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  • By Cliff Walsh


    Your metabolism is a key driver of your weight and ability to lose unwanted weight. Most overweight people think they just naturally have a slow metabolism. Some people actually do while others are operating below their peak rates and just don't know there are things they can do to kick start their metabolic rates. This article will provide many important steps you can take to get your metabolism working in high gear.

    While genes and age impact everyone's metabolism, a substantial amount of our metabolic rate is under our own control. These action steps are the focus of this article, which are research based and all natural ways to boost your metabolism.

    Lean protein is a huge piece of the puzzle when looking to boost metabolism. The body uses more calories to break down and use the energy from protein more than fat or carbohydrates, by a wide margin. This rate can be as high as 30% while carbohydrates are between 5% and 10% and fates are below 5%. I recommend eating one gram of protein per pound of body weight in order to really rev up your metabolic rate.

    Proper hydration is also key in aiding digestion. With our bodies made up of nearly two-thirds water, it is not beyond reason to think that dehydration can inhibit most bodily functions, including metabolism. Research has shown that drinking more water burns more calories. I recommend one ounce per pound of body weight plus eight ounces per fifteen minutes of exercise. If you want a kicker, drink ice water. This is because of the thermo effect of food/drink. It takes extra calories to warm up cold water in your body.

    Smaller, more frequent meals can also play a key role. I recommend six meals per day. Your body will burn more calories by kickstarting the digestion process more frequently throughout the day. It is also important to try to eat a serving of protein with every meal. Consistency is also key. Eating six meals one day and three the next can impact your metabolic rate. Skipping meals is dangerous for your metabolism. It is important to eat a high protein meal early in the morning to get your metabolism running again after a night of fasting.

    Eating whole foods is highly recommended as opposed to those that are processed with chemicals and heavy in fat, sodium, and sweeteners. If you do include processed foods in your daily diet, I recommend always reading your food labels so that you are aware of exactly what is in your foods. You would be surprised by some of the dangerous chemicals that are approved for use in our food supply. Some of these can inhibit your metabolism or lead to overeating. It's best to avoid highly-refined foods.

    Muscle and exercise play a huge part in your metabolic rate. Muscle burns more calories than fat on your body. Also, weight lifting can be very metabolic, sometimes boosting your rate for up to 48 hours. In order to do this, it is important to push yourself to failure on each exercise, choosing a weight that will drive you to failure before 12 reps with 8 to 10 reps being ideal. HIIT or high-intensity interval training is also a great cardio method to boost your metabolic rate. Thirty seconds to a minute of sprinting followed by up to a minute of jogging or walking can really rev up your metabolism in 20 to 30 minutes.

    If you want your metabolism, brain, and overall body to function at its best, it is important to get a good night's sleep. Although sleep may not impact metabolism directly, a lack of it can cause you to crave unhealthy foods and skip workouts. Get the proper rest.

    There are other things you can add to your diet that can aid in boosting your metabolism. In addition to protein intake, unsaturated (healthy) fats help, as do spicy foods, green tea, and caffeine. Quick fixes rarely work.




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