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8 Easy Ways to Raise Metabolism and Lose Weight

By Peter Reyes

It's no secret that metabolism plays a great role in weight loss. When you've a high metabolic rate, the amount of calories your body burns increases and hence helps you to lose weight faster.

Without optimal metabolism, your body will store the excess calories as fat for future use. There are several factors that influence metabolism including age, weight, hormonal changes, lean muscle mass, diet, genetics, stress and the amount of physical activity undertaken daily. While there are a couple of things which you cannot change, you can still raise metabolism through metabolism boosting foods and exercise techniques.

How to Boost Metabolism Naturally and Burn Fat

1. As we age, our bodies metabolism decreases. The best way to combat a slow metabolism is by building lean body mass. The more lean muscles you have, the more calories you burn, even while resting.

Resistance or weight training, twice a week is great for building muscle. You can also raise your metabolism by performing cardio exercises such as running, swimming or cycling.

2. Many people skip breakfast. What they don't realize is that breakfast raises your metabolism and provides a consistent energy supply throughout the day. Did you know that people who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer weight and health problems than those who don't?

3. Refined sugar found in processed foods, sweets and sodas overload your body with sugar and can lead to numerous serious health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Instead, you should eat complex carbohydrates foods such as brown rice, grains and oatmeal. They are better energy sources since they provide your body with an even level of blood sugar.

4. Eat spicy foods that make you sweat can boost your metabolism. Researchers at Laval University in Canada found that capsaicin (a chemical found in jalapeno and cayenne peppers) temporarily stimulates your body to release more stress hormones, which raises up your metabolism and causes you to burn more calories.

5. Research has shown that people who do not get enough sleep tend to put on weight. This may be because your body uses sleep to heal and regenerate itself, including its muscular system. Stress has a negative impact on your metabolism. When you're stressed, a chemical called cortisol is released into the bloodstream.

Cortisol slows metabolism, making it more difficult for your body to burn fat and calories. It is best that you learn to manage stress through deep breathing or meditation and not use alcohol to make yourself sleep.

6. Water flushes out sodium and toxins from your body. It also keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency and let the liver do what it does best – metabolize fat stores.

Moreover, water is a natural appetite suppressant that will help keep you from mistaking thirst for hunger. Be sure to start your day with a huge glass of water and drink throughout the day to boost metabolism.

7. Have small meals per day, spaced 2 to 3 hours apart to provide your body with a steady supply of energy. For instance, if you eat 1500 calories a day, break it down into 5 to 6 meals rather than 2 or 3.

Also, never skip meals. Skipping meals actually slow metabolism and can result in overeating.

8. Green tea is reputed to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. Unlike coffee, green tea does not stress the body with caffeine. Additionally, it has also been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and help prevent heart disease.

how to raise metabolism naturally and burn fat

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