4 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Metabolism is, simply put, the process of breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to yield the energy your body needs to maintain itself.

The plain old, ugly truth of it is that as we get older, it slows down. The rate of your metabolism depends on the interaction between the number of calories you consume, the number of calories you burn while eating and exercising, and the calories you burn based on your individual genetic makeup.

What do we equate metabolism with? Well… weight loss of course. So, although we can't turn back the clock (and don’t you know I have tried!), the good news is that there are some really great things you can do to rev up your metabolism!

Sing the Strength Training Strong Song
The payoff for all your sweating and grunting while using the weights in the gym is that muscle works more efficiently than fat. Strength-training can help boost metabolism by as much as 10% in 12 weeks by rebuilding muscle. Even better is that for each extra pound of muscle you carry, you can burn up to 50 additional calories just for that muscle to maintain itself -- and with no effort on your part. No work and burn calories - is there anything better than that?

Eat Frequently, Not Like Every Meal Is Your Last
Research from Georgia State University shows that people who eat every 3 to 4 hours have less body fat and faster metabolisms than those who eat only 2 or 3 meals per day. Now what does that mean exactly? No, not munching mindlessly. Make healthy choices that include lean proteins, fiber and iron enriched foods like wholesome veggies, but remember we’re not talking family style portions either. Focus on smaller more proactive meals vs. large meals that are overindulgent. Think about what you are eating before randomly eating it, and make it count.

Water, Water Everywhere and Use It to Drink
The body needs water to function… metabolism included. It is similar to food. If you do not provide enough water, the body goes into starvation mode and “hoards” what it has, thereby slowing metabolism. Recommended amounts… well, that can vary based on your weight, as well as things like activity levels and possible medical conditions. Basic research advises that you divide your weight in ½ and that is the amount of water in ounces you should consume each day. For example, 150 pounds = 75 ounces…so drink up people!

Feel Free to Move About The Cabin
Never sit when you can stand…never stand when you can walk…making “movement” choices throughout the day can help burn extra calories and bring your metabolism out of a slump. So stop heading in the other direction of the stairs and start heading toward them.

The Absolute Sure Fire Answer IS…
It doesn’t exist…believe me if it did…one of my clients would have already found it. Increasing your metabolism is work but well worth it, and it does require conscious decisions everyday. There are no magic foods, pills, exercises or diets. And even if there are types of foods like caffeine than can give your metabolism a jolt, they are short-lived and should still be used in conjunction with the factors above.

Lastly, genetics play a role in much of who we are. When it comes to metabolism, predisposition only equates to about 5% of the metabolism rate we have in each of us…that leaves a whopping 95% we have control over. Certainly a big enough amount to take charge of!