12 Keys To Super-Charging Your Metabolism For Weight Loss!
You hear it all the time - "metabolism", but what is it? It's the
process of converting food to energy (movement and heat). Metabolism happens in
your muscles and organs and the result of it is what we commonly refer to as
"burning calories". Metabolism is essentially the speed at which your
body's motor is running.
"Basal metabolism" is the metabolic rate or caloric expenditure needed
to maintain basal body functions such as your heart beating, breathing, muscle
tone, etc. It's how fast your "motor" is running when you're still in
a reclined position or sleeping. Basal metabolism accounts for about 75% of the
calories you expend on a daily basis!
The good news is that there are 12 ways you can "boost" your
metabolism! The more of these you're able to incorporate into your life, the
more you'll boost your metabolism. That means you'll be expending
("burning") more calories 24 hours a day!
1. Always eat breakfast! Skipping breakfast sends the message to your body that
you're starving because you haven't had food in 18+ hours. As a protective
mechanism, your metabolism slows down. Food, especially complex carbohydrates,
fuels your metabolism.
2. Eat earlier in the day! Research has demonstrated that you can lose weight
simply by eating a substantial breakfast and lunch, and a light dinner. Dinner
should be eaten as early as possible, preferably at least four hours before
bedtime.
3. Never eat less than 1200 calories per day! Less than 1200 is usually not
enough to support your basal metabolism and thus will slow your metabolism.
4. Snack frequently! Complex carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, and grains) fuel
your metabolism. Also, snacking prevents you from becoming too hungry. The
hungrier you are, the less control you have over what and how much you eat.
5. Eat more carbohydrates (food from plants), and less fat (food from many
animals and other food with added fat)! Carbohydrates boost your metabolism and
have fewer calories per weight than fat.
6. Do some type of aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, swimming, stationary
cycling, aerobic dancing, etc.) on a daily basis (preferably in the morning)!
Forget this twice-a-week stuff. Our bodies were designed to be active on a daily
basis! When we are, our metabolism soars!
7. In addition to your regular aerobic exercise, take a brisk 10 to 15 minute
walk at lunch or in the evening. This serves to boost your metabolism even more!
8. Tone your muscles with weight training three days per week. Toned muscles
send your metabolism through the roof. Do it!
9. Look for situations to be active. Park as far from the store as you can
rather than looking for the closest parking spot. Use the stairs rather than the
elevator, a broom rather than a blower, etc. Look for the "hard" way
to do things!
10. Avoid alcohol! Alcohol depresses your metabolism and stimulates your
appetite.
11. Drink 60+ ounces of water a day. Your metabolism needs plenty water to
function properly. Carry a bottle of water with you and drink frequently
throughout the day.
12. Avoid the "3 P's".....pills, powders, and potions! There are NO
quick fixes!
13. Have your Thyroid
checked. It's just a simple blood test. As many as 25 million Americans have
hypothyroidism and of that number only half know they have it! No one really
knows why Americans have hypothyroidism, some suspect food additives which
attack the thyroid, others blame enviromental toxins. The bottom line is that
most doctors know little about the symptoms and even fewer diagnose it. In any
event, it's a good idea to take a Thyroid
Health Supplement of natural vitamins and herbs which are well known for
supporting proper thyroid function. The Thyroid controls your metabolism,
regulates your sex drive and stablizes your moods. If you are having problems
with weight (despite good diet and exercise), problems with sex and or
depression you may have a thyroid problem.
Get started today! You'll feel better and your metabolism will be in "great shape"!