Metabolism after 40 -part 2

In Part 1 of this blog we learned about how food choices and other factors impact metabolism. How does this play out in everyday eating? Consider a meal that provides protein, fat, and carbs from a fast food place versus a simple salad providing protein, fat, and carbs.

Hamburger, fries, and a soda:

• Burger - provides protein  - enzymes break protein into amino acids

• Fries & burger- provides fat - enzymes break down into fatty acids

• Soda, bun & fries - provides carbohydrates  - enzymes break down into glucose

Versus 

A dark green salad with tuna, nuts, and olive oil lemon dressing

• Veggies and nuts - provide carbohydrates - enzymes break down into glucose

• Tuna - provides protein - enzymes break down into amino acids 

• Dressing & nuts - provide fat - enzymes break  down into fatty acids

How does one meal compare to another? Don’t they both have all the macronutrients (carbs, fat, protein) we need? Yes, they both provide macronutrients but the quality matters! 

The goal is to have a highly nutrient DENSE diet. Eating more meals like the salad will give us nutrition with less saturated fat, sugar, and calories. We’ll also get vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Your body’s metabolic process will put all these nutrients to good use!  

The burger meal should be a “once in a while meal” whereas the salad is something we can eat often, as part of a varied diet. The burger meal provide macronutrients but will be higher in calories, fat, salt, and sugar. When we eat more than our bodies need, we can gain weight and store the excess as fat (a drag on our metabolism).

If you’re looking to boost metabolism after 40, check out our FREE 5 day meal plan for great recipes!

Resources:

Harvard Health explores the impact of diet on the metabolic process

Get convinced of the benefits of strength training for metabolism in this article from VeryWellFit