Metabolism is the process that converts the food you eat into the energy necessary to maintain the health and vitality of your body. Diet, lifestyle and heredity all play a role in the metabolic process, and the ratio of body fat to muscle tissue directly affects the rate at which your body burns calories. Pound for pound, muscle burns considerably more calories than fat, and people who are more muscular tend to have a faster metabolism. People who have difficulty losing weight often have a higher percentage of body fat and a slower metabolism.
Step 1
Ask your doctor or nutritionist about the benefits of taking Resveratrol, the phytonutrient found in grape skins, berries and peanuts. Resveratrol increases endurance by helping muscles to use oxygen more efficiently and may help to increase your metabolism.
Step 2
Avoid eating foods that raise your blood sugar too rapidly. Empty carbohydrates cause a spike in your blood sugar that increases the release of insulin and causes your metabolism to slow and store fat. Substitute whole grains for white breads and avoid other refined foods.
Step 3
Snack on goji berries. Goji berries contain amino acids, the building blocks of proteins which may help to suppress your appetite. Try small amounts of dark chocolate and nuts to replace sugary snacks.
Step 4
Keep a glass of water beside you at all times. The metabolic process requires water to function and is less efficient when you are dehydrated. Add a slice of lemon or lime for added benefits.
Step 5
Replace fruit juices and carbonated beverages with green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, substances believed to increase the metabolism. Ask an herbalist if green tea supplements are appropriate for your needs.
Tips and Warnings
- Calculate your Basic Metabolic Rate, or BMR, to help you determine the amount of food and exercise you require to maintain or increase your metabolism.
- Over-the-counter "natural" remedies that promise to speed your metabolism may contain ingredients that can cause serious side effects. Always consult with your doctor before taking any such substances.
References
- Fitness: Resveratrol -- The New Weight-Loss Supplement?
- Facts About Metabolism: Is It Possible To Increase Your Metabolism Naturally?
- Helpquide.org: Eating Right To Look And Feel Your Best
- Natural News: Boost Metabolism Naturally
- Natural News: Resveratrol Revs Up Metabolism, Promotes Weight Loss In First Ever Primate Study
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