Your body converts all the food that you consume into energy in the metabolic process. Three main factors help determine your metabolism: your age, sex and body size. Men tend to burn more calories, as do people who are younger. Larger people also use up more calories naturally. While you cannot control your age or your gender, you can help your body maintain a healthy metabolism by taking care of yourself with nutrition and exercise.
Step 1
Eat regular meals every day and include healthful, low-fat snacks in your diet. Try to eat a total of four to six times daily, as recommended by Illinois State University. Starving yourself and avoiding regular meals can lower your metabolism.
Step 2
Follow a regular exercise plan that includes cardiovascular workouts such as jogging, swimming or even playing tennis. Aim to include at least 30 minutes of exercise in your daily routine, as recommended by MayoClinic.com. This will steer you away from a sedentary lifestyle, which lends itself to a slower rate of caloric burn.
Step 3
Lift weights to tone your muscles. The more muscle you have, the more calories you will normally burn, even when you are at rest. If you are unmotivated to follow a traditional weightlifting routine, try an exercise class that uses kettlebells.
Tips and Warnings
- Rarely, a patient may have a disorder that affects metabolism, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome. If you suspect that you may have a disorder, ask your doctor for guidance.
- Avoid using dietary supplements or fat burners that claim to boost your metabolism. Some of these products may contain dangerous ingredients that can cause an irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure.
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