The best thing you can do for your metabolism is eat, according to Weight Loss Resources. Skipping meals, avoiding breakfast and crash dieting will all slow down your metabolism in the long run. Instead, focus on changing the way you eat and start moving more. Exercise increases metabolism, especially if you add weight training to the mix.
Step 1
Eat small, frequent meals. According to the website Weight Loss Resources, your body burns calories just by digesting and processing food, so the more often you eat, the more calories you'll burn throughout the day. Aim for five to six small meals a day spread out throughout the day at regular intervals.
Step 2
Include protein in each meal. According to the fitness and nutrition website Myfit.ca, proteins keep you fuller for longer and are slower to digest, forcing your body to work harder and causing your metabolism to speed up. Lean proteins such as chicken, fish and turkey have fewer calories than fattier meats. If you're eating dairy, stick to low-fat to get the benefits without the extra calories.
Step 3
Eat a small handful of almonds every day. According to MyFit, they contain essential fatty acids, which can help increase your metabolism. They're also high in fat, which means they will keep you full for longer. Don't eat more than a handful a day, though, to avoid increasing your calorie count too much. Extra virgin olive oil is another good source of omega 3 fatty acids, as is fish.
Step 4
Add hot spices to your meals. According to an article in the New York Times, capsaicin, the compound that makes red chili peppers hot, can increase your metabolism by up to eight percent for several hours after eating a spicy meal. While the metabolic kick is temporary, hot spices also seem to have the added benefit of acting as an appetite suppressant, research suggests.
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