My metabolism is naturally slow. If it were a driver, it would putt around in an old Buick, semis would fly past it on the freeway, and young people would wonder how it still has a license.
That is my sort in life, but I've learned that I can take actions to speed it up. I can paint flames on the Buick and give the driver lead shoes and a bad attitude.
There's a great article in WebMD called "Increase Your Metabolism- And Start Losing Fat" by Jenny Stamos Kovacs, published in February 2007, that gives some great context on metabolism and tips on how to increase it. Note: since I became healthy, I've implemented most of these tips in my life.
Context excerpts:
-Everyone can increase his/her metabolism.
-Metabolic rate depends on the number of calories consumed, the number of calories burned while eating and exercising, and the calories burned due to one's genetic makeup.
-The best way to change one's metabolism is to INCREASE one's need for energy.
-Metabolism does slow down with age, but most of that loss is attributable to a lower amount of physical activity, not fate. If one maintains his/her level of physical activity, his/her metabolism will only decrease by 1-2% over his/her lifespan compared to an average 20-40% (again due mostly to a decrease of physical activity).
Tips to increase metabolism:
-Put on lean muscle
-Integrate high intensity bursts into one's regular cardio workout- 30 seconds of high-intensity for every 3 minutes of regular.
-Get a recommended amount of sleep
-Eat often, but eat right- vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and other high-fiber foods
-Don't rely on stimulants or boosters like green tea, coffee, hot peppers, etc. They've been shown to have little if any positive effect on metabolism.
-Eat more fish and fish oil- the omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly increase metabolism
-Don't rely as much coolers and heaters- too much comfort decreases the amount of energy one expends to keep warm and cool
-Find ways to move as much as possible- avoid sedentary activity
Let me know if you have any other tips.
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