Boosting ones metabolism is something many people try to achieve everyday. Having a high metabolic rate increases the amount of calories, or energy, the body burns on a daily basis. Without optimal metabolism the body will store excess calories as fat for future use. The problem for many people is they don't ever use these excess calories and as a result struggle with weight issues.
There are many factors that affect a person's metabolism including age, weight, hormonal changes, lean muscle mass, diet, genetics, stress and the amount of physical activity undertaken on a daily basis. As you can see boosting your metabolism involves many factors, but the fact of the matter is that it is relatively easy to boost your metabolism if you are committed to doing so.
Here are 11 tips to help you boost your metabolism:
1.Build lean body mass. As we age our bodies metabolism or ability to burn calories decreases. One way to offset this problem is by exercising. Lean muscle burns calories and the more you have the more calories you burn, even while resting. You can build muscle through resistance or weight training at least twice a week. You can also boost your metabolism by doing cardio exercises. You can choose to do this between or in conjunction with weight training. Simply going for a walk or using the stairs instead of the elevator are good ways to get in an aerobic workout.
2.Eat Breakfast. Many people ignore eating breakfast. What they don't realize is that it's the most important meal of the day. Breakfast gives your metabolism a boost and provides a consistent energy supply throughout the day. The majority of people who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer weight and health issues than those who don't.
3.Sugar is bad. Processed and refined sugar such as found in sweets and soft drinks overload the body with sugar causing many serious health issues including obesity and diabetes. Complex carbohydrates are a better energy source because they supply an even level of blood sugar. The human body just isn't built to deal with the large amounts of refined sugar most people include in their diet.
4.Spicy foods that make you sweat can help boost your metabolism.
5.Get a good night's sleep. There is research that shows that people who do not get sufficient sleep tend to gain weight. This may be because the body uses sleep to heal and regenerate itself, including its muscular system.
6.Drink more water. Water is the lubricant of the body. It also flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency. This allows the liver more time to do what it does best, metabolize fat stores.
7.Eat small meals. Eat 5 to 6 small meals per day spaced 20 to 3 hours apart. This gives the body a steady supply of energy and prevents binge eating.
8.Don't miss meals. Skipping meals in order to loose weight is counter productive because it actually slow metabolism and can lead to over eating.
9.Plan your meals. If you have a daily or weekly menu you are much more likely to stick to your plan.
10.Drink green tea. Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and unlike coffee does not stress the body with caffeine.
11.Include more high energy foods in your diet including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These provide a more balanced energy source and will not cause blood sugar spikes.
Boosting your metabolism can be done if you are dedicated to doing it. This does not mean you need to stress over each little thing but if you eat right and exercise you should see a decrease in body fat and a much more energetic and happy you.
Related Articles
Prevent a Slow Moving Metabolism
By: Tom Parker | 13/12/2007 | Health
As you age your metabolism usually begins to decline. However, you can take measures to combat this. In this article I outline the two stage process which can help you avoid a slowing metabolism and help you on your way to an increased metabolic rate.
7 Energizing Ways Increase Metabolism
By: Andrew Bicknell | 26/03/2007 | Fitness
Some days it just seems hard to get going. Trying to find that extra bit of energy to get you through your day but it just isn't there. Here are 8 ways to help energize your days and increase your metabolism at the same time.
Increase Your Metabolism for Natural Weight Loss
By: Andrew Bicknell | 18/05/2007 | Fitness
By simply increasing your metabolism you turn your body's own internal engine into a fat burning machine. Not only will you begin to lose weight but you will keep it off, have more energy, feel better about yourself, and live a more healthy life, keeping any number of diseases and disorders at bay.
How Healthy Diet Can Help you Burn Fat
By: Nikola Govorko | 05/12/2006 | Health
Diet miths explained, eat and loose weight, no need for starving yourself.
Raise your Metabolism to Burn Body Fat
By: Rob | 07/02/2008 | Weight Loss
To succeed at losing unwanted body fat, it's a must that your raise your metabolic rate.
Increase Metabolism And Get Rid Of Your Belly Fat
By: Andrew Bicknell | 21/12/2006 | Health
There is nothing worse then slowly watching you belly get bigger and bigger and your clothes getting tighter and tighter until they no longer fit. Belly fat is the cash cow of the weight loss industry because every body's health, fitness and attractiveness are judged by it. For many people...
Understand And Help Your Glucose Metabolism
By: Andrew Manifield | 05/03/2007 | Non-Fiction
Find out how your Glucose Metabolism can give you more energy.
The Difference Between Male And Female Fat Metabolism
By: Andrew Manifield | 05/03/2007 | Non-Fiction
Another battle of the sexes, find out the differences between our metabolism.
Fat metabolism is the process that breaks down the fats that are ingested into the body into glycerol and fatty acids. The glycerol and fatty acids are then broken down into even simpler substances so that they can be utilized by the cells of the body. So what does that all mean in simple, non-scientific English?
