5 Ways to Pump Up Your Metabolism

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

29 Aug 2006 07:20 AM

One of the complaints I am most familiar with when it comes to working out and fitness programs is that a person can plateau and while they may continue their workout or their exercise regimen, they are not losing any more weight or getting in any better shape than they are now. What you need to do at this point is to pump up your metabolism, which may already be running on high, but is now meeting your output of energy in to energy out.

Here are 5 ways to pump up your metabolism:

• Reduce Your Sodium Intake - You can do this by cutting back on sodium or by increasing the amounts of magnesium, potassium and calcium in your diet. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and whole grains are great sources for these minerals
• Drink More Water - I bet you are tired of hearing this, but I've seen people who did nothing to change their exercise regimen, but increased their water intake by a liter or more and suddenly their stalled progress started moving again
• Move! Move! Move! The more you move, the more your metabolic rate jumps, remember - metabolism is about energy output versus energy input - add more steps to your day, avoid sedentary activities and if you do sit at a desk, get up every 30 to 45 minutes for a brisk 3 to 5 minute walk to get your circulation going
• Add Weight to your Strength Training - 20-pound bicep curls easy? Make it 25. Bench pressing 50 lbs a snap? Make it 60lbs. Increasing the weight can increase the stress on your muscles and the amount of energy they need to put out to get the job done
• Take Your Time - In our era of fast food meals and eating in fifteen minutes or less, it's time to take our time when it comes to eating. Part of your metabolism and digestion is eating slowly, chewing thoroughly and exerting energy in every part of digestion - so make your meals a time to savor and enjoy. You may even find yourself eating less because you'll be taking the time to notice when you are full rather than shoveling it in at high speed

What other metabolic suggestions do you have?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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