More Tips for Raising Your Metabolism:

Last week, we looked at some tips for raising your metabolism. Here are a few more.

6) Include hot foods. If Mexican and Thai are favorites, you’re in luck. “Spicy food that has hot peppers in it appears to boost metabolism,” says Shari Lieberman, author of Dare to Lose.

7) Drink green tea. “There are unhealthy things that can boost your metabolism, like a really strong cup of coffee or nicotine, but I would never say go have a cigarette!” says Michelle Streif, a personal trainer in Nebraska. Don’t overdo it on caffeine, which also has an undesirable side. Instead, go for green tea, says Lieberman, which is known to stimulate metabolism longer and more effectively than coffee.

8) Don’t forget H2O. Staying well-hydrated is essential to flushing the body of toxic byproducts that are released when fat is burned. Cold water may be best; it gives your metabolism at least a small boost because energy is required to heat the body.

9) Avoid stress. “Stress can actually cause weight gain, particularly around the tummy,” says Lieberman. Why? Because physical and emotional stress activate the release of cortisol, a steroid that slows metabolism.

10) Sleep. Research shows that people who don’t sleep for seven to eight hours a night are more prone to weight gain. Additionally, we now know that lean muscle is regenerated in the final hours of sleep each night.

The Weight Loss Factor

Many people have come to me over the years, particularly people over the age of forty who are already exercising and eating less, but who just can’t lose weight and reach their desired goals. In almost each case, I have found three factors that stand out from among the rest. First, in almost every case, there is not enough exercise time spent on resistance training, either with weights or bands. Second, and this is primarily true of middle-aged women, they are trying to lose weight by consuming too few calories. Besides slowing down their metabolism, it also prevents them from meeting their daily requirements of nutrition. And third is the sleep factor. As mentioned previously, lack of sleep can activate the hormone cortisol, which both slows your metabolism and can cause you to reach for sugary and fatty foods, defeating the whole purpose of the weight loss goal. So as you can clearly see, keeping your resting metabolic rate high is another way to add hours to your day, days to your year and years to your life.

For previous columns, click HERE.

Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER and a LIFESTYLE FITNESS COACH with over 10 years of professional experience. He is the co-director of the Jerusalem-based weight loss center Lose It! together with Linda Holtz M.S. and is available for private consultations, assessments and personalized workout programs. Alan also lectures and gives seminars and workshops. He can be reached at 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or by email at [email protected].

(Alan Freishtat – YWN)