15 Ways To Boost Your Metabolism Besides Exercise

Small changes, large pay off.

NOTE: Exercise is crucial to a healthy metabolism. You should still exercise. However, there are some additional methods that can help keep that engine revved up.

1. Eat foods with omega-3s.

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Foods like avocados have omega-3 fatty acids that contain a myriad of benefits. Don't get turned off by the word fatty. These acids help regulate blood sugar and inflammation, which can help keep your metabolism steady. For easy recipes that include avocado click here.

2. Don't forget to eat breakfast.

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It's the most important meal of the day for a reason. Eating breakfast is crucial in maintaining optimal energy levels throughout the day. Skipping breakfast sends your body in to starvation mode, which conserves energy by slowing down your metabolism. That's what you don't want.

3. Snack when you are hungry.

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Snacking during the day not only keeps hunger at bay, but it keeps your energy level consistent. This will keep your metabolism revved up by maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The key is to eat healthy snacks. For several snack ideas click here.

4. Spice up your life.

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Add some hot sauce or chile peppers to your meal. Spicy condiments contain capsaicin, which has been shown to increase resting metabolic rates by spiking hormone levels. A number of delicious spicy recipes exist. Don't be afraid of the hurt.

5. Engage in some heavy breathing.

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Yes, it's a natural function but taking a little time daily to focus on your breathing can be beneficial. Breathing brings oxygen into your body and more oxygen = more energy burned = higher metabolism. Take a few minutes out of your day to do some deep breathing exercises. A little bit goes a long way over time.

6. Drink some green tea.

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Green tea contains phenols. Phenols are chemical compounds that increase your body's internal furnace. Drinking green tea throughout the day can keep that furnace and those calories burning.

7. Eat dark chocolate.

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No, this is not a joke. Dark chocolate (70% cacao and up) contains caffeine and the antioxidant catechin which, are both know to be metabolism boosters. Just don't over do it.

8. Eat yogurt.

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Not froyo with a pound of Oreos, sprinkles, and gummy bears, but regular yogurt. Yogurt contains many nutrients which can raise your bodies resting metabolic rate. Try to stick to healthier yogurt offerings.

9. Include more lean protein in your diet.

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Foods containing lean protein require a lot more of your body's energy to burn, which increases your metabolism. They also keep you full and satisfied longer then other food choices. For a great recipe click here.

10. Don't ever skip meals.

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This is easy advice to follow. Skipping meals will not get you a smaller waist line. Missing meals actually convinces the body that it's starving so it slows down your metabolism. If you're hungry you should eat.

11. Drink plenty of cold water.

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Water is good for you to begin with, and research indicates that drinking six cups of cold water daily can boost your metabolism by burning an extra 50 calories a day. That adds up a loss of five pounds over the course of a year.

12. Go nuts!

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Nuts like walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and pistachios contain many vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that aid in boosting metabolism. Just don't get too crazy. A handful is more than enough.

13. Take some time to de-stress.

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Stress causes the production of cortisol which among other things can slow down your metabolism. Read a book, get a massage, or just relax. Making time to alleviate stress will benefit your life in more ways than one.

14. Have a light snack right before bed.

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Having a light snack before bed can actually increase your nocturnal metabolism. Several healthy options exist.

15. Get some shut eye.

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A good night's rest is essential for a healthy metabolism. Sleeping eight hours nightly increases energy levels throughout the day, and helps to keep stress hormones and blood sugar levels stable.