Age, genetics, gender and body composition are all factors that play a part in your metabolic rate. These factors are out of your control when it comes to trying to boost your metabolism. You can't alter the rate at which your body uses calories, but you can boost your metabolism, bringing it out of starvation mode, to start your day off burning calories.
Boosting Your Metabolism
Although your metabolism runs continuously, it goes through periods where it speeds up and slows down. While you sleep your metabolism is running to keep your body functioning, but your body believes it is "fasting." During this state your body tries to conserve and store as many calories as it can. Your body will stay in this state until you eat again. If you eat breakfast within an hour or two of waking up you then start up your metabolism. Your body is no longer worried it is fasting so it begins to function normally.
Importance of Breakfast
Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. In fact, not eating breakfast may cause you to gain weight. If you don't eat breakfast, you're more likely to consume more and larger portions throughout the day. Breakfast is a great way to get your energy up for the day. With an energy boost you'll be able to concentrate more fully and feel more motivated to work out.
How Breakfast Affects Other Meals
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day for a reason. What you eat in the morning has a big impact on what you eat for the rest of the day. People who eat breakfast fill up more quickly at other meals during the day. Breakfast eaters are also less likely to snack throughout the evening. Eating a good breakfast will help you manage your diet throughout the day.
Quick Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast doesn't have to take all morning to prepare. Yogurt parfaits are quick and easy to make. Breakfast wraps can be prepared either in the morning or the evening before. Smoothies are a nutritious breakfast that also travels well.
References
- ClevelandClinic.org: 10 Breakfasts Under 10 Minutes
- FitnessMagazine.com: No More Excuses: Breakfast Recipes for Every Morning
- American Dietetic Association: Rise and Shine
- ClevelandClinic.org: Breakfast. Why You Can't Skip It
- MayoClinic.com: Breakfast: Why Is It So Important to Weight Control?
- MayoClinic.com: Metabolism: What's the best way to boost it?
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