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Laila Ali is a busy mom, chef, author, television host, lifestyle expert plus an undefeated boxing world champion so when she shares health tips it only makes sense to take a listen to see what insights we might be able to glean from her. On her lifestyle website, the fit mom shows six ways to boost your metabolism.
Drink Cold Water
While water is an easy choice to replace juices or sodas when it comes to calorie intake, there are plenty of other benefits to this liquid sensation. Drinking water before meals and throughout the day will have you feeling full, making you not as hungry and reducing your overall calorie intake. Studies have shown that drinking about a half a liter of water can increase your metabolic rate for about an hour. This means that your calories will be shedding faster in that time period, helping you shed that weight just a little faster. Plus, if the water is cold, your body will use energy to keep your body temperature warm, thus increasing your metabolic rate.
Lift Weights
Building muscle helps increase your metabolic rate as muscle is more active than fat, even when it is at rest. Lifting weights will help you build and retain muscle through your daily workouts. But make sure you are aware that muscle weighs more than fat, so don’t be upset if you at look at that scale and see a larger number after you’ve been lifting weights for a while. The progress will show in your energy and in the mirror, not always on the scale.
HIIT
High-intensity interval training is a popular training method that gets your heart pumping and your body moving. The workout involves quick bursts of movement throughout the workout that triggers your heart rate and muscles. It has been linked to burning more fat by increasing your metabolic rate. Your body will even continue to burn fat after the workout! Try adding in some HIIT exercises into your workout routine and feel the difference!
Sleep Tight
A good night’s sleep is a crucial aspect in your overall health. If you don’t get enough sleep, you are setting your body up for a rough ride. Not only do you feel tired, but your body will feel sluggish and not burn fat as quickly and easily as it would if you were well rested. In fact, lack of sleep is linked to obesity. So, catch some Z’s and boost that metabolism!
Snack Time
Several studies have shown that people who snack regularly tend to eat less at mealtime, leading them to a healthier, fit body. If you eat more often, you are prone to losing weight since your body won’t be feeling starved come lunch or dinner time. Plus, when you eat large meals with hours in between, your metabolism slows down. However, eating healthy snacks throughout the day, your metabolism will speed up and help you burn those calories throughout the day.
Sip On Green Tea
Green tea is filled with caffeine and antioxidants, which both help boost your metabolism within a couple of hours. The catechins in green tea have been linked to improving your body’s production of energy and heat from digestion, leading to a faster metabolism. Studies have shown that drinking green tea can boost your calorie burn up to more than 15% during exercise. Swap out that soda or juice for some green tea and feel the difference!
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