Basal Metabolic Rate: What It Is, And Why It Is Important

You may have heard of basal metabolic rate, and wonder what it is and how it applies to you. While it is important for a number of reasons, your main concern may be how it is relevant to your weight loss goals.

What Is A Basal Metabolic Rate?

Your body needs a certain amount of energy to function properly. Even when you are not engaged in activity, cells need to repair and grow, blood must circulate, and you must breathe. The energy your body needs for these processes comes from a combination of oxygen and calories.

Various factors can influence a person’s basal metabolism. Your age, gender, body composition, body size, weight, and heredity all influence your metabolism. Individuals who live in hot climates generally have higher metabolic rates than people who live in cooler climates.

Your Metabolism And Weight Loss

Some people blame a slow metabolism for their inability to lose weight. This excuse is not entirely accurate. There are ways you can increase your metabolism so you burn fat and lose pounds.

Your diet is one example. Have small meals throughout the day. Take healthy, low-calorie snacks with you when you are away from home. Eat plenty of lean protein. Add spices to your food to boost your metabolism.

Exercise increases your metabolism. Aerobic exercise and strength training are both useful. Take every opportunity for extra exercise each day. Make a point of walking more and moving more throughout the day.

Certain beverages can increase your metabolic rate. Drink green tea, coffee, and plenty of fresh water.

To track your progress, you can wear an activity tracker. These small devices have many useful features. When you know how much you are walking and moving each day, it will help you see if your levels of activity need to change.

You can also use an online calculator to calculate your basal metabolic rate. When you are familiar with your current information, it can be the start to developing a plan for weight loss.

It does not matter whether you are young or not-so-young, an athlete, a student, or a homemaker. When you know your personal basal metabolic rate, there are changes you can make in your life to increase your metabolism.

These few simple changes can boost your metabolism with little effort. Your body can achieve peak performance, and you can reach your goals. You can burn excess pounds and body fat, so you will be slimmer and healthier.