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Ramp up Metabolism

A sluggish metabolism can cause you to feel tired and have a lack of energy. Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can boost your metabolism and give you more energy throughout the day.

Trick your body into burning calories more efficiently! Your basal metabolic rate — the energy your body expends at rest — is generally determined by your genetics, but new research shows you can trick your body into burning calories more efficiently.

Stoke your system with B vitamins
B vitamins: B vitamins are key players in DNA synthesis, the central nervous system, metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein and energy production. Inadequate amounts of B6, B12, folate, thiamin and niacin can leave you feeling depressed and fatigued, slow the body’s metabolism and increase your risk for chronic diseases. Get the bulk of your B’s from food, where they pair up with other vitamins and minerals for a complete synergy of action. Foods high in the B’s include: spinach, asparagus, beans (navy, soy, black beans), melon, broccoli, fish, poultry and eggs.

Up the Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral needed by every cell in your body and is used in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including proper muscle, nerve and heart function, protein synthesis and energy metabolism. The National Institutes of Health reports that most Americans are not getting enough magnesium in their diets for optimal health. Boost your intake of high magnesium foods to give your metabolism a boost. Go green with your vegetables. Green vegetables such as spinach provide magnesium because the center of the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium. Other excellent sources of magnesium include: halibut, nuts such as almonds, cashews and peanuts, so, whole-grain cereals, oatmeal, and legumes such as black-eyed peas and lentils.

Spice it with Heat
Some plants contain the bioactive ingredient capsaicin, which not only makes them spicy hot, but also doubles energy expenditure for 3 hours after a meal. Plants belonging to this family are a hot ticket for boosting metabolism. Include red peppers, cayenne, jalapenos, habaneros, and tabasco to recipes. It may also work to decrease appetite centers in the brain by boosting the release of certain neurotransmitters.

Add Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral meaning that it is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, and it also helps to regulate the metabolism of our blood sugar and thus helps deter diabetes. The benefits of chromium also include controlling fat and cholesterol levels in the blood, and if adequate amounts are provided to the body, it can help to prevent hypertension or high blood pressure. The best source of chromium is in true brewer’s yeast. Nutritional yeast is not the same and will not contain the same amount of chromium. It can also be found in grains and cereals although most of it is lost through refining.

Kathy Smart, TV nutritionist, host and chef of  Live the Smart Way ~ the world’s first vegetarian and gluten free TV show’ and author of ‘Live the Smart Way. www.livethesmartway.com