Your metabolic system is the machine that converts fuel into energy. That is, everything you eat or drink the metabolic system either uses or puts into storage for future use. The more efficient your system, the higher your metabolism is and the quicker you burn calories. While genetics does play a role in your natural metabolic rate, there are ways to boost your metabolism.Here are some ideas from Michael Smith, MD, medical director and chief medical editor at WebMD:
Build strength. Muscles need calories. Not just to build them, but to maintain them. One pound of muscle needs 6 calories a day to sustain itself. Fat needs only 2 calories. Strength training activates muscles throughout the body and increases the daily metabolic rate.
Drink water. A hydrated body burns calories more efficiently than even a mildly dehydrated one. Water helps maintain blood flow and keeps your body working at peak performance levels. One German study showed that drinking cold water was even more beneficial, as the metabolic system had to warm the water up before being able to use it.
Add snacks. Break up your daily calories to include 2 – 3 snacks per day, so that you eat between 5 and 6 times daily. Think of it as stoking a fire. A fire that receives small amounts of wood throughout the day burns hotter and longer than a fire that is lit in the morning and then ignored for hours at a time.
Spice it up. The capsaicin in spicy foods naturally kicks your metabolism into high gear. While it is currently believed these effects are only temporary, the more often you eat spicy foods, the more oftenyour metabolism is boosted.
Protein power. The body takes more calories to digest protein than it does carbohydrates. Look for lean cuts of meat, fish, chicken, beans and low-fat dairy products.
The experts at Infinite Fitness can help you build the right nutrition and fitness program for you. Call or stop in to speak with one of the trainers today.