Many people, especially those who are looking to lose weight, are on the lookout for ways to naturally boost their metabolism. There are quite a few things that you can do right to give a boost to your metabolism. These include strength training, being more physically active, increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, etc. Here are a few best strategies to boost your metabolism naturally.
Be More Physically Active
To boost your metabolism, you should increase your level of physical activity. Go for a jog or a swim rather than watching TV or spending time in from of your computer. You can try interval training that includes exercising hard for 60 seconds and then resting for the next 60 seconds, repeating this process five to ten times. However, before starting off with interval training, make sure that you have a good cardiovascular level.
Another good way to increase physical activities is to take stairs instead of elevator and take short walks more often.
Increase Your Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, herring etc. contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are helpful in balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation and regulating metabolism. Omega-3s are also known to reduce the resistance to leptin, which is a hormone that has an influence on the speed at which you lose weight.
You should consume about 1000 to 2000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis. To achieve this, you can either use supplements or eat fish or some other foods that are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These include eggs, flaxseed oil and walnuts.
Increase Lean Body Muscle Mass
Muscles make your body work more by using more energy than fat and hence burn far more calories. Performing strength training is necessary to gain some muscles. It is highly recommended to perform total body workouts with weights. Start off with lighter ones and gradually increase the load when you start to feel comfortable. Avoid working on the same muscles group for two days. It is very important to provide your muscles at least a day’s time to recover before you once again start working on them. Doing this will increase your metabolism for over 24 hours since each workout.
Never Starve Yourself
Many people who are trying to lose weight make a common mistake of fasting and starving themselves, which goes on to lower the metabolic rate. This might lead to short term weight loss, but you cannot go without food for too long. Once you are back to eating like you previously did, you will gain weight even faster, lose muscles and your metabolism will slow down.
It is essential to have a healthy breakfast to kick-start your metabolism. Eat a nutritious breakfast every morning followed by small meals throughout the day. Eating smaller but frequent meals is a good way to maintain your metabolic rate.
Increase Your Water Consumption
You don’t have to drink water only when your throat feels dry. Consume a little of it every thirty minutes or so throughout the day. Besides having positive effects on your metabolism, water eliminates toxins and waste from your skin, revitalizes your skin and is beneficial for overall health.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting a good sleep of seven to eight hours every night gives your body time to recharge and be prepared for the next day. Depriving yourself of sleep affects the overall performance of the body and also disturbs your metabolism.