Metabolism is the complex process involving the transformation of what you put into your mouth into energy. The better food and drinks you have, the better your metabolism. Metabolism is largely a biochemical process, and it uses the calories in what you consume, along with oxygen, to provide your body with necessary energy just to function. As you age, your metabolism slows, and you may find yourself piling on the weight. If you don’t consume nutritious food and don’t exercise, you’ll also find the situation might be exacerbated.
If you’re looking to make a change in your life, it’s helpful to begin with your metabolism. Here are five ways you can naturally boost yours.
1. Drink Tea or Coffee
If drinking tea and coffee is your favourite pastime, you’re in luck. Caffeine is a stimulant that ties in with your central nervous system, and it’s very beneficial for your metabolism. Therefore, drinking at least one cup of tea or coffee per day will have a positive effect. A cup of tea can boost your metabolism by as much as 12 percent, while coffee can see an improvement of anywhere up to eight percent.
2. Calculate Calories
Counting calories is a tricky business, especially when it comes to improving your metabolism while trying to lose weight at the same time. While it’s true that cutting your caloric intake can lead to weight loss, if you cut them by too much, your metabolism can come to a standstill. Ensure you eat regularly and often, and make sure you remain within the healthy caloric intake for your weight and gender.
3. Include Fibre in Your Diet
It’s a well-known fact that fibre is good for your digestive health and in the fight against particular diseases, but did you know it can boost your metabolism? By eating fibre-rich food such as grains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables, you can boost your metabolism by almost a third. What’s more, you can even benefit from weight loss in the process.
4. Drink More Water
Our bodies need a significant amount of water every day, but many of us aren’t getting enough. If you drink upwards of two litres per day, you can benefit from a faster metabolism, and of course, hydration as well. Experts also recommend drinking at least six cups of very cold water which can also help you to lose weight.
5. Include Iron in Your Diet
If you battle with fatigue and low energy, especially as a woman, you may find that your iron levels are low. Iron is necessary for the transportation of oxygen to muscles to burn fat, and not enough of it can lead to slow metabolism. Include plenty of spinach, lean meats, cereals and shellfish into your diet and reap the rewards of more energy and a faster metabolism.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially if you’ve neglected doing so for a while, can be a learning curve. However, if you’re looking to get your health in check, consider correcting your metabolism first. Once you’ve achieved that, you’ll find the rest of your health goals are achieved far more effortlessly.
