Is your metabolism sluggish? Possible
indicators may include the fact that you are more of a sedentary
person as opposed to someone who moves around frequently. You may
find it difficult to lose weight, or keep it off. And you may even
move more slowly and talk slower than others, although these are
more arbitrary symptoms. If you want to rev your metabolism, ask
your doctor first to see if he or she can make suggestions for you
to try. Find out if the following might help you to develop a more
accelerated metabolism.
1. Get eight hours of sleep. If you are used to nine or more, or
six or fewer, your body’s metabolism may be trying to compensate
during the day for the amount of rest it actually needs. Someone
who prefers resting to running may be tired because their body’s
metabolism is off due to an improper amount of rest.
2. Drink plenty of water. Eight glasses a day will help to keep
your system clean and operational. People who are dehydrated cannot
perform daily functions very well. They are often tired and listless.
Avoid caffeine, which can give you a temporary high before sending
your body into a tailspin. One or two cups daily are all right,
especially if you need a jump-start in the morning or before an
exam. But keep it to a minimum.
3. Keep moving. Get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day, with
your doctor’s permission, of course. Fidget while you watch television.
Pace when talking on the phone. Jiggle your knees while at the computer.
You can even rock in a comfortable chair while talking to your kids
or spouse. Research shows that little movement like these can add
up and kick your metabolism into a higher gear.
4. Avoid heavy foods. Lots of starches and carbohydrates can make
you full and cause you to feel sleepy. Follow a sensible food chart
utilizing all five food groups, but don’t overdo the carbs or sugary
snacks, as well as anything that is high in fat. Foods full of butter,
gravy, pasta, and fat are not good for you, and they will slow down
your metabolism.
5. Take extra steps. Park further from your destination and walk
the extra distance. Go up and down stairs several times a day to
put things away. Look for opportunities to keep your body moving,
and it will soon get into the habit of humming along at a higher
speed, which will keep you feeling energetic and can help to burn
extra calories.
While you may wish you could just wear a patch or have a simple
operation to enhance your metabolism, those options are not yet
available. Instead, make easy adjustments like those outlined above
to help your body perform to its potential and get healthy.
About the author:
Find out how to enhance your metabolism and keep it healthy when
you visit Metabolism Info at http://www.metabolisminfo.com
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