5 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism with Annie Parker

EAT

It can be tempting to skip a meal or drastically restrict calories while you’re trying to lose weight but don’t do it. When your body is hungry, it actually stops burning calories to conserve energy. This might seem counter-intuitive. Your metabolism slows way down and it actually starts breaking down metabolism-boosting muscle for energy. For most women, this happens when calorie intake falls below 1,200 calories a day.

SLEEP

Not getting enough sleep negatively affects carbohydrate metabolism and can cause hormonal imbalances. When carbs are not properly metabolized, your blood sugar levels increase. High blood sugar levels spike insulin levels, signaling your body to store unused energy as fat.

Lack of sleep can also cause cortisol levels to rise, contributing to unwanted belly fat. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but you should aim for six-to-eight hours per night based on your individual needs.

MEDITATE

Emotional stress causes cortisol to rise, which harms your metabolism. Increased cortisol can cause overeating and an increase in belly fat. To combat stress, you should take at least 10 minutes out of your day to quietly meditate. You’ll notice your stress levels decrease, which will increase your metabolism. You can meditate right when you wake up, before going to bed, or even during the middle of the day. You can also try meditating while taking a quick walk, which helps to release endorphins as well.

DITCH THE CRASH DIETS

Crash diets actually slow down your metabolism even more. While they might provide short-term improvements, crash diets will not yield long-term results. Why? Because crash diets cause muscle mass and water loss rather than fat loss, which can slow down your metabolism.

Following a crash diet also means you’re not getting enough vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. These deficiencies can affect your metabolism. Instead follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, which will be your best bet for long-term results and an efficient metabolism. This also means you should keep processed foods and sugars to a minimum.

EXERCISE

There’s really only one way to keep your metabolism working properly as you age — by preserving and gaining lean muscle mass through exercise. Between the ages of 25 and 65, you’ll lose at least five pounds of muscle every ten years. But you can prevent this metabolic and muscle loss with consistent anaerobic training. When you work out, your muscles are burning calories and, as a result, your metabolism speeds up. That’s why regular exercise and high-intensity interval training is essential to boost your metabolism over the long-term.

So there you have it…

Revving up your metabolism all boils down to getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating right, and reducing stress. Follow these expert tips, and you’ll stay fit past the age of 25 — guaranteed!