If you are looking to lose weight, one of the key things to consider is the your metabolism. The speed of your metabolism has to do with how quickly and efficiently food is converted into waste or food energy, and slow metabolism may be to blame for many people with weight loss problems. Fortunately with a bit of exercise and the right foods in your diet, it is possible to get your metabolism back up to par and start burning more calories than ever before.
Cold Water
Women's Health magazine recommends starting out the day with a cold glass of water. It cites research from the University of Utah that finds that those who drank eight to 12 glasses of water per day had higher metabolic rates than those who drank four glasses or less per day. Start guzzling water first thing in the morning to kick-start your metabolism properly.
Breakfast Foods
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for someone looking to speed up his metabolism. Think of it like adding fuel to a fire: it is much easier to throw small bits of wood on a fire and keep it going than to have to start a new fire from scratch three or four times a day. This is the case with your metabolism; breakfast gets your metabolism going and eating several smaller meals throughout the day can help keep your metabolism going, too.
Whey Protein
My Fit recommends whey protein as a way to speed metabolism. Not only can it replace a meal that may be much less healthy, it can also leave you feeling fuller, longer. Whey protein serves as a great snack in between meals, which helps to keep the metabolism spiked as well. Opt for five to six small meals per day starting with breakfast and make one or two of them whey protein shakes.
Other Protein-Rich Foods
While whey protein is great as an in-between meal replacement, Gaiam reports that other protein-rich foods can also have positive effects on your metabolism as well. Eggs in any form are great sources of protein, but hard-boiled eggs are great for healthy eaters on-the-go. Lean meats like fish and chicken are also great sources of protein and excellent foods for boosting the metabolism.
Caffeinated Coffee
Although loading your mug with cream and sugar can defeat the positive health benefits of coffee, Women's Health reports that a cup of Joe can have positive effects on your metabolism. The magazine cites a study published in the medical journal "Physiology and Behavior" that found that those who drank coffee with caffeine had 16 percent higher metabolic rates than those who did not. This is because it stimulates the central nervous system, which can speed up the metabolism. It can also give you the short-term boost of energy you need to get through your morning as well.
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