Metabolism is the rate at which our bodies consume energy from calories. Each of us has a different metabolism, depending on our lifestyle, our activity levels, our weight, age and, of course, genetics. Metabolism decreases as we age, gain weight and fail to exercise. Increasing metabolism, regardless of how old we are, can be done.
Step 1
Increase your level of daily exercise. One way to kick up our metabolism is to get moving. Our bodies consume calories during the day even when we are sitting, sleeping and eating. To increase the speed at which our bodies consumes those calories, you have to increase your activity level. Exercising for 30 minutes to 1 hour a day can substantially boost metabolism in a short period of time.
Step 2
Eat breakfast, even if it is a small one. The body does not really like to kick in and start burning calories until it knows its going to be fed. A breakfast of oatmeal or one containing yogurt and fresh fruit is just the ticket to get the metabolism kick started every morning.
Step 3
Lift weights to build lean muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat. Lift weights at home, using a simple set of dumbbells in 5-, 8-, 10- or 12-lb. increments for women, and 8-, 10-, 12- and 15-lb. increments for men. Adding weight lifting exercise to your exercise program will give your metabolism a boost and start you burning calories faster and more efficiently.
Step 4
Sleep. Believe it or not, adequate amounts of sleep can boost the metabolism. Research studies conducted by the University of Chicago notes that women who got 8 hours of sleep a night had a faster metabolic rate than those who only got 4 hours.
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