Most people feel like they could stand to shed a few pounds, especially this time of year with holiday parties still fresh in our minds. Gyms and studios are full this time of year with new members and people are double-checking food labels and counting calories. We know that if we want to raise your metabolic rate and burn calories you have to move more and eat better, but there are fitness tips that can help you boost your efforts.
Fasted Cardio (cardio while fasting)
Fasting cardio has the ability to kick start your metabolism by tapping into your stored glycogen then releasing stored fat at a faster rate.
The New York Times reported that doing exercise in a “Fasting state,” helps the body to burn off more fat and keep weight gain at bay, in comparison to other times during the day.
Scientists said participants in the study also burned more fat through out the day then the other control groups, even with the increased fat intake and increased calories (source).
Drink More Water to Raise Metabolic Rate
We’ve all been bombarded with the idea we need to drink more water to be at our best. This is true, but drinking some more water can raise your metabolic rate by as much as 30 percent and help you burn calories. One study showed that drinking 17 ounces of water can speed up the calorie burn within minutes and the effect can last for about an hour (source).
It’s NEAT to Burn Calories All Day
We all know exercise kick starts our metabolic rate, but work, family and other responsibilities can get in the way of our scheduled workouts. Use Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT.) This is a serious sounding name for burning calories while you go about your day. Activities like doing laundry, and taking out the garbage burns calories. Take advantage of opportunities at the office too! Taking the stairs, stretching at your desk and standing while talking on the phone. Little changes like these can add up over the weeks and months to help you drop some pounds in time for the holidays.
Mike Phelps
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