Let's Boost Metabolism!

Long time no see, huh?

I know. I have recently begun my intensive Swiss-German classes. Man, it is seriously “intensive”. Attend the classes from 8.30am to 12pm, then join conversation groups (or go out with the group at night-why? Because a few drinks make you native German speaker.) Do the exercises (don’t laugh), finish the homework (hey stop it!), listen listen listen, talk talk talk, practice practice practice. Sleep.

I seriously started to speak in Swiss German in my dreams.

Anyway, after realizing it is already mid-April (April 1^st = Begin Shedding Weight), I returned back to my 1.5 hour exercise plan. Running + Weight Lifting, 5 days a week.

Also we need to boost our metabolism. But how? I know, continue reading.

Always my number 1: By 10 a.m. every single day eat 10 grams of high quality protein (1 egg has about 6 grams) to kick start your metabolism (and yes, lazy Sundays are included as well). 

Always remember: Waiting to eat your first meal of the day, let’s say waiting for an 11 a.m. brunch, will throw your metabolism OFF for the rest of the day. 

Do not shut off your metabolism. So eat 4-6 times per day. Smaller, balanced meals. Do not get fooled by your scale, after skipping meals. Eat something no later than every 4 hours. Adverse means shutting down your metabolism to prepare for a period of starvation.

Forget about counting the calories. Pay attention to the food labels. Not just the calories. Read them! Eat REAL foods. Don’t buy if something has additional sugar. (Oh yes my shopping time got doubled after gaining this habit. Merci Vielmals, Mösyö Dukan!) Be very, very careful to check any product that has claims to be "low fat" or "fat free" or “light”. I usually skip them. Because many of them are loaded with added sugars and starches to make up with the taste and texture. Also, watch out the “food label cheating”. They are sometimes written by portion sizes (not per 100 grams), which makes the values smaller. If they are written for only 30 grams and it says 3 grams fat, be aware that you are getting 10% fat per portion.

Exercise. But not too much cardio. Too much cardio will burn muscle tissue. Although they are doing cardio for loooong hours, some runners can’t figure out why those last 4-5 extra kilograms don’t melt away. 

A better way to boost metabolism through exercise is to start a strength-training routine. Warm up with 5-10 minutes of light cardio. Then choose 1-2 exercises for each muscle group and do 1-3 sets of 8-16 repetitions of each exercise. 

Drink green tea and lots of water.

Eat one green apple a day.

Don’t forget the “stairs” rule. Just forget about the elevators and escalators.

And remember: Your own body is the only piece of exercise equipment you need.

Cheers!