mastering my metabolism – a motivated monday meditation

“I Hate…
… gaining two pounds every time I eat something delicious.”

Older, But Better, But Older – Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas

Mastering my metabolism – a motivated monday meditation. Try saying that 5 times fast! I’m thinking about metabolism and aging this week. Not just because it’s become glaringly obvious how big a factor these are in my life, but also because I’m wanting to help mom with her diet and wellness and it’s just as important to her. I’ve been doing well with focusing on vegetables, and reducing alcohol (yay mocktails!) but, the other day, when I had the audacity to have a cocktail and an eclair that my husband so sweetly brought home to me, I instantly gained back the pound I was so happy to have lost that morning. Seriously? So, researching – for moi, and for you mom!

Muscle Mass

From what I’ve read, the most important thing to focus on to boost your metabolism, is building muscle mass. We start to lose muscle mass as we get older, and strength training, ideally 2-3 times a week, will help build, or at least maintain it. This goes hand in hand with the fact that many of us become less active as we age, and of course muscle mass is affected by your activity level. Also, muscle uses more calories than fat. There’s no escape – get moving! Surprisingly, my workout regime doesn’t really include strength training. I am going to add it this week, and buy some heavier (than 3 lb) weights. Mom, looks like you need to get some weights as well and google strength training videos or guides (for seniors ;-p ), there’s so much you can do at home, just start slow. Check out classes at the Y when this virus is over too. And good news – swimming in the pool builds muscle, no excuses maman! See? We’re both learning!

Eat Mindfully

You are what you eat, mais oui. We know we need to focus on vegetables and healthy foods. Getting plenty of protein is very important too, it affects muscle mass and therefore metabolism. We also need smaller portions and thus less calories. Start paying attention to what you eat. While you are eating it, for sure. Savor your meal, enjoy each bite. Be grateful for those veggies and the farmers who brought them to you. In turn you will be more in touch with your body, and what is telling you about the food you are eating. Keep track of the food you eat. You will become more aware of what you are putting in your body and how it affects you over all. A food journal is a beautiful thing. Now’s the time to start (mom!), keeping track of my meals has certainly helped me – and it definitely holds me accountable to myself.

… et plus

What else can you do? Reduce your carbs, get most of them through veggies. Lots of water, and green tea! Do some yoga first thing in the morning. Here’s a great beginner routine from Boho Beautiful, and here’s one of my personal favorites from Boho also. Go to bed! Get your 8 hours of zzz’s each night. Before I go, here’s a short article with Dr. Oz (you’ve been gooped) on How to Boost a Sluggish Metabolism that pretty much sums everything up from today’s mastering my metabolism – a motivated monday meditation. À bientôt!

Metabolism Master Morning Smoothie

This smoothie has everything to kick your metabolism into high gear for the day. Protein – plant-based! Kale, rich in iron, a mineral that speeds up metabolism. The vitamin C in citrus revs it up. Green tea, ginger, and chili pepper also give metabolism a boost.

1 scoop of plant-based protein powder (I love Amazing Grass)
handful of kale (stems removed), or spinach
1 T. matcha green tea powder
1 cup coconut milk (I like Planet Oat)
slice of fresh ginger, or t. powdered
splash of lime juice
dash of cayenne
some ice cubes to chill

Put in all in the blender and liquify. Feel the healthy, and the burn!