Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Rev Up Your Metabolism: 4 Simple Steps

Start Your Engines
Begin your day with a healthy breakfast. It prevents mindless nibbling and gets your metabolism going for the day. Cooked Oatmeal with nuts and fruit, egg white omelets, or a handful or healthy nuts and fruits and vegetables are all examples of a healthy breakfast.

Increase Your Workout Intensity
For those of you who have been walking the same 2 miles the last 6 months in the same timeframe…change it up! Increase your intensity for 30 seconds to 1 minute intervals and then return to your regular pace. Do this throughout your workout and you will see results. Once or twice a week I recommend increasing your workout intensity. You will be amazed at the changes you will start to see.

Build Muscle
If you do the same activity everyday; how do you expect your body to change? Choose a weight you can lift with good form for 12-15 reps (1 set). Make sure you are pushing yourself some. Lifting weights is just as much mental as it is physical. Slowly work yourself up to 2 to 3 sets at this weight (adding a set every 1 to 2 weeks). When you’ve added sets and can comfortably lift your current weights increase your weight to the point where you can only do 8-10 reps and then repeat the process. Muscles use more energy than fat cells.

Green Tea
New studies suggest, catechins, the active ingredient in green tea may actually boost metabolism and reduce belly fat. These studies were completed in individuals who drink 5- 8 ounce cups of green tea daily.

The only thing standing between the old you and the new you is your Mind. Focus, commit and the changes you will begin to see will have a ripple effect on your entire life. We all have but one life. Let’s make it our best.

No comments:

Post a Comment