subject: Increasing Your Metabolism! [print this page] Today I wanted to share with you some ways you can increase your metabolic rate. Your metabolism basically is the rate at which your body uses 'energy'. If you have a higher metabolism or 'metabolic rate' then 'Billy Bob' for example, it means your body uses more energy then Billy Bob's to maintain itself.
Having a super duper fast metabolism is one of the main factors which can determine how successful your weight loss journey is. We want for you to create a body which is 'high maintenance' - in other words, a body which burns through a LOT of energy every single day. How do we do that? I'll show you...
There are a number of factors which will contribute towards a speedy metabolism. I've outlined them in detail below...
Eat Often
It is important to eat something every 2-3 hours of your waking day. Our entire digestive system has been designed to digest smaller portions on a regular basis.
Most of us these days have 2-3 times each day when we cram food down our throats and we pack as much in as possible. C'mon, you know it's true. When we do this we feel 'stuffed', lethargic and it bogs down our digestive system which slows down digestions and can also cause intergestion and reflux. Not a good sign. When we work 'with' our body instead of against it you'll be healthier, happier and slimmer. Eat something every 2-3 hrs! :)
Eat Breakfast
Do you eat breakfast? How many times a week would you say you eat breakfast? Eating breakfast is important.
You have just been sleeping, your digestive system has been without any food to process for 8, 10 even 12 hours! You need some food at this point, even if you don't feel like it. "But Daniel - I can't eat breakfast, it makes me sick." That is an example of what I like to call an 'EXCUSE'. However, I understand that for many of you that don't eat breakfast, getting into the habit can be hard. Here is a tip for you...eat something, regardless of how small it is. It might be one square of a salada biscuit, or a smalll stick of celery, I don't mind too much what you have, but have something. This will quite often be enough to get your metabolism started for the day but not too much as to make you sick. If you don't have breakfast, your metabolism isn't in full swing until hours later. Therefore, having something just to get it started is a great idea. Once you have tried this a few times you'll start to notice that you start and feel hungry in the morning and then my friends, you have just formed a new habit.
Regular Exercise & Workouts
I'm sure this isn't news to you but exercise is vital to weight loss. Nutrition sets the scene for successful weight loss and exercise takes advantage of it.
This is how I have come to look at it. You'll want to exercise at least 4-5 days per week but ideally 6-7 days per week. Each time you workout it should be for between 20-60 minutes per day, although this depends on the type of activity you are doing and the intensity. There is no substantial evidence to suggest that you need to have rest days in your workout schedule. This of course is a little different for an olympic athlete for example, but for all our intents and purposes and with the focus of burning body fat, "Days Off" are not necessary for most people.
Keep Active
Hmm, the hard and exhausting stairs or the peaceful and easy elevator? Let's try again...
The lazy people elevator or the active people stairs? I'm talking about mindset. Think of yourself as an active person and look for ways to keep active in your daily life. Don't just go for the easiest option. And pleeease don't sit in your car stalking people at the shopping centre as they walk to their cars, just so you can get a park right near the door!! Take the opportunity to park further away and walk to the door, your waistline and your wellbeing with thank you for it. :)
Eat Before Bed Time
Eating something light before bed can be a great metabolism BOOSTER!
This will help to keep your digestive system ticking away while you sleep and you're likely to find that when you wake up you actually feel hungry - great for those who struggle to eat breakfast. PS: Your digestive system doesn't stop when you sleep, it slows down but it certainly does not stop. Ok guys, I've spilled my guts today so I'd better stop as I can feel the keyboard keys melting!
