Consistency with eating clean and exercising is the one thing that has kept my metabolism burning.
Also I ingest 1 tbsp of organic coconut oil per day - it supposedly helps with thyroid/metabolism.
The intellect is always fooled by the heart. ~ Francois de La Rochefoucauld
How bad does coconut oil taste
I know there have been many great answers, but I thought I would put up here what worked for me and why it works. It's kind of a summary of the other posts.
I was an athlet during school and when I stopped exercising every day for several hours my weight skyrocketed. So I did a lot research and found out the following:
1. Dieting or skipping meals does more harm then good, because you lose muscelmass and your metabolism slows down
2. Light weight training boosts your metabolism for up to three days and you build up muscles, which burn more calories even when you are inactive.
3. Breakfast is indeed important because it gets you going for the day and starts your metabolism
4. Any kind of exercise is great even just taking the stairs
5. I personal started to avoid carbs in the evening, but that is a personal choice
6. Spices like chili peppers or ginger activate your metabolism and make you eat less
7. Fresh, raw ingredients are healthier and have a lot less calories. Additionaly they are a lot harder for your body to digest
8. The worst thing are overprocesed foods. Like sodas or chips and anything with high fructose cornsyrup. Empty calories
9. Everything in moderation and a little exercise and you should be golden
This worked for me and I hope it will help you. You probably knew some of this already.
I am in agreement with most of what Dreamer said. However avoiding simple carbs is more than a personal choice...it is critical. Light weight training may boost your metabolism but heavy weight training and cardio intervals will really kick it into high gear. Make are you fuel with unprocessed foods afterwards. Afterwards is when that high metabolism can burn bodyfat and build muscle at the same time if you fuel properly. Don't worry too much about eating natural fats...your body does not just turn dietary fat into body fat. It is an important source of fuel.
Start your day with some type of exercise or workout routine. It gets your body and matabolism going strong for the rest of the day. It's most beneficial at that time. Any time is good, the a.m. is just the most optimal time.
Hot yoga. Melts pounds and you will b glowing.
Spinach and Broccoli works for me.
My doctor best advice is "green leafy vegetables".
I could show you INCREDIBLE things...
Vigorous exercise. If you're out of shape then power walking. If you're already fit, then running interspersed with sprints will get your engine into fifth gear.
Cut out refined carbs completely and eat more protein. Don't mix potatoes with meat.
Danielle x
Cardio, cardio, cardio. You need to do something that speeds up your heart beat for an extended period of time.
Start you day by eating protein and then eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. The smaller meals over the course of day will help you metabolism shift to a higher gear. The water will help you flush out toxins which can stop the process.
If like me, you pigged out at Christmas, the best way to shed those extra pounds is to cut out refined carbs and eat a protein rich diet. Here was my routine and I lost all my Christmas flab and a few pounds more.
1. If you can do some exercise in the morning, then do it on an empty stomach and have a breakfast of a banana and Greek yogurt with peaches or nectarines. Don't eat before your workout because you want your energy supply to look to body fat first and not rely on any stored glycogen. I try to run two miles every day, but power walking is just as good.
2. For two weeks totally avoid bread, potatoes and white rice. Definitely don't eat any cakes, biscuits, puddings or cookies.
3. For lunch and supper/dinner/tea go for eggs (not fried), oily fish, fresh fish or chicken (without the skin) and vegetables. Broccoli, kale and green beans should be your first choice.
3. If you want a treat a couple of squares of plain chocolate (min 40% cocoa solids - the higher the better) is a nice fix and will boost your serotonin levels.
4. Try to drink plenty of water.
5. Don't eat anything after 7pm while on this plan. If you really get the munchies, then go for a gluten free bar with the puffed rice, fruit and nuts.
Good luck
D x