8 Ways to Increase Your Metabolism
Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. Sounds simple enough, but depending upon health and wellness habits, this process may not be running to its full potential. Heredity, age, the weather… (Okay, maybe not the weather…) all of these mythical culprits of a slow metabolism don’t stand a chance against the eight keys to boosting metabolism. Boost metabolism to burn more calories, feel more energized, and have what it takes to avert holiday stress!
1. Exercise
When you get your body moving, your metabolism will follow suit. An exercise plan encompassing cardio and strength training is vital to maintaining healthy metabolism. While weight-loss is often the goal of working out, it is also crucial to build lean muscle in order to boost metabolism. The thing about muscle is it takes energy to build, and takes energy to maintain once on your body. This energy use burns calories, even when you aren’t working out.
2. Eat a good breakfast
The way you start your day sets the tone for how it will unfold; emotionally, physically, and metabolically! Skip sugary cereals and pastries. Instead, start the day with a breakfast rich in whole grains and protein. The advantages of this are threefold: you will feel energized; feel fuller, longer; and because protein is hard to digest, your metabolism will be put to work.
3. Include omega-3’s in your diet
Think of these guys as fuel for the fat-burning enzymes in your body, and brave destroyers of their fat-storing counterparts. Omega-3’s are a supportive friend to the metabolism. Find them in salmon, supplements, or my personal favorite, super food chia seeds.
4. Drink green tea
In addition to its antioxidant polyphenols, green tea also has something called catechins, believed to boost the metabolism. Drink four or five cups a day to boost metabolism, and reap the antioxidant benefits!
5. Do not go hungry
Skipping meals to stay thin is a big no-no. If you are not eating healthy, satisfying meals, your body will go into starvation mode, and your metabolism will essentially shut down to conserve energy. Healthy eating is vital to fitness.
6. Enjoy small meals
Replace the usual three, large meals, with 5-6 small, healthy meals throughout the day. This keeps your body energized and satisfied, and your metabolism on the move.
7. Avoid trans-fats
Trans-fats are bad news across the board. Not only are they glue for your metabolism; they raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol. Trans-fats are present in foods you should already be avoiding in a balanced, healthy diet. Think donuts, frozen pizza, packaged cookies… you get the picture.
8. Eat whole foods
A diet rich in organic, whole foods has a myriad of health benefits beyond just boosting your metabolism. But just for purposes of this topic, eating unprocessed foods makes your metabolism work harder!
These eight tips not only boost metabolism, but also improve total body function and morale. Here’s to happy, healthy holidays!
