If you are trying to manage your weight and don’t know how to speed up your metabolism – or you don’t know the benefits of doing so – then you’re missing out on one of the best ways to lose weight.
Your metabolism is the process your body goes through to convert food energy (calories) into the energy it needs to perform all its functions.
Each one of us has a different metabolic rate, which is the amount of energy your body burns to perform basic functions like keeping your heart pumping, breathing and growing your finger nails.
Slow Metabolism is No Excuse
While your metabolic rate depends on a number of factors, including your body size, whether you’re a man or woman (sorry ladies, men generally have a higher metabolic rate) and your age, blaming extra weight on a ‘slow metabolism’ is not a valid excuse.
Everyone can speed up their metabolism to burn more energy and reduce the number of calories their bodies store as fat. And the good news is lots of easy ways to do so:
- Drink – Water, coffee and tea. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is shown to increase your metabolic rate. And if you drink it cold, you’ll burn a few more calories as your body heats up the water.
According to a variety of studies, the caffeine in coffee and tea can increase your basic metabolic rate by 5% to 15%. But remember – everything in moderation. Also, try to use low-fat or skim milk and avoid sugar. - Eat – Avoiding breakfast or any other meal, in hopes that reducing the amount of food you eat will reduce your weight, can easily have the opposite effect. When you skip meals, you may not get all the nutrients and energy your body needs. You risk triggering your body’s ‘starvation’ defense mechanism, which slows down your metabolism to conserve energy. It means that, despite eating less, you might still consume more calories than you burn.
- Exercise – We’re not talking about gym memberships and a wardrobe of unflattering clothing. We’re talking about almost any increase in physical activity.
Exercising is like stepping on the gas pedal in a car. When you do, you immediately burn more energy, but the benefit continues after you take the foot off the pedal and your car continues to roll.
Even a short walk can get your heart rate up, your blood flowing and increase your breathing, all of which will continue – and continue to burn calories – long after you finish your walk.
The most important part of any weight management program, including increasing your metabolism, is to keep at it and don’t give up – even if you don’t see short-term results.
We all need help and support to achieve a healthier weight. The nutrition consultants at your local Herbal One Centre are ready to answer your questions and offer helpful advice.