How to Boost Your Metabolism
It’s the beginning of the year, and this means it’s time for a fresh start. What’s more, you may want to be healthier because of the Covid pandemic.
For many of us, that means looking towards eating better, exercising, and perhaps even losing a little bit of weight.
With weight-loss on the brain, you may wonder how to boost your metabolism, and if it’s even possible. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to change your metabolism.
What Exactly is Metabolism?
Before we look at how to boost it, let’s take a look at just what it is.
According to the Mayo Clinic, metabolism is defined as the bodily processes needed to maintain life.
Yet, when you hear people use the word “metabolism,” they’re usually talking about their weight-loss issues. While it does affect your ability to manage your weight, your diet and exercise levels have a much bigger impact.
Here are a few quick metabolism facts:
- Your metabolism turns the food you eat into the energy your body needs. It’s a vital process for all living things, including humans.
- Medications can affect your metabolism either speeding it up or slowing it down.
- Eating breakfast every day can jump start your metabolism.
- Rapid weight-loss can slow your metabolism because it takes less energy for your body to function at a lower weight.
- Age can slow your metabolism. Generally as you age you gain fat and lose muscle. Some people also become less active. However, you can do the opposite and take on more physical activity to make up for your slower metabolism.
The important take-away here is that you can help your metabolism and your odds of weight-loss success by changing the balance between what you eat and how much you burn off through exercise.
So, you can boost your metabolism by eating healthier and exercising more – basic lifestyle changes can help. Let’s look at some specific ways to boost metabolism.
Eat Healthy at the Right Time
A healthy breakfast is a must. Don’t put your body into survival mode by depriving it. When you are hungry, your body reacts by slowing down and adding fat to conserve energy.
In fact, people who skip breakfast are more likely to be obese than those who don’t.
You also want to eat several small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism churning – think protein, fruits, veggies, and complex carbohydrates.
Drink Your Coffee
Along with breakfast, it’s okay to have your cup of coffee. Studies have found that people who drink coffee with caffeine have a higher metabolic rate than those who don’t. Why? Coffee stimulates your body.
Drink Green Tea
All you have to do is search for green tea online, and you’re met with a myriad of benefits. You might be happily surprised to find out that green tea contains a compound that promotes fat burning.
Drink at least three cups a day to notice the benefit.
Eat Organic
Pesticides in your fruit and vegetables can adversely affect your metabolism and cause weight gain.
If you can’t afford to go completely organic, make sure you are at least buying the dirty dozen organically:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Sweet Bell Peppers
Exercise More
Increase your activity and exercise levels, and you’ll boost your metabolism. Of course, you already know the major benefits of exercise, and this is just another one!
Try stepping up to a higher intensity workout several days a week. Consider parking farther away at work and the grocery store so you get in more steps. If you sit for work, get up every hour and walk around.
Final Thoughts on Metabolism
You can do this. It is possible. The key is to eat healthier and exercise more. Do these things, and you’ll find your metabolism is working for you instead of against you.
Finally, consider adding a hot tub to your life. Spending time in a hot tub makes you feel better every day. You’ll stress less, have time to relax, and enjoy more time with family. Plus, when you soak in a hot tub, you can soak away all the sore muscles and joints from your extra bouts of exercise!
Come see us today and let us find you the perfect hot tub!
