10 Easy Ways to Fire Up Your Metabolism

By: Kim Archer.

If you've been trying to lose weight and are having trouble, a sluggish metabolism might be to blame.

Metabolism is a complicated process that converts calories in what you eat to energy. If your metabolism is high you'll lose weight more easily than someone with low metabolism will, even if you both take in the same amount of energy in the form of calories.

Generally speaking, if you're stuck with a low metabolism, you'll never be able to eat as much as your skinny friend with a high metabolism without gaining weight. That being said, there are things you can do to speed up your metabolic rate and get you over the hump towards continued weight loss.

Here are 10 ways to increase your metabolism:

1. Exercise. This is the most effective way you can raise your metabolism. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, even when you're doing "nothing." This is because muscle burns more calories and fat even when you're resting. Work out with weights at least twice a week, and do 30 minutes a day of cardiovascular exercise. Go for a walk, take a quick jog on the treadmill or visit your local gym and do some cross training. There also easy and nearly effortless ways to increase your exercise, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from your office building, or even doing some fast paced housecleaning.

2. Eat small meals. If you eat four to six small meals a day instead of three big ones, your metabolism will stay in the high range and you won't have a chance to pack away extra calories in the form of fat.

3. Don't skip meals. In fact, if you skip meals, you're more likely to gain weight than lose it. Skipping meals will make your body's metabolism slow down, because it thinks you're starving. Instead, follow tip two and eat several small meals a day.

4. Eat more whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. These foods help to keep your metabolism on an even keel.

5. Add some spice to your life. Spicy foods like cayenne and curry have been shown to increase metabolism.

6. Cut back on sugar. High blood sugar levels cause you to store more food as fat.

7. Increase your water intake. When you burn fat, you release stored toxins. Water helps you flush those toxins out and can also help you lose weight.

8. Drink green tea. Green tea can speed up your metabolism and also is high in antioxidants, which are beneficial additions to your diet.

9. Get more sleep. Studies have shown an association between a lack of sleep and increased weight.

10. Lower your stress levels. As with not getting enough sleep (a major contributor to stress), stress can cause your cortisol levels to increase, which in turn can make you gain weight.

Remember that on any weight loss program, the occasional plateau is normal. So if the scale doesn't budge on occasion, don't give up. Follow the tips above to give your metabolism a boost so that you keep burning calories and continue on to your weight loss goals. Remember that eating well and exercising are permanent changes you're making, not just something quick you do to lose some weight. It's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

If you've been trying to lose weight and are having trouble, a sluggish metabolism might be to blame.

About the Author:
Kim Archer writes about women's wellness. She is publisher of The Internet Spa, where you'll find up-to-date information to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Tags: weight loss, weight loss, diet

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