Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : February 1, 2016 6:12 PM IST
Despite all your efforts to lose those extra pounds, your weight may still remain constant. It may be because your metabolism is too slow. Giving your metabolism a jump start is not a very difficult task. Follow this simple fitness plan to keep your body going.
Just because you want to lose some weight does not mean that you will cut down on the calories. Consuming lesser calories drastically lowers your metabolism. A proper calorie intake, especially those from healthy fats is important to boost your metabolism.
Early morning: Start your day with a cup of green tea. Green tea contains valuable components such as theobromine and catechins that bolster your metabolism. The compound EGCG in green tea particularly helps in boosting your metabolic rate. You can also have a cup of ginger tea. Ginger raises your body temperature, helping you expend more energy and improve your metabolism.
Breakfast: Never skip your breakfast as it kick starts your metabolism. Have brown bread sandwich and boiled eggs for breakfast. Eggs will ensure that your body is getting the right amount of protein, amino acids and omega-3-fatty acids. Try these 5 delicious and quick egg recipes for breakfast. You can also opt for oats in the morning to keep you full, satiated and nourished throughout the day.
Lunch: Have 2 rotis, dal and a sabji for lunch. You can try this stuffed capsicum recipe. Capsicum or shimla mirch contains the chemical capsaicin which is an effective metabolic booster. Eating capsicum can also help burn energy hours after your meal.
Evening snack: For the evening snack, you can have a grapefruit. Grapefruit has many phytochemicals and nutrients that up your metabolism and burn excess fat. Grapefruit also has a very low glycemic index and is ideal for diabetics. Also, have some almonds as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can speed up your metabolic rate.
Dinner: Have a bowl of cooked quinoa or brown rice for dinner. Whole grains are rich in fibre that helps your body burn the extra fat. Complement it with grilled chicken or lentil soup. You can try these 6 healthy and yummy dal recipes.
Exercise
Home: Aerobics exercises is an excellent way to boost your metabolism. Walk or cycle at least for 45 minutes every day. If you are exercising for the first time, begin with 15-20 minutes of walking and later increase the amount of time. You could start with simply going for morning walks and taking the stairs at your home instead of the elevator.
Gym: A proper strength training routine is essential not only to up your metabolism and lose weight but also to build lean muscle tissue. Perform body weight exercises like pull-ups and push-ups. Doing squats while lifting weights will also boost your metabolism.
Yoga: A good way to boost your body metabolic rate is yoga. Kapal bhati pranayama not only increases your metabolic rate but also stimulates your abdominal organs to function properly. Asanas like ustrasana and utkatasana are perfect to boost your metabolism and trim your belly fat.
Sleep: If you feel restless, these easy stretches can be a relaxing way to fall asleep. You can also do this yoga stretch right on your bed to get some sleep.
Well, if you are motivated to start your New Year with a bang, spread the word by tagging your friends and #NewYearNewYou and @HealthSite4U. You can even mail your pictures and we ll post in on Facebook, Instagram and share it with our TheHealthSite.com Community.
Disclaimer: If you follow a fitness plan already, consult your nutritionist before switching to this one. If you are allergic to any of the foods/ingredients mentioned, please do not consume it. Do not follow this plan without consulting your doctor if you suffer from a health condition hypertension, hypotension, diabetes, etc. or are pregnant.
Image source: Getty /Images
