Do you find it hard to lose weight? Do you have trouble with digestion? Low energy? These are all functions of what we call “metabolism”. Did you know that you can affect the speed of your metabolism? Yes, you can improve the efficiency of the vital processes of your body including digestive function, immune system, mood, memory, energy level and many other chemical changes that takes place in your body.

Think of your metabolism as a fire. To keep it going you must fan it regularly and throw small logs on it frequently. Has your metabolism gone into a coma? The following is a list of simple, tested, proven and FREE steps that you can take to start bringing it back to life!

1. Exercise – start with walking10 minutes a day. Set a time and do it!

2. Water – A German study showed that drinking 12, 8 oz. cups of water, daily, improved metabolism by 30%: that's an extra 45 calories burned daily!

3. Rest – Sleep is not “down time”. Your body is hard at work to repair, restock and maintain your muscles and energy. Less sleep will negatively affect your energy, metabolism, performance, reaction time, mood and eating decisions.

4. Eat – Six small meals (these are the logs). Think “ living ” foods (vegetables, fruits, lean protein) and less “ dead ” foods (processed – from bags, boxes, and pantry). Living foods increase energy & metabolism, dead foods (sugar, flour) slow them down.

5. Breathe – fully, deeply (this is the fan for the fire).

6. De-stress – stress affects hormones which affect overall health.

7. Stand Tall – Better posture will not only make you look and feel better, it will increase your appetite for “breathing”. Bonus! Stoke that fire!

These simple steps will cost you nothing except that you practice them. No more excuses! Take charge of your health and metabolism. Commit to adding one of these principles each week. Stick with it and you will start looking and feeling better, guaranteed!

Need help getting started? Contact me for a “Metabolic Journal” to track your progress.

Past Newsletters:

July 24 - Learn to Slow Down

July 31 - Get Motivated