Metabolism is a complex process that converts calories from food into energy to help your body function efficiently. If you have a high metabolism, you'll burn fat and lose weight with less difficulty than someone with a slow metabolism, even if you both eat the same amount and are equally active.

Generally speaking, if you're stuck with a low metabolism, you'll never be able to eat as much as your skinny friend with a high metabolism without gaining weight. That being said, there are things you can do to speed up your metabolic rate and get you over the hump towards continued weight loss.

Here are 10 tips to maximize your metabolism:

1. Exercise. This is the single most effective way to raise your metabolism. The more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you'll burn during everyday activities. Work out with weights at least twice a week, and fit in 30 minutes daily of cardiovascular exercise. Go for a brisk walk, run on the treadmill or cross train at the gym. Fit fitness into your day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car further from the building, or doing some energetic housecleaning.

2. Eat mini meals. Having four to six substantial snacks throughout the day instead of three big meals will keep your metabolism revving all day.

3. Don't miss a meal. If you assume that skipping meals leads to weight loss, you're wrong. If you don't give your body nourishment when it needs it, your metabolism thinks that you're starving and slows down to conserve energy. Following tip number 2 and don't go too long without eating.

4. Eat unrefined foods such as fruit, veggies, and whole grains. The high fiber content of these foods helps to keep your metabolism running efficiently because you feel full sooner and for a longer time.

5. Use spices in your food. Spices such as hot peppers boost your metabolism.

6. Cut back on sugar. High blood sugar levels cause you to store more food as fat.

7. Drink more water. When your body burns fat, it produces toxins. If you don't take in enough fluids to flush them out, your metabolism slows down.

8. Sip some green tea. Research has demonstrated that green tea can increase metabolism. Plus, it has many other health benefits that make it a valuable part of your diet.

9. Get some sleep. Studies have shown a correlation between not getting enough sleep and weight gain.

10. Lose your stress. Emotional and physical stress can prompt the release of cortisol, a steroid hormone that lowers your metabolism. Plus, you're likely to eat more when you're stressed out.

Remember that on any weight loss program, the occasional plateau is normal. So if the scale doesn't budge on occasion, don't give up. Follow the tips above to give your metabolism a boost so that you keep burning calories and continue on to your weight loss goals. Remember that eating well and exercising are permanent changes you're making, not just something quick you do to lose some weight. It's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.