Teach your body to burn calories faster

PHOTO | FILE Exercise that is focused on increasing strength is one of the best ways to boost your metabolism.

Many people have tried all sorts of diets, diet pills and fasts to lose weight. Unfortunately, too many of us get caught up in all the hype on the latest and newest product that we forget the simple basics.

Managing your weight is actually much simpler than you think. It’s all about understanding your body’s metabolism and balancing your energy (calorie) intake and energy expenditure.

Metabolism is simply how fast your body burns calories. When your metabolism is high, then you will find it much easier to shed extra weight. Therefore, one way to speed up weight loss is by boosting your metabolism. This does not mean starting a very intense exercise regime or going on a diet.

If you have been finding it difficult to boost your metabolism, here are a few tips to jump-start it.

1. Sleep more.

2. Commit to physical activity. You can engage in an exercise or sport that you enjoy, such as aerobics, swimming, playing tennis, walking, running or even dancing. Just make sure you move more. Also, do not sit for more than two hours without getting up. Exercise that is focused on increasing strength is one of the best ways to boost your metabolism. The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism and the faster you lose excess weight.

3. Aim to take at least 10,000 steps a day. Wear a pedometer to help you calculate the number of steps you make.

4. Stretch often.

5. Drink water.

6. Eat a protein and carbohydrate-rich breakfast to prevent the urge to snack.