If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, then you know how difficult it can be. In fact, the harder you try to do the right thing, the harder it often feels to actually shed the extra pounds, making you wonder if you’ll ever reach your goal.
Fortunately you can, as long as you set out to lose fat while boosting your metabolism at the same time. How do you do this? The answer to this question requires that you understand the connection between your diet and your metabolism.
The Diet and Metabolism Connection
The connection between diet and metabolism is twofold. First, the types of foods you eat can ultimately help raise or lower your metabolism. Foods that raise your body’s ability to burn calories include foods high in protein (such as egg whites and lean meat), as well as foods high in fiber (think fruits and veggies). Foods that slow it down are refined carbs, sugars, and fatty foods.
Second, the amount of calories you eat can affect your metabolism as well. Therefore, you want to consume the right amount daily so that your body doesn’t enter starvation mode and lower your metabolism. Of course, you don’t want to eat too much either or you’re going to pack on more weight. Everyone’s needs are different, so you might want to start out around 1,500 calories and adjust it accordingly.
Exercise Works Too
Another way to kick your metabolism and fat loss into high gear is to exercise. Cardiovascular exercises rev up your calorie burn and make your heart stronger at the same time. Weight training assists in building more muscle which takes more energy to maintain than fat, ultimately resulting in more fat burned over time—even while you are at rest.
Do these few things and you will help your body lose fat while not slowing down your metabolism at the same time. What have you found to work for you?
