How to Increase Your Metabolism

There are a variety of steps you can take to increase the rate at which you burn fat naturally. Here are the best ways to increase your metabolism without resorting to pills.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Vary your calorie intake on a daily or weekly basis.
   
   If you consume the same number of calories each day, your metabolism tends to adjust to the number of calories you're feeding it. To keep your metabolism primed and working at optimal efficiency, vary the number of calories you consume on a daily or weekly basis. If you require 1500 calories per day for maintenance, take in 1300 calories one day and 1700 the next.

2. Increase your protein intake.
   
   Several studies have shown the thermogenic effect of a high protein meal is considerably higher than a high fat or high carbohydrate meal. Plus, by consuming a high protein meal, you're less likely to feel hungry later. Add some lean protein sources to each meal and you'll not only feel more full but you'll increase the rate at which you burn fat even after you've finished eating.

3. Pump up the cardiovascular exercise.
   
   Performing cardiovascular exercise at a high intensity has been shown to increase your metabolism both while you exercise and for several hours after an intense exercise session. When cardiovascular exercise is done at a more relaxed pace, your metabolism quickly returns to its lower rate after the exercise is complete. If you want to burn more fat even after your cardio session is complete, consider picking up the pace.

4. Train with weights.
   
   This is another activity that can increase your metabolism for several hours after completion of your exercise session. Plus, training with weights increases your muscle composition which allows you to burn fat faster. Not only does weight training promote weight loss, it also can help you build a beautiful body physique.

5. Drink green tea.
   
   The catechins in green tea have been shown to significantly increase energy expenditure when consumed in high enough quantities. Unfortunately, you may need to drink rather large quantities of green tea to get a significant increase in metabolism. (5-6 glasses per day). If that's inconvenient for you, consider investing in a supplement containing green tea extract.

6. Eat frequent, small meals.
   
   By consuming frequent, small meals throughout the day, you keep your metabolism primed to work at peak efficiency. Try eating 5-6 snack sized meals each day as opposed to 2-3 larger meals.Make sure you select some small meals that are high in protein.