The process through which your body converts food into energy is called metabolism, which is governed by the production of thyroid hormones. According to the Mayo Clinic, metabolism rarely plays a role in weight gain. Instead, calorie intake and output play much more significant roles in weight gain and loss. Between 60 and 75 percent of the calories you burn each day are metabolized through body functions such as digesting and breathing. Physical activity is the most effective way to increase energy use and burn more calories. At the same time, changes in your diet can help to boost your metabolism and diets can reduce the symptoms of thyroid diseases that can affect metabolism functioning.
Breakfast
Eating a breakfast loaded with complex carbohydrates and protein is vital to maintaining a healthy and strong metabolism during the day. According to My Fit, insulin and lipton levels are very low upon waking after seven or eight hours of fasting. The two hormones play an integral role in how quickly your food is turned into energy. Eat a breakfast immediately upon waking to boost these essential hormones and get your body in gear. Effective breakfast foods to increase metabolism include oatmeal, whole-grain toast or cereal and eggs.
Eat Often
A diet that includes an average of six small meals a day can help to maintain high metabolism levels after a hearty breakfast. According to Consumer Affairs, although you need to follow your calorie budget to either maintain your current weight or lose excess weight, you should split up the total calorie intake. Skipping meals causes your body to slow down its metabolism to reserve energy stores. Continual eating throughout the day keeps energy levels high and metabolism buzzing. Consistency is vital to train your body to exist at increased metabolic rates.
Selenium-Rich Diet
Selenium is a mineral that affects thyroid function and may help to maintain a healthy metabolism. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, only small amounts of the trace mineral are required for optimum health. A diet with selenium-rich foods is usually adequate to provide enough of the nutrient to stabilize metabolism and provide efficient thyroid functioning. One of the best sources of selenium is Brazil nuts; 1 oz of dried Brazil nuts provides 780 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance. Other good sources of selenium include tuna fish, beef, chicken and eggs.
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