Proof that a "Slow Metabolism" Exists

Remember how for a while many people said that a slow metabolism is a myth?

Well as it turns out, a new study suggests that there actually is such a thing as a slow metabolism. While very rare - only about 1 in 100 people has it, and it is only found in populations with severe obesity - there is actually a genetic mutation that could lead to a greater amount of weight gain.

Before you throw in the towel, remember that this only affects a small amount of the population, and the two biggest factors to weight gain are still diet and lack of exercise.

There are some things you can do to help boost metabolism:
- Try to make sure your meals are somewhere around 400 calories. If you eat too little, you run the risk of putting your body into "starvation mode." Eat too much, and your body will keep expecting you to eat more and more. Small snacks between meals are acceptable as well, as long as they are healthy and low calorie, such as veggies and fruits.
- Increase your muscle mass by doing strength training. Adding just 5 extra pounds of lean muscle can help burn up to 100 extra calories while you are resting.
- Boost your fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Some of these fibers can boost your fat burn by up to 30%.
- Get enough sleep. That one is pretty self-explanatory - we all know that we tend to grab snacks when we are sleepy!!
- Add ice to your water. Admittedly, the data on this is a little weak, but at least one study has shown that drinking colder water may take more energy to burn, thus increasing your metabolism.
- Include protein and iron in your meals by adding meat, dairy, spinach, and other natural sources. Avoid taking supplements as they tend to not be absorbed the same.
-Get physical! Find excuses to stand instead of sit, or walk instead of stand still.

Even if you have a naturally slow metabolism, remember that you can take steps every day to help boost your health and your quality of life.

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Want to know more about Square One? Check us out at www.square1club.com or give us a call at 402-333-0706. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/square1club .

Food can be a Drug - A New Study

As part of the fitness industry, we here at Square One Health Club try to stay on top of the latest health news and trends.

Today, a new study was published that showed that in a laboratory study, Oreo cookies were found to be as addictive as cocaine.

Yes, you read that right - COOKIES are as addictive as COCAINE.

To us, this wasn't that much of a shock, as it has been common knowledge in most of the obese community that food addiction is a real and powerfully difficult thing to cope with. There has also been common knowledge throughout the medical community that foods high in fat, sugars, and salt trigger the same areas of the brain as heroin and cocaine. 

What is more shocking is the explosion of the press on this one lowly study. Suddenly the media is taking note that perhaps becoming obese is a little more complicated to treat than just "don't be lazy" or "go get some exercise" or "just don't eat that."

Our takeaway from all of this? Realize that it can be difficult to avoid certain foods - and that if you work at it, you can find ways to conquer your addiction!!

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Want to know more about Square One? Check us out at www.square1club.com or give us a call at 402-333-0706. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/square1club .