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It's a situation many of us have found ourselves in at one time or another. We've gone on a diet and are successfully dropping pounds, when suddenly the weight loss stops and the numbers on the scale won't move. The reason might be a slow metabolism. Metabolism is a complicated process that converts calories in what you eat to energy. If your metabolism is high you'll lose weight more easily than someone with low metabolism will, even if you both take in the same amount of energy in the form of calories. As a rule, if you have a low metabolism, you simply can't consume as much food as your thin friends who have a high metabolism without packing on some pounds. However, there are some tricks you can use to speed up your metabolism and get your weight loss back on track. Here are 10 ways to increase your metabolism: 1. Exercise. This is the single most effective way to raise your metabolism. The more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you'll burn during everyday activities. Work out with weights at least twice a week, and fit in 30 minutes daily of cardiovascular exercise. Go for a brisk walk, run on the treadmill or cross train at the gym. Fit fitness into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car further from the building, or doing some energetic housecleaning. 2. Have mini meals. Eating four to six small meals throughout the day rather than three big ones will keep your metabolism revved up constantly. 3. Don't skip meals. In fact, if you skip meals, you're more likely to gain weight than lose it. Skipping meals will make your body's metabolism slow down, because it thinks you're starving. Instead, follow tip two and eat several small meals a day. 4. Eat more whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. These foods help to keep your metabolism on an even keel. 5. Use spices in your food. Spices such as hot peppers boost your metabolism. 6. Cut back on sugar. High blood sugar levels cause you to store more food as fat. 7. Increase your water intake. When you burn fat, you release stored toxins. Water helps you flush those toxins out and can also help you lose weight. 8. Drink green tea. Green tea can speed up your metabolism and also is high in antioxidants, which are beneficial additions to your diet. 9. Get enough sleep. People who don't sleep enough are much more likely to be overweight or obese than their peers who do get enough sleep. 10. Lose your stress. Emotional and physical stress can prompt the release of cortisol, a steroid hormone that lowers your metabolism. Plus, you're likely to eat more when you're stressed out. Remember that on any weight loss program, the occasional plateau is normal. So if the scale doesn't budge on occasion, don't give up. Follow the tips above to give your metabolism a boost so that you keep burning calories and continue on to your weight loss goals. Remember that eating well and exercising are permanent changes you're making, not just something quick you do to lose some weight. It's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
By: Kim Archer
Kim Archer writes about women's wellness. She is publisher of The Internet Spa, where you'll find up-to-date information to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
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