Energy is needed to do everything from easy tasks like tying your shoes to hard tasks like shoveling a driveway after a blizzard. Metabolism is the chemical reactions that the body goes through to use calories for energy. This also includes bodily functions, such as breathing, thinking, digesting food and wound healing. Both energy and metabolism can be boosted naturally.
Multiple Meals
When you eat a big meal and then do not eat again for a long period of time, a number of things are likely to happen. You are going to store excess calories; you are going to become hungry; and your metabolism is going to be in reverse. To kickstart your metabolism, eat a balanced meal every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day. Not only will this increase your metabolic rate, but it will also keep you from overeating and give you sustained energy levels. Make sure these meals are made up of nutrient dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Foods that are high in sugar will do nothing but give you a quick burst of energy and then put you to sleep shortly after. Examples of balanced meals are a chicken breast on a salad, a whole pita with low-fat cheese and tomato, celery stalks with almond butter and a banana with half a handful of walnuts.
Breakfast
Breakfast is heralded as the most important meal of the day and for good reason. After you come out of a seven-plus hour sleep, your stomach is empty and it needs fuel to give you energy. Oblige this request and have a bowl of oatmeal, shredded wheat, yogurt or just grab a granola bar if you are in a rush. This can be the first of your multiple meals. It can kickstart your metabolism and give you energy in one fell swoop.
Exercise
Exercise can be used as an energy and metabolism booster in two different ways. If it is the middle of the day and you are feeling sluggish, go for a 10 to 15 minute power walk. This will get the blood pumping and give you a generous endorphin rush to elevate your mood as an added benefit.
Performing weight training exercises can help increase your muscle mass. Muscle is metabolically active so your body will burn more calories just keeping it maintained. Do exercises that work all the major muscle groups like bench presses, military presses, back rows, tricep pushdowns, bicep curls and lunges.
Sleep
Sleep is an unsung hero when it comes to both energy and metabolism. If you are deprived of it, you are not going to be able to perform at full capacity and you will constantly feel lethargic. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, as this is the recommended amount set forth by the Centers for Disease Control.
Stress Reduction
If you are overly stressed, this can take its toll on on your energy levels and also prevent you from sleeping soundly. Reduce your stress levels by partaking in deep breathing, yoga or Tai Chi.
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