Metabolism is a term that is frequently used when discussing fitness, food intake, and weight loss. It is often believed that your metabolic rate is inherited and that there is no way to increase it. However, even if you have inherited a slow metabolism, you can still take steps to naturally boost it.
Those who are effortlessly thin, no matter what they eat, are said to have a fast metabolism, while those who gain weight easily are advised to do everything they can to increase their metabolism. There are some natural methods that can be used to speed up metabolism and support weight loss.
What is metabolism?
Understanding your metabolism is essential before learning how to increase it. Metabolism is the process of converting calories into energy. It includes both voluntary and involuntary processes such as walking, talking, and digesting food. Your Basal Metabolism (BMR) is the amount of calories the body burns when resting. Exercise is an additional way to burn calories and increase your metabolic rate. Non-exercise activities such as standing and doing chores can also have an effect on your metabolic rate. All of these factors contribute to the overall energy expenditure of your body and can be used to boost your metabolic rate.
Metabolism is the process of breaking down food and transforming it into energy. Exercise contributes only 10% to this process, while the other 20% is attributed to non-exercise related activities, such as walking, standing, and fidgeting. The remaining 70% is made up of your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the amount of energy your body needs to keep you alive, such as for proper functioning of organs, digestion, etc. Even with an exercise regimen, you can only affect 10% of your metabolism.
If you’re looking to increase your metabolic rate, the key is to increase your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Though this may be a difficult task, there are some natural, science-backed methods to boost your metabolism. Below are some suggestions that may help.
Eat more proteins
Consuming proteins is an excellent way to maximize your basal metabolic rate (BMR) as it requires 30% of the calories consumed during digestion. This means that, compared to carbohydrates and fats, proteins require more energy to digest and thus can help keep you fuller for longer. Eating a diet rich in proteins will also help prevent overeating and ensure that you are getting the most out of the food you eat.
Opt for HIIT over cardio exercises
If you are looking to maximize fat burning, HIIT (high-intensity interval training) has been proven to be more effective than other types of exercise. Not only does it burn a lot of calories during your workout, it also keeps your metabolism elevated for hours afterwards. HIIT is an ideal choice for those looking for an efficient way to get in shape.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a form of interval training that involves alternating periods of intense exercise with shorter periods of rest. It is a great way to get your heart rate up quickly and keep it there for maximum benefit. HIIT sessions usually last around 30 minutes and cause a process called EPOC or Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption. This process can last for up to 36 hours after your workout and helps to boost your metabolism and calorie burn. HIIT is a great way to get maximum benefits from your workout in a short amount of time.
Drink cold water
Staying hydrated is a surefire way to lead a healthier lifestyle and also helps to increase your metabolic rate. Opt for water as your beverage of choice instead of sugary drinks, as it not only reduces the amount of calories you consume, but can also increase your metabolic rate by 20-30% for the next hour. Consuming cold water is even better, as your body has to expend energy to bring the liquid to body temperature. Additionally, drinking water can act as an effective appetite suppressant.
Load up on spicy foods
Spicy foods containing peppers may be beneficial for those with a high tolerance for them. Capsaicin, a metabolism-boosting substance found in peppers, can help promote long-term weight loss and an increased metabolic rate. Although the effects of capsaicin are not dramatic, they can still be beneficial for those looking to lose weight.
Sip on green tea or coffee
Looking to kick up your metabolism and burn more fat? Consider green and oolong teas! Have been proven to improve metabolism by 4-5%. Low in calories when taken without processed sugar, these teas are great for aiding in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Not only that, but they also convert fat deposits in your body into free fatty acids, thus helping you burn 10-15% more fat. Coffee lovers, don’t worry! Caffeine has been found to boost metabolism by 11% and cause an extra 10-30% fat burn. Also, boost your metabolism by adding the phenq uk diet pill to your routine.
Boost Your Metabolism Naturally Today
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to boosting your metabolic rate, but there are some natural methods you can try. Consider adding a dietary supplement to your diet that will help control your appetite, and focus on eating a balanced diet instead of drastically cutting your food intake. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workout routine, and make sure you get enough rest at night to reduce stress levels. With the right combination of changes, you should be able to gradually increase your metabolic rate.
Forget counting every calorie; focus on making small changes to your lifestyle, like adding regular exercise, eating a healthy balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, and drinking plenty of water. These simple and natural steps will help your body adjust to burning more calories without having to drastically reduce your intake. Your BMR will automatically decrease as your body adapts to the new routine, so you can start seeing the results without having to worry about counting calories.
References
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Pesta, D. H., & Samuel, V. T. (2014). A high-protein diet for reducing body fat: mechanisms and possible caveats. Nutrition & metabolism, 11(1), 53. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-11-53
Pezeshki A, Fahim A, Chelikani PK. J Nutr. 2015 Oct; 145(10):2236-44. Epub 2015 Aug 26.
Veldhorst M, Smeets A, Soenen S, Hochstenbach-Waelen A, Hursel R, Diepvens K, Lejeune M, Luscombe-Marsh N, Westerterp-Plantenga M. Physiol Behav. 2008 May 23; 94(2):300-7. Epub 2008 Jan 12.