Get Moving and Get Losing
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.