How to Increase Metabolism with Protein

There are many ways to lose weight. One way, in which many diets and theories are built around, is speeding up metabolism. This is the process in which the body either converts food into energy or stores it as fat. The faster your metabolism works the more fat you will burn and the slower your metabolism the more fat you will store. As you begin to age, your metabolism will likely start to slow but there are things that you can do to prevent that from happening. One such way is by monitoring your daily protein intake. Eating protein is a good way to increase metabolism, especially since the body burns more calories to digest protein than it does digesting carbs or sugars. Read on to learn how to increase metabolism with protein.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knowledge of total body fat and your lean body mass
• <br>Knowledge of protein-packed foods such as beans, meats, fish, nuts, protein packed drinks and bars
• <br>Calendar (for planning meals and snacks ahead)

1. Consult with your doctor. As with all diet and exercise plans, you should first consult with your doctor to ensure that this plan is safe for you and your body. Be sure to follow his or her instructions, directions and suggestions closely, as not all programs are correct and safe for everyone.

2. Calculate your minimum daily protein intake. Take your total body weight and multiply it by .37 if you are using pounds or multiply it by .8 if you are using kilograms. This will tell you how many grams of protein that you should be taking in on a regular basis. This is the basic method used by many nutritionists to determine your estimated minimum daily protein intake recommendation.

3. Plan and prepare meals ahead. Take time to plan your meals as well as in between snacks. Make sure that each meal contains the correct amount of protein in order to ensure that you are getting the right amount of protein on a daily basis.

4. Eat four to six smaller meals a day. Instead of eating three big meals a day, eat four to six smaller meals per day with protein-packed snacks in between each meal. This will speed up your metabolism and also prevent you from feeling hungry and overeating.

5. Exercise. Although protein does build muscle, which will speed up the metabolism and burn fat, keep in mind you will still need to do at least moderate exercise daily (providing your doctor approves it). Find an exercise regimen and stick to it. This will not only increase your metabolism it will also benefit your body on many different levels, including your cardiovascular system.

6. Carry protein-packed snacks. Pack yourself protein snacks for the car or the office or wherever you might be temped to snack. Nuts, a protein bar, a protein shake, sunflower seeds and dairy products are great choices. These are excellent for a quick snack full of protein instead of sugar and by keeping them available you will be less tempted to grab a candy bar or bag of chips or something less healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the guidelines of your doctor, fitness trainer and/or nutritionist.
• <br>Make sure that you include other necessary foods in your diet, not just those containing protein.
• <br>Choose an exercise regimen that best fits you and do it weekly
• <br>Always eat breakfast. This will help with increasing your metabolism. A protein drink or shake or a protein bar is a nice suggestion.
• <br>Snacking on peanuts or almonds and other nuts or similar foods may increase your metabolic rate by about 10 percent or so. (This refers to your resting metabolic rate.)
• <br>Meats, dairy, nuts, seeds and beans are all a great source of protein.
• <br>Proteins like beans, dairy and meats tend to make you feel “full” longer and may help with overeating.
• Consult your physician if you develop difficulties or notice any sudden changes in your health.

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