Metabolic recalibration: what is it?

First, it’s important to understand what metabolism is. Metabolism refers to the set of chemical reactions that occur in the body to maintain all vital functions: respiration, digestion, circulatory systems (lymphatic and blood), thermogenesis, which corresponds to the regulation of body temperature, cell renewal, etc. In other words, it is the body’s “engine,” the process that converts the food you eat into usable energy.

There are two processes:

• Catabolism: the breakdown of nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) to produce energy.

• Anabolism: the production of compounds necessary for the growth and repair of tissues (such as muscles).

Basal Metabolism (or BMR) represents the amount of energy, in calories, that the body expends at rest, and therefore the minimum amount of energy it needs. On average, basal metabolism accounts for 60 to 75% of your total energy expenditure, excluding the various activities you may perform each day. The higher your basal metabolism, the more calories you burn naturally.

Several factors influence your metabolism :

• Gender: whether you are a man or a woman

• Weight

• Height

• Age 

• Body composition: distribution of muscle mass and fat mass

• Level of physical activity 

• Hormonal health 

• Hereditary (genetic) factors

• Diet

Metabolic recalibration, or a "metabolic reset," therefore involves addressing some of these factors—such as diet or exercise—to better boost metabolism and burn more energy on a daily basis. It is a useful strategy for weight loss, but not only for that purpose.

A true cornerstone of our health, here are 4 good reasons to start a metabolic reboot: 

For more vitality: A more active metabolism helps the body better process ingested food after digestion—extracting nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Thanks to improved mitochondrial activity within each cell, fatigue becomes less persistent and productivity increases.

For weight loss : Studies show that an active metabolism could increase fat burning by 5 to 15% and thus facilitate weight loss when adjusting your diet. When the body burns more calories at rest, it is less likely to store excess calories as fat.

For a stable, healthy weight: Metabolic recalibration helps you better manage your weight, as it directly influences how your body burns calories. A balanced metabolism is essential to avoid the weight fluctuations that are very common after weight loss, precisely because energy expenditure decreases as body weight decreases.

To age better and prevent metabolic disorders: Recalibration contributes to a better quality of life, longer-lasting mobility, and aging in good health. By boosting your metabolism, you improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health.

Rebalancing your metabolism offers multiple benefits. Here are the main benefits:

• Optimizing fat loss

• Facilitate weight loss and limit the yo-yo effect

• Better energy management

• Preserving muscle mass

• Regulate appetite

• Improve cardiovascular health

• Support hormonal health

• Optimize digestion

• Prevent metabolic disorders

• Strengthening the immune system

• Improved skin, hair, and nail health

• Better athletic recovery

• Improved mental performance

As a supplement to a balanced routine, certain ingredients can help you boost your metabolism. Here is a selection of 3 natural solutions from our Aroma-Zone range: 

There are several good habits that can help boost your metabolism:

1. Morning Routine: Gently wake up your body. Start the day with a hot, energizing drink: 1 long black coffee. For lunch, enjoy fatty fish served with green vegetables and roasted sweet potato cubes. Add spices, herbs, and seasonings to spice up your dish

2. Afternoon: Stay hydrated with a herbal tea of your choice, and if you get a little hungry, snack on a piece of fresh fruit and a handful of mixed nuts—almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts… As soon as work is over, take the opportunity to get moving by doing an activity you enjoy (dance class, Zumba, fitness, weight training) or to clear your head with a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk outdoors.

3. Evening routine: light dinner and relax. For a change, prepare a meal rich in plant-based protein, made with legumes and whole grains, along with vegetables, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chia seeds. Prepare for sleep with 1 cup of soothing herbal tea and treat yourself to 5 minutes of deep breathing, a heart coherence exercise with calming benefits

Dietary supplements are intended for adults only and are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are taking medication, consult your doctor.

To avoid disrupting your metabolism, steer clear of yo-yo dieting or overly strict calorie restrictions, which can permanently slow down your basal metabolic rate. Allow yourself one or two snacks a day, rather than large meals that may put extra strain on your digestive system. Finally, consult a dietitian if you’re having trouble losing weight to find the metabolic rebalancing approach that works best for you. You can also get a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies and thyroid hormone levels. 

Raquel was always passionate about nutrition and well-being, and it was above all her love of good food and desire to share her knowledge that led her to pursue a career in dietetics. A graduate with a BTS qualification specialising in sports nutrition, she discovered the world of natural solutions, including dietary supplements and oligotherapy, while working in various pharmaceutical laboratories. In recent years, she has expanded her work to include nutritional counselling and article writing, combining her interest in nutrition with her passion for sharing knowledge. Women’s health, anti-inflammatory diets, sport, and balanced nutrition are among her favourite topics.