Saturday, May 3, 2008

How to Boost Your Metabolism

One reason why someone may be overweight is that their metabolism is lower than it should be. A person’s metabolism is the rate at which his or her body burns calories to perform all of its activities, including breathing, digestion, and circulation. A person’s metabolism can be affected by such factors as age, gender, genetics, stress, and the amount of exercise the person gets. People with more lean muscle mass generally have a higher metabolism.

If you want to burn fat more efficiently, you need to boost your metabolism. There are a number of ways that this goal can be achieved. Please continue reading to learn more:

Exercise
By exercising regularly, a person sheds fat and builds up lean muscle mass. Lean muscle burns more calories than a similar amount of fat, even when the person is at rest. Both cardio and weight training should be included in an exercise routine. Something as simple as taking the stairs instead of using an elevator or taking a brisk walk will help you boost your metabolism.

Eat Breakfast
It’s important to start off your day by eating something. If you make a point of eating in the morning, you will be giving your metabolism a boost that will carry you through your day. If you don’t have time or want to sit down to a large meal, try a smoothie. Some people on the go grab a cereal bar, a bagel, or a low-fat muffin. Add some cheese, a container of milk, and a piece of fruit for a balanced breakfast.

Cut Down on Sugar
Be aware that processed foods and soft drinks contain a large amount of sugar. Do choose raw foods more often. Keep in mind that carbohydrates keep your blood-sugar levels constant; refined sugars cause your blood-sugar levels to spike quickly and then drop off.

Eat Regularly
Instead of eating three large meals each day, do eat smaller meals more often. By adopting this tactic, you will give your body a steady supply of energy. You will also be less likely to start binge eating.

Drink Green Tea
Green tea is known to boost a person’s metabolism. This comforting drink does not flood the body with caffeine and can be enjoyed anytime.

Get Enough Rest
A lot of us don’t get enough rest at night. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. You need this time for your body to rest and repair itself. If you are tired, you are more likely to consume more sugar and caffeine.

Drink Water
Your body will work more efficiently if you are well hydrated. By consuming the recommended eight glasses of water per day, your kidneys will be working properly. Your liver can then focus on flushing fat from your body.

The secret to boosting your metabolism lies in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough rest. If you do all these things, your metabolism will start to work at a higher efficiency, making it easier for you to lose weight and keep it off.

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