So how is it going for you with your New Year’s resolutions? Are you keeping to your goals? Are you trying to lose weight and get in shape for 2016?
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If you are feeling that your weight loss journey is an uphill battle, you may be feeling frustrated, and your goals may seem far away. Do you feel as if your metabolism has slowed down, making it more difficult to attain your goals? If so, here are five simple ways to boost your metabolism.
Sleep
It is so important to get enough sleep every night. Sleep regulates your hormones and keeps your metabolism running the way it should. If you are not getting enough sleep, this can be a barrier to your body’s ability to regulate your hormones and your metabolism. If your quality of sleep is not so good, this can decrease your insulin resistance and increase your appetite. So not only is getting enough sleep important, but good quality sleep is important too.
For tips on natural methods on falling asleep, check out this blog by mindbodygreen.com.
Caffeine
Did you know that caffeine is a great metabolism booster. The caffeine from coffee can give your body just what it needs before a workout, while at the same time, increasing fat oxidation. Tea can also be a metabolism booster; especially oolong or green tea. In addition to the caffeine, the powerful antioxidant effects of the catechins found in these products can also boost your metabolism for a few hours after ingesting them.
Spices
Adding some spices to your food can also increase your metabolism. Try some cayenne pepper or chili peppers in your foods. These spices which contain capsaicin, increase thermogenesis (which is the process of energy production in the body caused directly by the metabolizing of food consumed*) as well as increasing fat oxidation (which is good for burning fat), and can curb your appetite. So, spice up that food a little and get some good metabolism and fat burning benefits.
Foods
Add some potassium-rich foods to your diet. These would include foods such as:
According to research* there’s a strong correlation between a higher lean body mass percentage and a high consumption of potassium-rich foods. It appears that diets rich in these types of fruits and vegetables can relieve increased acidity often found in the standard American diet, which can cause inflammation and imbalances in the body which can, in turn, affect weight when our bodies are not running in balance.
Protein
Although you may already be eating clean protein in your daily diet, it is important that you include enough protein daily, especially if you are working out. Protein is essential for lean muscle increase. A high protein diet can also help you increase your metabolism, while reducing fat, and building lean muscles. If you don’t feel you are getting enough protein in your diet, you can supplement with a good quality protein powder. When looking for a good protein source, check out these few things:
While there are more metabolism boosters out there, these are just five simple and easy-to-incorporate tips that will work for you in your everyday life. So give them a try, and while you are working on your goals and your health for 2016 — add these five metabolism boosting tips into your daily routine. |