5 Simple Ways to Increase Metabolism
Exercise is important, but managing what and when you eat might help you burn more calories at rest.
1. Don't Forget Breakfast
Breakfast is important since it kickstarts your metabolism and helps you avoid binge eating later in the day. A cup of coffee does not qualify since while the caffeine and added sugar may give you a boost of energy and temporarily suppress your appetite, it will quickly turn into extreme hunger, making you more inclined to overeat later.
Breakfast should consist of complex carbs such as whole grain (granola or oatmeal), protein, and fat (low-fat yogurt or milk) to keep your energy levels stable and hunger at bay.
2. Eat More Often
Make it a point to eat every three to four hours, or at least four times per day. When blood sugar dips too low, you want to eat a lot, therefore eating frequently helps to keep it stable. You can regulate your hunger and keep your metabolic rate high by keeping your blood sugar constant.
When you go long periods of time without eating, your body compensates by slowing down to conserve energy. This effect is detrimental to your weight loss efforts.
3. Include Protein In Every Meal
Protein helps to curb your hunger since it takes more energy and time to digest than carbohydrates, so you'll feel fuller for longer. More protein can help you lose weight without lowering calories, according to research.
Try protein snack bars with 12 or more grams of protein, turkey on whole wheat, hummus and pita, vegetarian chili, fruit, and almonds, or protein snack bars with 12 or more grams of protein.
4. Keep Snacking To A Minimum
When we're exhausted, many of us reach for a snack for instant energy. However, do not mix actual hunger with exhaustion. If you're fatigued, go for a 20-30 minute brisk stroll. This will increase your heart rate and offer you an energy boost. After that, drink a huge glass of cool water.
If you're really hungry, have a snack that's high in protein and complex carbohydrates, such as whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter or cheese.
5. Consume Enough To Meet Your Body's Requirements
Eating too little, like eating too seldom, decreases your body's metabolism. If you want to lose weight, don't substantially reduce your calorie intake. Instead, eliminate some of the extras from your diet, such as drinks, juice, processed foods, and candy. Processed foods are typically heavy in fat and calories while lacking in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.