Bring on the fat burning just in time for summer
We’ve all heard the genetics excuse when it comes to a slow metabolism. But what exactly is metabolism and can you really speed it up? Essentially metabolism is a blanket term used to describe all the chemical reactions in our bodies which create energy. Truth is, the speed of our metabolism inevitably depends on what we’re putting in our mouths and how we’re moving our bodies. Sure, genetics make up a piece of the puzzle, but nothing has quite the effect of diet when it comes to boosting the old energy maker! Here’s a few tips and tricks to give your metabolism a push in the right direction...
OMEGA 3’s
The essential fatty acids found in fish, nuts, seeds and beans are a total treasure trove of metabolism boosting goodness. These special little members of the nutrient clan have been found to balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and stimulate leptin - all of which assist in the regulation of metabolism.
GREEN TEA
The magical green brew has long been heralded for its antioxidant polyphenols. But new evidence illustrates that the active ingredient catechin has the capacity to crank up metabolism. Pull out the lipton!
EAT BREAKFAST
Eating a nutrient dense breakfast in the AM is one of the most influential steps to take when it comes to speeding up metabolism. Starting the day with wholefoods like oats and berries or eggs and avocado wakes your metabolism and gets it firing for the day ahead.
PROTEIN
Thermogenesis is a nifty little process which sees your body using roughly 10% of its caloric intake for digestion. Since protein takes longer to breakdown and burn than carbohydrate or fat, your body consumes more energy digesting a protein rich diet. Plus, the slowed digestion rate will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Bonus!
EAT THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FOOD
It’s one of the harshest realities of dieting – if you cut too many calories, your metabolism thinks times are tough and puts the breaks on fat burning to conserve energy. The trick? Keep your metabolism firing by eating at least enough calories to match your resting metabolic rate or BMR (the minimum amount of calories your body needs at rest to function) – google a BMR calculator and it’ll do the maths for you!
SUPPLEMENTS
Put simply, thermogenic supplements work by heating up the body, which makes it harder to work at a molecular level. The increase in energy required to undertake bodily processes results in a greater caloric burn and an increase in metabolism. Hellllllllo fat burning!