6-Ways to Increase Metabolism

Metabolism is the process in which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. There are many ways in which we burn off this food: basal metabolic rate (BMR), adaptive thermogenesis (non-exercise), and physical activity. When your body is at rest, it still requires energy. The body is going to use your food intake to breath, circulate blood, adjust hormone levels and grow and repair cells or muscles.

The number of calories your body burns is known as BMR, your metabolism. When working with a dietitian you may notice they calculate a specific calorie intake based on your age, sex, height, weight and activity level. These calories can help you adjust intake according to your goals: maintenance, weight loss or weight gain. Your body requires specific nutrients to help you break down certain foods and to allow for your thyroids to function normally.

Want to boost your metabolism and burn more calories?

1. Build muscle! You don’t have to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger but just building small lean muscle mass can help burn more calories at rest and help prevent osteoporosis.
2. Taurine –amino acid. This is usually found in energy drinks. Whileenergy drinks aren’t highly recommended because of added sugars, you can try increasing this amino in your diet by eating meat, fish and eggs. Also, you can supplement this amino in powder form of BCAA which includes Taurine in its ingredients. Taurine boosts metabolic functions for digestion, helps electrolyte balance, supports the central nervous system (CNS), and retina (eyes) plus, builds immune health.
3. L-Carnitine- amino acid. L-Carnitine is helpful because it pushes fat to be converted into energy. While the body can produce L-Carnitine naturally, you can still use this as a morning supplemental shot (available in liquid form). The older we get the more crucial it is to introduce L-Carnitine to the body. Research shows that a decline concentration in the bodies’ mitochondria can lead to deterioration and declined mental function. Supplementation or eating foods with L-Carnitine can reverse the effects and aid in weight loss, improve exercise performance, and enhance a sense of well-being.
4. Eating every 2-3 hours. Small meals every couple hours can help boost your metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day. When you eat bigger meals and less consistently during the day, your metabolism can slow down due to digestion rate.
5. Capsaicin! Caps- what? Let’s just say spicy!! Do you like spicy food? Add some red peppers, cayenne peppers, serrano peppers and any other spice to your life. Spicy food causes a thermogenic effect on the body and increases your internal temperature, this helps speed metabolism as well as improve satiety (fullness).
6. Green tea or green tea extract. Drinking tea before your workout can help boost metabolism by its natural energy ingredients. Not only will it give you energy like caffeine but research suggests that drinking it before a moderate-intense workout can help you burn off an extra 17% calories!