Podcasts > The Mel Robbins Podcast > Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

By Stitcher

In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Dr. William Li addresses common misconceptions about metabolism and explains how the body's energy system actually works. He shares research showing that human metabolism remains stable from ages 20 to 60 when adjusted for body size, and describes the process of how excess calories lead to fat storage in the body.

The discussion covers several factors that affect metabolism, including stress levels, sleep quality, and physical activity. Dr. Li and Robbins explore specific dietary approaches that can support metabolic health, such as incorporating certain foods that enhance natural fat-burning processes. They also discuss alternatives to strict calorie counting, suggesting that personalized eating plans may be more effective for managing metabolism and body composition.

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Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

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Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

1-Page Summary

Metabolism Myths and Facts

Recent research is challenging long-held beliefs about how metabolism works. Dr. William Li reveals that, contrary to popular belief, human metabolism remains remarkably consistent from age 20 to 60 when adjusted for body size. Li explains that our core metabolism functions like a computer's operating system - it's essentially the same for everyone when new.

The Science of Metabolism and Fat Storage

Dr. Li describes metabolism as the body's energy system, similar to how a car uses fuel. When we consume excess calories, our body stores this energy in fat cells, which can expand to three times their normal size. Importantly, fat accumulation often begins internally as visceral fat, with one early warning sign being snoring - caused by fat accumulation in the tongue.

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Metabolism

According to Dr. Li and Mel Robbins, several lifestyle factors significantly affect metabolism. Chronic stress can inhibit fat burning by keeping the body in a continuous "fight or flight" state, while poor sleep disrupts natural fat-burning processes. They emphasize that any physical activity, even simple walking, can boost calorie burning. Additionally, excessive caloric intake leads to fat storage, but strategies like intermittent fasting can help activate fat-burning mechanisms.

Specific Diet and Food Recommendations

Dr. Li and Robbins highlight several foods that can enhance metabolism naturally. Beans cooked with extra virgin olive oil support the gut microbiome, while tomatoes contain compounds that help eliminate harmful body fat. Onions and capers, rich in quercetin, stimulate brown fat to burn excess body fat. Rather than strict calorie tracking, which can be stressful and counterproductive, Dr. Li recommends working with a nutritionist to develop a personalized, flexible eating plan that considers individual lifestyle factors and health conditions.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Visceral fat is a type of fat that surrounds internal organs in the abdominal cavity. Unlike subcutaneous fat found just beneath the skin, visceral fat can pose health risks as it is metabolically active and linked to various diseases. Its accumulation can be influenced by factors like diet, genetics, and lifestyle habits. Monitoring visceral fat levels is important for overall health and can be done through various methods like waist circumference measurements or imaging techniques.
  • Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. During the fasting periods, the body depletes its glycogen stores and starts breaking down stored fat for energy, leading to increased fat burning. This process can help improve metabolic health and promote weight loss by enhancing the body's ability to utilize fat stores for energy. Intermittent fasting may also trigger cellular repair processes and increase the production of certain hormones that aid in fat metabolism.
  • Quercetin is a flavonoid found in various plant foods like onions and capers. Research suggests that quercetin may help activate brown fat, a type of fat that can burn calories to generate heat. By stimulating brown fat activity, quercetin could potentially contribute to increased energy expenditure and fat burning in the body. This mechanism is part of ongoing studies exploring the potential metabolic benefits of quercetin-rich foods like onions and capers.

Counterarguments

  • Metabolism may not be as consistent across individuals from age 20 to 60 as suggested, with some research indicating variability due to factors like genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle differences.
  • Comparing metabolism to a computer's operating system oversimplifies the complex biological processes and individual variations in metabolic rates.
  • The relationship between calorie intake and fat storage is complex, and not all excess calories lead to fat gain due to factors like thermogenesis and individual differences in metabolism.
  • While snoring can be associated with fat accumulation in the tongue, it can also be caused by other factors such as sleep apnea, nasal congestion, or the anatomy of one's mouth and throat.
  • The impact of chronic stress on fat burning can vary, and some individuals may experience different responses due to their unique physiological makeup or coping mechanisms.
  • The role of sleep in fat-burning processes is complex, and while poor sleep can disrupt these processes, other factors like diet and exercise also play significant roles.
  • The effectiveness of intermittent fasting for fat burning is still a subject of debate, with some studies suggesting benefits while others indicate no significant advantage over continuous calorie restriction.
  • The claim that specific foods like beans, tomatoes, onions, and capers have significant effects on metabolism and fat burning may be overstated, as the impact of individual foods is often small in the context of an overall diet.
  • The recommendation to work with a nutritionist is sound, but it may not be accessible or affordable for everyone, and there are other effective strategies for managing diet and health that can be self-directed.

