CHI - St. Luke's

CHIStLukesHealth.org | V1N1 | CHI St. Luke's Health 3 Whole Health 3 Embracing Meaning During the Holidays Myths about metabolism have long been touted as real solutions to weight gain. Here are the facts. MYTH 1: IF YOU'RE OVERWEIGHT, YOU HAVE A SLOWERTHANNORMAL METABOLISM. Fact: Your metabolism is responsible for converting the foods you eat into energy your body can use for fuel. Larger people actually burn calories faster, according to The Mayo Clinic. However, the foods you eat and the amount of exercise you get every day are often better indicators of weight gain than metabolic speed. If you consume more calories than you burn on adaily basis, you'll gain weight. Celebrate the season by exploring opportunities to connect with the world around you. Surprising Facts About Your Metabolism MYTH 2: THE TIMING OF MEALS AND SNACKS INFLUENCES HOW FAST YOUR METABOLISMWORKS. Fact: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sticking to healthy choices lets you enjoy a late meal or midnight snack without worrying about addedpounds. MYTH 3: DRINKING GREEN TEA ENHANCES METABOLIC FUNCTION. Fact: While drinking green tea and eating spicy foods have been linked to small increases in metabolic rate, the overall eect these foods have on your metabolism is minimal, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Instead of eating specic foods, focus on building muscle by lifting light weights or performing other strength-training exercises. Muscle burns calories more eciently than fat. Caroling, baking, shopping — there's plenty happening during the most wonderful time of the year. However, the season is also an opportunity to simplify and give thanks for the blessings in life. Volunteering is a powerful way to express gratitude for your own gifts, and during the holidays, chances to give back are abundant. Join a local choir to sing to residents of a retirement facility or children's hospital. If you can't nd a group, take the reins and form one of your own. Volunteer Houston hosts a celebration in honor of Saint Nicholas Feast Day, which oers opportunities to prepare backpacks lled with educational books and toys. The organization then surprises students at Title 1 schools with the bags, which also contain reading tips and service projects to teach students the value of giving. Donating to the St. Luke's Foundation is another option for families searching for ways to support the community through philanthropy. To learn more about how your gifts may help CHI St. Luke's education, research, and health initiatives, visit CHIStLukesHealth.org/give.

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