Befriend Your Farmers' Market
When possible, choose organic produce and free-range meats (especially grass-fed beef). Why? For starters, the nutritional profiles are healthier: Grass-fed beef is lower in fat—just 2.5 grams per 4 ounces, compared with nearly 11 grams in 4 ounces of grain-fed cattle—and has considerably more metabolism-revving omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat than corn-fed cows. And organic foods are also free of toxins that may interfere with your weight loss. Researchers at Laval University in Quebec City found that pesticides like those used on nonorganic produce can leach into your system and interfere with the energy-burning process, leading to a metabolic slowdown as you lose weight.
More: 5 Reasons to Shop at Your Local Farmer's Market
Tea Up
Swapping your third or fourth (or fifth) cup of joe for a big mug of green tea may help your metabolism keep humming along in high gear. According to one study from Japan, a cup of brewed tea can boost your fat metabolism by 12 percent.
Put It on Ice
Drinking about 6 cups of water a day can fire up your resting metabolism by about 50 calories, according to research. Not a monumental amount, sure, but it's enough to take off 5 pounds at the end of a year. Add ice for an even bigger metabolic bump. Your body has to work to warm the water, which burns another 10 calories. It all adds up.
More: 5 Tips to Speed Up Your Metabolism
Spin Faster
Get on your trainer or rollers for 20 minutes before you eat breakfast. You'll crank up your fat-burning metabolism and start the day off right.
More: 18 Protein-Packed Foods That Improve Metabolism
Perfect your nutrition to boost your performance. Sign up for a race near you.
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