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

Drink Water To Lose Weight

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By Jim Nettleton

Okay, what’s one of the most important, but very frequently overlooked items in your weight loss program – or programs, if you’ve tried several?

One word: water. Yes, water.

Water plays an essential role in any weight loss program for several reasons. First, it aids digestion and assists in elimination. Even more importantly, drinking a regular supply of water throughout your day will ensure the fact that your body is consistently well hydrated. This, of course, aids in all facets of maintaining efficient body functions. The importance of water to a weight loss program cannot be overstated.

Now, let’s talk about carbohydrates. They are the little rascals that give us energy and, as such, they are highly important as you try to lose weight. But you must bear in mind that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Some are a positive influence on your diet, but others are not.

For example, simple carbohydrates like sugar can, indeed, supply a shot of energy. Sugar enters the bloodstream quickly, but acts more like a hit and run quick cure than a sustained level of energy than can be realized by consuming the complex carbohydrates, like vegetables, fruits and grains. The complex variety also has the benefit of ‘filling you up’, thereby staving off hunger for a longer period.

In the American lifestyle, too many people are eating far too many simple carbohydrates, due in large part to our dependence on junk foods. So in your diet regimen, make certain you spurn the simples and consume the complex. Not only are they far better for you in general, but eating more of them will assist you in your weight loss program.

Proteins are next on the agenda. As you probably know, proteins are constructed of amino acids, which are sometimes referred to as the building blocks of the body. Proteins not only assist in repairing and maintaining the body, but are also a significant source of energy. Energy from protein, however, is slower to manifest itself – considerably slower than energy derived from carbohydrates – so don’t fall into the trap of consuming simple carbohydrates for that quick energy boost. Be patient.

Another source of energy are foods containing fats. Fats, too, are a quick energy booster, but they also contain calories galore and have well-documented health risks as well, so you’d be well advised to shun them – not entirely, of course, but keep intake to a minimum.

Expanding further on the minimum intake thought, it is recommended that you eat no more than 30% of your daily calorie total in fats. It doesn’t hurt to lower that more – that is a maximum suggested percentage.

In summation, wean yourself from simple carbohydrates like sugar and concentrate on eating the complex carbohydrates that you need, like vegetables, fruits and grain. Make certain that you get enough fiber in your diet. If you haven’t been eating enough fiber, don’t boost your total all at once. That could lead to considerable discomfort. Raise your intake slowly, over a week or more, until you reach the recommended level.

Make certain that your diet is well balanced and nutritious. And to assist you further, take vitamin and mineral supplements, but be sure they’re good quality and, preferably, liquid. Liquid vitamins and minerals are absorbed more readily and, as a result, your body receives more of their potency. Ideally, intravenous delivery is the way to go, a method practiced by my friends at the Cherry Hill Center For Molecular Medicine in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. They can be reached at 856-490-0505.

Good luck with your weight loss program.

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 out his comprehensive diet site at

http://www.jaynetinc.com/LoseWeight