Why speed up metabolism? Many people struggle with weight and weight loss issues every day. Weight gain can be caused by both genetic, lifestyle and sometimes involuntary factors including pregnancy and even diseases.
There are many reasons why people want to lose weight. Overweight people are often at a higher risk of developing a variety of lifestyle diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases. Another reason to lose weight is to develop a higher self-esteem. Most of these people do not feel good about their bodies and often struggle with low self-esteem issues and even depression.
While some people seem to stay trim and fit no matter what they eat, it is a daily struggle for other people who seem to be continuously on diets and one weight loss program or another.
How to speed up metabolism and how does it affect weight loss?
Metabolism is a natural process through which the body changes food into energy by burning calories contained in the food and combining it with oxygen. In simple terms, it is the rate at which our bodies naturally burn the calories we consume. The basal metabolic rate refers to the amount of calories needed to sustain the body while at rest and is different for each individual although it tends to reduce with age.
While there are many factors that contribute to weight gain, many studies show that having a faster metabolism greatly aids weight loss. Some people naturally have a faster metabolism rates than others and these people tend to be trimmer and rarely seem to struggle with weight gain issues. Below are five ways that can help speed up metabolism and enable you lose excess weight faster and in a healthy way.
Do Not Skip Meals
Many people who want to lose weight sometimes go on ridiculous diets and even think that avoiding meals will speed up their weight loss. This is not true. Crushing diets and skipping meals only causes the body to hold on to every last calorie hence reducing your metabolic rate.
On the contrary, eating a fuller breakfast that takes longer to digest and smaller food servings during the day works to speed up the metabolic rate. Your body will start burning the calories earlier in the day and the smaller meal portions will prevent you from eating excess food while at the same time sustaining your body’s energy requirements.
Proper Exercise to speed up metabolism
Losing weight is only successful if you lose it in a healthy way. Do not be tempted to take short cuts like popping weight loss pills. Focus on intense aerobic exercises like running, cycling or swimming as they are more effective in increasing your metabolic rate. Remember that the faster you lose weight, the faster that weight is gained back into your body. Combining proper and regular exercise with a healthy diet is the best way to speed up your metabolic rate.
Be More Active
Apart from hitting the gym, it is also important to be more active during the day as you will burn more calories. Instead of taking the lift, try taking the stairs and take any opportunity to stay on your feet. Walk around as much as possible. While at home, do not be tempted to sleep on the sofa. Do more housework like gardening, cleaning out the house and playing with the kids regularly as being active generally speeds up metabolism.
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Combining proper exercise with a balanced diet is the best way to speed up metabolism and burn more calories. Consult your nutritionist and find out how many calories your bodies requires each day and what food you need to consume. Cut back on sugary foods, beverages and fast foods and consume foods with lean protein and low fat carbohydrates. Instead of taking sweetened tea and sodas, switch to drinking more water and eating more fruits.
Cut Down on Alcohol
Many people consume alcohol before or with food. Studies show that people who drink alcohol before a meal are more likely to consume more calories. The reason why drinking alcohol is not such a great idea is because your body will burn the calories in the alcohol first and most of the calories in the food you will consume will be stored as excess fat. If you want to increase your metabolic rate and lose weight faster, skip the alcohol.
