Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Ways to amp up a slugo metabolism

I was diagnosed with low level hypothyroidism about three years ago. Hmmm...about the time this extra weight started creeping up on me. Even with daily medication, my metabolism is nothing near what it used to be and it'll never be normal. Because of this, I'm all about ways I can rev things up so this little tip thingy from Dr. Weil caught my attention:
As we age, our metabolisms slow down, which can lead to gaining extra, unwanted pounds. But small dietary adjustments can help minimize weight gain. Try these suggestions:

1. Eat small meals throughout the day. This encourages steady caloric burn and a consistent metabolism. check
2. Choose healthy carbohydrates. Replace refined, high-glycemic-index carbs with unrefined, low-glycemic choices. The latter do not cause the spikes in blood glucose levels that encourage the storage of fat. check
3. Use spices. Capsaicin (the compound that gives chili peppers their bite), black pepper and ginger all boost the generation of heat in the body, leading to more calories burned. check
4. Drink green tea. The main antioxidant polyphenol in green tea, known as Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG, stimulates the body to help burn calories. Dr. Weil recommends drinking a few cups of quality green tea every day. check -- sort of, I'll drink tons of iced green tea as the weather warms up.
I already do these things with the new addition of adding strength training. Is this as good as it gets? Oh well, let me know if you have other tips to add.

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8 comments:

Patty said...

I'll be checking back for any other suggestions people have Lee. Good topic. I have spent a small forture on green tea, and I still don't like it. It taste like grass.

Nancy said...

I knew green tea was good for you but now I'm going to up it to three cups a day. Any port in a storm, I always say.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

Jody - Fit at 51 said...

Hi Lee. I am not a tea lover so I don't do that but I do the others. I have always had to fight hard for every ounce of weight loss & muscle gain so although I don't have your problem, I do understand PLUS this perimenopause really does a trick on the hormones and weight!!!!

The weight training is absolutely going to help! I also do intervals and HITT/intervals when I do cardio. This is an advanced thing so work towards it & seek out advice from someone knowledgeable if possible. You can do them on any piece of cardio equipment or outside. Does not have to be on the treadmill.

I also added in plyometrics which is pretty advanced & also if you have any joint/knee/other probs, you may not be able to do them.

Based on what I did not do before & the addition of the intervals, HITT & plyometrics in my late
40's, I really saw changes in my body from my late 40's to now. Also had to start eating even cleaner due to the changes due to age hormones.

Keep trying different things. If something does not work, don't give up. It takes time & persistence & patience to find what works right for you.

Hang in there!

Jody - Fit at 51 said...

PS: Typo.. sorry! HIIT (high intensity interval training).

Jody

Gigi said...

My thyroid went a little hypo a few years ago and now I'm told it's a little hyper and they have to cut back my meds. Rats! It's always something.

Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. So many nice people around.

Levi said...

http://blog.marksalinas.com/2009/04/08/foods-that-accelerate-the-metabolism/

Foods that accelerate the metabolism (according to Mark Salinas.

Lee said...

Thanks for the link, POD. Useful info.

kristisummer said...

great suggestions. I am trying to like green tea more. My husband drinks about 10 cups a day and he is very thin. The small meals every 2-3 hours his key.