Metabolism is basically a bunch of chemical reactions that occur within the cells of your body. Your metabolism is responsible for taking the fuel out from the food you consume and converting it into the energy you need to power everything that you do. Many people have a metabolism that moves slower than they would like. Luckily, there are numerous factors that work to influence the speed of your metabolism. Making some lifestyle changes can help increase the rate at which your metabolism works.
Exercise
Exercise is the best way to give your metabolism the boost you need. When you exercise, you add lean muscle mass to your body while eliminating body fat. As you add the lean muscle mass, your metabolism increases. If you are attempting to lose weight, this is when you begin to see the benefits. The increase in metabolism is the result of muscle tissue burning through more calories than fat does. Performing aerobic exercises such as walking, running, biking and swimming can increase your metabolism for hours, meaning you will continue to burn calories long after the exercise is finished.
Frequent, Small Meals
When you wait too long between meals, your body puts itself into what is called a starvation mode. When this happens, your body attempts to stave off hunger by conserving energy and slowing your metabolism to a crawl. While dieters may believe that the calories you don't consume by skipping meals helps with weight loss, the opposite is actually true. You often end up eating less when you consume smaller meals more frequently than when you eat just two or three larger meals. Aim for four to six smaller meals that include a healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Depending on your caloric needs and how many meals you are eating, these meals should contain anywhere from 250 to 400 calories each. By eating every few hours, your body receives a constant supply a fuel, which keeps your metabolism burning.
Sleep
If you consistently fail to get as much sleep as your body requires, your body significantly slows its basic metabolic functions, according to the December 2, 1999 issue of "The University of Chicago Chronicle." If you feel you are not getting enough sleep, there are a number of things you can try. MayoClinic.com recommends a set time to go to sleep and wake up every day, including weekends. By having a regular schedule, you are able to influence your sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep once you go to bed. You should also avoid large meals shortly before bed, ensure your room is dark and quiet and relax for a while before going to bed.
Considerations
A low metabolism may be the result of something you cannot control. If you have tried everything and cannot give your metabolism the boost it needs, consult your physician. Your doctor can perform tests to see if you have a medical problem that requires medication for your metabolism to work properly.
Member Comments