The role of metabolism as we age is something we don’t actually want to talk about if the truth is known. However, this time will come to us all, so it’s best to be fully armed.
Energy, muscles and those dreaded wrinkles.
So you were carefree and ate what you wanted back in the day. However, some common concerns many people have as they get older are a lack of energy, wrinkles, muscle deterioration and post-injury recovery. The truth is we cannot truly fight nature, but we can make the ageing process more natural, enjoyable and healthier.
Metabolism is such an essential factor for our older generations. With advancing years, our metabolic process does not work as well as when we were younger. We do not digest and process the nutrients from food efficiently, which might cause blood sugar levels to increase, especially after eating a meal. The skin loses it’s elasticity as we age. Hours spent on a beach will catch up! It calls for a better diet to replenish those damaged cells, and try and keep the digestive system working effectively.
How to kickstart your metabolism naturally.
The good news is there are general health tips that can improve the situation:
Cardio exercise for 30 mins a day, five times a week will improve your metabolic system. Even if this means parking the car a few blocks away so your walk to the office or coffee shop, this all helps to get a brisk walk in.
Strengthening your muscles by lifting weights, doing push-ups and sit-ups or performing resistance band exercises twice a week will also stimulate your metabolic system. They are all simple exercises you can do in your own home, without gym equipment, just a couple of litre water bottles will do the trick!
A healthy diet with fewer processed carbohydrates is a must. It is essential to eat a well-balanced diet, containing all the food groups in their recommended amounts. Consider the following as appropriate choices: salads, lean meat, vegetables, whole grains and pulses, preferably organic and in season.
Drinking plenty of water, vegetable and fruit juice, and herbal teas will benefit not only your metabolic rate, but also other aspects, such as lowering cholesterol and hydrating your colon which helps towards clearer skin.
A regular sleeping pattern plays a vital role in defying the ageing process. As we grow older it gets harder to obtain the perfect uninterrupted sleep. Avoiding, blue lights before bed, such as TV screens, computers etc. is crucial, as is avoiding caffeine at night and naps in the afternoon. Keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet with fresh air will contribute to better sleep.
The wonders of wheatgrass and your metabolism.
Wheatgrass juice is a nutrient-dense juice that can help boost your metabolism, because it absorbed very fast, is very low in calories and contains no fat. Regular consumption aids in the stimulation of the thyroid gland, which boosts metabolism, provides you with more energy and boosts your immune system.
Remember we dehydrate when sleeping, so add the air conditioning to this and you will wake up dehydrated before your day has even begun. Always try and drink at least 500ml of water before anything else,to rehydrate your body, before you hit that morning espresso!
Most importantly…
There is nothing wrong with growing old graciously. The secret is to start looking after yourself as early as you can and not leave it too late, so there is more damage to repair! I have been drinking wheatgrass juice for many years and believe me, people never correctly guess my age, perhaps because I’m always full of beans!
So, look after yourself and stay green!
Assel (Pretty Greens Co-Founder)