Your metabolism is your fat loss foundation.
It keeps burning and burning fat 24 hours a day...the only problem is, do you have
a fast metabolism? And if not, what can you do about it to boost your metabolism
and burn fat to lose weight?
Your metabolism is basically how many calories you burn each day. Children have
faster metabolic rates than adults, and we all know about the legendary metabolism's
of teenage boys. That's the metabolism you wish you had.
And while it is inevitable that your metabolism decreases with age, it doesn't doom
you to gaining weight. It might even decrease 30% over your life, but really, is
that any reason to become overweight? No way. Not when you can turn it around with
a couple of simple, proven techniques listed below...
Here are 8 possible metabolic boosters and the truth about whether each works.
1) Strength training
Claim: Boosts metabolism up to 10% after a training program
True!
In fact, despite what many men and women think, harder exercise is better for your
metabolism. However, please note that 1 pound of muscle does not burn 50 calories
per day.
In one study, women received a greater metabolic boost from using 8 repetitions
per set rather than traditional high-rep (12 reps) sets. So stick to harder exercises
(pushups and more advanced bodyweight exercises) or dumbbell exercises.
2) Breakfast
Claim: Because it stops your "fasting", it can boost metabolism
True? Maybe yes, maybe no. Your metabolism won't go into
"starvation mode" without breakfast, but it is associated with
successful weight loss. So make it a habit to consume some protein, fiber, &
fruit (& even veggies if you can fit them in) at this time. This will keep your
appetite in check till your next break or even lunch.
3) Green Tea
Claim: Burns an extra 80 calories per day
True? Not really. It has been shown to burn 80 calories per day in young men on
the first day of supplementation, but will this affect last once your body gets
used to it? I don't think.
After all, take a look at caffeine. You can find studies that show
it increases metabolism as well. But really, is anyone losing fat
with caffeine? The revolving doors at Starbucks say "No!".
Coffee is okay in moderate doses, and I recommend Green Tea to everyone, but for
health reasons, not for fat loss. The only way you will lose fat with Green Tea
is if you replace a 300+-calorie Frappucino with an iced, unsweetened Green Tea.
Otherwise, don't count on it for much in terms of metabolism.
4) Fat Burners
Claim: Boost your metabolism big time!
See above. Fat burners are simply caffeine pills with a few other
ingredients thrown in. You'll get an increase in mental energy, but that doesn't
mean it will significantly boost metabolism or burn fat.