7 Ways To Rev-Up Your Metabolism

  Have you ever wondered why it’s so much easier for men to lose weight than woman? Or why some people can veg out all day and still only weight 95 pounds? One word - metabolism. Our metabolism is what converts what we eat into energy. This energy is either used by our body or it is converted into body fat. Some people hit the genetic jackpot and were born with fast metabolisms and then there are many people who have the metabolism of an Elephant. Even though we can’t control our gender, age or genetics there are ways we can rev-up our metabolism. Have you ever wondered why it’s so much easier for men to lose weight than woman? Or why some people can veg out all day and still only weight 95 pounds? One word - metabolism. Our metabolism is what converts what we eat into energy. This energy is either used by our body or it is converted into body fat. Some people hit the genetic jackpot and were born with fast metabolisms and then there are many people who have the metabolism of an Elephant. Even though we can’t control our gender, age or genetics there are ways we can rev-up our metabolism.

Build Muscle

A pound of muscle burns more calories than a pound of fat, even at rest. You are naturally increasing your metabolism just by having muscles - you don’t even have to do anything. You are burning more calories simply because your muscles require more energy just to maintain themselves.

A research team at Colorado State discovered that strength training will increase your metabolism for 2-15 hours after an intense workout. This causes the number of calories you burn to increase while you rest, and most of the calories you burn are from stored fat. It is exciting to know that all the hard work you put into your workouts will continue for hours afterward.

Push Yourself

High-intensity workouts will increase your resting metabolic rate compared to low or moderate workouts. Try adding a few intense aerobic classes at the gym or even short sprints while you walk or jog to increase the intensity of your workouts.

Drink More Ice Cold Water

Water alone will not speed up your metabolism but it is vital for flushing out harmful toxins and metabolizing fats. Your body needs water to assist you to burn calories. If you are even slightly dehydrated your metabolism will start to decrease.

To boost your metabolism even more, make it a cold glass of water. Your body will work extra hard to raise your body temperature. If you drink a 48-64 ounces of water each day you could lose an additional 10 pounds per year.

Rather than reaching for potato chips or pretzels munch on, grab some fruits and vegetables - they are full of water.

Eat Frequently

When you miss a meal your body starts to go into into survival or starvation mode and starts to conserve energy, slowing down your metabolism. Eating every 3-4 hours keeps your metabolism running and it provides you with consistent energy and you burn more calories throughout the day.

Oddly enough eating is the single most important thing to maintain a healthy metabolism. When you eat big meals with many hours in between you are training your metabolism to slow down. Studies show that individuals who snack regularly eat less at meal time. Just make sure you are eating healthy snacks in between your meals.

Spice it Up!

Cayenne pepper, curry and chili powders not only “Spice Up” your favorite dishes but they will also ”Up” your metabolism. The spiciness will elevate your body temperature and make your heart beat faster, increasing your metabolism and the amount of calories you burn.

Spicy foods will indeed boost your metabolism but the Capsaicin also helps control your appetite. Spicy foods are more satiating than bland food - you can eat less of it and still feel full. The heat of spices will actually stimulate brain chemicals that signal fullness.

Drink Oolong and Green Tea

The benefits of green tea and oolong tea are limitless but many studies suggest that by drinking two cups of either of these teas each day will significantly boost your metabolism without raising your blood pressure or heart rate unlike coffee. The polyphenol content of green tea supplies the body with fuel to boost the fat burning process, it also has a significant effect on fat oxidation.

Magnesium and B Vitamins

Inadequate amounts of Vitamins B6 and B12 will leave you feeling sluggish and depressed which will slow down your metabolism and increase your risk for chronic diseases.

Magnesium is crucial for muscle, nerve, and heart function, protein synthesis and energy. Foods rich in magnesium will give your metabolism a significant boost.

By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine your metabolism will continue to accelerate and the benefits will be perpetual.

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