Speed-up your metabolism

All this prattle about metabolism baffles you. "What's the big deal?" you wonder. "Metabolism is the rate at which the body digests nutrients and burns fats," explains nutritionist Anitha Bhaskar.

So, if exhaustion haunts you and those extra kilos are giving you nightmares, albeit a healthy diet and regular workouts, maybe your low metabolism is the culprit.

Bhaskar tells us how you can power your metabolism to burn calories more efficiently:

Never skip breakfast

Not eating after a long night's sleep decreases your metabolic rate. Therefore the golden rule - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. "The body needs food to wake up. It absorbs most nutrients in the morning," she says. Start your day with fresh fruits, nuts and yogurt. Substitute your morning coffee with green tea or a glass of milk

Eat the right food

"Add sprouts, papayas, peaches, apples, bell peppers, tomato and cucumbers to your diet," says Bhaskar. Your body has to work harder to digest these foods than it does for simple carbs such as sugar.

"Unrefined sugar will just leave you feeling bloated and lethargic. Replace this with jaggery," she says. Products made from refined grains such as white bread, pastas, cookies and cakes slow down the metabolic rate, so avoid them.

Eat more protein to pump up your metabolism. Include protein-rich foods like egg whites, low-fat cheese, lean meats, chicken, fish and dals in your daily diet.

Sleep well

A good night's rest can keep you healthy. This is when the body releases hormones that allow it to repair itself and manage metabolism.

"Make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep a day. Maintain a healthy schedule, sleep early and wake up early," Bhaskar says.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol may be your answer to a hard day. But you should know that it decreases your metabolism. "Alcohol makes you feel relaxed because it slows down your metabolism.

Plus, it increases the craving for food and so you tend to eat more while you are drinking," explains Bhaskar.

Don't starve

Your body needs nutrition all through the day. Don't skip meals in an effort to lose weight.

"You may burn a few calories skipping a meal, but you will add more to your body with the next meal. The body saves calories anticipating another food shortage," she says. Instead, eat small, healthy meals every three hours.

Regular exercises turns body fat into lean muscle, increasing your metabolic rate. So get active with a walk, jog, cycle, dance or play a sport. Drinking eight glasses of water every day is a must as it enhances the energy burning process.

Did you know that a higher metabolic rate improves the functioning of various systems in the body decelerating the ageing process?

So following these tips will mean a healthier, more gorgeous you!

source:Idiva