Five tips on keeping up with your metabolism this summer in Livermore, CA
Your metabolism is the key to burning your body’s fuel, or better yet your body’s fat storage. Part of keeping up with your weight loss program is to keep your metabolism going. In addition to exercise and portion control, the following are a few tips I offer my clients at Lifestyle Fitness in Livermore.
- Always eat within one hour of waking up. Eating a healthy small breakfast within an hour of waking has proven to help the body burn more calories because it starts the metabolism. Eating breakfast also helps to get you ready for the day. Try eating a piece of fruit and some egg whites. If you are rushing to your day and can’t spend the time to cook, make a protein shake or take a pack of instant oatmeal with you to have.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is not only essential for survival, but many studies have shown that dehydration leads to overeating and putting on excess weight. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help you stay hydrated, cleansed and keep your digestive system going.
- Eat a small meal every 3-4 hours. The key to having a faster metabolism is to fuel your body regularly so that your body is never in starvation mode. When your body hits starvation mode, the next time you eat, your body will store food as fat for the next starvation episode. Try having some almonds, yogurt, or fresh fruit handy when you are too busy to prepare small meals.
- Spice it up! Spices such as cayenne pepper have shown to increase the metabolism by heating up your body’s temperature. Instead of grabbing salt, grab some spices which will make your meals taste better and help you burn more calories.
- Put on some muscle. Muscle mass is constantly burning calories. Even while you relax and sleep, it is your muscles are still working. Exercises that include muscle toning and building will not only kick up your metabolism but will also help protect your joints from several injuries that can occur as we age.
For more information on this subject contact me at don [at] donslifestyle [dot] com
