Overview
As people age, their metabolism slows. Researchers and scientists have been studying the aging process and how it relates to weight gain for decades. With the United States reaching epic obesity rates, it is no wonder why the focus has turned to a diet plan that increases the metabolism through healthy eating and exercise.
Dieters are getting sick and tired of yo-yo swings in weight loss and looking for solid approaches to changing their lifestyles. Rather than a quick-fix, people are grabbing a hold of changes in lifestyle, choices and behaviors that promote weight loss over the long term. The metabolism diet is an optimal choice for these kinds of dieters. Not only does it incorporate healthy foods that promote a higher metabolic rate, but addresses inactivity and poor behavior patterns that contribute to weight gain.
According to the famous coach and fitness expert from the hit television show The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels reports that repairing your metabolism is the key to a healthy and fit body.
Michaels is an advocate of the Metabolism Diet and has recently authored a book entitled Master Your Metabolism, which incorporates the same information proclaimed by the Metabolism Diet. The only difference is that Michaels says that it is not a diet, but rather a program that repairs the metabolism through healthy eating.
How it Works?
There are several phases to the Metabolism Diet and the first phase involves grocery shopping. Foods are recommended and a list of poor choices is provided. Processed foods are demonized and should not be eaten on the plan. Fresh and clean foods packed with nutrients and vitamins are acceptable.
Some of the most common foods eaten on the Metabolism Diet include the following:
- Legumes, peas and beans
- Berries of any variety
- Colorful vegetables and fruits
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Dark and green leafy vegetables
- Whole grains
- Meat and eggs (organic is best)
- Low fat dairy products that are organic
Dieters are encouraged to rid the pantry of unhealthy foods that are full of preservatives and toxins which may be harmful.
During the second phase of the program, nutrition is emphasized and work initiated to repair the damaged metabolism. Strategies for rebalancing the metabolism and reducing fat are provided and include tips such as:
- Eating every four hours, rather than grazing throughout the day.
- Eating no food after 9 pm at night and eliminating any carbohydrates before going to bed.
- Eating a balanced meal that is proportionately equal in protein, carbs and fat. This should be done for all meals and snacks throughout the day.
- Learning to eat until full but not stuffed. This prevents overeating and weight gain which is detrimental to the metabolism.
The program is designed for the long-haul. Much of what is offered has huge impacts on the future weight loss and maintenance of the dieter. If the tips and strategies provided are followed, the dieter gains insight into how to be successful for years to come.
The Fitness Component
Fitness is a large component of the Metabolism Diet. For those who hate exercise, they are encouraged to do it anyway. In fact, Jillian Michaels states in her metabolic boosting book that dieters are to “do it even if you hate it.”
The exercise plan is comprehensive and consists of both cardiovascular fitness and weight or strength training. The thought is that as a person builds more lean muscle in their body, calories are burned more effectively. If calories are burned at a higher rate, fat will also be burned. Weight loss in inevitable during the process and the metabolic rate is sped up. Four to five hours of intense physical fitness is required weekly to activate the full benefits of the Metabolism Diet.
For those who dislike exercise, the number of hours spent can be modified. However, it is recommended that no one deviate from the plan. Results may be slowed if the dieter forfeits or lessens cardio and strength training hours. Those that have experienced success on the plan did not deviate from the recommended training schedule.
Metabolism Diet Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dieters have achieved long term weight loss goals by following the plan precisely.
- Healthy and unprocessed foods are promoted throughout the plan which causes the body to operate at a healthy level.
- Physical fitness is promoted and dieters who adhere to the training schedule become stronger and leaner during the process.
Cons:
- Rigid nutrition regulations and rules may cause some dieters to deviate from the plan because they feel too restricted and find it difficult to follow.
- Calorie cuts of 700-1,300 per day are argued to be too low for the recommended daily allowances.
- Hunger may be experienced throughout the day and evening hours due to the drop in calories.
- For those who despise exercise, fitness is a large component of the diet plan.
Conclusion
The Metabolism Diet is more than a typical diet. It is more of a program designed to provide lasting results. Lifestyle changes and behavior modifications are discussed and the dieter receives information on how to live with the weight loss results for a lifetime. Experts argue about the low number of calories but agree with the benefits of eating healthy and living an active lifestyle.
The Metabolism Diet is a solid plan for someone who is not looking for immediate results, but rather long-lasting weight loss that combines eating healthy foods and exercise.
