What Happens To Your Metabolism In Summer?
Fun fact: your metabolism doesn't actually go on vacation when the warmer weather rolls in. Quite the opposite - it changes and adapts to the new weather conditions (and sometimes, it works a little harder). Your metabolism can be affected by many factors, including the climate. Read on to discover what happens to your metabolism in summer and how you can support it to feel and look your best every sunny day!
Higher Metabolic Rate
One primary thing that happens in summer is an increase in our body's metabolic rate. Why? Because maintaining body temperature in hot weather makes the body work harder. This is also why you sweat more in summer. It's like your internal engine gets a bit more revved up as the mercury climbs. So if you've ever felt like you're burning through those meals faster than usual, you're not entirely wrong.
Risk Of Dehydration
Higher temperatures can mean a higher risk of dehydration. This is a real buzzkill for your metabolic rate. When it's hot, we sweat more. If we don't replace that lost water, our bodies struggle. Not drinking enough water can slow down metabolism, so keep your water bottle nearby! Hydration also helps control your appetite. When we're dehydrated, we often mistake thirst for hunger, leading us to snack more. So next time you're feeling peckish, try reaching for a glass of water before diving into the chip bag. Different Sleep Patterns Sleep can be affected by high temperatures at night. We tend to sleep better in cool, dark environments. So if you're tossing and turning trying to cool down, this might be a problem for your general wellbeing AND your metabolism. Disrupted sleep can lead to changes in hormones like ghrelin and leptin. These control your appetite - when you don't sleep enough, you might notice your cravings intensity. To ensure better sleep (and metabolism) during summertime, make sure your bedroom is cool. If you can't use AC, invest in natural bedsheets made from bamboo. They help keep your body temperature steady at night.
Dietary Changes
Research suggests that our bodies tend to crave lighter, water-rich foods in the summer. Now is the time to load up on fruits and veggies (which can support a healthy metabolism). Don't shy away from that watermelon or those juicy berries - your metabolism will thank you! Try these recipes for inspiration and energy!
Ginger Mango Lemonade Recipe
Take a pitcher and add 1/2 inch thinly sliced ginger root at the bottom. Add a half cup of finely chopped frozen mango with some mint leaves above it and top up with lots of ice cubes. Then, fill it up with some water and close the lid. Let all the ingredients infuse the water for an hour and put it up in the fridge. After an hour or two, take out the pitcher, pour it into a glass and add some fresh mango chunks in it, and sip it. This refreshing drink will not boost your metabolism but improve your taste palate as well.
Chia Lemonade
Take 2 tsp of chia seeds and soak into 1 cup of water for about 1-2 hours. These seeds can be soaked overnight as well. Half an hour before your breakfast, pour these soaked chia seeds into a glass, add 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1/2 tsp honey into it. Stir well and drink it up. The fibre present in chia seeds will make your feel full, which will prevent you from eating too much food. This is one of the best remedies to boost your metabolism and lose that stubborn fat from the body.