Spring is in the air, and if your slow-mo metabolism has been dragging you down all winter, now is a great time to do something about it. Certified nutritionist and personal trainer Sloane Davis of Yorktown Heights offers seven awesome tips to give you the energy you need.
1. Use intermittent fasting.
“When you don’t eat for a long period of time, the glucose in the liver gets depleted, and your body is forced to utilize fat as fuel.”
2. Cut white carbs.
These are easy to digest, which makes your metabolism burn more slowly. Davis recommends high-fiber foods to speed up your metabolism.
3. Drink green tea.
“It contains catechins, an antioxidant that triggers the release of fat from fat cells…and turns it into energy.”
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4. Lift weights.
Weight training builds muscle and, says Davis, “The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you are burning while resting.”
5. Eat more protein.
Lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and beans are great sources of protein. Eating protein builds and preserves muscle mass, so you can continue burning calories as you rest. “Yes, watch TV and burn calories!”
6. Choose full-fat dairy.
Opt for full-fat cheeses, yogurt, and other dairy products, rather than low- or non-fat versions. “Calcium through full-fat dairy products may help your body metabolize fat more efficiently.”
7. Do cardio.
Cardiovascular exercise burns carbs for the first 20 minutes of exercise, giving you an instant boost, according to Davis.
