How Can You Increase Your Metabolic Efficiency?

Maybe even more importantly – why should you increase your metabolic efficiency? 

woman standing on a scale
What Is Metabolic Efficiency?

Metabolic efficiency is a well recognized topic among athletes and especially long distance runners, but its advantages are numerous including losing weight and living a more healthy lifestyle. The process involves a lifestyle change to control blood sugar, increase fat burning, and improve long term health.

It may be defined as “eating the proper nutrients at the right time,” using more fat for energy while using less carbs. The goal of metabolic efficiency is to control blood sugar and keep it stable in order to help our body use fat for fuel.  

By managing our diet, we have the ability to control blood sugar and our insulin response, while gaining energy with fewer calories as we use our internal body fat.

Attaining Metabolic Efficiency

Using the macronutrients of protein, fats, and carbs plus proper exercise will result in increased fat utilization. A balanced diet of lean protein plus fiber or carbs from fruits and vegetables has a blood sugar stabilizing effect that helps with weight loss.

There is no need to count calories (hallelujah). We get our fat from protein, so using a 1:1 ratio of protein and fiber rich carbs, you can achieve metabolic efficiency. Using the aptly named Hand Model, think of your hand as the proper portion size. This should be measured from your wrist to the end of your fingers. Eat equal portions of protein and fiber rich carbs to achieve the best results.

The Dangers of Uncontrolled Blood Sugar

Uncontrolled blood sugar has a significantly negative effect on our health. Five risk factors predispose you to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and stroke. They include the following:

  1. A large waistline
  2. High triglycerides
  3. High blood pressure
  4. High fasting blood glucose
  5. High HDL

Someone having three of these risk factors is classified as having Metabolic Syndrome, which makes you at a high risk for developing a chronic disease. According to the American College of Cardiology,  Metabolic Syndrome makes you two times more likely to develop heart disease, and five times more likely to develop diabetes.

All these risks can be controlled by following a metabolically efficient way of eating to control blood sugar. In addition to lowering their general health risks, athletes can also improve performance using these methods.

Benefits of Metabolic Efficiency

Besides those benefits we have already mentioned you can also expect:

  • Reduced cravings
  • Stabilization of hormones
  • Controlled inflammation
  • Improved memory
  • Better sleep
  • Improved lipid profile

Whether you are an avid long distance runner or someone who wishes to lose weight, you can improve your metabolic efficiency and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Contact South Florida Center for Weight Loss Balloons at (954) 893-9222 to seek options for weight loss and strategies on how to improve your metabolic efficiency.