What is this metabolism we keep talking about? How fast your body burns calories depends on many things. Some people inherit a fast metabolism. Men tend to burn more calories than women, even when resting. And for most people, metabolism slows steadily after age 40. Although you can’t control your age, gender or genetics, there are other ways to improve your metabolism.
Voila!
- Create Muscles
Your body is constantly burning calories, even when you’re not doing anything. This resting metabolic rate is much higher in people with more muscle. Each pound of muscle uses about 6 calories a day just to maintain itself, while each pound of fat burns only 2 calories daily. This small difference can add up over time. After a strength training session, muscles are activated throughout your body, increasing your average daily metabolic rate.
- Water is fuel
Your body needs water to process calories. If you are mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may be slowed down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than those who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack.
- Recharge with green tea
Drinking green tea offers the combined benefits of caffeine and catechins, substances proven to increase metabolism for a few hours. Research shows that drinking 2 to 4 cups of any tea can cause the body to burn 17% more calories during moderate-intensity exercise over a short period of time.
- Drink some black coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, you probably enjoy the energy and concentration benefits it provides. When consumed in moderation, one of the benefits of coffee can be a short-term increase in your metabolic rate. Caffeine can help you feel less tired and even increase your stamina while exercising.
