Are you struggling to lose weight? Have you tried every weight loss supplement and diet plan only to NOT see results? Do you blame your slow metabolism? It can be so frustrating expecially when you know someone who eats constantly and doesn't gain a pound. Everyone's metabolism is different and some people are lucky enough to burn calories while doing nothing. Metabolic rate is the rate at which your body uses calories to sustain all our bodily functions including breating, physical activity and digestion of food. So, is it really possible to increase your metabolic rate?
Cutting calories to increase your metabolism is not the answer. All that will do is force your body into starvation mode, slowing your metabolism even more. If you are eating less, it can make it that much harder to lose weight. Here are some things you should consider doing to increase your metabolism the easy way:
1. EAT NUTRIENT DENSE MEALS EVERY 3-4 HOURS - Think of a fire burning inside of you and you have to keep the fire going by putting a log on the fire every 3 hours so it doesn't go out. A mini-meal will keep your metabolism going as long as it consists of a good quality protein source like chicken, turkey, fish or nuts, carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables totally no more than 400 calories.
2. GET ACTIVE with exercise by doing at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking or swimming and incorporate weight bearing exercise at least 3 times per week. This will keep your metaboism revved up even hours after your workout.
3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP - If you are sleeping only 4-5 hours per night, you risk altering the levels of appetite regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin which can lead to an increased appetite. Being awake more hours when you should be sleeping allows for more time to eat and feeling too tired to exercise.
4. DO NOT SKIP MEALS, ESPECIALLY BREAKFAST. Eating breakfast in the morning will wake up your metabolism after a full night's sleep, give you energy and prevent you from overeating at lunch.
It really does boil down to a healthy lifestyle and making a point of choosing whole foods as opposed to highly processed foods found in the center aisles of the grocery store. Get your heart pumping, strength train at least 3 days a week and enjoy nutrient-dense meals every 3-4 hours will increase your metabolism without diet pills or caffeine. Remember, skipping meals will SLOW down your metabolism and deprive you of needed energy.
Cutting calories to increase your metabolism is not the answer. All that will do is force your body into starvation mode, slowing your metabolism even more. If you are eating less, it can make it that much harder to lose weight. Here are some things you should consider doing to increase your metabolism the easy way:
1. EAT NUTRIENT DENSE MEALS EVERY 3-4 HOURS - Think of a fire burning inside of you and you have to keep the fire going by putting a log on the fire every 3 hours so it doesn't go out. A mini-meal will keep your metabolism going as long as it consists of a good quality protein source like chicken, turkey, fish or nuts, carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables totally no more than 400 calories.
2. GET ACTIVE with exercise by doing at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking or swimming and incorporate weight bearing exercise at least 3 times per week. This will keep your metaboism revved up even hours after your workout.
3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP - If you are sleeping only 4-5 hours per night, you risk altering the levels of appetite regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin which can lead to an increased appetite. Being awake more hours when you should be sleeping allows for more time to eat and feeling too tired to exercise.
4. DO NOT SKIP MEALS, ESPECIALLY BREAKFAST. Eating breakfast in the morning will wake up your metabolism after a full night's sleep, give you energy and prevent you from overeating at lunch.
It really does boil down to a healthy lifestyle and making a point of choosing whole foods as opposed to highly processed foods found in the center aisles of the grocery store. Get your heart pumping, strength train at least 3 days a week and enjoy nutrient-dense meals every 3-4 hours will increase your metabolism without diet pills or caffeine. Remember, skipping meals will SLOW down your metabolism and deprive you of needed energy.