Rev Up Your Metabolism

Speeding up our metabolism will help us burn more calories and who doesn't want that?  Here are 5 tips to boosting your metabolism:

1. EAT ENOUGH
You need to cut calories to lose weight. But going too low can actually damage your metabolism. When you eat less than you need for basic biological function (about 1,200 calories for most women), your body throws the brakes on your metabolism. It also begins to break down, calorie-burning muscle tissue. Try to eat enough so you are hungry without overeating, consisting of 3 meals and two snacks in between to keep your metabolism going.

2. REV UP IN THE MORNING
Eating breakfast jump-starts metabolism and keeps energy high all day.  Women who skip breakfast are 4x as likely to be obese.  If you are working out and/or running you should eat within 30 minutes of your exercise session ending.

3. DRINK COFFEE OR TEA
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so your daily java jolts can rev your metabolism 5 to 8%--about 98 to 174 calories a day. A cup of brewed tea can raise your metabolism by 12%, according to one Japanese study. Researchers believe the antioxidant catechins in tea provide the boost.

I am a firm believer in green tea, warm green tea after every meal is sure to boost your metabolism and help you burn off those calories!

4. FIGHT FAT WITH FIBER
Research shows that some fiber can rev your fat burn by as much as 30%. Aim for about 25 g a day--the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables.

5. BUY THE BIG BOTTLE
German researchers found that drinking 6 cups of cold water a day (that's 48 ounces) can raise resting metabolism by about 50 calories daily!  Drink Up!

Cheers to Burning Calories!!!