We all know those people that seem to have the world’s fastest metabolism. They seem to be able to eat whatever they want, whenever they want without any consequences. Then there is you, trying every trick from drinking ice water and green tea to adding strength training into your exercise routine just to give your metabolism an extra boost. However, sometimes it isn’t about doing something extra to boost your metabolism, but what you are currently doing that is slowing your metabolism down!
You have too much heat
We all love that perfect temperature in our house, but sleeping in a slightly colder room can help keep your metabolism going. Our body tries to naturally keep itself warm and in doing so it burns calories. Sleeping in a slightly colder room will kick start your body into trying to get warmer and burn some extra calories for you in the process.
Intensify your workouts
A shorter workout can be more beneficial to your metabolism than a longer workout! High-intensity interval training has become popular over the past few years and for good reason. Not only does the high-intensity interval training give you better in workout results, it gives you better post workout results too. Your body ends up burning calories longer after a high-intensity interval training session compared to a longer, even-paced workout. High-intensity interval training works because the body consumes more oxygen during the workout, which forces the body to burn more calories. The higher amount of oxygen consumption by the body carries over into the post workout too! Next time you go for a workout incorporate high-intensity interval training by working out at low intensity for 5 minutes then increase the intensity for 60 seconds followed by 4 minutes back at the lower intensity. Repeat this cycle for 20 to 25 minutes three times a week for the best results.
You gave up on carbohydrates
Cutting carbs can be an effective way to lose weight, but eliminating carbs altogether can be a problem. Carbs perform an important function in our body, especially when exercising regularly. Carbs provide our body with glycogen to give our body energy. If you are no longer eating carbs your body does not have an efficient source of glycogen to give you the energy you need for the day and to power through your workout. With less energy your body ends up burning less calories throughout the day.
You cut snacks out
The age old debate is whether you should east smaller meals more often throughout the day or consume your typical three meals a day. If you choose the later it is important to snack. Adding a small snack between meals allows your metabolism to keep working at a high level throughout the day. However, it is important to snack smartly. Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts, put your metabolism to work throughout the day and can burn more calories for you throughout the day.
You are eating breakfast wrong
It is important to make sure that you eat a healthy breakfast to start your day allows for your body to start your metabolism up for the day. However, eating breakfast alone is not the only important thing, but making sure you eat the right breakfast is important. A protein-based meal is one of the best ways to start your day to help keep your metabolism up. Protein requires more energy from the body to break down and digest. Having your favorite protein shake, lean meats like turkey, eggs or Greek yogurt with oats can give you the protein rich diet you need to crank up your metabolism. In addition to fueling your body and requiring more energy to break down the food, protein in the morning can keep you feeling fuller longer because it takes the body longer to digest and breakdown proteins. This can help reduce the amount of calories you intake during later meals.
Don’t be afraid to reach for coffee
Drinking black coffee during the day is another way to keep your metabolism higher. The caffeine provided in coffee increases your heart rate and breathing by stimulating your central nervous system. Caffeine also causes a boost in energy and gives your metabolism a short-term boost that typically peaks in about 3 hours after consumption. In addition, the caffeine decreases in perceived physical exertion. All of these reasons attribute to why your body burns extra calories when you consume caffeine.
Keep dairy around
Dairy can play two important roles in keeping your metabolism going. First, dairy can help keep and add muscle mass to your body. Muscle is one of the most important factors in keeping your metabolism burning at a high rate. Strength training and adding lean muscle helps your body burn more calories and keeps your metabolism higher by keeping your muscles active longer throughout the day. Dairy is important in maintaining and building these muscles. Second, dairy helps remove waste from your body. The calcium in diary helps your body metabolize fats faster.