To paraphrase Merriam-Webster, your basal metabolism is the amount of energy your body burns while at rest. This is the amount of calories needed to run all the basic functions of your body, such as breathing, circulation and digestion. Your basal metabolism is determined by a number of factors, including your age, sex and body composition. According to MayoClinic.com, men tend to have more muscle and less fat than women, so they burn more calories even at rest. Also, since people lose muscle as they age, their metabolism slows down.
Step 1
Exercise regularly. According to The Diet Channel, exercising boosts your metabolism not only during the actual activity period, but also for some time afterward. Any type of activity will do, but weight training is especially helpful because it builds muscle and more muscle means metabolism will increase. Try to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Do weight training two to three times per week.
Step 2
Eat spicy food. According to registered dietitian Susie Langley, chilies can help speed up your metabolism and help you burn fat. As your body heats up from the spices, it will burn more calories. The effect can last for several hours after a meal.
Step 3
Eat often. According to registered dietitian Brenda Arychuk, skipping meals makes your body store calories, rather than burning them. Instead, aim to eat every three to four hours. Since your body needs to work to process the food, it will get your metabolism going. Try to eat the largest amount of calories early in the day when you're the most active.
Step 4
Drink lots of water. According to "Best Health" Magazine, if you're dehydrated, your metabolism slows down to protect whatever water is in your body. Drink more and your whole body wakes up. If you don't like water, any non-caffeinated drink will do including herbal teas, seltzer water and vegetable or fruit juices.
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