3 Tips to “Naturally” Speed Up Your Metabolism

Obesity is an ever more common problem, largely due to our relatively sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. As soon as we come to terms with the fact that we have become too heavy, we start a battle against those extra pounds. The best way to begin this battle is to try to increase our metabolic rate.

So what is the metabolism, exactly? The metabolism is a set of biochemical processes which break down our food and convert it into energy. There are two parts to our metabolism –anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is a constructive phase; this consists of growth and cellular repair. Catabolism is a destructive process, where substances are broken down into less complex compounds which the body can gain energy from. Together, the two phases break down and distribute dietary nutrients throughout the body.

Here are a few easy ways to increase your metabolic rate…

1. Get regular exercise - A regular routine of exercise helps to burn off body fat and builds lean muscle. Muscle tissue requires more energy than other tissue – so the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be. To get the maximum benefit, you should take your exercise in the morning.
2. Start the Day Right - Your metabolism slows down while you are asleep. Having a healthy breakfast helps kick start your metabolism for the day. Nutritionists suggest eating several small meals spread throughout the day – try to avoid having meals late at night, especially larger ones.
3. Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits - Eating too much sugar, drinking alcohol, smoking and other not-so-good-for-you habits have another unhealthy effect – slowing your metabolism! This contributes to weight gain, so try to kick your bad habits.

Different foods can boost your metabolism as well. The following offer items you can include in may diets…

Fiber – Fiber rich foods can help you to lose weight. Fresh fruits like pears, apples and strawberries are good, as are vegetables and unprocessed grains. Getting enough fiber improves digestive function and reduces cholesterol levels.

Fruits and vegetables with high water content – These foods make you feel full, counteracting the tendency to overeat. Watermelon, tomatoes, citrus fruits and other watery fruits and vegetables should be eaten regularly.

Protein – Lean protein is very important; good sources include egg whites, beans, tofu, shellfish, poultry and some fish.

Spicy foods – People tend to eat smaller portions of spicy foods. This is largely due to a tendency to eat more slowly and drink more water with these foods; this translates into a lower caloric intake. If you are accustomed to spicy food already, try adding a little more heat to your meals.

Olive oil – use this oil rather than saturated fats for your cooking. Olive oil also has Vitamin E and other antioxidants, making a much healthier (and more flavorful) choice for cooking.
 

Vital Nutrients for People Over 50

As we get older, our bodies need more nutrients to stay healthy. Getting a healthy, balanced diet and supplements as necessary can make sure that we stay in the best possible health even as we age. However, the American Dietary Association reminds us that older people need more nutrients but fewer calories, since the metabolism tends to slow as we age.

Every person has a different level of physical activity and a different metabolic rate, so the exact number of calories needed depends on the individual. However, everyone needs about the same amounts of seven essential nutrients; so without further delay:

• Vitamin A – We all know that vitamin A is good for our eyes, but it also is healthy for the skin and for immune function. Carrots, cantaloupe, summer squash and green leafy vegetables are all good sources of this vitamin.
• Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 helps give a higher energy level and nervous system health, which helps establish mental and emotional clarity and stability. Meat, eggs and dairy products are good sources of B12.
• Vitamin C – This vitamin boosts the immune system, can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms and is a powerful antioxidant. Many older people suffer from iron deficiency, which can be helped by having vitamin C along with your food – the vitamin helps your body absorb iron from your food more efficiently. You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits and juices, as well as from some vegetables.
• Vitamin D - Vitamin D helps you to absorb calcium more efficiently, keeps your skin healthy and is essential for bone health. You can make Vitamin D on your own – you just need 20-30 minutes of sun two to three times weekly. You can also get Vitamin D in your diet from eggs, tuna, enriched milk and mushrooms.
• Protein – People over 50 should have at least five ounces of protein daily. Meat, eggs, beans and dairy products are good sources of protein.
• Folate - Folate helps your blood to bring more oxygen to the body. The best sources of folate are spiach, kidney beans, strawberries, peas, romaine lettuce and broccoli.
• Calcium - this is one of the very most important mineral nutrients, especially for older people. Those over 50 should have at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. The richest sources of calcium are dairy products, but calcium is also found in green leafy vegetables, cereal and some enriched juices.

If your diet is coming up short in terms of any of these seven nutrients, you may be in need of supplementation. High quality nutritional supplements are available which can help your body get what it needs to stay in peak health.

How to Tighten Your Skin Naturally

As we get older, gravity begins to take its toll – this can be seen in the form of loose skin. To help alleviate this problem and tighten out skin, many of us use various skin care products. However, the offerings on the market are relatively few and not all of them are terribly effective. In this article, we’ll look at some natural solutions which are effective and inexpensive while being easy to implement.

The Fountain Of Youth Just May Be Your Refrigerator!

There are plenty of natural items which are probably in your kitchen which can help to tighten your skin.

Honey, egg whites, oatmeal, cucumbers, avocados, yogurt, bananas, olive oil and vitamin E capsules can all help to tighten your skin when applied directly. Make a paste out of one or a combination of these ingredients and leave on your skin for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Most people apply these ingredients to their face and neck, but they are equally effective anywhere on your body – it’s probably best to apply these in the bathtub if you plan on using them as a body mask!

Alternatives to Surgery

While surgery is certainly an option for tightening your skin, there are some other alternatives; not everyone is interested in having surgical intervention to counteract loose skin.

You can perform resistance exercises three or four times per week to build new muscle under your skin, which will cause it to tighten. You can also help achieve tighter skin by eating the right diet. This includes ample lean protein and drinking lots of water.

Over the Counter Products That Contain Natural Ingredients

Personally, I prefer to avoid putting chemicals on my skin. There are skin care products you can find which are made only of natural ingredients and are effective at tightening the skin. Make sure to look for products which contain natural ingredients when you are trying to reduce lines and wrinkles and get tighter, more youthful looking skin.

Natural products made from fruit and vegetable extracts will nourish your skin with vitamins and minerals which can help lend a healthier appearance. There are a number of excellent products which you can buy online or at your local shops which are made from natural ingredients – just be sure to read the labels before buying.

Now of course, none of these options will be effective for any longer than you are actually using them, so be sure to choose something which you are comfortable with using at least once a day before buying any kind of skin cream. Keep in mind that nothing is going to provide instant results. Be realistic and stick with your regime for a while before deciding whether or not to move on to another one. Remember, natural products usually take a little longer to produce results – but the wait is worth it.

Look into the ingredients in any cream you are thinking of buying; make sure it contains no ingredients you are allergic to. Even natural products can have adverse side effects if you are allergic to the ingredients. There are several options for tightening your skin naturally. Give it some though and go with a treatment which works best for you. Before long, your skin will be looking healthier and tighter.

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