Metabolism is basically the rate at which your body burns calories. This rate can differ significantly from person to person and is dependent on a number of factors, which includes age, physical condition and the amount of fat and muscle in your body. When you increase metabolism, you speed up the rate and therefore burn calories faster and lose inches quicker.

Factors That Cause Low Metabolism

At birth you have a very high metabolism but as years pass by your metabolism rate decreases, so you need fewer calories per day. If adjustments aren't made to your diet or exercise plan, you may put on a few pounds as you grow older and find it harder to lose inches where you want to the most. Adding protein supplements to you diet will help increase metabolism and decrease some of the restrictions of your diet.

Some of the biggest culprits of low metabolism involve how we eat; fasting, a low calorie diet, snacking throughout the day on high sugared foods (candy, colas, cakes, gum), eating or drinking too much sugar containing foods.

I am sure you've heard it said before but well worth repeating...you must drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day to maintain an optimal metabolism rate.

Increase Metabolism

You can increase metabolism as much as two to three times by eating proteins versus carbohydrates and fats. Protein is fuel for the body and a very efficient fuel at that. Chicken, lean meats, and dairy products are excellent choices for protein sources. Adding protein supplements is a way to insure you are getting enough protein in your diet.

Strength and resistance training helps to build muscle and muscle burns more calories to maintain itself than fat. If you have low body fat and are muscular then you have a high metabolism and on the other hand if you have a higher percentage of body fat than you should, you will have a low metabolism. That's why protein supplements are so popular with athletes. They're fuel for the body that helps to increase metabolism and maintain healthy muscle structure, which in turn helps you shed pounds and lose inches from your body more efficiently.

Body Detoxification

Body detoxification has been a popular subject in the media in recent days and for good reason. Body detoxification involves taking steps to remove chemicals and toxins accumulated in the body and help you to maintain optimal health. Body detoxification also helps to restart a sluggish system, aid to digestion, and give you added energy.

Make sure that the body detoxification program, you choose is nutritionally sound and safe and that you are receiving the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy body during the process.

Metabolism is the main factor in why we gain weight or don't gain weight. Having the right type of fuel to keep your body running at its best is important.

Remember that you can increase metabolism as much as two to three times by eating proteins versus carbohydrates and fats. But don't cut out carbohydrates altogether. Choose complex high-fiber carbohydrates like high-fiber vegetables and cereals; these burn more calories than simple carbs. Consider adding protein supplements to your dietary plan for that extra fuel your body needs.