Does anyone have any suggestions to boost your metabolism?

jenningssarah70

I have an extremely low metabolism and even though I work out daily and diet it makes it close to impossible to lose any weight. Does anyone have any remedies that help to boost metabolism other then getting the B-12 shot?

anubis609

This was a post I made on another thread regarding hitting a weight loss plateau. I'll copy and paste it here since it can still apply to you, I believe.

Plateaus are the signal that your body gives to let you know that it's time for a switch in your routine. It's also a very natural part of weight loss. I posted a semi-novelish long answer to a similar thread, so this one will be much more concise.

First of all, it's unanimously agreed that as long as you're losing inches, the scale doesn't matter. The feeling of being able to function better, breathe easier, fit into smaller clothes, increase self-confidence, etc., are all more of the motivating factors for achieving optimum health rather than seeing numbers on a machine, that only measures one part of weight loss. As we all know, muscle weighs more than fat, and the like. The short answer all lies in metabolism. And there are ways to get your metabolism going again which most likely has become accustomed to the routine you've set for yourself to lose weight in the beginning.

If you've been doing the same workouts on the same days 5-6x a week, then you could switch up your rest days and trade them for days you normally work out. You could also switch up the routines you do on different days, i.e. if you're doing strict cardio, try adding in some resistance band strength training; if you've already incorporated resistance/strength training for muscles, alternate which muscle groups you do on specific days; introduce your cardio sessions with some HIIT [High Intensity Interval Training]. Those are some ways to confuse your metabolism into thinking that there's something new happening and it needs to become active again to be prepared for the unknown. You can even combine any of those suggestions into something specific for you. As long as it works.

As far as diet is concerned, there are basically two ways to go about it. If you've already established a deficit in calories, your metabolism may be adjusting that set calorie goal to maintain your new weight. By creating another 100 - 200 calorie deficit [as long as it's healthy], it may let your metabolism know that it doesn't need as much, and will therefore burn whatever it thinks is "extra." The inverse is just as true. By increasing your calorie intake by about 100 - 200 a day, your metabolism will start to feel like it needs to burn more because of the sudden increased surplus. Again, the theory can be combined where you eat more on certain days and less on certain days, which will still result in confusing your metabolism.

Just short of another journalistic source of information, the bottom line is that in order for weight loss to occur, your metabolism needs to be stimulated. No matter how you do it, as long as it's in a healthy and manageable way, it can help get anyone over a plateau.

erickirb

Eat and lift weights to build muscle.

kate1398

Are you including strength training in your workouts? I understand builing your lean muscle helps a great deal at boosting your metabolism.

anolan807

I take a one a day that is suppose to help metabolism. I just started the diet exercise so I'm not sure its works or not, but just thought I would throw it out there.

Octomonkey

Drinking green tea is supposed to raise your metabolism

Luvmesumkenny

I just started getting VITAMIN B-12 SHOTS!!! I have so much energy now

sicembears

I've read to boost your metabolism 1) always eat breakfast, and 2) eat frequently and in small proportions. I began the program a week ago Monday eating right and exercising (at least 30 min cardio 5/week), and I've been a little sluggish this week, especially in the evenings. I'm thinking/hoping my body is just adjusting to the new routine...

twistygirl

I agree with the long post, I use to be able to loose quite easy now that I am 50 forget it. But I exercise and lift weight and I seem to lose inches much faster than weight, Make sure you take your measurements you might be surprised that the scale might be your enemy, but the measuring tape is your best friend. Hang in there.

pftjill

Okay I am in a exercise physiology class right now. So here is a list of things that change your BMR(basal metabolic rate):

Age-slows it
Body Temp
Stress
Hormones
Lean body mass
your size-believe it or not people who are larger have a higher BMR

The one on that list that is the most under your control is your lean body mass-or your muscles. So strength training is your best bet. I am preaching strength training out my ears. For every lb of muscle you burn 35 cals-did you know that. When you strength train though you need to work the appropriate amount of sets and reps and make sure each set is working toward muscular fatigue. I can go on and on about this. STRENGTH TRAIN. You will see your biggest results.

marniehodges

I started taking Fish Oil gels tablets with Omega's 3 & 6 after I heard about a study done on people taking it while some got the "placebos". Those taking it lost 2-3 lbs during the study and those who didn't didn't budge. I have no idea if this has any merit whatsoever, but I figured it couldn't possible hurt me . I broke out of my plateau and again, I have no idea if this is what did it or not, but it coincidentally happened at the same time.

Best of luck!! :flowerforyou:

chango69

How much water do you drink?, believe it or not water does boost the metabolism, helps your body braking down the vitamins and minerals. For every glass of whatever drink a glass of water or replace it with water.

mmreed

eat LOTS of peppers - cayene, jalapeno, ghost, ect... it raises the metabolism

crank the heat up or wear warmer clothes - I hate being hot... but I hate being fat more than being hot!

PoeRaven

Eat 6 small meals a day as opposed to 3 main meals. :drinker: Keeping your body feuled is the key. Don't get hungry. :noway:
Fill up on nutritious foods like raw veggies, nuts, dried fruits. Drink the recommended 8 glasses of water...pure water. Not tea, coffee, colas...good old H2O. :drinker:
I am almost constantly eating. I have a small breakfast meal then throughout the morning I munch on bits of items I listed above. By the time lunch rolls around, I'm not starving so I eat a light lunch. :drinker: I then continue just nibbling on the goodies and then it's suppertime, and yes, I just have a tiny supper. (Too full from all the eating) I have been doing this since January 4th, 2010. I have lost 40 lbs (that's 10 lbs more than i first set out to lose) I have not been hungry one time.

Keep your body fueled and hydrated. That's the key. :drinker:

Good luck to you... :flowerforyou:

hpygirl64ColleenLinder

Great question and I have lots of advice in this area. many postings here have it right and are of value. i also sent you a message. Just a few months ago I couldn't of helped anyone as I was stressed, depressed, and tired myself. Now I have all day long sustained energy and down to the lowest weight pre-kids. It has changed everything for me and I mean every THING. You all are inspiring and love this site for that!

Jo_Bird

cayenne pepper/ jalopenos, broccoli, cinnamon, grapefruit, green tea, water, oatmeal, lean turkey/ beef/ pork, good source of Omega 3 (tuna or salmon) I don't like seafood so I heard a good replacement is flaxseeds, spinach and replacing fat with muscle

jenningssarah70

I think I am going to just get the shots. I was holding off on taking the diet pill and the shots because I wanted to try to do it on my own but it just aint working! im glad to hear that they do give you lots of energy!