What is a metabolism?

Ok, so I get this question frequently enough that I think is worth answering here.
To use an analogy it is the speed at which the motor of your body runs or if you are a cook, it is how much yeast you put in the bread mix.
It is dependent on a number of different things, primarily how active you are. But it is also related to the quality of food you eat, if you get enough sleep, how well you breathe and how you think about yourself as well as depression and sunlight.

Hunh? Yes a poor self image will affect your metabolism. It is difficult to explain but it is a psychiatric/endocrine thing. So do your best to manage your mind so that you feel positive and relaxed about yourself.
As for the others, I will try and answer them in order.

Food. Food is really just fuel for your motor and components to repair and replace parts/cells of your body as they wear out. If you put inappropriate fuel in a car the motor does not run well, s your body needs the right types of food to run well. And diesel fuel in a gas engine stops it completely. This 'appropriate fuel' is carbohydrates, protein and fats. And your body needs them in the right ratio.
Vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and glyconutrients can all be thought of as mechanics and service personnel for your body. They service, repair and replace bits that are worn out or needs replacing. So food is a fairly important factor in your metabolism.

Activity is just taking you car out for a drive. If it sits in the garage unused or you only start the engine and let it idle occasionally, the car will soon have problems. Just like that car needs to be used, your body needs to get out and be active and play on a regular basis. I personally suggest that people find something that they passionately enjoy and go and do that. Whether it be dancing, rock climbing, running, surfing or bush walking, just be out and active.

Sleep is one I regularly get extra questions on. Yes a lack of sleep can play havoc with your metabolism. Causing it to speed up or slow down. In the long run a lack of sleep can cause more obesity than eating an extra meal everyday. It can also lead to a surprisingly large decrease in your ability to think clearly and to cope with stress.

Breathing is another issue that can have a huge effect on your metabolism, weight and well-being. Ask almost any singing teacher and they will happily tell you that most of us do not know how to breathe well. I myself was told this several times by singing and music teachers before I started to consider that it might be real. There are several books on it, but I would suggest the easiest way to get help for this is to approach a Dru Yoga teacher as it forms part of their training.

Sunlight is another issue that often confuses people. But here is an attempt to define it. Your body is a bit like a plant is some respects. Just like plants our skins are designed for a certain amount of shade/sunlight each day. If we get to much sunlight we will burn but if we do not get enough sunlight we will pale and sicken.
This is because as well as the nutrients that we eat our body produces some chemicals itself. It does that through our exposure to light. And if we do not get enough sunlight then our body cannot make these chemicals and we can end up depressed or with "Seasonal affective disorder" or with any of the illness that are caused by a lack of chemicals such as vitamin D. So spending an appropriate time in the sun on a regular basis is very important for you health and your metabolism.

As you can see it all starts to get a bit complicated and if you want further information or advice contact me or another health professional.
However the simplest way is to just avoid needing to worry about symptoms and illness. You can do that by doing what what you enjoy and that your body likes. Have fun, play, find a career or job that you can be passionate about and avoid prepared/manufactured foods, and get a good nights sleep. Above all have fun and be gentle with yourself. Talk soon!
Regards
Francis