Increasing metabolism?

HilTri

For most of my life I have been eating lots of lettuce and minimal food struggling to lose weight (the last 5-10 lbs) I am very active. Since I have
Been on MFP, I have learned to eat a well rounded diet, eat more calories and listen to my body. I am eating nearly double the calories (increased protein) used to eat, still very active and and have reached the low end of my range with ease. The only think I can think of is that I have incorporated spin classes (along with running, hiking, kayaking and lifting) to my workouts. Could the increased calories make my body more efficient. Believe me, I am not complaining, just curious. Thank you.

NovusDies

I think there is probably more than one way to answer this but I will pick stress for mine. A sizeable portion of 5-10lbs can easily be masked by water retention. When you "struggled" to lose weight it is possible stress played a role in keeping your true fat loss from showing on the scale. When you relaxed and starting eating more and focusing on exercise the water weight came off easily and then it was just a matter of time for whatever remaining fat you had.

Call that the stress theory. It may explain all of it, some of it, or none of it.

livingleanlivingclean

You are doing more exercise, potentially fueling yourself better and putting more in to your workouts (so using more energy)...

Being more efficient would suggest needing less calories to me, not more.

HilTri

That makes sense to me Novus. Thx

vgentile990

There is only one answer to this ... trail and error and see what works ... keep a journal of the foods you eat and see what agrees with you

Everyone is different so there isn’t a one for all solution

vallary14

I think your metabolism is affected by a few different factors. Eating enough, getting enough activity and rest. These things do make your body more efficient and the closer you are to your ideal weight. Sorry if that sounds confusing, I’m sure I could answer better with less distractions around me lol.

HilTri

No that makes perfect sense and I had always thought I was doing those things but I wasn't. Man, I just feel so much better. With age comes wisdom ( and free education from MFP)!

AnnPT77

Better nutrition => better health and more energy => more active in daily life, more effective workouts => higher daily calorie burn.

More exercise => better physical fitness => feel like doing more in daily life because it's easier and more fun => higher daily calorie burn.

Seems like those chains of causation are in your story somewhere, and they're simple common sense, not any kind of mysterious effect.