10 ways to boost your metabolism

Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories. So, most would prefer having a faster metabolism rather than a slow one.

An over-active metabolism can actually pose harmful effects of its own, but if yours is a little sluggish and in need of a kick start, read up on these ways to do just that.

Read more about your thyroid: Tips to identify if your thyroid is functioning correctly

Your Family has provided these 10 do-able habits to boost your metabolism:

1. Any movement speeds up your metabolism, even tapping your feet. So fidget away!

2. Try and eat supper earlier. Sleep decreases your metabolism by roughly 10 per cent.

3. Don’t fast. Not eating for more than 12 hours slows your metabolism by 40 per cent, and that’s the opposite of what we’re trying to accomplish here.

4. Eat regular meals. This will keep your metabolism and blood sugar stable, and avoid slumps in energy. Six regular meals of similar kilojoule values is ideal.

5. Make sure to eat protein. This essential macronutrient is credited with boosting metabolism by 10 per cent, and keeps you fuller for longer.

6. Stay hydrated. This keeps all your cells and metabolism functioning.

7. At any time of day, a little exertion will raise your metabolic rate for a few hours, depending on the intensity.

8. Increased muscle mass, as a result of a regular weights workout, will also boost the rate at which you burn kilojoules.

9. Include the right stuff in your diet. Grapefruits, broccoli, green tea, oatmeal, sugar-free yoghurt, lean turkey, fish rich in Omega-3’s and fibre-rich grains will up your metabolic rate.

10. Keep an eye on how often and how much you drink. Consuming any alcohol will slow your metabolism as your body tries to metabolise the alcohol right away. Anything you recently ate gets stored as fat.

11. Get enough shut-eye. Adequate, regular sleep will promote regular metabolism too.

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