Ever wonder why your best friend can go without gaining a pound while just one spoonful goes straight to your hips? The answer lies in your metabolism, that little engine in your body that burns calories all day, every day. Because of genetics, some women burn fat faster than others. But age, weight, diet, and exercise habits also play a role.
“As women age, their metabolisms slow down, mainly because they are losing five or six pounds of muscle each decade starting in the mid-20s.
1. Don’t Overdo Calorie Cutting
Putting yourself on a very low-calorie diet is a surefire way not to lose. “Your body is programmed to defend your usual weight.
2. Nibble All Day
It sounds counter intuitive; why would you eat continually if you wanted to lose weight? But eating five to six mini meals rather than three larger meals every day keeps your metabolism humming 24/7. “It will also prevent you from going without food so long that you become so hungry you overeat.
Try not to let more than four hours elapse between meals and make sure each meal includes protein, for an extra metabolic boost.
3. Spice Up Your Soup
Sprinkle a few hot pepper into your lunchtime soup or evening stir-fry. They temporarily boost your resting metabolic rate.
4. B vitamins
These vitamins are essential for a fully functioning metabolism The main function of the B vitamins is to help your body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and to use the stored energy in food.
Food sources: Beans, lentils, milk, eggs, whole grains, potatoes, bananas.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is critical to a healthy immune system.
Your body can get all the vitamin D it needs courtesy of the sun. Yet most people today spend too much time indoors, or they live in climates where the sun doesn’t always shine. Getting enough vitamin D from food is difficult, so supplements are often recommended.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium is necessary for energy production in the body.
Food sources: Nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy green vegetables such as spinach.
Vitamin and mineral supplements may help provide you with the energy necessary to manage stress, keep a positive mood, and reduce fatigue. All of these add up to a diet that’s more likely to be successful.
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