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Speed Up Your Metabolism

Ann Pinkney • 13 January 2021
At some point I am sure you have heard someone say, ‘I just have a slow metabolism’ or ‘I have a naturally fast metabolism’, and you might have nodded in agreement but not actually understood exactly what they meant. 

Hopefully, I can help make this a lot clearer and give you some tips on how you can speed up your own metabolism, especially if you are lacking energy and feeling a little sluggish. 

Getting yourself into a healthy body and mind space is more important than ever right now, with us all spending so much time at home dealing with endless challenges.

We all want to find a little control, so what you eat and how you treat your body is the perfect place to start. 

This is not about just dieting for weight loss. Improving your metabolism is about making changes to feel better now and for the long term. 

What is our metabolism all about?

Your metabolism describes the incredibly complex chemical processes that go on inside our bodies to combine the calories in what we eat and drink, with oxygen to release the energy we need to function. 

We then each have our own metabolic rate, which is the speed in which we burn those calories.  

One of the tools I use with my clients is Metabolic Typing. This helps me to determine your body type from your physical shape – as no matter how big or small you are in weight your skeletal structure is not going to change.  

By looking at both physical and psychological considerations together, I can make sure that you are eating right for your body type.

This will make sure that you are getting the most from your food – not storing unwanted fat, but metabolising your food quickly and effectively – creating energy and making you feel and look great.

Food for Thought

 

Start making a positive change today by getting the right nutrients into your body, getting a grip on portion control and moving more. These are the ultimate secrets to a speedy metabolism. Whether it be a dance round the kitchen or a light jog in the park, exercise will really help to rev your body up!


It is so important to get your diet right, so I wanted to share some super cheat foods that will really help speed up your metabolism. If you can get as many of these into your diet as possible, you will be on the right track.

 

Fruit and Vegetables

 

Apples

 

Not only are they nutrient rich, they are also full of fibre, which is essential to keep your digestion healthy. Many of my sports clients even swear that by eating an apple before cardio exercise their performance is better, as it gives them a quick fix of energy.


A little fact for you, some studies even suggest that people who eat an apple 15 minutes before lunch eat 187 fewer calories at that meal.


Grapefruit


These are a fantastic addition as there are chemicals in a grapefruit that help reduce insulin levels, which ultimately regulates fat metabolism.


Broccoli


This is the slimming superfood, surprising isn’t it?! 


Not only is it full of B vitamins, but it’s also got lots of fibre, calcium and vitamin C too.  So throw it into all of your stir fries or eat as the ideal side dish.


Peppers


These are fabulous in all their various forms. Bell peppers are full of calcium and antioxidants, the more brightly coloured the better. Then you’ve got hot peppers which really help give you a metabolism boost – so a bowl of lentil chilli would be the perfect choice for dinner! 



…..and if you want to push the boat out and have a treat, try a little bit of chilli chocolate. The added bonus is that this dark, hot variety won’t have the same damaging effects (not to mention the fat content) of normal milk chocolate.

Protein


Poultry & Meat


Both turkey and venison are excellent as they are high in protein, yet low in fat. This means they are far better than chicken as a metabolism booster.


Fish


This is a key ingredient for keeping your metabolism in check, especially fish full of essential fatty acids like salmon. The goodness is based on the anti-inflammatory action which helps to fight the damaging metabolic effects of abdominal fat.


Eggs


These are protein packed so make you feel fuller for longer. Plus, they contain essential amino acids in the right ratios, which means your body can easily use the protein to boost your metabolism. Also, research shows that people who eat eggs for lunch or breakfast, eat fewer calories for the rest of the day.


Carbohydrates - Beans and Pulses


Pulses like lentils and chickpeas are what they call a ‘good resistant starch’. In other words, it’s a type of carbohydrate that actually encourages you to burn fat. Also, beans and pulses are rich in B vitamins which help you balance your metabolism.

Trail mix

Snacks

 

We all need a snack once in a while so when you need a boost how about trying:


  • Trail mixes made of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit - get those Tupperware pots prepped and ready for when you need them. 
  • A fibre rich soup made with lots of pulses and vegetables - perfect for using up leftovers. 
  • Humous on an oatcake or cream cheese on a rice cracker – the combination of protein with complex carbohydrate actually makes you feel fuller for longer.
  • You could also try wasabi peas which will give you protein, fibre, and heat - if that doesn’t boost your metabolism, nothing will!


I hope this has provided you with lots of energy ideas to get you feeling great and full of vitality to kick off this year. 


If you need any extra nutritional advice, or you would like to chat more specifically about how I could help you find out your own metabolic body type, please get in touch by calling me on 01954 267 818, email at annlpinkney@gmail.com or by logging on to my website www.stress2strength.co.uk for more information.


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