Our basal metabolic rate (the amount of energy expended while at rest) is thought to be largely determined by genetics, but dietary experts at Prevention Magazine believe there are lifestyle changes we can all make to speed up our metabolism.

1. Eat more to weigh less: I know this sounds like a total contradiction, but believe it or not, by eating enough calories throughout the day we can keep our metabolism ticking over nicely. The average woman requires 1,200 calories per day  just for basic biological functioning. When we eat less than this, our metabolism slows down and breaks down muscle reserves for energy. As we know, muscle burns calories and so we need to retain as much as we can. Try to eat just enough so that you’re not hungry!

2. Drink water ice cold: I don’t know many people who prefer their water room temperature but for those of you who do, switching to ice cold water can actually help boost metabolism. How? Our body uses energy to heat the water to body temperature. Researchers in Germany discovered that drinking 6 cups of cold water a day can raise resting metabolism by approximately 50 calories a day.

3. Make the switch to whole grain: We’ve heard it time and time again but swapping your refined carbs for whole grain, as well as eating more fruits and veggies, will increase fat burn. Studies show fiber can increase fat burn by as much as 30%. Three servings of fruits and vegetables each day is all you need to meet the requirements for dietary fiber and battle the blubber!

4. Reduce alcoholic beverages: Putting the breaks on after one cocktail might seem like a challenge but doing so can step up your metabolism. Alcohol slows down our metabolism, reducing fat burn by a whopping 73%.

5. Pump your diet with iron: Essential for carrying the oxygen muscles need to burn fat, iron rich foods are a very important part of a metabolism boosting diet. Add more shellfish, lean meats, beans and spinach to your diet.

6. Load up on vitamin D: Essential for preserving muscle tissue, vitamin D is produced by the body from exposure to sunlight. It can also be found in foods such as fish and fortified milk. A 3.5 ounce serving of salmon provides 90% of your recommended daily value.

7. Drink more Joe: Caffeine  is a central nervous stimulant that can help rev your metabolism. A cup of coffee can increase it by 8 to 9% and perhaps more surprising, a cup of tea by 12%, reveals a Japanese study.

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