How to Boost Your Metabolism Naturally

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Discover how you can boost your metabolism naturally and how Bozu can help you start your weight loss journey with healthy meal prep services the fast & easy way.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to eat whatever they want and not gain a pound while others glance at a doughnut and feel the scale tip?

Well, it’s all about metabolism – and that’s what we often hear thrown around when talking about weight loss or health. Metabolism is your body’s engine, constantly burning fuel to keep everything running smoothly.

But not all engines run at the same speed, right? So, how do you naturally boost your metabolism to manage your weight and ultimately improve your health?

In this post, we’re going to talk about just that. Let’s get into it, shall we?

What Is Metabolism and Why Is It Important?

Metabolism is a chemical process that happens inside your body. It takes the food and drinks you consume and turns them into energy. All of this occurs through a series of steps where the food’s calories mix with oxygen, creating the energy your body uses to do everything from moving to thinking.

And here’s the fascinating part: metabolism isn’t just about when you’re active.

Your body also needs energy when you’re doing nothing, like when you’re just sitting or sleeping. This energy is for things you might not think about, like breathing, moving blood around your body, balancing hormones, and fixing or making new cells.

Besides foods that affect metabolism, several other factors also influence it directly.

So, What Affects It?

First up, sleep. Quality sleep is like a reset button for your body and metabolism. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones like cortisol and insulin, leading to increased appetite and a slower metabolism. When well-rested, your body’s hormonal balance stays in check. It is crucial for a healthy metabolic rate.
Then there’s stress. It’s a part of life, but chronic stress can throw your metabolism off balance. When stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain, especially around the belly. Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, meditation, regular exercise, or even seeking therapy help can help keep your cortisol levels in check and your metabolism humming along.
Muscle mass is another key player. Muscles are metabolically active and burn calories even when you’re not moving. That’s why having more muscle mass can boost your metabolic rate.
Your age matters as well. As we get older, our metabolism naturally slows down. Why does it do that? Changes in hormones, such as growth hormones, testosterone, and oestrogen, also affect our metabolism. These hormonal shifts can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fat, contributing to a slower metabolic rate.
And your activity level too. It plays a significant role as well. The more active you are, the more calories you burn, ramping up your metabolism. (Cue the regular exercise lecture!)

Understanding these factors is crucial because it helps you see how your body uses energy. And once you grasp that, you’re better equipped to make changes that can positively affect your metabolic rate.

How Can You Boost Metabolism Naturally?

Boosting your metabolism doesn’t always require drastic changes; sometimes, tiny natural adjustments to your daily routine can make a significant difference.

Here are some effective natural ways to boost your metabolism for weight loss and overall health:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day can increase your metabolic rate. Some studies suggest that 500ml of water can temporarily boost metabolism by 10 to 30% for about an hour. So, keep that water bottle handy!
Eat Regularly: Your body needs fuel to keep burning calories efficiently. Eating at regular intervals helps maintain a steady metabolic rate. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can slow down your metabolism as your body tries to conserve energy.
Spice Up Your Meals: Certain spices and herbs are known for their metabolic-boosting properties. For instance, capsaicin in chilli peppers can slightly increase metabolism and fat oxidation. Similarly, ginger and turmeric also have a thermogenic effect, meaning they help your body burn more calories.
Protein-Rich Foods: Incorporating protein into your meals can increase the rate of metabolism for a few hours. This is due to the thermic effect of food (TEF), where the body uses more energy to digest protein than fats or carbs.
Green Tea and Coffee: Both green tea and coffee can enhance metabolism slightly. The caffeine from coffee can help speed up your metabolic rate, and green tea is naturally rich in catechins, which can work alongside caffeine to improve metabolism.
Regular Physical Activity: Exercise, especially high-intensity workouts and strength training, can significantly boost metabolism. Muscle is more metabolically active than fat, so building muscle can help increase your resting metabolic rate.

Bozu: Fuelling Your Metabolic Fire

At Bozu, boosting your metabolism is part of the plan. Our healthy meal prep services are more than just delicious. They’re strategically crafted to enhance your metabolic rate. Our Pulled Mango Habanero Chicken, for instance, combines lean protein with a spicy kick, igniting your body’s calorie-burning furnace.

But it’s not just about one meal or one diet plan. Bozu’s diverse menu offers a variety of items like our beetroot juice cleanses, each designed with metabolic health in mind and catering to various dietary preferences. From antioxidant-rich vegetables to metabolism-boosting spices, every ingredient is chosen to support your body’s natural processes.

Whether on a Keto diet or just seeking balanced, nutritious meals, Bozu gives you the perfect blend of flavour and function to keep your metabolism humming.