Morning Tricks to Jumpstart Your Metabolism (& Lose More Weight)

Sharon Moore May 12, 2015

We all know that weight loss begins with a healthy metabolism. When your body is able to metabolise the energy it gets from food, your body can utilise it more efficiently and burn fats at a faster rate. So most people who are trying to lose weight are also finding ways to rev their metabolism.

And when could be a perfect time to get your metabolism pumping than in the morning? By activating your body’s metabolism at the start of the day, you don’t just burn more fats, you also get a stable source of energy throughout the day.

Here are some morning tricks to jumpstart your metabolism.

Drink water first.

A very good morning routine that is sure to rev your metabolism is to drink at least two glasses of water (around 16 ounces) before you eat breakfast or drink coffee. A study by German scientists suggests that doing this can boost metabolism by up to 30 per cent in an hour or more. Not only that. By drinking water first thing in the morning, you help your body flush out toxins, hydrate your system, and moisturise your skin!

Don’t skip breakfast.

Skipping breakfast is one of the sure-fire ways to wreck your metabolism. Because when you do, your blood sugar level goes down, and is more likely to spike and then crash when you finally eat lunch. Make it a habit to eat a full healthy breakfast. Your body needs fuel. So ditch the idea that skipping breakfast saves you calories.

Choose high-fibre food for breakfast.

Fibre is very good for your tummy. Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is one great way to boost your metabolism. And you probably know already that foods rich in fibre have a very positive effect on your blood sugar level. Avoid eating plain starches in the morning, such as white bread, pasta, cookies or pastries. Rather, opt for complex carbohydrates like oatmeal or bran, fruits and vegetables. Not only will they help your insulin levels stable, they will also keep you satiated throughout the day. Along with fibre, up your intake of protein as well, especially in the morning.

Exercise.

There’s one more reason why exercising in the morning is best, aside from the fact that it prevents the possibility of you skipping exercise for the day. And that reason has something to do with your metabolism. According to a 2011 study by the Appalachian State University in North Carolina, US, 45 minutes of cardio exercise help to speed up energy expenditure. Regular exercise also helps keep your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is crucial in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Try strength training.

Apart from cardio, you can also try to do strength training exercises which are designed to help you build stronger muscles. Having lean and strong muscles help you burn calories more. That is because muscles are made up of metabolically active tissues, which means they need energy. Do some planking to strengthen your core muscles, push ups for your arms, and squats for your legs. Strength training keeps you toned too.

By incorporating these tricks in your morning routine, you can expect a significant increase in your metabolism in the long run.