It wasn’t until I got my Fitbit that I realised just how slow my metabolism was. Some days I wasn’t even burning 1,500 calories a day. Considering women are told to eat an average of 2,000 calories a day to maintain weight, it’s no wonder I was putting on the pounds (the excess chocolate could be to blame too). Over the past few months I’ve been trying new ways to boost metabolism and improve my overall health (giving up sugar for lent has really helped). I found these ways to have the biggest impact as I’m now burning around 2,500 calories a day.
DRINK GREEN TEA – I’ve got a full post on The Benefits Of Green Tea which tells you that drinking 2-3 cups a day can boost your metabolism. And aid weight loss by helping you burn an extra 80 calories a day.
EAT LITTLE AND OFTEN – Eating little and often keeps your metabolism going throughout the day. Have breakfast at 9am, a healthy snack at 11am, half your lunch at 1pm, the other half at 3pm and dinner at 5pm.
WORK OUT – This probably seems like an obvious one but working out often (2-3 times a week) can have a huge impact on your metabolism. Make sure you incorporate interval training into your workout routine. This can help you burn twice as many calories. Build up muscle which uses more energy than fat and can increase your basal metabolic rate by over 100 calories a day.
EAT FATS – Yes fats, good fats though, a meal from your local chippy isn’t going to get your metabolism going. Fill up on fish rice in Omega 3’s such as salmon and tuna along with snacks such as Walnuts or Pumpkin Seeds, even cheese (in moderation).
EAT ENOUGH – Dropping ridiculous amounts of calories when dieting which often lead to a weight increase. Your body will go into starvation mode clinging on to each and every bit of food you eat leading to a massive drop in metabolism.
DRINK WATER – 70% of people aren’t drinking enough water. That’s crazy amounts. Make sure you’re drinking at least 6 cups (around 1500ml) water a day. Cold water or ice cold water can boost your metabolism even further.
SPICE IT UP – No not in the bedroom, although this will probably help too. A spicy meal can temporarily boost your metabolism by up to 8%, try adding Tabasco to your tomato soup or a little chilli oil to your pizza.
I hope these little changes help you as much as they’ve helped me. Do you know of any other ways to boost metabolism?
Until next time,
Kara says
Not drinking enough water is my biggest downfall, I need to do better
Ami says
I’m getting so much better recently. Once you get into a routine it’s so much easier!
Ami xxx
Patrick says
I have always loved green tea and now I’m drinking a LOT more water then I used to.
Sarah Burns says
I find that when I work out I WANT to eat better and healthier foods – so a win win 🙂
Ami says
Yep I’m the same. Then when I eat rubbish I just give up with the gym!
Ami xxx
Kirsty says
At the moment with exercise Andre eating healthier I burn around 2200 calories a day according to my Fitbit. Even on a slow day now I’ll average around 1800. Drinking water and cutting out bad fats are the right way to go! I’ve never tried green tea though.
Ami says
I notice such a difference when I’m really focused. Yesterday my I did 3200 calories on my Fitbit. It’s definitely helping with the weight loss.
Ami xxx
Sarah says
Fantastic tips! I make sure I eat breakfast everyday, after all I’ve always thought “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”! xx
Ami says
Yes I live by that saying too. I wake up so hungry now so I’m always eager for breakfast.
Ami xxx
Olivia Jade says
These are fab tips Ami, I deffo need to eat more spice in more diet!
Ami says
Thank you! I add spice to everything, it’s becoming a problem haha!
Ami xxx
Ana De- Jesus says
I had no idea that spice could boost your metabolism but it probably explains why I am so hungry all the time! Haha XX
Ami says
Yep fab isn’t it. I add Tabasco to all of my soups!
Ami xxx
hannah says
Some great tips here. Think i will drink that cold water you suggested
Ami says
Thank you. You’ll notice such a difference once you start drinking more water. I drink 3L+ some days now.
Ami xxx
Becky@Frametofreedom says
Great tips. I am a big fan of eating small meals throughout the day and love eating snacks! Great ideas to help boost the metabolism!
Psychic Nest says
I follow all the steps except the spice part! For some reason, I can’t eat spicy food, I can’t handle it. Thank you for all these tips though!
