Does your metabolism need a boost? The fix could be really simple. Are you drinking enough water? When the body doesn't have enough water, the metabolism slows down.
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Endocrine system is not a term we are familiar with, in most cases. It is a collection of glands that regulate our body's important functions. These functions include growth, metabolism and sexual development, pretty important functions. The glands produce chemicals called hormones, which are directly released into the bloodstream. From there they travel to the organs they are targeted to work with. Each hormone's shape is specific to the target cell it affects, binding to hormone receptors on the cells.
The three classes of hormones, defined by their chemical structures are:
Many people think that when dieting or going to a party or big dinner where they will want to eat more than usual, they should skip a meal. This is so wrong. Eat regular meals every day. Skipping meals invites craving and binges. When you skip a meal, you will be more hungry and less able to control your eating at special occasions. Skipping meals can also cause drops and spikes in your blood sugar. You also need to eat regularly to keep your metabolism revved up and working properly.
Scientists are learning that combining two or more polyphenols may team up to improve wellness benefits as well as to boost slimming. Travis Stork, MD, says one of his favorite combinations is coffee with honey. The chlorogenic acid in coffee beans turns on fat burning to speed metabolism. When combined with sweet honey, a natural prebiotic, the pair can reduce bloat and constipation.
Have you ever been told you shouldn't eat close to bedtime if you are trying to lose weight? The theory is that your metabolism slows down when you are sleeping making it harder for you to lose weight than if you had eaten the same foods earlier. According to Donna L. Weihofen, MS, RD, health nutritionist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, "Calories count whether you eat them in the morning or at night." She goes on to say, "The problem with nighttime eaters is that they are usually eating far more calories than they think, and the calories are denser."
Brazilian researchers found that simply replacing the usual fats you use in cooking with EVOO can help you lose weight. EVOO contains the plant compound oleocanthal that works as a gently, natural diuretic and metabolism booster when it soaks into your tissues. EVOO may be a little more expensive that the fats you currently use, but it might be worth a little extra.
If you want to cut back on shortening or butter in pie crust, use an equal amount of coconut oil. Coconut oil is the only oil that gets to a part of the brain which has a lot to do with Alzheimer's. It also contains medium-chain fatty acids which are metabolism-revving.
When I was a kid, I loved spending the night next door with my grandparents. And one of my favorite treats was breakfast the next morning. My grandmother never drank coffee or tea but had a cup of hot water every morning with breakfast. When my dad found out I was drinking a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of sugar for breakfast, he was not pleased! Imagine my surprise when recently reading a medical report that said to start your morning with a cup of hot water and lemon to rev up your metabolism for the day! If only grandma had known to add lemon! Have a sluggish metabolism? Try some hot water and lemon.
One of the things I do on a regular basis is add lots of ground cinnamon to my oatmeal everyday. It not only revs up my metabolism, it helps regulate my blood sugar. This is one of the best dietary changes I have made. My point in telling you that is this; small diet changes can be very helpful in many ways.
Calories come from things you may not have even considered. Some things you may have never suspected contain "active calories" that stimulate your body to burn more calories! Some things that are so easy to add to your meals can give you an even bigger calorie burn than others. Caffeine and other compounds in coffee, tea, and such spices as chilies, cinnamon, and ginger fire up your central nervous system and can boost your metabolism by as much as 12% according to research. Be sure you are adding some of these things to your diet every day and keep that metabolism fired up and burning calories for you! Active calories when they become a regular part of your diet can set your fat-burning engines on high all day helping you to lose weight or keep your weight down without going hungry!
A study from Massachusetts Medical School found that people who skip breakfast are 4 1/2 times more likely to be obese than those who eat breakfast! Researchers at the University of Pittsburg say going hungry first thing in the day can slow your metabolism by up to 10%. And remember your metabolism is your body's fat-burning engine! It is recommended you start your day with some protein such as scrambled eggs; whole grain cereal with yogurt and/or fresh berries; a slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter; a healthy smoothie; etc.
