People say ?I'm so lucky, I eat whatever I want and I burn it right up. I must have a fast metabolism? or ?My metabolism is so slow, if I eat that piece of cake I'll still be burning it off a year from now?. What is metabolism? The Webster's Dictionary defines metabolism as ? the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life?. We refer to this commonly as ?burning calories?. Constructive metabolism synthesizes proteins, fats and carbohydrates to form tissue and store energy. Destructive metabolism breaks down complex substances, producing energy and waste. Your ?basal? metabolism is the minimum metabolic rate and caloric expenditure to keep your body alive. 75 % of daily activity is fueled by basal metabolism. There are ways to boost your daily metabolic rate to expend more calories and increase weight loss.



1. Eat breakfast- Without breakfast, the body thinks it is starving, thereby protecting it by slowing down metabolism and encourages the body to operate on a low energy expending level. Eating complex carbohydrates in the morning fuels metabolism. Drinking 8 oz. of water with a lemon squeezed in it the first thing in the morning is a good way to trick the body into action.

2. Eat food earlier in the day- Eating too late slows down metabolism and by eating sufficient vitamins and nutrients for breakfast and lunch with a light dinner can aid in weight loss.

3. Always eat at least 1200 calories a day- Your metabolism will slow down if it is not getting enough nutrition or caloric intake.

4. Eat snacks- Fruits, vegetables and whole grains will spark your metabolism. Healthy snacking prevents you from feeling hungry, which will cut down on overeating at mealtime.

5. Eat less fat and more carbohydrates- Fat has a lot of calories which add to weight loss and carbohydrates initiate the burning of calories.

6. Have a productive exercise program- Jogging, swimming, walking, aerobics, step classes, cycling or rollerblading are all good examples of aerobic exercise. If you are active on a daily basis, more calories will be burned, your metabolism will boost and weight loss will occur.

7. Walk around- Walking in the morning or evening is a good stress reliever. Brisk walking boosts metabolism and fulfills some of your aerobic exercise needs. Our bodies need to be active for proper maintenance.

8. Weight training- Toned muscles and strong muscles boost metabolism, leading to more calories burned and weight loss.

9. Be as active as possible- Take the extra time to find reasons to move around. Walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Park your car farther from your office or when going to the store and walk an extra block or two. Use a broom or rake for cleaning up the yard instead of a leaf-blower. Find ways to do things a little less easy, making exercise a part of your daily routine.

10. Stay away from alcohol- Aside from the harmful health effects alcohol has on the mind and heart, it also depresses the body's metabolism and has the unfortunate side effect of stimulating the desire for cheeseburgers and French fries.

11. Water, water, water- Drink a gallon of water a day. This is equal to 8 large glasses of water. The more water you drink, the more water you will want to drink. The body's metabolism functions properly when supplied with plenty of water.

12. Avoid the quick-fix- There are no magic potions to ensure weight loss. Stay away from pills, potions and powders that portend to be miracle weight loss enhancers.