by Lisa Robertson

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: January 13, 2009

When you think of weight loss what words come to mind? Most of the population would say diet and exercise. While these things are needed to achieve proper weight loss some of us also need a high metabolism. Increasing your metabolism sounds difficult and filled with work however there are quite a few things you can do to raise your metabolism quickly and safely.

First you need to know and understand what your metabolism is in order to learn how to raise it. The metabolism is the rate at which your body changes or converts your foods and other products into energy. We all need our metabolism to function. Each of our bodies convert these things at different rates. The metabolism also helps us absorb the nutrients we eat. Though many of us take the necessary daily vitamins and minerals doesn't necessarily mean they are all being used properly.

So how do we increase our metabolism to ensure that our body functions better and burns what we intake? Well, we have already stated two important ways. Let me show you how they work. Food and diet are a big part of our lives. I am not just talking about the diet you are on to lose weight but the diet you eat each day either healthy or full of fat and junk.

Food: There are several foods that you can eat that can simulate the metabolism and help it function more efficiently. Remember your mother saying "Junk will just give you a sugar rush?" Well they weren't fibbing. Foods that are high in sugars or simple sugars will give you a quick jolt but are too easy for the body to break down. This is what causes the fall in energy later. Eating foods high in Fiber or complex proteins will give you longer lasting energy. These foods are harder to break down and digest. This means your body increases in energy to complete this function in turn burning more calories in the process. High protein additionally help with burning more calories and increasing your metabolism.

Exercise: Exercise increases your metabolism for a steady 24 hours after the exercise is complete. Continued exercise will keep your metabolism raised. Exercises like cardio involves the use of the entire body and causes the body to burn more calories because it is working harder.

Though your metabolism is predetermined by the sex, age, and amount of fat in your body you can make a difference in your metabolic rate. Increasing your complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein intake can change your metabolism for the better. Developing a regular exercise routine, ensuring you are in a cardio program and keeping yourself healthy can improve your overall metabolism and health. How much is up to you!

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