Time to boost your metabolism

Now that the festivities are over, there’s no need to feel sluggish and uncomfortable. This is the perfect time to give your metabolism a boost!

When we talk about metabolism, we’re referring to the energy that is burnt to keep the body functioning. It’s often believed that people can get stuck with a slow metabolism, but it’s not true. Your metabolism can always be altered. 

The way to influence your metabolic rate is simply by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, so the benefit of exercise is that it enables us to build more muscle. Also eating healthy at regular intervals increases the metabolic rate.

Here are some helpful tips to correct a slow metabolism, while burning calories too:

Increase the amount of exercise you do 

This is one of the most effective ways to speed up your metabolism. More exercise also maintains the higher metabolism for a longer period of time after your activity. Also remember to include incidental movement where possible, e.g. using stairs instead of lifts or walking to the shops instead of driving.

Always include enough protein with your meals 

Protein-rich foods burn more energy, for example, foods such as fish, chicken, lean meat, tofu and legumes. Always try to eat your protein alongside healthy complex carbohydrates. 

Consume enough calories

Strict dieting will create a low intake of energy, so your metabolic rate will slow down to compensate. Remember, you need energy to burn energy. Cutting back on too many calories will reduce the amount of lean tissue in your body, which also slows down your metabolism.

 

Eat breakfast

After waking up in the morning, your body has not been supplied with energy for at least eight hours. So, eating breakfast will get your metabolism going for the day. Eating in the morning is much better for your metabolism than skipping breakfast and eating larger meals later in the day.

Avoid factors that slow your metabolism 

For a healthy diet and metabolism, you should always try to avoid excess alcohol, sugars and fats. Your metabolism can also be affected by strict dieting, such as starving yourself and inactivity.

Even though the metabolism varies from person to person, remember you are not stuck with a slow metabolism. There are many ways you can control and increase your metabolism – the power is in your hands.

If you have any questions about maintaining a healthy diet or weight loss, then feel free to contact me for a free first consultation. I am still offering my health programs by phone or video consultation. Please enquire by email or online, and we can work out a time that suits you.

Vicky Mazzone