Rev up that Metabolism! VroomVroom! My women’s health mag came the other day. Couldn’t be happier as I needed a new routine.
There’s more to boost your metabolism without sweating gallons at the gym. Hopefully some of these little tips will help.
The most important thing you can do to boost your metabolism is eating a great breakfast, everyday, when you wake up. By eating something full of protein will help make you feel fuller longer, as well as give you more energy to run off of. Try preparing an omelet or oatmeal with berries.
You can drink coffee! yayaya. All those stories about staying off the java has its ups and downs. Yes, too much of it can be an overload, but having a cup in the morning doesn’t hurt a thing.
Brown bag it to work. Prepare a healthy meal of good fats and protein and skip the restaurant lines, fast food courts, etc. Do you use your lunch break and eating out as an excuse to get out of the office? Well take your lunch down to the Charles River and Boston Commons and have a “you time” or meet a friend for a mini picnic.
Drink Green Tea! Follow the example of the Chinese and Japanese. Tea contains a plant compound called ECGC which burns fat. Drink 2-4 cups a day, hot.
When you work out, add some intervals. This mixes things up and keeps your body guessing. Running with walking, sprints with jog, circuit training with added sprints, cycling intervals. It all works.
Eat fish for dinner. Healthy fats tell your brain that you’re full as well as help build muscles.
Get sleep.
Speeding your metabolism = more calories burned = healthier and fitter you!
She Said: I just started getting into Bikram yoga. I was never one for yoga, but my roommate insisted that I joined her, so I signed up for 10 day introductory classes. I read up on testimonials and became very excited, however when I got into the room, I thought, “I should be out running!”
As I started this 90 minute, intensely hot class, I had difficultly keeping my mind focused (still do). Sometimes I think that this yoga is so good and I have to stick with it and other times I’m saying, “Hey! This isn’t intense! go run and cylce.” Mind you – Bikram yoga is VERY intense.
Yoga is very hard to do. Keeping steady, in a position for a very long time is difficult. Keeping your mind from wondering is just as hard. Trying not to tighten your face because something is being to hurt — another story. Of course, sweat is insanely dipping off your body so you become slippery!
My legs are pretty tight from running and cylcing, but so far at yoga, I starting to find myself putting my knee and head together. I also notice an increase in appetite. Is that good or bad?
I go to the Bikram Yoga Studio here in Back Bay. They also teach classes at Harvard Square and the Financial District.
Here are a few ways to drift off naturally. Feel free to go to pick up the WH mag, go on their website or google these tips for more information.
Exercise in the Early Evening – Apparently working out between 5-7pm will help you sleep better. You’re adrenaline will die, and you will sleep. Working out later means your adrenaline is still kicking
Have Sex- after your brain releases chemicals signaling relaxation and sleepiness.
Sniff Something – no not just something – calming scents like lavender.
Turn on white noise – such as a fan. Helps the brain tune out…
Have a light snack after dinner – get this: small bowl (what? ½ cup???) of cheerios. The complex carbs keeps you from waking up hungry.
Need a boost of energy when you wake up? Try these little tricks.
In yoga, you are taught to find your breath. There is a breathing practice method called “the breath of fire” that stimulates your body in the same way that working out does. Try this to get your energy flowing when you wake up.
1) Sit upright with your spine erect and your chin tucked in. put both of your hands on your abdomen (one above and one below navel)
2) Forcefully, exhale through your nose and contract your abs up and in.
3) Next, inhale through your nose and feel the abs expanding
4) Exhale again, lightly pressing your ands against the abs. create a steady rhythm with the breath
Start with one inhale/exhale per second and gradually getting 3-4 exhales/inhales per second.
Sitting on the plane, reading my favorite magazine, “Women’s Health,” I’ll update you on waters.
Get bored of just drinking plan ol’ water? Here’s the skinny on drinking water — There are tons of types of waters and flavored waters that may help you carry on the day, crush midday munchies, etc.
Skinny Water – 0 calories. Best for the 3’oclock munchies
O Water – 0 calories. Best for post workout drink.
Dasani Essence -0 calories. Drink all day
Vitamin Water10 – 25 calories. Best for those orange juice, vitamin drinkers
SoBe LifeWater – 0 calories. Best if you’re tired and need a pick me up.
Special K Protein Water – 50 calories. Good for those with a sweet tooth
