6 Easy Ways to Rev Up Your Metabolism

What is metabolism?

If you can think of your body as a car for a moment, and your food as petrol, then metabolism is the process of burning petrol in order to hurl yourself along the freeway at 100 km/hr - it’s the process of making your body go.

Metabolism describes the sum of all the chemical and physical changes that take place in your body to keep it growing and functioning. Even when you are at rest, your body still operates at 60-70 percent energy, kind of like a car idling. You need that much energy just to keep your heart beating, your temperature moderated, and your lungs filling and emptying, among other things. If you increase your metabolism, you increase the amount of energy (calories) burnt.

To rev up your metabolism, put your foot down and accelerate with these simple tips!

Read more :

• 1. Don’t skip or skimp
• 2. Some like it hot
• 3. Flex those biceps
• 4. H20 to go
• 5. Pick up the pace … then drop it
• 6. Something fishy

1. Don’t skip or skimp

To keep your metabolism as healthy as possible, don’t skimp on nutrients – particularly protein. When you don’t eat enough protein, your body has to break down muscle to meet its protein needs; this slows your metabolism.

However, research shows that the average Australian already eats double the amount of protein than is recommended, so don’t go overboard.

The recommended daily protein intake is 20-30% of your overall calories; stick to it. It’s equally important to get a good balance of other nutrients.  

Skipping meals is also a no-no for a healthy metabolism. Your body needs consistent levels of fuel and nutrients to keep it going. That doesn’t mean you have to religiously eat three square meals a day, but don’t consume all your day’s calories in one sitting. Studies suggest this slows metabolism. (Think of dropping a thick log on a campfire instead of feeding it with kindling.)

2. Some like it hot

And even if you don’t, you might want to try a little spice for the sake of your metabolism.

Cayenne pepper is thought to stimulate metabolism for at least ten minutes after you eat it. A couple of teaspoons of chopped chilli or chilli powder have a similar effect by raising your body temperature and helping you to burn calories faster. Even mustard has been shown to increase metabolism when added to a meal.

If you prefer less dramatic spices, try ginger. You can add this root vegetable to stir-frys and other meals by grating or dicing it into the mix. Dried and ground ginger can also be added to meals and used in sweet foods, such as gingerbread. However, if you’re watching your weight, cakes and biscuits (even ones with ginger in them) are best avoided. Boil the fresh root and turn it into a cup of tea instead!