Different Ways to Increase Your Metabolism

Metabolism is the process of breaking down food and using it for energy. When a person exercises, they increase or speed their metabolism, and in turn, they can eat more calories without gaining weight. Sometimes, there is a medical condition that results in a slow or sluggish metabolism. Someone not eating many calories but gaining weight may be evidence of this. Many people think that the best way to lose weight is to cut down on calories, but this can actually have a negative or reverse result, based upon your metabolism.

Your body is designed to protect itself from famine and starvation. Your metabolism is an important part of your overall body health and plays a major role in how your body spends or stores unused calories. When your body takes in excess calories, they are stored as fat. However, when your metabolism is increased, your extra calories will be burned up and not stored as fat. For those who repeatedly lower their caloric intake, they will discover that as their metabolism slows down, the little bit of food that they eat will be stored as fat. This is the body's way of protecting itself from famine and starvation.

The number one way that you can increase metabolism is through exercise. By exercising with an aerobic activity three times a week between 20-30 minutes, you will increase your metabolism. Some of the top aerobic workouts include: step aerobics, running, walking, and dancing.

It is also important to eat a well balanced diet and stay away from fad dieting. Your body needs to know that it will receive food regularly, and then it won't stay in “starvation mode”. By eating a healthy diet that includes eating breakfast, you will increase your metabolism and find that you can eat more and weigh less.

Sleeping regularly is also an important aspect of maintaining and improving your metabolism. When your body is tired and not receiving enough rest, all of your body's systems fail to operate at optimum levels and this includes your metabolism. By sleeping regularly, eating a well balanced diet, and exercising regularly, your metabolism will increase.

Carbonated beverages and diet sodas can have a reverse effect on your metabolism. It is best to stay away from these drinks as many artificial sweeteners have been shown to slow down metabolism.

Alcohol is a depressant and in turn, can slow down you metabolism. Many people discover that they may not be eating much food, or cutting back on calories, while still drinking alcohol. They are surprised to discover that they are not losing weight. The culprit is the alcohol that is slowing down their metabolism.

If you have a medical condition or problems with your thyroid gland, you will need to seek medical treatment. Your doctor will most likely prescribe medication that will help increase your metabolism. In turn, this will help you lose excess pounds and maintain a normal healthy weight.

The best way to increase your metabolism is to eat a healthy well balanced meal, including breakfast, get plenty of sleep each night, exercise regularly (incorporating aerobic activities), and abstaining from excess alcohol and diet sodas. By doing these things you will see your metabolism improve.