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Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

Metabolism Myths and Facts

Researchers and experts are clarifying common misconceptions about metabolism by providing evidence that challenges widespread myths.

Metabolism Is Hardwired From Birth and Remains Constant Throughout Life

Researchers have discovered that human metabolism follows only four phases during a lifetime, after adjusting metabolism results for body size, revealing a consistent metabolic rate from birth to age 60, rather than an ever-changing one.

Metabolism Mostly Consistent From Birth to Age 60

Dr. William Li's discussion and research suggest that between the ages of 20 and 60, metabolism is stable, not significantly influenced by age, weight, or lifestyle when the effect of excess body fat is removed. He implies that we are hardwired to have a consistent metabolism during these years.

Age, Weight, and Lifestyle Don't Alter Core Metabolism

Li insists that the core metabolism is consistent regardless of age, weight, and lifestyle factors, refuting the notion of significant variability in metabolism among individuals. He compares human metabolism to the operating system of a computer, which functions the same when new.

Myths About Metabolism Not Supported by Research

Li and Robbins address several myths about metabolism, underscoring that metabolism can be re-wired.

Myth: People Have Naturally "Fast" or "Slow" Metabolisms

Li challenges the idea that individuals are born with differing metabolic rates, declaring it a myth. He emphasizes that one should not compare themselves to others in terms of metabolism because it is largely consistent across the population.

Myth: Teenagers Have Sky-high Metabolisms

The belief that teenagers have an elevated metabolism is debunked by Li, who explains that metabolism actually decreases during ages one to 20 years down to adult levels. This finding contradicts the cultural belief that teenagers can eat excessively without conseque ...

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Metabolism Myths and Facts

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Metabolism stability between ages 20 and 60, regardless of age, weight, or lifestyle when excess body fat is considered, suggests that the core metabolic rate remains relatively constant during this period. This means that factors like age, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle choices do not significantly impact the baseline metabolic rate within this age range. The presence of excess body fat can skew metabolic measurements, but when adjusted for body fat levels, the underlying metabolic rate appears consistent. This concept challenges the common belief that metabolism fluctuates widely based on age, weight, or lifestyle factors during adulthood.
  • The concept that core metabolism remains consistent regardless of age, weight, and lifestyle factors suggests that the fundamental rate at which the body burns calories to sustain basic functions remains stable for most individuals within a certain age range. This stability is observed when accounting for variations in body size and composition. Factors like age, weight, and lifestyle may influence overall energy expenditure but might not significantly impact the core metabolic rate, which is the baseline energy requirement for bodily functions. This idea challenges common beliefs that these factors directly dictate metabolic speed and weight management.
  • Metabolism being "rewired" means that through various factors like diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, individuals can influence and optimize their metabolic rate. This concept challenges the belief that metabolism is fixed and cannot be altered. By understanding how to positively impact metabolism, individuals can work towards achieving their health and fitness goals effectively. This idea emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices in shaping metabolic function.
  • During the ages of one to 20, metabolism in individuals actually decreases to adult levels, contrary to the common belief that teenagers have significantly higher metabolisms. This decrease in metabolism during adolescence is a natural part of growth and development. It is important to note that while metabolic rates may vary slightly among individuals, the overall trend is a decrease to adult levels during the teenage years.
  • Metabolism generally remains relatively stable from ages 20 to 60 when adjusted for b ...

Counterarguments

  • While metabolism may be consistent on average from 20 to 60 years, individual variations can still occur due to genetic differences, hormonal changes, or health conditions.
  • Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity can influence metabolic efficiency, potentially affecting how the body processes energy even if the core metabolic rate remains unchanged.
  • The role of muscle mass in metabolic rate is not addressed; since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, changes in muscle mass could affect metabolism.
  • The impact of chronic stress and sleep quality on metabolism could provide alternative explanations for perceived changes in metabolic rates, which are not discussed in the text.
  • The assertion that metabolism does not slow significantly in middle age may not account for the natural decline in muscle mass and hormonal changes that occur as part of aging, which can affect metabolism.
  • The relationship between body fat accumulation and metabolism might be bidirectional, where a slower metabolism could contribute to an increase in body fat, not just the other way around.
  • The idea that metabolism can be "rewired" is vague and may require further explanation or evidence to understand the mechanisms and extent to which this is possible.
  • The text ...

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The Science of Metabolism and Fat Storage

Dr. William Li delves into the mechanisms of how the body's metabolism functions as an energy system and the implications of fat storage on health.

