Your metabolism is mainly regulated by the hormones, which are quite powerful but at the same time highly sensitive. This is a good thing, since it allows your hormones to perform their functions in an effective manner. However, you can throw your hormones out of balance by going on crash diets or taking diet pills that may be harmful. This usually leads to hormonal imbalance, which in turn makes them less responsive. In a way, it is similar to a company having unproductive workers who never seem to get anything done.
Here are various ways you can boost your metabolism.
Cutting down on sugar
A good diet plan is vital for an efficient metabolism. It’s a good idea to eliminate all refined carbohydrates such as white pasta, rice and bread. Whole grains are far better for optimizing the hormones for improved metabolism. And junk the junk foods such as ice cream, chips, soft drinks and candies. These foods are loaded with fats and sugars and are bad for the metabolism.
A healthy diet should contain lots of vegetables and fruits. However, it’s best to consume fruits in moderation, since some contain a lot of fructose. When trying to boost your metabolism, vegetables can play a significant role. Dark leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, sprouts, kales, cabbage, and arugula are all ideal for revving up the metabolism. Vegetables contain high levels of nutrients that provide the body with anti-oxidants, and they contain disease-fighting and anti-aging properties, as well as preventing some forms of cancer. In addition, anti-oxidants help to optimise hormonal functions, thus increasing the metabolic rate.
Eat plenty of lean protein
Many people do not eat enough protein and stuff their diet with foods which slow down metabolic functions. Consuming enough protein helps to increase satiety levels so you feel fuller for longer, and it takes more energy to digest proteins, which means you actually burns more calories and build more muscle. Muscle burns twice as many calories as fat, so it’s basically a win-win situation for the metabolism!
Bear in mind that not all proteins are created equal. Animal proteins possess a high level of bioavailability, meaning the body can make better use of them. That said, it’s a good idea to combine proteins from both plant and animal sources. This will ensure that the body gets all the required proteins to efficiently support metabolic functions. Choose lean, low fat protein from poultry, fish and eggs if you’re trying to lose weight, and restrict red meat consumption to an occasional treat.
Exercise more
Being more active is a great boost to the metabolism, as the body needs to burn more calories to support activity. Aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and running are good to get the heart pumping and distribute oxygen to the muscles and organs to make exercise more effective. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week to boost the metabolism and burn fat. Even if you only exercise in 10-minute bursts, it’s important to do enough to be slightly out of breath and get your heart pumping.
In order to boost your metabolism, you should also be mentally prepared. It is not simply a matter of saying that you will do it; you actually have to put in the effort. Most people fail to realize that practical solutions for metabolism issues in healthy adults are simple, although they are not always easy to implement. Changing your diet and exercising more might seem difficult at first, but in the end, the advantages are many.
Be patient, keep up with your healthy eating and exercise program, and above all, never give up. Creating an efficient metabolism is an ongoing project, not a quick fix. You will not see the effects at once, but eventually they will manifest themselves. Boosting your metabolism does not only include diet and exercise. Mental strength is also important: believe that you can do it, put the effort in and you will boost your metabolism so that you become healthier, happier and slimmer.
