As summer is closing in, many of us are probably starting the count down to when our bodies are suddenly ‘on show’ in swimwear and shorts. To build our confidence and maintain a healthy weight – we must look at our metabolism as the magical key to help us get ‘summer body ready’.
So how can we create a healthy metabolism fast without damaging our bodies? Here are some simple tips from Belinda Norton-Smith, Health and Fitness Expert, to help you reboot your body naturally.
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Drink more Water
The simplest and most effective way to raise your metabolic rate is simply by drinking water and staying hydrated as water speeds up the flush and flow of your body. Your metabolism actually slows down when you are dehydrated thus making you sluggish. Also when your body is struggling to utilise fats as fuel when you are in a dehydrated state.
Tip: Remember your body can not distinguish between hunger and thirst; and most of the time we are just thirsty. So hydrate to speed up your metabolic rate!
Eat Blueberries
Magic, purplish blueberries are high in antioxidants, which prevent us from getting sick. They are a delicious addition in to any breakfast, salad, dessert, smoothie or in handfuls for adults and kids. They are low in sugar and highly nutritious. Whether they are frozen or fresh these delicious power boosters not only boost your body but your skin also.
Tip: Add them to your oats, smoothie or even grab a handful on the run. When you are out and about and desperate for a snack- don’t grab a chocolate bar.. instead drop into your fruit grocery for a punnet of blueberry power.
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Eat Green leafy vegetables in at least 2 meals daily.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, parsley, mint, broccoli provide more nutrients than any other food. By eating greens you are helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancers, arthritis and general illness. Not only that, these greens provide us with mental improvements – like reducing stress and the effects of ageing.
Tip: Add green leafy spinach and kale to your eggs at breakfast. The fresh crunch is a body booster and energiser to keep you functioning and on task longer.
Snack on Almonds
These nuts are natures miracle food; they contain large amounts of macronutrients (good calories) which means they give you the highest amount of nutrition in the smallest serving. They also are a good source of fibre and they are filled with vitamin E which is great for our skin. Almonds are a filling snack that will keep you satisfied for longer, therefore helping to sustain your energy and metabolic rate.
Tip: Grab a handful and put them in a zip lock bag before you leave the house. This will help the nutritious nuts stay fresh and delicious when you are ready for your snack
Drink Green Tea Daily
The health and weight loss benefits associated with the regular consumption of green tea is well-documented.
The compounds in the tealeaves contain large amounts of important nutrients and furthermore, they are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in ageing and many diseases.
Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that are important for health, however, warm tea is not always as enticing in summer so try to go with an iced tea option or use one of the Green Tea formulas on the market. The Green Tea TX100 contains probiotics which are great for digestion and a healthy gut, so that would be my choice.
Tip: Drink green tea in the morning or during the day to help speed up your metabolism through the natural microorganisms that keep your body health for longer and enhances your body function.