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Sensitive Skin - Is It A Medical Condition?
By: J Edmond Souaid | 08/09/2008
Contrary to what you may have heard or read, sensitive skin is not considered a medical condition.
What is Liposuction Surgery?
By: Jerry Shepard | 08/09/2008
Unfortunately for some people, diet and exercise may not be enough at a certain point to shed the last little vestige of "pudge" from their midsection or thighs, or wherever they need it to disappear from. These people increasingly turn to Liposuction surgery to get rid of the unwanted fat
Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise at Scinboutique
By: Hannah Walker | 08/09/2008
As every skin-loving woman knows - and every man should know, there is an unchallengeable three step routine that one should undergo twice a day, to ensure beautiful skin. One; cleanse the skin with a scrub or foaming cleanser, preferably not a soap. Two; wipe a toner across the skin...
What Skincare Products Do I Use For My Skin Type?
By: Lauren Masters | 08/09/2008
What type of skin do you have? Is it oily, dry or a combination of both? Do you have any skin condition such as acne, psoriasis or eczema? Are you a mature individual who isn't happy with the wrinkles, fine lines and saggy flesh that have begun to appear on...
If You Only Want the Best Skincare, Read the Product Label
By: Lauren Masters | 08/09/2008
If you are like me, you only want to use the best skincare products on your body but are confused by the myriad of products available. There are literally dozens of products that claim that they provide the best skincare available today. You try them and you are either disappointed...
Are the Natural Skincare Products That You Use Truly Safe?
By: Lauren Masters | 08/09/2008
Many people today are concerned about their health. They want to avoid serious health problems such as: obesity, heart disease and cancer so they do everything that they can to avoid these illnesses. They exercise, watch what they eat, and never smoke or drink to excess. But, even the most...
5 Reasons to Use Ceramic Curling Irons
By: Kristy Klien | 08/09/2008
It is easy for women to style their hair today with the help of the curling irons. They do not need to go to a salon to experience those sexy curls and waves. If you are a fan of curling devices, you have probably heard of the professional ceramic curling...
5 Things to Remember When Taking Care of Your Curly Hair
By: Kristy Klien | 08/09/2008
Having gorgeous curls comes with great responsibility. Taking care of curly hair is a challenge, but as soon as you embrace it, it will come naturally.
Some would say that their curly hair is already dry and frizzy, so why bother. Well, that is the nature of curly hair but...
More from Andrew Bicknell
Tips For Diabetic Cooking
By: Andrew Bicknell | 26/03/2007 | Health
If you have diabetes then it is important for you and your family members to learn some diabetic cooking techniques. Because diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to process sugar normally a diabetic must be careful with the foods they eat and how they prepare them. Learning...
How To Create A Diabetic Diet Plan
By: Andrew Bicknell | 18/03/2007 | Health
Diabetes is a very common disease and in the United States 20.8 million people or 7% of the population of both children and adults have some form of this disease. For those who have this disease it is good to know that it can be controlled with a few lifestyle...
Depression During Menopause
By: Andrew Bicknell | 11/03/2007 | Women's Issues
As women approach midlife and menopause one of the things to be on the lookout for is depression. While menopause is not thought to be a cause of depression the two can occur at the same time. What is believed to be a cause of depression is changes in estrogen...
Women, Weight Training, And Metabolism
By: Andrew Bicknell | 23/02/2007 | Women's Issues
When most women think about losing weight they usually attempt one of two options. The first is to go on a diet which involves eating fewer calories over the course of the day. The second option normally involves some form of aerobic exercise, whether it be jogging, bike riding or...
Instant Home Insurance Quotes Online
By: Andrew Bicknell | 23/02/2007 | Finance
The internet has given the average homeowner access to all sorts of information pertaining to homeowners insurance that makes getting a home insurance quotes online very easy. As you make a list of insurance providers you are interested in see if they have an online form that will allow you...
Home Contents Insurance - For Peace Of Mind
By: Andrew Bicknell | 23/02/2007 | Finance
There are many things to consider when purchasing homeowners insurance but what many people fail to look at is covering what is inside their home. The contents of any home are worth a lot, not only in a monetary sense, but it also has personal value. That's why it's important...
Buy Your Home And Auto Insurance Together And Save Money
By: Andrew Bicknell | 15/02/2007 | Home Improvement
When it comes to insurance you always want to make sure you are covered for the least amount of money. After all the less money you pay on insurance the more stays in your pocket every month. One of the easiest ways to save money on all your insurance needs...
How To Get Low Cost Home Owners Insurance
By: Andrew Bicknell | 15/02/2007 | Finance
Protecting one's home from man made and natural disasters is the primary reason for getting homeowners insurance. For most people this only makes sense because their home is their most important investment. For many people getting low cost home owners insurance is just as important as making sure that their...
Health 
