According to the National Institutes of Health, metabolism refers to the physical and chemical processes of your body that use and convert energy. A high metabolism indicates that your body is burning calories at a rate that is higher than the average person. With a higher metabolism, you can generally eat more food -- often unhealthy foods as well -- without gaining weight. While most people strive for a high metabolism, a high metabolism can be a downfall if you are looking to gain weight. Fortunately, there are ways to help counteract a high metabolism.
Step 1
Consume foods that are known to slow down your metabolism. Eat processed foods, white bread and sugars. These foods cause sugar levels in your body to spike, which helps to turn down the rate at which your body burns calories.
Step 2
Eat foods high in protein or talk to your doctor about the use of a protein supplement. It takes your body a considerable amount of time to break down protein into fuel sources that can be used by your body. Protein sources include eggs, milk, cheese, pork, seafood, yogurt and beans.
Step 3
Try to relax after you eat. Sit down and allow at least 30 minutes for your body to complete the digestion process.
Step 4
Get eight hours of sleep each night. Force your body to rest to help counteract a high metabolism. While you are resting, your body burns fewer calories.
Step 5
Exercise for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Avoid overexercising. Exercising too much can cause you to burn excessive calories.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid foods that are known to speed up your metabolism -- ice cold water, peppers, green tea, mustard, and black pepper.
- Visit with your doctor. High metabolic rates can sometimes be an indicator of an overactive thyroid. This may be able to be controlled with medication.
References
- Medline Plus: Metabolism
- "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism"; Sareen S. Gropper and Jack L. Smth; Feb. 14, 2008
- "National Academy of Sports Medicine: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; Scott Lucett; 2008
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