Healthy Ways to Boost Metabolism

There are many healthy ways to boost metabolism. You do not need drugs or supplements to burn calories more efficiently. All you need to do is alter your lifestyle a bit. With a little discipline and hard work, you can prevent yourself from gaining weight and keep your body running efficiently.

Lift Weights

Muscle requires plenty of calories to function and maintain. The more muscle you have, the better your metabolism runs. Lifting weights three times per week can significantly boost your metabolism. You do not need to be a bodybuilder. Just keep your muscles strong and lean.

Sprint

High-intensity exercise bursts over a short period of time have been shown to boost metabolism. This can be accomplished through exercises such as wind sprints and hard games of pickup basketball. The key is to get your heart rate up. Your body continues to burn calories and fat long after you have finished your workout. Exercise at least 30 minutes at least three times per week.

Water

Water boosts your metabolism by keeping the food-burning process moving. When you are hydrated, your body is efficient. When you are dehydrated, your body slows down, leading to fat retention. Drink at least 64 oz. of water per day. A glass of water before a meal encourages you to eat less.

Eat More Meals

Eating smaller meals more frequently boosts your metabolism. When you eat large meals less frequently, your body learns to slow your metabolism and store energy. Eating every three or four hours forces your body to be in a constant state of burning calories.

Green Tea

Green tea gives a boost to your metabolism with caffeine and catechins. Both keep your metabolism moving along without any major negative side effects. Drinking between two and four cups per day will help you burn off about 50 calories. That may not sound like much, but it can add up to an extra 5 lbs. lost per year.

Protein

Eat more lean protein to boost your metabolism. When your body digests protein, it uses about twice as many calories than when digesting fat and carbohydrates. Eating lean protein sources such as fish, eggs, skim milk, beans, chicken and lean beef raises your metabolism.

Sleep

A good night's sleep can boost your metabolism by keeping your brain running correctly. When you don't sleep enough, your body produces less of a hormone called leptin. Leptin tells your brain that you have eaten enough. The less you sleep, the more likely you will overeat. Adults should get at least eight hours of sleep per night.

References

Last updated on: Oct 27, 2009

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