It's great if you have the will power to avoid all the tasty starters, rich meals and irresistible puddings. If you're not one of those people then get working now to increase your metabolism, so that you're body can handle the great feasts. Here are 5 ways to give your metabolism a boost.

Eat Breakfast. You're metabolism slows down during the night, having breakfast ends your fast from the night before and gets your metabolism going. Eating breakfast will not only increase your metabolism, but people who eat breakfast are more likely to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Eating breakfast also leaves you feeling energetic rather than lethargic first thing in the morning.

Drink Water. Being dehydrated can cause your metabolism to slow down. Drinking water will help to increase your metabolism and it will also increase the feeling of being full, you're therefore likely to consume fewer calories at each meal. Adults should be drinking 1 litre for every 50lbs of body weight.

Exercise daily. Increasing your lean muscle mass reduces fat and increases your metabolism. Studies have shown that your metabolism not only increases during exercise but that it stays elevated for a period of time afterwards. Try doing thing you enjoy so that you're likely to commit to exercising regularly.

Eat protein with every meal. Eating protein increases your metabolism as your body uses more energy to digest protein in comparison to carbohydrates. Eating protein also keeps you feeling full for longer and decreases you're cravings for unhealthy snacks. Try sources of protein such as: eggs, salmon, chicken, tuna, beef, mackerel, sardines and/ or turkey,

Eat smaller meals more often. Eating smaller meals more often ensures that your body keeps working and using energy to digest the food. If you want to lose weight, you need to eat! Try snacking on a handful of mixed nuts, natural organic bio-live yoghurt or an avocado on wheat free rye bread.

Let's face it, we want to enjoy the holidays, but remember they only last a few days; those extra 5lbs can take a few weeks to burn off. Boost your metabolism now and you may even find that you lose 5lbs before the holidays.