Metabolism refers to a series of chemical reactions that take place at the cellular level inside your body to turn food into fuel, according to the Teens Health website. The process of metabolism is complicated, utilizing several different chemicals and elements such as your thyroid and pancreas. When most people refer to metabolism, they are speaking about basal metabolic rate, which refers to the rate at which your body burns energy. A faster metabolic rate generally means you are thinner, while a slow BMR means you may have trouble taking weight off. A teenager's metabolism is typically faster than an adult's, but many teens still have trouble with weight, and could use a metabolic boost. Consult your doctor before you attempt to increase your metabolism.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to rule out any conditions that may be slowing your metabolism, such as reduced thyroid function or insulin resistance.
Step 2
Lift weights to help build lean muscle mass. Adding muscle to your frame will help to burn more calories, even while you are at rest, according to the Jamaica Observer website. Ask about utilizing the weight room at school if it has one.
Step 3
Eat regular meals, and don't attempt to starve yourself in order to lose weight. Pack foods that boost metabolism naturally, and eat them throughout the school day. Foods such as almonds, berries, hot peppers, turkey, chicken, salmon and whole grains can all be brought to school in one form or another. Eating often will prevent your body from going into starvation mode and slowing your metabolism even further.
Step 4
Move your body more overall to increase your heart rate. An active body usually means an active metabolism. Join sports teams or clubs that require you to move. Walk, dance, play tennis, swim, play hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, jump rope or learn martial arts.
Step 5
Sleep for more hours each day, if you find you are regularly getting less than seven or eight hours per night. Lack of sleep can interfere with many bodily functions, including metabolism.
Step 6
Refrain from drinking alcohol. Aside from the legalities, it contains extra calories that you don't need when trying to increase metabolism.
Step 7
Drink more water during the day. Water hydrates your body, which makes it function more efficiently all around. It can also stave off hunger and help save you from consuming extra calories.
Step 8
Avoid eating fast food and junk food such as cookies, potato chips, chocolate and soda. Eating foods high in saturated fat and sugar will only make your sluggish metabolism worse.
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