6 easy ways to increase metabolism

A higher functioning metabolism means more efficient weight loss. Far too many of us work hard to lose weight only to have our efforts derailed by a slow or sluggish metabolism. If you’re serious about losing weight, you’ll want to pay attention to your metabolic processes. If you suspect they need a boost, this article will help you do just that. Here are the 6 best ways to increase metabolism for effective weight loss.

What foods increase metabolism?

Your diet plays an important role when it comes to healthy metabolism. Certain foods increase metabolism while others slow it down. One way to boost metabolism is to eat sufficient amounts of protein. Protein helps the body burn calories when it digests food. This action is called the thermic effect of food. And protein happens to be one of those foods that has a very high thermic effect. Any food with high amounts of protein will help increase metabolism. So fill your diet with free-range eggs, grass-fed meats, nuts, nut butters, seeds, wild-caught fish, and protein shakes.

Another food to add to your smoothies, oatmeal, and stir frys is coconut oil. Coconut oil is a medium-chain fat that’s been proven to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Another way to boost your metabolism is to eat peppers. Pepper contain capsaicin, a compound that burns calories while also increasing metabolism. If you enjoy spicy foods and want to lose weight, then go for the hot stuff!

Can water increase metabolism?

It’s a known fact that water is the best drink for your health and well-being. But can it also increase metabolism? Science says yes! A 2010 study shows that by drinking more water, you naturally burn more calories.

Any time you crave something to drink, pour yourself a glass of filtered water. During colder months, warm water is equally beneficial. In fact, sipping warm water throughout the day is highly beneficial for digestion, detoxification, and weight loss. Listen to your body and drink when thirsty. Water is always the best beverage for weight loss, and an easy drink to increase metabolism.

Can coffee increase metabolism?

Who doesn’t love coffee? The health benefits of coffee are often controversial. If your body can handle the caffeine, coffee is very likely a surprise metabolism booster, as one study suggests. If you don’t love coffee, green tea is the next best thing. It’s a metabolism booster as well. In fact, a 2010 study suggests green tea catechins work to help us burn fat. Now’s the time to sip warm drinks — coffee, green tea, or both!

Will exercise increase metabolism?

Exercise does increase metabolism, but only the right kind. Spending hours running in circles on a treadmill does far less for metabolic health than does intense interval training. Exercising in short bursts, as is the method with burst training or high intensity interval training (HIIT), is the perfect way to increase metabolism.

Research shows shows that interval exercise actually continues to burn calories and increase metabolism even after you’ve finished working out. You get way more bang for your buck by exercising in intense bursts!

You’ll also want to spend time building muscle. If you combine burst training or HIIT with some sort of strength training routine, you’ll naturally increase metabolism. Weight training works much like burst training does, in that even after you’ve finished a workout, your body continues to work for you — burning calories and increasing metabolism while you go about the rest of your day.

Strength training comes in many forms. You can pick and choose what works for you. Lifting weights is an obvious way to build muscle. But so is Pilates, certain forms of yoga, and calisthenics. When you combine burst training with a muscle-building regimen, you’re on your way to increased metabolism and sustainable weight loss.

Can a good night’s sleep increase metabolism?

There are so many reasons to get good sleep, and one of them has to do with your metabolism. If you’re chronically sleep deprived, you’ll find weight loss to be almost out of reach. This is because so many processes occur in the body during sleeping hours, all of which work to eliminate toxins, balance hormones, restore and renew the brain, and yes — support metabolic processes.

If you need to boost your metabolism, you’ll need to create healthy sleep habits. Create a sleep sanctuary in your bedroom. Get rid of any light — artificial or otherwise. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends. And, try to get to bed around 10pm. Aligning yourself with nature’s circadian rhythms will inevitably promote deeper rest. Because so many aspects of your health depend up on a good night’s sleep, focusing on better sleep habits should be a priority.

Can standing more increase metabolism?

It’s been said that sitting is the new smoking. Whether or not this is true, studies do show that leading a sedentary lifestyle sabotages weight loss. It can even decrease metabolism. We all sit far too much these days, and it’s damaging our health.

To increase your metabolism, try standing and moving more throughout the day. Whenever you sit down, think to yourself, “is there some way I can do this activity while standing?” You may want to invest in a standing desk. You might walk or ride your bike to the store rather than drive the few blocks. Can you take the stairs instead of the elevator? Get creative and add more activity into your day.

Need help boosting your metabolism in order to meet your weight-loss goals? SmartFit offers personalized weight-loss plans to help you look and feel your best! Together, we can help you become a healthier version of you! Contact us today for a FREE consultation!