Zaria
Daniel Grey Madison says
Nice article with headlines on point and easy to read through.
Ami Rose says
Thank you 🙂
Ami xxx
Manju says
I am gonna write this down and pin it up somewhere!! I need the reminder
Ami Rose says
That's good to hear. I hope it helps.
Ami xxx
alex pearson says
Some great tips – things I have also noticed/tried to improve upon ever since I began using my FitBit, too!
Ami Rose says
Thank you, it helps that you realise what you're burning so you know what you can eat.
Ami xxx
Eloise Maoudj-Riley says
Great tips! I have studied Fitness and Nutrition in college, and it amazes me how many people don't actually eat breakfast or starve themselves to loose weight… eating breakfast and eating small frequent meals are so important when speeding up the metabolism, which then will help shedding some weight off. thanks for sharing this info!
Ami Rose says
Thank you, I've never been a big breakfast eater but always understood the importance of it. I've been trying to eat little and often recently to keep my metabolism going.
Ami xxx
The Blue Jean says
Thank you for the post. I also have a fit bit, and it has helped so much. Your tips are very informative. Thank you!
Ami Rose says
Thank you, they're fab aren't they!
Ami xxx
Ketchum Kitchen says
Good tips! I just got an Apple Watch and have been keeping a close eye on my movements and calorie burn. It's so good to keep an eye on what is going on with your body.
Ami Rose says
Thank you. It really makes a difference doesn't it!
Ami xxx
Joanna Davis says
Wow, that' a lot of calories burned in a day! How do you manage? I work hard at the gym for 2 hours and I barely burn 6-700. How many calories do you eat in order to burn 2000 per day? The daily intake for a young woman is about 1500, if you burn 2000 it's not good. Be careful, it's not healthy!
Ami Rose says
An average women should eat around 1500-2000 calories a day to maintain weight as that's the average BMR, anything above that is burned during exercise. I try to eat as many calories as I burn to maintain weight.
Ami xxx
Jessica Powell says
Great tips – I never knew that about spicy food! x
Ami Rose says
Thank you, well now you do, I put Tabasco in everything haha!
Ami xxx
DeAnna says
Me and Green Tea have a love hate relationship. But with a little lemon, I'm learning to love him. I love the design of you blog by the way! Beautiful!!
Ami Rose says
I'm not keen on Lemon Green Tea at all. Thank you, that means a lot.
Ami xxx
Reporter On The Road says
Perfect tips to have an healthy life 🙂
Ami Rose says
Thank you 🙂
Ami xxx
Pranshu Nigam says
Green tea works perfect for maintaining metabolism,and also working out is very important as you said. Thanks for sharing!
Ami Rose says
I'm so glad I starting drinking it, I've been having 2-3 cups a day for over 2 years now!
Ami xxx
Gav Achpalea says
Thank you, it is a much needed article for healthy living.
Ami Rose says
Thank you 🙂
Ami xxx
Rachel King says
These are great tips!! I also consume a collagen/gelatin supplement that is supposed to be great for metabolism! Among many other benefits!
Ami Rose says
Thank you!
Ami xxx
Georgia Hope says
These are such great tips! I love breakfast so always eat it, but I definitely need to try some green tea 🙂 xx
http://www.chasingbelle23.blogspot.co.uk
Ami Rose says
Thank you, yes you should, I love it!
Ami xxx
Roberta F says
I always eat breakfast! I make time in the morning to eat it. It's always cereal or bread with cream cheese on it or something like that, but I never skip it. It's so important not to skip meals! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Ami Rose says
I always try to but sometimes I miss it. I try to have a piece of fruit though.
Ami xxx
Jessie-Ann Lewis says
I loved this post! I honestly don't understand how people can survive the day without breakfast. I'm always starving as soon as I wake! xx
Jessie | allthingsbeautiful-x
Ami Rose says
Ahh thank you. I'm so bad for eating breakfast as I'm always so rushed in the mornings but I make a point of having fruit or cereal once I get into work!
Ami xxx
MaryGlowFashion says
Great post!
Maryglow.blogspot.com
Ami Rose says
Thank you.
Ami xxx