Metabolism is the rate by at the human body consumes energy and calories. The higher the rate, the more effective the body is at burning excessive fat with the least amount of activity. There are a lot of people who would give a lot to achieve a high metabolic rate. Doing that, however, requires discipline and a change in habit. Here are 12 tips to fire up your metabolism.
Factors that affect the metabolism of a person:
- Amount of muscle tissue
- Frequency of meal consumption
- Genetics
- Stress levels
- Personal diet
- Activity levels
Factors that slows down the metabolism:
- Loss of muscle due to lack of activity
- The body cannibalize its own tissue because the supply of good food energy is not enough to sustain it
- Aging
The 12 Tips to fire up your metabolism:
1. Build lean and mean body mass.
Counter the effects of aging by burning calories and building muscles. Strength and resistance activity by working out at least twice a week is a good start
2. Eat breakfast
The ones who eat breakfast in the morning are generally thinner than the ones who do not. Metabolism can slow down considerably if the body gets a good supply of food in the morning.
3. Avoid sugar
Sugar converts into fat in the body. One should eat food that will help sustain an even level of blood sugar. Exercise progressively 2-3 times a week to stabilize blood sugar levels
4. Eat Spicy Food
Hot spicy food with pepper increases metabolism
5. Sleep more
Giving the body a lot of rest means muscles have good time to regenerate. According to research, people who do not sleep enough are at risk of gaining weight.
6. Drink plenty of water
Water flushes out toxins that are produced when the body burns fat. Lack of fluid causes the body system operations to decrease its speed, thus producing unneeded stress as a result.
7. Eat smaller meals
Consume 4-6 small meals that are timed 2 to 3 hours apart
8. Never skip meals
People tend to eat less to try and lose weight. This is a big mistake as it slows down the metabolism
9. Plan meals in detail
Always prepare the right amount of food to be consumed and set intervals. Do not make the mistake of eating meals in sporadic patterns
10. Lose the stress
Stress triggers the steroid called cortisol which decreases metabolism. Also people tend to eat a lot during stress
11. Drink plenty of green tea
Green tea stimulates metabolism and unlike coffee it has no caffeine side effects
12. Eat fruits and vegetables
Include more natural energy food sources to your diet.
A person needs to realize that healthy eating and living is not just a passing fancy, but a way of life.
This article originally appeared on TalkAboutWellBeing.com.