One of the keys to having more
energy and preventing or shedding excess weight gain is
a healthy metabolism. Simply put, your metabolism to how
much energy you use up each day, as measured by how many
calories you burn. The more efficient your metabolism
is, the more efficiently you will burn up calories.
During periods of increased activity, your metabolism
will operate at a higher level and burn more calories.
But even when you are resting or sleeping, your metabolism
is working and burning calories. It just isn't doing so
at the same rate as when your metabolism is high due to
physical activity.
One of the differences between people with healthy energy
levels who are able to maintain their ideal weight, and
people who are less energetic and who struggle to not
gain excess weight is that people in the former category
efficiently burn calories—and more of them—even when they
are doing nothing. Even at rest, their metabolisms are
performing optimally, helping to keep them fit, trim,
and full of energy.
If you need to lose weight and/or increase your energy
levels, you need to boost your resting metabolic rate
(the rate at which your metabolism performs when you are
at rest). One of the best ways of doing so is to increase
your body's overall lean muscle mass. Lean muscle tissue
requires more energy than fat body tissue. As a result,
by increasing your overall muscle mass, you will also
be turning your metabolic rate up a notch or two. The
end result will be a more efficient resting metabolic
rate that burns calories more efficiently and increases
energy levels.
If you need to increase your body's overall muscle mass,
consider a regular program of weight training and strength
conditioning. In the beginning, if you can, seek instruction
from a professional fitness trainer and also consult with
your physician to ensure that you are fit enough to engage
in the exercises your instructor will suggest for you.
Performing such exercises as little as twice a week for
at least 30-45 minutes per session can make a dramatic
difference in your health, by boosting your metabolism
and helping you to more efficiently burn calories throughout
the day. For even better results, consider adding some
aerobic exercises to your work out routine, and be sure
to eat healthy foods.
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