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If you’re looking to drop some pounds this spring, you’ve probably been thinking about ways to improve your metabolism. Although everyone’s body is different, there are some simple lifestyle hacks that might just do the trick if you’re hoping to burn more calories. Making subtle changes to your regular diet and exercise routine could prove to go a long way when it comes to weight loss.
Keep reading for more details and the 3 life-changing hacks to speed up your metabolism!
Strength Train
If your workouts are mostly cardio-focused, it's probably a good idea to switch it up. Not only can a more dynamic workout routine can help you stay in shape, but strength training can also have an impact on your metabolism.
Speaking to SELF, sports dietitian Marie Spano, M.S., R.D., C.S.C.S., explains the value in strength training to build muscle. "Gaining muscle through resistance exercise means you can do more. You can work out harder and hike steeper trails. This will lead to an increase in calories burned. Now, that’s significant."
Women's Health adds, "Muscle is a fat-burning powerhouse, so stick to your strength-training routine. Aim for 120 minutes of strength sessions a week."
Drink Green Tea
If you're looking for a new way to amp up your metabolism when it comes to diet, consider adding green tea to your regular routine. Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of Ancient Nutrition and DrAxe.com, tells SheFinds, "Green tea isn’t just beneficial due to its antioxidant content; it’s also been shown to be a natural fat burning beverage, in part due to its caffeine. Sipping on a cup of matcha green tea is not only soothing; drinking it regularly may help to reduce body fat and lower cholesterol levels."
Plus, according to Eat This, Not That!, "Research published in the International Journal of Obesity reveals that the catechin-polyphenols in green tea can boost metabolism, helping you shave off that unwanted weight in no time."
Eat More Protein
Making sure to get your daily dose of protein is a great way to make weight loss a little easier. Healthline explains that after you eat, your metabolism is increased for a couple of hours. "This is called the thermic effect of food (TEF). It’s caused by the extra calories required to digest, absorb and process the nutrients in your meal."
"Protein causes the largest rise in TEF. It increases your metabolic rate by 15–30%, compared to 5–10% for carbs and 0–3% for fats," the article adds. If you want your metabolism to be running at a faster rate, definitely check how much protein you're eating.
