If you’ve ever heard your friends complaining about their slow metabolism being the result of their inability to lose weight, there’s actually some truth to their nagging. We’re going to give you a better understanding of what metabolism is, how to boost it, as well as foods to avoid that might be slowing it down.
What is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process your body undergoes to convert food into energy. The calories you consume are combined with oxygen to release the energy needed for your body to function properly. Your age, gender, and size all play a role in determining how many calories you burn while repairing cells, sleeping, and even breathing.
Ways to Boost Your Metabolism
With a higher metabolism, you’ll burn calories faster and have more energy. These are 4 simple ways to boost your metabolism.
Get 7-8 Hours of Sleep
Did you know insufficient hours of sleep could cause obesity? When you’re body isn’t well rested, it can’t function properly and doesn’t burn as many calories or use its energy to it’s fullest potential. Additionally, sleep deprived people tend to feel more hungry throughout the day, making it more likely to consume more calories than necessary.
Do a High-Intensity Workout
The fast, intense movement that comes with every HIIT workout can help increase your metabolism and burn fat faster than a regular session of strength training.
Drink Green Tea
Green tea is known to increase the fat-burning process and reduce belly fat. Given the natural drink’s low-calorie content, it has been proven to increase metabolism by 4-5%.
Find out more about green tea and other detox drinks for weight loss here.
Drink Cold Water
Not only is water a better alternative to soft drinks and sugary juices, but also when you drink cold water, your body has to work harder and use more energy to heat it once consumed.
Introducing LOCH
Staying hydrated isn’t always easy, especially when you’re out and about. And plastic bottles in the scorching sun aren’t the best option for you or the planet. LOCH’s range of convenient and colorful insulated water bottles keeps your beverages cold for up to 24, helping you burn more with every refreshing sip. Pair yours with a vegan leather strap to carry it around conveniently everywhere you go.
Foods That Might Slow Down Your Metabolism
When trying to lose weight or simply boost your metabolism for increased energy levels, it’s important to be aware of the type of foods that could potentially slow down your metabolism. Here are some things to try to avoid when aiming for a faster metabolism:
- Pasta, white bread, and other refined grains
- Sugary drinks like artificial juices and soft drinks
- Oils high in Omega-6 fatty acids, such as soybean oil
- Foods high in fat (burgers, desserts, etc.)
With these simple steps and foods to avoid, you’ll most likely be able to boost your metabolism and burn fat faster. If you’re still having trouble due to issues out of your control, such as genetics or hormones, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
