Fat Loss 4 Idiots Book

There are several factors that affect the metabolism of a person, such as the amount of muscle tissue, the frequency of the meals one consumes, genetics, stress levels, personal diet and activity levels. There are a number of factors that lead to the metabolism slowing down. Some include the loss of muscle from lack of physical activity, the tendency of the body to burn its own tissue because there is not enough food energy to sustain it, and the decrease of physical activity that comes naturally with old age.

The good news is that there several ways to fire up one's metabolism no matter what your age:

• Build up your lean muscle. It is only natural that metabolism decreases along with age, but it is possible to counter the effects. Your lean muscle has a strong influence on the bodys ability to burn calories and shed fat. So it goes without saying that exercise is essential. Build strength by working out at least twice a week, preferably with weights for resistance training. Do lighter exercises in between weight workouts. Simple tasks such as walking the dog and using the stairs in place of the elevator can already take off calories and strengthen your heart.
• Eat breakfast. This really is the most important meal of the day and you shouldnt ignore it. Research suggests that people who eat breakfast are thinner than the ones who do not. Metabolism can slow down considerably if breakfast is taken during mid-morning or if one waits until the afternoon to eat.
• Avoid sugar. Sugar enables the body to store fat. It is recommended that a person consumes food that helps sustain an even level of blood-sugar. This is where the increasingly popular Low GI (glycemic index) foods come in.
• Eat spicy foods. Hot cuisine with peppers can increase metabolism. (okay, that was just for fun)
• Sleep more. According to research, it is riskier for people who do not get enough sleep to gain weight. Also, muscles are regenerated during the last couple of hours of slumber.
• Increase water intake. Water is essential for flushing out toxins from our daily living as well as toxin that are produced whenever the body burns fat. Majority of bodily functions involves water, and lack of water or dehydration will cause the body to be more sluggish not to mention the strain one place on the kidneys.
• Eat smaller meals. It is advisable to consume 4 to 6 small meals that are timed 2 to 3 hours apart.
• Never skip meals. People tend to skip meals in order to lose weight, which is a big mistake since it slows down metabolism because your body is thinking Famine so it slows down its energy (fat) burning to conserve energy .
• Plan meals in detail. Always prepare the right amount of food to be consumed at the designated intervals. Do not commit the mistake of eating meals in sporadic patterns.
• Try to find ways to manage your stress levels. Stress, be it physical or emotional, triggers the release of a steroid called cortisol, which decreases metabolism. Also, people tend to eat excessively when stressed.
• Include more energy foods in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grains.

If you view your quest to increasing your metabolism as a way of life and not a way to lose weight, youll probably be more successful in the long run and avoid the frustration of the yo-yo weight lost-weight-regained cycle.

For more information on health related matters visit Detox For Life. It was born out of a woman's concern for her family's well-being and health. You are invited to enjoy and benefit from the wealth of artcles and information on all aspect of health managed and updated here by Katherine Oosthuis.