10 Ways to Boost Metabolism, Naturally

by Karen Yale, D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N., F.I.A.M.A.

My patients often attribute their weight gain to slow metabolism, thinking there's not much they can do about it. I disagree. Best of all, you can do it naturally.

Metabolism 101
Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. It's like an engine that hums along regardless of what you're doing. When you're sitting on the couch, it's on a low idle. When you're mowing the lawn it revs up.

Top 10 ways to boost metabolism

1. Get your sleep. Adequate sleep is needed for a variety of health reasons, including your metabolism. When you don't get enough sleep, more fat is stored, resulting in weight gain.

2. Exercise regularly. You've heard this before, but nothing beats physical exercise for resetting your metabolism. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

3. Eat breakfast. A healthy breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism for the day. If you skip meals, your body goes into "starvation" mode, storing fat to save for future fuel.

4. Consume smaller meals more often. Eating small meals regularly throughout the day activates your metabolism. The key word is small - like an apple and yogurt or a salad and nuts.

5. Eat protein with every meal. Protein takes more energy for your body to process than fats or carbs, which can nearly double your metabolism rate. An added benefit - you stay full longer.

6. Drink water. Water is an essential part of all of the body's systems, including your metabolic system.

7. Don't crash diet. Losing weight too quickly is unhealthy and ends up lowering your metabolic rate. Work with your health care practitioner for that's right for you.

8. Spice up your food. Peppers like chili and cayenne contain capsaicin which can fire up your metabolism by more than 20 percent! Try sprinkling it on your food. If that's too hot try a supplement.

9. Drink green tea. Green tea contains catechins, natural compounds that boost your metabolism. Japanese researchers claim you burn an extra 70-80 calories by drinking five cups of green tea a day. Not a tea drinker? Supplements are available.

10. Increase your intake of vitamins and supplements. The B-vitamins are great energy boosters. I also like Apple Cider Vinegar Plus with Green Tea from Botanic Choice. It contains metabolism boosters cayenne, green tea, and citrin, and blends them with four other weight loss nutrients in a base of Apple Cider Vinegar. Combined they give your weight loss and total health a super boost.

Discover for yourself how you can boost your metabolism naturally. Very soon you're sure to be feeling better than you have in years!