How to boost your metabolism
Your metabolism controls the process by which you burn calories to produce energy and, by boosting your metabolic rate, you can increase the speed at which this happens. Everyone has a different basic rate, and many factors can’t be changed such as your age, gender and your body type, but there are ways you can boost your metabolism:
Don’t starve yourself – If you eat less than 1,000 calories a day, your body begins to slow down your metabolic rate in order to preserve your fuel reserves.
Always eat breakfast – It kick starts your metabolism for the day ahead. Skipping breakfast is like starving yourself and your body goes into emergency slow down.
Drink green tea – Research has shown that the catechin in green tea can boost metabolism. One study suggests that by drinking five cups a day, you can burn an additional 90 calories.
Eat little and often – It’s another to assure your body that food is plentiful and it has no need to store it. By eating every 3 – 4 hours, you can maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels. Do be careful not to eat more than you would normally.
Try not to eat after 8pm – For most of us, our metabolism begins to slow down nearer the end of the day, so calories consumed later than 8pm are harder to burn and are more likely to be stored as fat.
Eat spicy foods – Studies have shown that foods like peppers and chilli, plus spices like cinnamon, can improve the rate at which your metabolism functions.
Keep hydrated – As with all of the body’s processes, our metabolism is fuelled by water and, without it, its function is diminished. You can further improve this rate by making sure the water you drink is ice cold, as the body needs to warm the water to allow it to be absorbed.
Avoid sugar and alcohol – Both of these things can interfere with your metabolism.