A common issue that many of us struggle with is trying to keep a body fat within a healthy range. This is especially true when we have been looking for different ways to boost your metabolism. Maybe you’ve been wondering how is it that some people can have a “fast metabolism”, while you are still trying to figure out how to speed up yours. Even though each body is different, it is a fact that our lifestyle determines in great measure how our body works to burn fat.
To boost your metabolism does not mean that you have to recur to unnatural methods like supplements, drugs or other practices. There are simple natural ways in which you can improve your body’s engine to burn fat and “manipulate” your metabolism. Beware of using any chemicals or drugs not scientifically proven nor approved. You don’t need to put your health at risk. Today, I will show you 15 great nutrition and workout hacks to burn fat now.
Burn fat hack 1: Don’t skip meals
By far, this is the most important advice. You should have a regular lifestyle that includes the same amount of meals throughout the day. Whether you decide to do a 5 meal plan (which I highly recommend) or 2-3 meals when doing intermittent fasting, you should always stick to the same eating regimen. Skipping meals can trigger eating disorders that will harm your health, plus will put your body in “fat storing” mode, instead of helping to burn fat. Always check with your nutritionist first.
High protein diet
Eating foods that are rich sources of protein is crucial to help your body burn fat. The more protein you consume, the more the body will use up fat resources to produce energy. Our body needs more energy to digest the proteins, therefore, this will speed up the metabolism. Apart from that, protein is the main block for muscles, which are literally like machines, so these burn more calories than fat.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats are also important when improving your metabolism to burn fat. Food sources like vegetable oils, MCT oils, avocados, nuts and seeds are essential because by science proofs, these help our body to use up our stored fat to produce more energy. The types of fats contained in these foods help your body absorb less fat in the digestive tract. Another great thing is that they add essential fatty acids which are not only helpful for metabolism, but also for brain function, among other cool things.
Include more fiber
Fiber is really one of the most important things that will also help your body to absorb less fat, so that you can burn fat that is already stored. Fiber is like a “cleaning broom” in our digestive tract, it really slows down absorption of fat and removes other toxins to be eliminated. You should be eating more fiber from fruits, vegetables, especially the leafy greens, whole grains (beans, lentils, chickpeas; for example) and grains like oats. Besides burning that, you will get a tons of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, needed to boost your metabolism.
Take advantage of teas and herbal drinks
Herbal drinks like green tea, matcha or other natural preparations have tons of antioxidants and fat burning components (such as caffeine). These foods can definitely increase your metabolism and get your body to burn fat.
You can enjoy of coffee
Coffee is also a great common beverage that helps with burning fat. There are different types of coffee, but typically the caffeine it contains will help your body burn fat. Now, be careful with the ingredients you add to coffee, because if you usually drink it with sugar, creamers and other flavor enhancers, then you might not get much advantage out of its benefits.
A healthier version of coffee? Yes… I tried Krios Coffee Brilliance Blend and one of the things I like about it is how it makes me feel energized, without the negative side effects of caffeine. What makes this coffee different from other brands is that it’s infused with vitamins and adaptogens (natural superfood blends) that enhances your focus and memory. Other great benefits include:
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Immune system boosters
- No jitters no energy crash
This is a perfect option for your wellness and fitness goals
Stay away from refined sugars
Cutting down on processed sugars will help to keep a healthy metabolism. Remember that sugar is stored in the body as fat. Therefore, you want to keep refined sugars and pastries to the minimum.
Eat more probiotic foods
Probiotic foods are one of my favorite hacks, since these help to not only promote a healthy gut, but also burn fat. These fermented foods have some bacteria that promote fat burn in the body and increase in metabolism. My top recommended are yogurts, fermented cheeses and pickles as a few examples.
Limit fast food intake
I think this one goes without saying, but it’s always important to set a reminder. Fast foods are packed in fat and artificial ingredients that will only make things harder when trying to cut down on your body fat percentage. Eat these foods sparingly.
Drink more water
How does drinking water help to burn fat? Simple, drinking water helps to not only detoxify your body from toxins, but is essential for a proper metabolism. Plus, staying hydrated will help to control anxiety and cravings, which usually leads to eating sugary foods.
Sleep better
A good sleep is important to keep your metabolism stable and in fat burning food. Evidence shows that lack of sleep is related to more fat storage and weight gain, due to hormones that promote anxiety. Aim for a good 8 hour sleep.
Do effective cardio workouts
When it comes to exercising, cardio is the top way to increase fat burn. These types of workouts train your heart and lungs capacity. Cardio workouts help to reduce belly fat, lower waist measures and lose weight. Add activities like walking, running, swimming or biking.
Start strength training
Strength training is needed to help build your muscles. Since muscles help to burn more calories, this indirectly will stimulate your body to use up the fat. The more lean mass (muscle) you have, the less fat your body will store.
Include high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
HIIT trainings are very common, and are very effective to burn fat quickly. HIIT is a type of exercise that combines quick bursts of activity with short recovery periods to keep your heart rate elevated. This type of training has been proven to burn more fat and calories than other forms of cardio. Some results show people with less fat percentage, reduced waist measures, less belly fat and overall weight loss.
Add some ACV (apple cider vinegar to your diet)
Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, has some powerful benefits for improving metabolism. Studies show that ACV has some bacteria that also promotes fat burn, just as the probiotics. Sprinkle some to your veggies and salads and start enjoy its properties.
The bottom line is…
As you can see, these are simple steps that you can implement daily to burn more fat. There is no need to invest money in expensive treatments when you can enhance your body results naturally. It’s always important to check with your nutritionist for personalized assessment and advice based on your body type. Also, starting a regular active lifestyle is key to making you body work at its best. Let me know in your comments about your goals and share this with your friends.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.