5 Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism

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The secret to losing and keeping off unwanted pounds is understanding how to make your metabolism work for you. Metabolism, simply put, is the body's ability to convert what it eats into energy. Your lifestyle, nutritional and exercise habits play big role in its ability to work at maximum capacity. Making a few adjustments to your habits can really rev up your metabolism so that it is burning fat and calories thought the day.

Here are a few tips on how you can speed up your metabolism:

1. Eat breakfast

Your metabolism slows down while you are sleeping so it is important to get it going again as early as possible. It is recommended to eat within an hour of waking up to maximize your ability to burn calories. By skipping breakfast your metabolism is not kicking into full speed until lunchtime. Eating breakfast will also curb cravings and help to prevent ravenous hunger.

2. Eat Regularly

Not only is it important to get your metabolism going, but is just as important to keep it running all day. To do this your body needs to stay in a constant state of thermogenesis (the production of heat within your body) and this can be obtained by eating on a regular basis. A general rule of thumb is to eat every two hours to keep your metabolism running at a high level.

3. Skip the java and try green tea

Studies have shown that green tea has compounds that help speed up metabolism. One of its active ingredients, catechin, is known to improve fat oxidation and thermogenesis. Green tea can be enjoyed in many forms such as matcha coffee and even green tea ice cream. But of course, the tea bag dipped in hot water is still the best.

4. Add protein

Adding more protein to your diet throughout the day will help to boost your metabolism. Proteins are made up of mostly amino acids, which are more difficult for your body to breakdown, so you will burn more calories digesting them. So be sure to incorporate lean proteins like fish, low-fat cheese, chicken and yogurt into your meals and snack throughout the day.

5. Stay Hydrated

When it comes to metabolism, water is your best friend. Water nourishes your body and boosts your metabolism and ability to burn fat. Water can also help to curb your appetite. It is suggested that drinking one or two glasses of water before a meal will help you to naturally fill up. Neglecting to drink water and even letting your body slip in to a mild dehydration can actually slow down your metabolism.