woman running

Last post we looked at whether your metabolism decreases because of the aging process or because of the fact that your lifestyle has changed considerably from when you were younger. 

You can check that post out at: your metabolism

Today let’s look at some easy ways to keep your metabolism raised through out the day.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep.  I know I am not a good one to say this, because I would rather be doing almost anything than sleeping. 

However, if you can not or will not sleep for 7-8 hours a night at least try to get a good 20 minute nap sometime during the day. 

More rest might seem counterproductive to keeping your metabolism going, but you have to take into account 2 things.  More rest = more ability to be active throughout the day. 

The other thing is that your hormones are dependent on the amount of rest you get.  For example, remember – from previous posts – our friends ghrelin and leptin. 

Ghrelin spikes and leptin decreases in sleep deprived individuals.  So get enough sleep so that you feel energetic all day – without energy boosting beverages.

If you are already exercising in the mornings, then continue to do so.  If not add a simple 2-3 minute exercise session – even if it is just some fitness stretching or moving – first thing. 

After your exercise session eat something before you go off to work.  Eat something nutritious.  A bagel and cup of coffee is not what I had in mind. 

Get some protein and fruit if nothing else. 

Drink enough water throughout the day to keep hydrated.  Dehydration does lots of nasty things to your body, including sapping you of energy which = a lower metabolism.

Eat less at each meal and eat more meals.  The simple act of digesting burns calories and revs up your metabolism.  If you don’t over do it.

The 2000 calorie double bacon cheeseburger with everything on it will raise your metabolism as you are trying to digest it and then you will crash and have no metabolism while you try to recover.

Try these few simple things to raise your metabolism and you will feel like a youngster again.

The number of strength training benefits continues. 

Here are a few:  Keeps your metabolism raised which helps with fat burning. 

This happens at any age.  If you build muscle you will be helping to burn more body fat.

Keeps you strong and more active.  Stronger people are more active.  Fit people are more active.  They move more and they move more easily.

Strength training builds strong bones.  Stressing your bones increases the bone’s density and fights off osteoporosis.  It also helps you maintain great posture.

More muscle equals more protection for the joints and helps keep them active.  It also helps with maintaining your balance which keeps the risk of falls down.  

As you get older the risk of falls increases and hip injuries, knee injuries and back injuries can be devastating.

Strength training can also boost your stamina.  This means less fatigue and more energy.

It can also reduce the symptoms of many diseases like arthritis, depression, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, osteoporosis and many other chronic conditions.

It can also help you concentrate better and become more focused which means you can keep your attention for longer periods of time. 

Strength training benefits are many and the longer you maintain your strength the younger you will feel and the more active you will be no matter what your age.