Metabolism Converts Food Into Energy

Metabolism is elegantly described by Dr. Li as the process by which the body obtains and utilizes energy, akin to a car using fuel to drive. When we consume food, we are essentially fueling our bodies with calories. Li clarifies that metabolism is not just about burning energy but also involves storing it. The body's metabolism is tailored to each individual, factoring in variables like body size and body fat percentage.

Body Stores Excess Energy As Fat

The body, designed for efficiency, does not let excess energy go to waste. It stores this energy in fat cells which, according to Dr. Li, can swell up to three times their normal size with energy from food. Fat begins to form early in our lives, strategically situated around the blood vessels, serving as our personal fuel tanks.

Visceral Fat Is the First to Accumulate

Dr. Li sheds light on the less apparent aspects of weight gain, pointing out that it often starts internally with visceral fat before it becomes visible externally in areas like the waist or thighs. This internal fat, hidden deep within the body, starts to accumulate when the calorie intake exceeds what the body can manage, leading to an overflow of the body's fuel reserves.

Early Detection of Visceral Fat Growth Through Snoring

Vital information about the accumulation of visceral fat can sometimes be discerned from unexpected signs, ...

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The Science of Metabolism and Fat Storage

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Metabolism is influenced by more than just body size and fat percentage; genetics, hormone levels, age, and activity level also play significant roles.
  • Not all excess energy is stored as fat; some can be stored as glycogen in muscles and the liver.
  • Fat cells can expand more than three times their size in some cases, depending on the individual's physiology and extent of weight gain.
  • While visceral fat is often the first to accumulate, subcutaneous fat can also be an early storage site, and the pattern of fat accumulation can vary greatly between individuals.
  • The relationship between snoring and visceral fat accumulation is not a direct causal link; snoring can be influenced by various factors, including anatomy, alcohol consumption, and sleep position.
  • Snoring as an indicator of visceral fat growth is not universally applicable and may not be a reliable early detection method for every ...

Actionables

  • You can monitor your snoring patterns as a proxy for metabolic health by using a sleep tracking app that records audio. If you notice an increase in snoring, it might be a cue to evaluate your diet and exercise habits, considering that snoring can be linked to visceral fat accumulation. For example, if the app shows more frequent or louder snoring over time, you might want to increase physical activity or adjust your meal portions.
  • Create a simple "energy balance" diary to track the relationship between your calorie intake and physical activity. By logging what you eat and how much you move each day, you can get a clearer picture of whether you're likely storing excess energy as fat. For instance, if you consistently consume more calories than you burn according to your diary, it could be time to explore new recipes or workout routines.
  • Engage in a "fat cell awaren ...

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Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Metabolism

Mel Robbins, Dr. William Li, and others discuss various lifestyle factors that have significant effects on metabolism, chronically high stress hormones, sleep quality, caloric intake, and physical activity.

Stress and Poor Sleep Negatively Impact Metabolism

Robbins and Dr. Li illustrate how stress and sleep patterns play critical roles in metabolic health.

Chronic Stress Inhibits Fat Burning By Inducing "Fight or Flight" State

They note that chronic stress, where stress hormones remain continuously high, inhibits the body's ability to burn fat. This chronic stress-induced fight or flight mode is not conducive to efficient fat-burning compared to the temporary fight or flight response caused by acute stressors.

Poor Sleep Disrupts Natural Fat-burning Processes

Dr. Li speaks on the importance of quality sleep for metabolism, emphasizing that good quality sleep, especially deep sleep, is essential for the body to reach the fat-burning phase of rest crucial for a healthy metabolism. Both Robbins and Li acknowledge that insufficient deep sleep, disrupted perhaps by alcohol consumption, can negatively impact metabolism.

Diet and Eating Affect Metabolism

Advice on dietary habits and their effects on metabolic rate is also shared.

Excess Calories Lead To Fat Storage

Dr. Li uses the metaphor of the body as a car using food as fuel, measured in calories, to explain that excessive caloric intake leads to fat storage. He cites stress eating as an activity where one may consume excess calories, underscoring the interaction between calorie intake, body fat, and metabolic rate.

Intermittent Fasting Activates Fat-burning Mechanisms

William Li highlights intermittent fasting as an effective tool to kickstart metabolism. He also advises against overeating and suggests that it's perfectly fine to leave food on the plate. Consuming more energy than the body requires can lead to unnecessary caloric int ...

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Lifestyle Factors That Impact Metabolism

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Chronic stress can sometimes lead to weight loss due to decreased appetite or increased physical activity as a response to stress, rather than inhibiting fat burning.
  • Some individuals may have a metabolism that is less affected by poor sleep due to genetic factors or adaptation to short sleep cycles.
  • Not all excess calories lead to fat storage; factors such as genetics, the thermic effect of food, and individual differences in metabolism can affect how excess calories are processed.
  • Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, and its effectiveness can vary based on individual health conditions, lifestyle, and body composition.
  • The role of physical activity in metabolism is complex, and while ...

