Simplicity Saturday: How to Ignite Your Metabolic Fire

By Jenn Pike | December 5, 2015

It’s one of those times of the year that weight gain is at the back of everyone’s mind, and everything you know about nutrition is becoming questioned, for the sake of having just one more chocolate truffle… Well I am here, as a guide, to set you straight! This coming Cut the BS Wednesday on Simplicity TV, I will be talking about tips on how to avoid seasonal weight gain.

We will cover topics such as:

  • Hydration
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Supplements
  • Sleep

Here are 3 healthy weight-loss tips you can take with you TODAY, PLUS one recipe from The Simplicity Project.

Ignite the fire from within, and get your metabolic fire burning! Remember it takes one simple change to create a SHIFT.

  1. Everything that enters your mouth, both food and beverage, directly impacts your mind, body and spirit. The food you choose to prepare for yourself and your family can be your greatest asset to lasting weight loss. Choosing foods that NOURISH your body and give you LASTING ENERGY will start you on your path to greatness. Create a goal for yourself and get started TODAY. Examples: “I will not eat 3 hours before bed” “I will drink 2-3 liters of clean water everyday”. YOU decide what is important to you and what you can handle.
  2. To get out of your rut, you have to start with your gut! A healthy and active digestive system is essential in the foundation of a strong metabolism. You are not only what you eat, but also what you digest, absorb and fail to eliminate (poop)!

One simple change you can make to help decrease inflammation, and increase elimination is to start your day off with a 8 oz glass of water, with the juice of half a lemon. Drink it upon waking. Try it everyday for one month, and FEEL the difference it makes for you. If you already wake up and drink lemon water, you can try something new – like adding just a PINCH of cayenne pepper into your lemon water (pictured above). This is an excellent way to heat you up and get your metabolic fire going! Give it a try if you can handle some spicy heat.

     3. You will NOT count calories. The typical weight loss “diet” does not offer lasting results. Did you know that when you restrict calories this is how your body responds?

  • You feel hungrier because your body interprets as deprivation, and begins releasing hormones that increase your appetite.
  • Your level of thyroid hormone (TH) drops, causing a slow down in metabolism
  • Your stress hormone (cortisol) increases, because it interprets the stress of skipping meals and carbohydrate restriction as a form of starvation
  • As a result, reproductive and digestive systems slow down, contributing to PMS, menstrual changes, skin eruptions, etc

(Want to learn more about your stress hormones? Visit my blog about CHRONIC STRESS & CORTISOL)

So what can you do about all this? Choose to include:

  • Fresh (organic when possible) fruits and vegetables
  • Healthy lean sources of protein like organic chicken, wild fish, beans and eggs
  • Good quality essential fatty acids
  • Raw nuts and seeds
  • Lots of water
  • Properly balanced snacks and meals

Your body will begin to transform. It will begin to reset itself to the weight and shape that your body is meant to be at (which is different for everyone)! I understand that every body is different, and has different needs. However, a nutrient dense diet is an excellent place to start your journey and ignite the fire from within!

The Simplicity Project metabolic fire starting tip: NEVER SKIP BREAKFAST! Need breakfast on-the-go? Here is a simple one you can prep the night before, my infamous Chia Oat Jar. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go!

CHIA OAT JAR

  • ¼ cup organic rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • ¼ medium banana, sliced (freeze the rest for smoothies!)
  • ½ tbsp chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 1 tsp maple syrup or raw honey
  • A pinch cinnamon

Place all the ingredients in a jar, shake, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add your favourite crunchy topper such as nuts or gluten-free granola and enjoy the next day!

So much love and gratitude for you ALL,

Have an amazing Saturday and stay tuned for Cut the BS Wednesday!

 

 

 

Posted in Nutrition, Recipes