“I just don’t understand, why it always happens to me Mama, I eat less yet gain so much weight; while look at Jenny, she eats a ton, never exercises, still she never pops up on weighing scale. I am so frustrated and disheartened”, complained Ruby to her mother.

This is something many of us wonder, but why this happens? Well, weight gain can be due to many reasons, but metabolism is a crucial determining consideration. Now what is this Metabolism and why is it so relevant?

Metabolism in simple worlds, can be explained as a complex bodily chemical process which is fundamental for all activities we perform like walking, running, breathing, food digestion, circulation etc. In a nutshell; this process keeps us alive and functional.

If you have high metabolism, you are inclined to burn more calories, therefore gaining less weight even while consuming more food.

Our metabolic rate is controlled by many aspects including gender, age, physical activity level and body type & size. BMR or basal metabolic rate is our metabolism or calories spend while at rest. Today we are sharing some pro tips to upsurge your metabolic rate:

Exercise is the mantra: It is no secret that good physical activity on daily level can improve your metabolism. Most people think exercise means running or heavy workout, but metabolism can also be enhanced with yoga, cycling, dancing, swimming, playing favourite outdoor sports too. Then why not choose what you love and give your metabolism a quick acceleration.

Change in food habits:

• Eat small quantities of food every two hours

• Have your breakfast within an hour of waking in morning

• Drink plenty of water

• Green tea, coffee, spicy foods, apple cider vinegar ginger, dark chocolates also helps in increasing metabolic rate

• Avoid sugar laden energy drinks and junk food items

• Include more proteins in your daily diet since proteins digestion is time consuming for body which gives you feeling of fullness. Add proteins like pulses, lean meat, eggs, whole grains (like brown rice), soya, sprouts

• Cut down on trans fats. Include limited amount of healthy fats like nuts

Spend time outdoors:Fresh air provides more oxygen to body and improves metabolism however in pandemic situation keep mask and social distance in mind.

Avoid prolong sitting: Pandemic has imposed work from home culture where we are inclined to spend more hours sitting at desk or on sofa. But standing helps in improving metabolism. Take regular break from work and move around.

Refreshing sleep: Eight hours of undisturbed sleep not only revitalize your body but also helps in escalating metabolism.

Stay happy and positive: If you are happy you are more likely to be active and productive, which boosts metabolism. Meditation and time spend with loved ones helps improving mood and removes stress which improves metabolism.

A good metabolic rate provides you with ample energy, better health and helps in shedding some weight too.