Everyone knows metabolism plays a huge part in fat loss. But what exactly is metabolism and can a person really boost it in order to lose fat faster? Metabolism is the chemical reactions in the body’s cells that convert the fuel from food into the energy needed to do everything from moving to thinking to growing. These chemical reactions of metabolism are controlled by specific proteins in the body and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions. Literally thousands of metabolic reactions happen all at the same time, all regulated by the body, to keep our cells healthy and working.

There are actually several different ways to help boost your metabolism, however, since everyone is different some ways work better for some people than for others. I hope the list here will help you find ways that will work for you.  If you have a slower metabolism (like mine), your body is more likely stores fat which in turn, means you have a hard time losing weight. By boosting your metabolism, you’re body will be able to burn more calories on a daily basis, helping you to lose weight.

Many things affect a person’s metabolism including age, weight, stress, hormonal changes, genetics, diet, lean muscle mass and how much exercise you get on a daily basis. It may seem complicated and daunting, but with commitment, there are relatively easy ways to boost your metabolism. Here are some tips that should help you boost your metabolism and help you lose those unwanted pounds.

1. Eat Breakfast! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and so many just don’t do it.  Breakfast kick starts your metabolism and gives it a boost throughout the day. The majority of people who eat a healthy breakfast have fewer weight and health issues than those who do not.
2. Drink More Water. I know this can be hard. I have trouble at times drinking enough water myself. But water is not only the lubricant of the body, it also flushes toxins out of the body and keeps the kidneys operating at maximum efficiency. This helps the liver do what it does best, metabolize fat stores.
3. Eat 5 to 6 Small Meals. Eating 5 to 6 small meals per day may sound like a lot but really it’s not. Keeping them spaced about 3 hours apart gives the body a steady supply of energy throughout the day and helps prevent binge eating.
4. Do Not Skip Meals. This is one of the worst things to do. Skipping meals in order to lose weight is counter productive because it actually slows down your metabolism and can lead to binge eating in the evening.
5. Have a Plan. Taking the time to plan out your meals for the day, helps prevent binge eating. By seeing what is on the menu, you are more likely to stick to it!
6. Build Lean Body Mass. Don’t worry ladies! You can’t bulk up by building lean muscle but you will burn calories. In fact, the more lean muscle you have the more calories you will burn, even while resting. You can build muscle through resistance or weight training 2 or 3 times a week. Also, you can boost your metabolism by doing cardio exercises such as running, doing the elliptical, taking a fitness class, etc.
7. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep! Often we don’t get enough good, restful sleep. Those who don’t get enough sleep, tend to gain weight. This may be because when you sleep, your body heals and regenerates itself, this includes rebuilding muscle.
8. Spice It Up. Research has shown that eating spicy foods is a good thing. Eating spicy foods that make you sweat can actually help boost your metabolism. As long as your stomach can tolerate spicy foods, go for it. However, you should still watch the salt content.

If you are dedicated, you can boost your metabolism. You don’t need to stress over each little thing but if you are eating right and exercise, you’re body should start dropping the body fat and have much more energy.