7 tips to boost your metabolism for great results

We already know that our metabolism affects everything from our weight to our energy levels, but did you know you can take some simple steps to make it work even faster for you?

Besides just eating well with meals and snacks from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, there are tons of ways that you can boost your metabolism so that your body goes into fat-burning mode, even when you are just sitting down, or sleeping.

It’s not just genetics that determines our metabolism (though they do play a role). Try making these changes to push your 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge results into top gear.

7 tips to boost your metabolism for great results

1. Don’t skip meals and snacks

At the Healthy Mommy, we do not advocate skipping meals. We don’t even recommend skipping snacks! As part of the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, we recommend 3 main meals and 3 snacks per day, depending on your calorie needs.

You need to use food as fuel, and when you skip meals you send your body all the wrong signals.

Breakfast, especially, is super important as your metabolism has slowed right down while you sleep. Get things firing on all cylinders with a healthy start to the day such as the Dairy Free Chocolate Oatmeal (recipe available to members of the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge).

2. Pop some protein in 

Ensuring there is protein in your meals is going to keep you fuller for longer, meaning you’ll be less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks to ‘fill the gap’ – think meat, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes such as chickpeas or lentils.

Why not try making a healthy lunch such as our Minted Chickpea & Smashed Butternut Squash Pita Pocket (pictured above, recipe available as part of the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge) which has plenty of protein and fiber.

3. Keep snacks on hand

Between main meals, your metabolism slows down. Keep your blood sugar levels stable by ensuring you have healthy snacks to hand to eat for morning and afternoon tea.

Give the high fat and high sugar snacks a miss (these are usually the ones in the glass cabinet at a café!). These will make you feel sluggish and sometimes squeamish, as your body struggles to process the fat and sugar. Go for natural ‘real’ foods as much as you can. These Almond and Date Protein Bliss Balls are perfect.

If you’re breastfeeding, you need to take in around 500 extra calories per day to support your milk supply. An extra snack or some healthy dessert can be a great way to do this; or add some extra side dishes to your main meals.

4. Add these to your shopping list

Some foods are thought to help boost your metabolism, so why not go for recipes that include the following:

• Add baby spinach to your stir-fries
• Cook with olive oil or use it for your dressings and marinades
• Add blueberries to yogurt for a healthy snack
• Snack on almonds when you feel like something crunchy
• Add turmeric or chili to your meals, like these Turmeric Chickpea Patties with Minted Yogurt
• Enjoy oily fish such as salmon or tuna in your dinners or in a sandwich
• Boil a few eggs to use as a quick hunger blocker.

5. Go for the whole wheat option

You might be eating foods that help fill you up, such as bread, rice or pasta – but are you choosing the whole wheat option?

White carbs are going to make your metabolism slow down and become sluggish, so always go for the grainy/whole wheat option.

You don’t have to cut carbohydrates out in order to lose weight, but choose quality carbs rather than the refined white ones when you can. For something different, try the Honey Lemon Ginger Chicken Stir Fry with Brown Rice from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

6. Water water everywhere

It’s easy to get into the habit of drinking juice, soda or sports drinks. But all that sugar wreaks havoc on your metabolism. The sugary drinks actually make you more dehydrated.

To properly quench your thirst, water is all you need. Keep your water bottle on hand at all times, or get into the habit of having a drink every time you’re near the sink.

7. Get a move on

Did you know that the more muscle you have, the harder your metabolism works? That’s why we encourage cardio and strength training as part of the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

You don’t need to join the gym to do exercise, you can involve the kids while you lift weights (cans of tomatoes work well) or do some planks in the living room.

Or get into the habit of doing squats while you hang out the washing, or lunges while you wait for the kettle to boil.

Fit exercise in wherever you can, you don’t need to do it all at once. It all adds up over the day.

Have you tried DanceFit? 10-minute bursts of fun dancing that are actually a great way to exercise (with or without the kids).

Here are some great exercise you can do with your kids by your side.

BONUS TIP!

8) Be INSPIRED & MOTIVATED by moms who have reached their goals

Rae Willingham

Mom of four children young children, Rae, has overcome negative self-belief in the face of some very big obstacles. After losing 55 lbs and maintaining her goal weight with the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges she says:

“I am no longer the girl who suffered debilitating anxiety and regular panic attacks. The one full of excuses not to go out and enjoy life. I am now this amazing butterfly who loves her life and lives it with no worries (well far fewer, I am still a woman after all!).”

Jo Hart

Jo Hart not only rocks her new bikini, but she has also lost 83 lbs with the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges.

She says:  “I am proud of the change I have made for not only me but for my family too.”

Renee Harrison

Mom Renee has overcome depression and anxiety stemming from an abusive relationship and transformed her body 90 lbs with  The Healthy Mommy.

She says: “previously I lived day by day, but now I embrace life as it were my last day on the earth!”

Elle Temple

Smashing her weight loss goal of 55 lbs with The Healthy Mommy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Elle now focuses on toning up.

Elle says, “today I am thankful that I am no longer afraid of having photos taken of me. I love that I have photos to look back on and am proud of how far I have come. From being ‘obese’ and having no energy to tackle my day, to being a healthy weight and being able to spring around with my crazy toddler.”