How can we “rev up” our metabolism in a healthy way so that our body uses the appropriate calories needed to maintain a healthy weight? It seems like we are continuously searching for a “magic” fix. Well, it may not be as difficult as we perceive it to be! Altering daily lifestyle and dietary choices can help pave the way to a healthier you.
Build Muscle: When we think of burning calories, we think exercise, exercise, and MORE exercise! Muscle burns more calories per hour than fat. Lifting weights or weight-bearing exercises are a great way to build or preserve lean muscle mass, therefore keeping our metabolism going strong.
Fuel Smart: But exercise alone cannot do the trick! We need to focus on our nutritional habits as well. We burn more calories by eating protein and fiber-rich foods that are harder to digest and require more work by our bodies to break down.
Eat Regularly: If we can eat several small meals frequently throughout the day, we can keep our metabolism constant.
Prioritize Sleep: Lastly, rest indeed does a body good! Ensuring you get adequate sleep prevents your resting metabolism from slowing down, an important factor in determining total calories burned daily.
These simple habits, combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can give your metabolism the boost it needs for long-term weight management success.