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go – you will be constantly reminded of the need to drink throughout the day when the water is right in front of you. Not only does water improve metabolism, it keeps you looking younger and fresh as it flushes impurities from your body.
So the optimal ingredients equation to set your metabolism on fire = complex carbs + lean protein or healthy fat every 3 to 4 hours + water.