Metabolism-Boosting Products

• Many products on the market advertise that they can help you speed up your metabolism. These products (usually dietary supplements or diet pills) generally speed up your heart rate, which does make you burn calories faster. So, in essence, they do increase your metabolism.
  
  However, these products are not generally considered safe. The FDA does not regulate these products, and they have not been proven safe (in many cases) through clinical trials. Use caution whenever purchasing a product such as these; it is much safer and healthier to increase your metabolism naturally through diet and exercise.
  
  

Move Your Muscles

• Staying in motion as often as possible is the easiest way to boost your metabolism. If your muscles work out regularly throughout the day, they will burn more energy while you rest at night, and you will lose fat. Start by making simple changes: take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car in a far spot in the parking lot so you have to walk further to get to work or take a walk or a bike ride with your family in the evening.
  
  You can also incorporate exercise routines into your day. While aerobic exercises burn fat, you also need to build muscle mass in order to boost your metabolism. So you should incorporate strength training into your exercise program. Lift free weights, use weight training gym equipment or perform home-based muscle strengthening exercises (such as push-ups or sit-ups).
  
  

Improve Your Diet

• Some people may be tempted to skip meals in order to try to lose weight. However, you actually burn more calories if you exercise after a meal than if you work out on an empty stomach. So eat regular, healthy meals throughout the day to maintain a healthy weight. You may want to try to eat five or six smaller meals during the day, every few hours, as opposed to three traditional larger meals at specified times. This way, you can always keep up your energy and you do not overeat in any one sitting.
  
  Certain foods can help you increase your metabolism. These include spicy peppers, water, green tea and foods high in fiber and protein. You should eat these foods in healthy portions throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and sugary or fatty foods, such as candy, soda and fried foods.