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Natural Cures for Lazy Metabolism

The body's basal metabolic rate determines the number of calories your body needs to function. Everyone's metabolism is different, and people trying to lose weight sometimes blame a lazy or sluggish metabolism for their inability to shed the pounds. But, despite genetics, you do have control over your metabolism, and incorporating exercise and sensible eating habits into your daily routine can rev it up. Eat no fewer than 1,000 calories a day, as this slows down your metabolism, and consume foods rich in protein, magnesium and vitamin B.

  1. Eat Breakfast

    • Eating breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and curbs the urge to snack on unhealthy foods later in the day. Studies indicate that eating breakfast may increase the metabolic rate by 10 percent, according to MSNBC Today. Eat a healthy breakfast low in refined sugars and high in energy. Whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, low-fat yogurt, fruit, and whole-grain cereal are healthy choices.

    Regular Snacking

    • Your metabolism slows down when you don't eat enough, but eating small but healthy snacks throughout the day has the opposite effect. Sensible eating stabilizes blood sugar and boosts energy levels. Snack on peanut butter, bananas, apples, carrot sticks and hummus. Incorporate more protein into your main meals, as protein gives your body a greater metabolic boost than fats or carbohydrates and helps to build muscle mass. Increased lean muscle mass equates to a higher metabolism, according to nutritionist Joy Bauer. Chicken and turkey breast, fish, eggs, beans and lentils are good source of protein and are low in fat.

    Exercise

    • Exercise burns calories and revs up your metabolism. Do aerobic activities, such as running, cycling, brisk walking and swimming, five days a week. Incorporate strength-training into your exercise routine. Try lifting weights or doing pushups or crunches. People with medical problems should consult their doctor before embarking on a new exercise program.

    Vitamin Intake

    • Eat a diet rich in B vitamins and magnesium. B vitamins are essential for a healthy central nervous system. They help the body to metabolize food and increase energy levels, while a Vitamin B deficiency slows down the body's metabolic rate. The mineral magnesium helps the metabolism to function at an optimum level and aids muscle, nerve and heart function. Foods high in vitamin B include beans, soy, asparagus, broccoli, eggs, fish and poultry. Green vegetables such as spinach are rich in magnesium. Almond, cashews and peanuts, oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, halibut, black-eyed peas and lentils are also good sources of magnesium.

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