M is for...

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Metabolism


Image result for metabolismThermic effect of food (TEF) is the energy you burn to digest, absorb and process the nutrients in the food you eat. Protein causes the largest rise in TEF. It increases your metabolic rate by 15–30%, compared to 5–10% for carbs and 0–3% for fats. Eating protein has also been shown to help you feel more full and prevent you from overeating.
We are going to share 3 ways that you might be able to boost your metabolism.
1.       Drinking cold water instead of sugary drinks can help you shed some extra pounds. Drinking water can also temporarily boost your metabolism. Your body has to use energy to heat the water you drank to body temperature. Water also helps you feel full, typically resulting in you eating less. 
2.      Stand up and move more. Have you heard the saying “sitting is the new smoking”? If you have a desk job it is so important to make sure you get up and move throughout the day. Any movement, even if it is just for a few minutes is much better than sitting still. Challenge yourself to get up and jump around- not only will you find more energy, you will also get a jump in metabolism. Remember muscle burns more than fat, so the stronger you make yourself the more calories you burn when sedentary.
3.   Get a good night’s sleep! Lack of sleep has a direct result in increasing risk of obesity. Some of this is thought to be because of sleep deprivation negative effect on metabolism. Being sleepy can also boost the hunger hormone (ghrelin) and reduce the fullness hormone (leptin).
Living a healthy lifestyle with movement and a well balanced diet will help insure that you have the best metabolism that you possibly can!

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