I can often be found using the term ‘food is fuel’, but what does that truly mean?  Simply put, our body is made up of organisms that consume energy and molecules in the food we eat.  Some of this is converted into the fuel we need for movement to sustain our bodily functions and to help build and maintain our body structures.  The energy that is used to sustain our bodily functions is made up of anabolic (smaller molecules that are consumed to help build our bones and muscle mass)  and catabolic molecules ( molecules that release energy to break down the food allowing our body to assemble what it needs).  Collectively, this complex system is what makes up our metabolism.  So, when thinking about the energy that makes up our body, remember that it is neither created nor destroyed, but rather only changes form.  Small metabolic fluctuations and impairments as a result of aging or disease can affect our overall energy.  Here are a few scientifically proven methods to help improve your metabolism and overall energy.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Improve your Energy and Metabolism

• Get enough sleep.  Adults need a minimum of 7-8 hours of rest a night.  Our bodies need to this in order to perform to our optimal levels.  Skip a good night’s sleep and say goodbye to the energy and metabolism you want and deserve. Sleep helps to increase our ATP levels, the chemical compound that is responsible for the storage and release of every energy-cell in our body. If you are struggling with achieving this please contact our favorite sleep doctor. Dr. Snooze, to achieve the best night of sleep.
• Routine exercise.  One of the most foolproof ways to improve our neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, is through moving our bodies.  Individual needs and enjoyment range tremendously and as long as you are moving the kind of movement does not truly matter in this case. So, spend the time to find what works best for you and stick to this routine consistently. 
• Drink enough water!  Often overlooked, but one of the easiest ways to help improve our energy is to ensure we have enough water.  While ideally you should get most of your recommended amount of fluid from water, food sources such as cucumbers, watermelon, zucchini, citrus fruits and strawberries.   
• Nutrition is key.  Don’t forget the importance of what you fuel yourself with!  Foods that boost your ATP production are key.  Lean meats like salmon, tuna, turkey and chicken are great ways to up your ATP.  Nuts and eggs are also a great addition. The appropriate portion control and time of your meals is also  an imperative part of this recipe.  Large amounts of food have at the wrong time have the ability to do the opposite of increasing our energy and metabolic production.  To learn more about what works best for you, book a call to get to the root of what you need nutritionally.