Fresh Focus #51: Myth - Metabolism

This episode is another episode in the Fresh Focus podcast’s Myth Busters series, where we are breaking down common nutrition myths and topics that seem to get spun by the media. This series’ hope is to give you an evidence-based place to go back to in between visits with your registered dietitian in order to get answers to your burning nutrition questions.  In this episode we talk all about metabolism. We talk about how our bodies need food each day to fuel activities that you don’t even think about- such as organs functioning. We don’t think about our kidneys or liver working, but they are always working, and require energy to do so!  The episode dives into foods that are considered “metabolism boosters,” and talks about which of these foods have a little bit of a more sound scientific backing and which of these foods just simply do not. However, even the foods that have a little bit more of a backing are not going to increase metabolism by a considerable amount.  The episode ends by talking about one tried and true way to actually increase the amount of energy you expend each day- and that is exercise. Not only does exercise in the moment burn energy, but it also helps you to build up lean muscle tissue. One pound of muscle requires more energy to maintain on a daily basis than one pound of fat does, which means that as your muscle mass increases, so does your resting metabolic rate. If you are looking to start up an exercise program and want to make sure you do so safely, make sure you consult your healthcare team first.  If exercise accountability is what you’re looking for, you can always look into VA programs such as MOVE!, where you can meet individuals with similar health goals and keep each other accountable.