Your metabolic rate is how fast you burn energy. It is the corner stone for any successful weight loss solution. Men burn more calories than women. Younger individuals have higher metabolic rates than older ones. This is why we tend to gain weight as we age. The higher the metabolic rate the more likely you can stay lean. While you cannot control your age, gender or genetic background, here are some suggestions that may help you improve your metabolism.

1. Build and maintain your muscle mass

Strength training activates your muscles and boosts your metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat tissue. Muscles that are not used tend to be replaced by fat leading to a lower metabolic rate and weight gain.

2. Adopt a daily aerobic exercise routine

Aerobic exercise especially high-intensity workouts raise your metabolic rate. Try short bursts of jogging while walking. Join a cycling class at the gym. I personally had great success with racquetball.

3. Stay hydrated

Houston is very hot in the summer months. If you are mildly dehydrated your metabolism goes down. All energy burning processes in the human body require water. Drink a glass of water before every meal or snack. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times especially when working outside.

4. Choose good sources of protein

Lean protein like turkey, fish, egg white, beans and low-fat dairy products can rev up your metabolism. Adopt a balanced healthy light and fresh diet free of processed food items, sugar and saturated fat.

5. Have 3 meals a day and snack smartly

Do not skip meals especially breakfast. A good breakfast in the morning gives the needed energy to start your day. Skipping breakfast lowers your metabolic rate throughout the day. Choose healthy snacks to maintain your energy. Avoid sweets and white flour. Use fresh fruits and vegetables instead.

6. Do not starve yourself

Avoid starving yourself in the hope of loosing few pounds. Many Houstonians attempt to loose weight by consuming less than 1300 calories a day. This is a recipe for failure. Your metabolic rate goes down with starvation. You end up burning fewer calories than before the diet. In addition, your hunger increases and you end up eating more than you used to eat before.

7. Consider bariatric and metabolic surgery

Last but not least, if you are more than 75 pounds overweight and interested in weight loss, metabolic surgery is currently the most effective approach to increase your metabolism. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are currently the most reliable and effective techniques to boost your metabolic rate, curb your appetite, and loose weight.

For more details on effective weight loss solutions please contact our office at 281.205.3205 for a free private consultation with Dr. Darido.