Photograph by Thomas Barwick/Getty ImagesEmbrace Apple Cider Vinegar
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Apple cider vinegar may be touted as the ultimate cure-all, and it does play a role in metabolism. Made from fermented apples, the benefits of apple cider vinegar may be in its ability to improve gut bacteria, again altering your metabolic rate. Some studies investigating apple cider vinegar show improvement in blood sugar levels and reversal of fatty liver. Try adding apple cider vinegar to your daily diet by sprinkling it on salads or drinking a few ounces diluted in water.
Drink Water
Nothing improves the digestive process and metabolism like water, but it is the one piece of the weight equation that everyone forgets. Drinking water improves digestion, keeps us full, and prevents the overeating that is often from dehydration, not hunger. Aim for at least 50 ounces of water per day, but try for closer to 80 ounces if you are an avid exerciser.
More: 19 Ways to Give Up Sugar
Drink Tea
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Sipping on warm green tea is an easy way to boost your metabolism. Green tea, in some studies, increased energy expenditure and fat metabolism, helping with weight loss. The fat-burning properties of green tea are due to the high concentration of catechins, a family of powerful antioxidants. Add 3 cups of green tea to your day to help burn stubborn belly fat and boost your metabolic rate.
More: The 21 Hottest Hormone Foods
Fast
It may be surprising to think that fasting can help your metabolism, but short fasts allow time for the digestive process to rest and "clean house." Consider cutting off eating by 7 PM and not eating again until the following morning at 7 AM. This 12-hour fast helps prepare your belly for another round of food, helping digestion, which ultimately impacts your metabolic rate.
Sleep
Sleep affects your metabolic rate. Sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours per night helps to balance the hormones involved in appetite regulation and keeps insulin, the master hormone of metabolism, regulated. Without consistent sleep, this delicate hormone balance is disrupted and metabolism slows down.
More: 5 Signs of Hormone Havoc
Move
We cannot have a conversation about metabolism without discussing movement. I think we all fall into the trap of thinking that an hour-long, intense workout is the only way to boost metabolism. Instead, move throughout the day; walk, take stairs, take breaks from that computer. Make your workouts efficient by adding weight training, varying and challenging your heart rate, and changing your workout.
Use these quick tips to boost your metabolism, lose weight, and feel amazing in the new year!
The article "7 Essential Metabolism Boosters" originally ran on RodaleWellness.com.