Actionables

  • You can manage stress and support fat burning by creating a relaxation ritual before meals. Engage in five minutes of deep breathing or mindfulness meditation right before you eat to shift your body away from the stress-induced "fight or flight" state. This practice can help improve digestion and potentially enhance your body's ability to burn fat.
  • Schedule a "sleep audit" for yourself to improve your fat-burning processes. For one week, track your sleep patterns, including what time you go to bed, how long it takes you to fall asleep, the number of times you wake up, and the quality of your sleep. Use this data to identify patterns or habits that may be disrupting your sleep, such as screen time before bed or caffeine consumption in the afternoon, and then make targeted changes to promote better sleep hygiene.
  • Incorporate "micro-fasting" periods into your day to ac ...

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Do THIS to Boost Your Metabolism, Lose Fat, & Feel Better Now With Dr. William Li

Specific Diet and Food Recommendations to Boost Metabolism

Robbins and Dr. Li present insights on how certain foods can stimulate the body's natural fat-burning processes, and explain the benefits of working with a professional to develop personalized dietary plans.

Foods Can Activate Fat-burning Processes In the Body

Specific foods have been identified that can activate the body’s fat-burning mechanisms, enhancing metabolism and weight loss.

Beans Aid Metabolism By Feeding Gut Microbiome With Fiber

Robbins recommends eating beans cooked with extra virgin olive oil as a strategy based on Dr. Li's research. This preparation method benefits the gut microbiome by supplying it with fiber, which then helps in burning down body fat and contributing to weight loss.

Tomatoes Contain Compounds That Eliminate Harmful Fat

Tomatoes, which can be enjoyed in various forms such as raw, sliced, cooked, sautéed, seared, or grilled, contain compounds that help eliminate harmful body fat. They can be integrated into a wide range of diet plans due to their versatility and health benefits.

Onions and Capers, Rich in Quercetin, Stimulate Fat-burning "Brown Fat"

Onions, when caramelized in extra virgin olive oil, become sweeter and release quercetin, a natural bioactive that stimulates brown fat into burning off excess harmful body fat. Similarly, capers, also dense in quercetin, can be added to salads, chicken, fish, or pasta, enhancing the ability of good fat to burn bad fat.

Focus On High-Quality, Metabolism-Boosting Foods

Li highlights the importance of focusing on high-quality foods to support metabolic health and warns against the stress of strict nutritional tracking.

Strict Calorie Tracking Can Be Stressful and Counterproductive

William Li points out ...

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Specific Diet and Food Recommendations to Boost Metabolism

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While certain foods may have properties that can enhance metabolism, the extent to which they can activate fat-burning processes varies greatly among individuals due to genetic differences, health status, and overall diet.
  • The recommendation to cook beans with extra virgin olive oil may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, such as low-fat diets or those with gastrointestinal issues exacerbated by high-fiber foods.
  • The claim that tomatoes contain compounds that eliminate harmful body fat may be overstated, as weight loss and fat reduction are complex processes influenced by a variety of factors beyond the consumption of specific foods.
  • The effectiveness of quercetin in onions and capers in stimulating brown fat to burn excess body fat may not be significant when these foods are consumed in typical dietary amounts, and more research may be needed to confirm these effects in humans.
  • The focus on high-quality, metabolism-boosting foods is important, but it should be noted that overall caloric balance and a variety of other dietary and lifestyle factors also play critical roles in metabolic health.
  • Wh ...

Actionables

  • You can create a "Metabolic Boost" recipe book tailored to your taste preferences by experimenting with the mentioned ingredients in various dishes. Start by selecting five of your favorite meal types, such as soups, salads, stir-fries, or smoothies. Then, incorporate the metabolism-boosting ingredients like beans, tomatoes, onions, and capers into these dishes in creative ways. For example, blend tomatoes into a spicy gazpacho or toss capers and onions into a quinoa salad. Keep a journal of the recipes you create, noting how they make you feel in terms of energy and satisfaction.
  • Try a "Swap Challenge" for one month where you replace common ingredients in your meals with the fat-burning foods mentioned. Instead of using butter or vegetable oils, cook with extra virgin olive oil. Swap out snacks like chips or crackers for a bean-based dip or salad that includes tomatoes and onions. Keep track of these swaps in a food diary and observe any changes in your body's response, such as weight fluctuations or energy levels, to see if these changes help enhance your metabolism.
  • Engage in a "Mi ...

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