Metabolism, or basal metabolic rate (BMR), is the process by which the human body converts food into the energy that powers the muscles, cells and organs. Several factors contribute to the efficiency of your BMR, including your muscle-to-fat ratio, your diet and even your lifestyle. If you're on a liquid diet and still consume more calories than your body uses, you might experience weight gain. But there are steps you can take to boost your metabolism without eating solids.
Step 1
Start or increase an aerobic exercise routine. Not only will you burn calories during a workout, you will raise your BMR as your body adjusts to the new, healthier you. Begin any exercise regime slowly and gradually build up to a more intense workout. If you're unfamiliar with exercise, have an initial physical exam by your doctor, then start with a short daily walk, adding distance and speed as your body adapts.
Step 2
Lift weights. Muscles burn more energy than fat does, so strength training that increases muscle mass also will boost metabolism. Work individual muscle groups no more than every other day; that allows the muscle to rest between workouts. For instance, if you work your legs one day, work your arms the next day.
Step 3
Increase your daily movement. Whether your job involves sitting at a desk or driving a delivery van, you can increase your metabolism by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking a block farther away from work. When you add movement frequently during the day, your metabolism adjusts to your new activity level.
Step 4
Drink sufficient nutrients to fuel an increased metabolism. Since you're not eating solids, you must get all your vitamins and protein from your liquid diet. Juicing is an effective way to extract the healthiest part of vegetables and fruits for quick digestion and absorption. Be aware that if you don't get enough nutrition, your metabolism will slow down to conserve energy.
Step 5
Pay attention to the sugar content in your liquid diet. Sugar easily converts to fat in the body, so avoid sugary drinks. Consuming a liquid diet high in sugars could undermine your metabolism, as your BMR switches to fat-storing mode.
Step 6
Spice it up. Add hot Mexican or Thai spices to your vegetable-based liquid drinks to encourage a sluggish metabolism to kick into high gear. Including hot pepper in your juicing routine can heat up your BMR.
Step 7
Stay hydrated. Since you're not eating solids, you already consume your nutrients in liquid form, but that's not enough. Drink plenty of pure water daily to help your body flush away toxins. In addition, your BMR may increase slightly when you drink cold water, as your body warms the liquid in your stomach.
Tips and Warnings
- Get plenty of sleep and avoid stress. Lack of sleep can lower your metabolism, and anxiety might cause your body to produce cortisol, a steroid that slows metabolism.
- Make sure you're getting all the calories you need from liquids if you're not eating solids.
