Diet to Boost Metabolism

Diet to Boost Metabolism
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If you're trying to start a new diet to lose weight, you'll need to select the right foods to speed up your metabolism. Janis Jibrin, a registered dietitian at the website Good Housekeeping, says that if you have an exceptionally slow metabolism, 1,200 calories per day with a multivitamin and some calcium supplements should suffice. Otherwise, 1,500 calories are necessary to get the proper nutrients in a day.

Significance

The website Consumer Affairs says two aspects propel metabolism. The first part, anabolism, involves the body's cells making protoplasm for maintenance and growth. The second part, catabolism, involves breaking down a substance into something simpler to create energy for your body's cells. Make sure you're eating about six small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism busy.

Eat Breakfast

Make an attempt to always eat breakfast when trying to boost your metabolism. Michele Turcotte, a registered dietitian at website Diet Channel says your body's metabolism slows down overnight because you have not been eating. If you don't eat first thing in the morning, your body will adjust to operate on less food, which is not as efficient. Also, skipping breakfast can lead to an increase in fat stores in your body, which will be used for energy later when your body is lacking important nutrients.

Foods

Certain foods are effective at speeding up your metabolism. According to the website Exercise 4 Weight Loss, oatmeal and cereals made with whole grains are sources of complex carbs and fiber that speed your metabolism by slowing your body's release of insulin. When extra insulin is being produced, more food will be stored as fat. Other good examples of foods to speed up your metabolism include dairy products such as nonfat yogurt and low-fat milk. Lean meats such as turkey, chicken and beef force your body to work harder to digest them, which burns more calories.

Workout

Mike D'Angelo, a professional personal trainer and bodybuilder, suggests working out with weights to speed up your metabolism. Weight training helps build muscle, and if you have lots of lean muscle, your body must work hard to keep that muscle. This burns calories and keeps your metabolism high. Try and incorporate an active weight training program into your diet and fitness goals.

Considerations

Make sure you're getting close to 1,500 calories per day. Too few calories will cause your body to become tired and operate less effectively. Also, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages as much as possible. Drink lots of water and don't shy away from spicier foods such as black pepper and cinnamon. Just make sure the spicy foods you eat are prepared yourself, as restaurants may put more spice than you can handle.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: Nov 3, 2010

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