When we talk about tips to boost the senior metabolism, it is usually in connection to weight management. We try to control how we gain or lose weight through what we eat.
Another agent in the weight gain/loss process is the metabolic system.
The metabolism can be defined as the process in which our food and drink is converted into energy.
It is affected by several things, as we will show.
The Senior Metabolism
With the metabolism of a senior adult we need special attention to detail. Your appetite might not be as hearty as it used to be. So what a senior eats, should be optimized for nutrient-rich food. Tongue in cheek, we can suggest, that a hearty appetite is sometimes a craving for the wrong thing!
Healthy eating is a challenge and a journey in its own right! Every step in this journey is valuable.
If the metabolism is working slowly, a person can experience undesirable weight gain. Boosting the metabolism is done though eating plans as well as other avenues.
Healthy Eating and More
Exercising the muscles for muscle tone and strength.
This burns calories and reduces flab. Try these exercise-types, that are low-impact and popular among seniors: swimming, Tai Chi, yoga.
Keep Moving
This not only burns calories, but helps keep the neural pathways in the brain active. So vary the types of movements you do. The more you move, it will tell your body that you are using your calories and it should keep the metabolism active.
A Higher Protein Intake
Protein requires more energy to digest, so the metabolism has to work a little harder for it. Make sure to eat the right type of protein. For many it will be natural pulses and fish, turkey and chicken. For some (very few), it might be red meat. Only a certified dietitian can advise accurately on this topic.
Don’t Minimize Quantity of Food
The body has an internal counter and digests based on what you eat. A person who continually eats less might unintentionally give the metabolic system a message to conserve. It slows the systems down. To boost the senior metabolism , it may be better to eat smaller, more frequent meals, especially if you are a senior whose appetite sometimes goes on vacation.
Sleep, Glorious Sleep
During sleep time, the body digests food and thoughts. The muscles get a chance to relax. It is an important activity that should not be disparaged. Some seniors find it hard to get enough sleep. This is specifically so, if they are suffering from insomnia or sleep apnea, which disturb sleep patterns. Studies show that sleep deprivation makes people consume more calories and excites hormones that cause fat to be preserved.
Don’t Stress it Out, Laugh it Out
Stress has the same effect on the body as hunger, potentially causing weight gain. If a person is relaxed they think more about what they are eating. They can deal with their feelings. How can you get to a relaxed state of mind? There are relaxation exercises, meditation and yoga , writing a journal, laughing therapy, to suggest just a few ideas. But don’t be fooled. Stress management is a serious endeavor and one well worth expending effort on.
Drinking Enough Water
Seniors should see water as a cure-all. Water helps us keep the digestion system working well, as well as the circulation system and the mental system. Just about every major system in the body is dependent on water. To boost the senior metabolic system, one of the tools in your ‘kit’ should be your personal water bottle. Use it to help you keep track of how much water you are drinking.
A Balanced Approach
Always remember that any change, even if it is a good thing, has to be balanced and not-extreme. Any advances in healthy eating for seniors, should:
- Be acceptable in your health plan
- Match your lifestyle and likes
- Fit in with your personal attitudes to life and beliefs
These tips to boost the senior metabolism are great tips. Use them as a springboard, to help you make changes for the better in your lifestyle. Remember to discuss any planned dietary changes with your doctor or dietitian, before you begin.