Tips to Increase Metabolism to Lose Weight Fast!

You are going to have to increase metabolism if you are serious about losing weight and staying trim. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of calories your body burns at rest. If you increase metabolism, you burn more calories and shed more body fat - it's that simple!

Men generally have a BMR that is 10-15% higher than women because they have more lean tissue (muscle). Muscles are fat burning machines. They even burn fat while at rest. Working out, specifically weight training, will increase metabolism for the simple fact that lifting weights builds more muscle. The more muscle you pack on, the higher the BMR.

Before reading the tips on how to increase metabolism, there are things you should avoid that will lead to a decrease in metabolism. They are: skipping meals, fasting, following a low-calorie diet, snacking on foods high in sugar, and yes…a lack of physical activity. Here now, are a few tips to help you increase metabolism:

• Start the day with a good breakfast and eat it as early as possible. The body gets nervous and goes into starvation mode where metabolism decreases to conserve energy.

• Never allow your diet to go below 1200 calories per day. Any amount below this number will actually decrease your metabolism.
• Regular aerobic exercise (4-5 days per week) will increase metabolism. Jogging, biking, elliptical training, and walking are all great forms of aerobic exercise.

• Carbs are your friends! Eat plenty of low glycemic carbohydrates as they will increase metabolism and actually have less calories per unit volume than fat.
Think fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Weight training 3 times a week or more will increase metabolism as it builds more muscle which in turn burns more fat!

• Stay off the sauce! Drinking more than a couple alcoholic beverages per day will decrease metabolism. If you drink excessively, you'll be able to increase metabolism by limiting your drinking or stopping completely.

• Drink plenty of water. A higher metabolism will mean that your body needs more water so try drinking at least 64 ounces or more of water every day!

Just keep in mind that BMR is the total calories burned when at rest. If you increase metabolism, you increase BMR, which means your body will burn more fat! Follow the simple steps listed above to increase metabolism and you'll be on your way to a leaner, healthier you!