When encountered with unwanted weight gain many people tend to blame it on their slow metabolism and they are right to some extent since metabolism is responsible for all chemical processes in our body that provide our cells and organism with energy and nutrients. The problem usually occurs when we take more calories than we burn, causing our metabolism to slow down which results in weight gain.
When it comes to speeding up our metabolism, we are well aware that it is something we should all strive for, yet so many of us try to take the easy way by going on strict diets and consuming aggressive and unapproved dietary supplements. It seems that we have completely forgotten one simple truth – our bodies came from nature, and, as such, they follow a certain natural course.
Therefore, it usually turns counter effective when we try to force natural processes by artificial means. Instead, we should slightly alter our daily habits by going back to basics if we want to boost our metabolism and at the same time, get our body in a good shape.
1. Ease up
It is a widely known fact that stress is a number one cause to a large number of diseases, yet for a long time, the popular false belief was that stress actually helps to speed up the metabolism. According to the study conducted by the researches at the Ohio State University, stress is in direct correlation to weight gain and the decline in metabolism speed.
In order to unblock the natural flow of energy through your body, you should make it a daily habit to find a quiet place and relax for at least fifteen minutes by doing deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. This way, your body will get its daily stress relief and enough oxygen to keep your metabolism healthy and running.
2. Don’t wait till you are thirsty
Without enough water intake, our metabolism gets “depressed” as the research by the University of Utah shows. Water requirement depends on your age, level of activity, weight, etc., yet an optimal amount of water intake for an adult (aside from water which you get from food and other drinks) would be eight glasses of water per day. Additionally, it is highly advised to drink one glass of water before a meal, instead of after since water consumption before the meal helps enhance your metabolism speed.
3. Eat often
Food is not your enemy that turns into your body fat right after you eat. When done properly, eating can actually boost your metabolism and help get you in the shape of your life. To do so remember to eat smaller/lesser meals more frequently. Ideally, you should have five small meals every three hours. Also, try to eat at the same time every day, and avoid late dinners.
4. Get a goodnight sleep
Irregular sleeping habits can harm your metabolism causing stress and craving for sugar and bad carbs. Quality sleep requires sleeping in a well aired room without artificial light for at least eight hours. To keep your metabolism from slowing down you should try to go to bed at the same time and wake up early each day.
5. Raw it up
Raw vegetables are rich with fibers that prolong the digestion process and decrease appetite. When combined with low calorie value, raw vegetables provide a great solution to metabolism enhancement and weight loss. Unprocessed vegetables should be included in your every-day meal plan.
6. Switch to green tea
This alternative to coffee rich in antioxidants helps your body burn fat much faster turning it into energy unlike the short-lived stimulus you get from coffee. Drink at least two cups of green tea per day to keep your metabolism and weight in check. Avoid drinking it on an empty stomach and before sleep.
7. Increase your iron levels
Iron helps to transform blood sugar into energy that fuels the muscles in the human body. Including foods rich in iron such as fish, red meat and beans into your daily eating regiment, can help boost your metabolism during physical activity.
8. Stay active no matter what
Stop making excuses for not working out regularly and use your busy schedule to your advantage. Physical activity is known to help speed up our metabolism as it burns calories and builds the muscles, yet not everyone can fit a regular exercise routine into their daily agenda. Luckily, there are a few simple habits you can alter or add it to your normal, day-to-day life to not miss out on another chance to get fitter and healthier. Use any chance you have to increase your activity level by
- taking the stairs instead the elevator at every chance you get
- getting off the bus one stop earlier and walking
- standing in a public transport
- stretching at the office
