How to Fire Up Your Metabolism

As we get older, our metabolic rate naturally falls and our bodies just aren't as efficient at breaking down foods. After the age of 30, research shows that the average woman will have a progressive weight gain of 5-7% per year just due to the drop in her metabolism. By increasing our normal activity rate, we can "turn up" our metabolism and make it work for us rather than against us. Here are some ways we can "fire up" our metabolism.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Exercise daily, aiming for 10,000 steps per day of normal, routine activity. Purchase a pedometer to keep track of your steps, increasing daily until you reach and consistently maintain your goal.
2. Don't skip meals. Your metabolism burns at a better rate if it can burn consistently. Keep your meals and snacks routine and maintain your caloric needs with a balanced and varied diet.
3. Do something to improve your lower and upper body strength at least once per week. Strength training is also key to maintaining bone health and density as we get older. Strength training can be as simple as small weight, lifting canned goods, or lifting your children as you play with them in the yard.
4. Affirm your intentions several times a day. Remind yourself of your short term and long term goals in order to keep yourself motivated. Place reminder notes at your work or around your home (the refrigerator is a good spot) such as "I can do this one STEP at a time" to encourage yourself to reach that 10,000 step a day goal.
5. Manage stress with laughter, meditation, Yoga, or deep-breathing exercises. Avoid managing your stress with food. Participate in activities that you enjoy and your stress will often just melt away.