Kick Start Your Metabolism

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By Jim Nettleton

You probably heard it many times. “I could lose weight if only my metabolism were faster.” Well, it’s true that a high level of metabolism enables your body to burn fat and lose weight faster. So what can we do to kick our metabolism up a notch?

First of all, your metabolism slows due to several factors:

1- Loss of muscle resulting from not enough physical activity

2- The body actually cannibalizes its tissue because too little food energy being consumed

3- Decrease of physical activity that sets in as we age

So let’s develop a plan to get that metabolism back to a positive level:

1 – First and foremost, eat breakfast. It is absolutely true that it is the most important meal of the day. Research shows that people who eat breakfast are generally thinner than those who don’t. Waiting to eat until midday results in metabolism slowing down.

2 – The amount of muscle mass you possess plays a hand in your body’s ability to lose fat, therefore, exercise is a must. Weight training is excellent and should be done at least three times a week. You should be increasing the extent of your workouts steadily.

3 – Here’s one you may not have thought of; spicy foods. Yep, they can increase your metabolism. I happen to love spicy foods, so that one is right up my alley.

4 – This is a no-brainer. Stay away from sugar. Sugar is a big time enemy. It actually enables the body to store fat.

5 – Get more rest. Try to aim for 7 to 8 hours a night.

6 – Plan to make smaller meals. Take a tip from your cat. He or she never gorges. They eat small portions throughout the day. It’s the way we should eat, too.

7 – Drink more water. Water acts as a ‘natural flusher’ by carrying away toxins produced when your body burns fat. Lack of water slows the body’s functions.

8 – Eat regularly. Many skip meals thinking that it will help lose weight, but what it really does is slow down metabolism.

9 – This may be easier said than done in today’s world, but reduce stress. It can release a steroid in your system called cortisol, and that decreases metabolism. Another point is that people who are stressed tend to overeat.

10 – Get fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains into your diet. They’re great energy foods.

Stabilizing your metabolism will go a long way toward letting you reach your ideal body weight. Eat right, get enough rest and exercise and you’re on your way to a healthy metabolism and a healthy body.

About the author:

Jim Nettleton is a radio & TV professional with over 40 years of major market experience. His wide range of interests include nutrition and working with natural health clinics for many years. He recommends the diet program Fat Loss 4 Idiots - click this link http://tinyurl.com/yog3jr Check his comprehensive diet site at:

http://www.jaynetinc.com/LoseWeight