So I am sure you’ve heard that your metabolism may be blamed for your current weight. If this is the case, I bet you would love to learn how to speed up your metabolic rate to help you burn off a few extra kilos. Allow me to explain a few facts on metabolism. Your metabolic rate (rate at which you burn calories) is influenced by a number of factors.
There are some lucky individuals who are genetically gifted with a speedy metabolism (those who seem to eat all day and never gain anything.) Others have a slower metabolism. Do not assume that all people who are on the heavier side eat any more than average weight individuals.
There are things you can do to boost a sluggish metabolism. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue, even when it’s not in use. This is one reason that men burn more calories than women. If you started strength training (lifting weights) today, by next month you could be burning more calories just reading this!
Metabolism tends to slow down as we age, about 2% every decade, but this is mostly due to loss of muscle mass. So hold on to that muscle. Use it or lose it!
Our bodies respond well to being fed throughout the day. By providing your body with an intermittent supply of calories throughout the day, you will actually burn more off. On top of this, you will also have more energy and concentration.
Exercising burns calories while you are active and for a period of time after you stop as well. Any extra activity like taking the stairs, parking your car at the far end of the car park- can increase the number of calories you burn in a given day. Not only that but exercise can also relieve stress, improve health, boost your immune system, reduce your risk of heart disease, and help you to sleep better.
So here are my 4 Top Tips to boost your metabolism:
- Eat 4-6 times a day
- Eat an adequate amount of food to sustain your daily activities
- Build muscle through activity or weight training
- Exercise on a regular basis, even 10 minutes at a time, taking the stairs, etc
Feel free to get in touch if you have any comments/questions: rebecca@embracenutrition.co.uk
Follow me on twitter @EmbraceBex
Check out my website – www.embracenutrition.co.uk
Until next time…
Peace! x