Time to Maximize Your Metabolism

You most likely do not need an expert to explain to you why you are having a tough time losing belly fat. Your metabolism slows with age. But midlife weight increase is not really inescapable: there's a diet plan that can tackle these changes.

This customizable metabolism-boosting session will help you shed unwanted belly fat. Most important, you'll create firm, lean muscle tissue, the secret to a strong metabolism. Get going now and you'll rest better, have more vigor, feel firmer, and find your outfits are looser in as little as 2 weeks. Here's how:

EAT JUST ENOUGH: When you consume less than is needed for common biological function your body applies the brakes on your metabolism. Consume just enough so you're not starving.

PERK UP IN THE MORNING: Eating breakfast kick starts metabolism and keeps energy high throughout the day. It's no coincidence that women who skip this meal are 4 1/2 times as likely to be overweight. If nothing else, grab a yogurt.

DRINK TEA: A cup of brewed tea can increase your metabolism by 12%, according to one Japanese study. Researchers believe the antioxidant catechins in tea supply the boost.

BATTLE FAT WITH FIBER: Studies from research find that women who eat the most fiber put on the least weight over time. Aim for about 25 g a day--the amount in about 3 servings each of fruits and vegetables.

JUMBO SIZE IT: Researchers found that consuming about 48 ounces of cold water a day can raise resting metabolism by about 50 calories per day--enough to shed 5 pounds in a year.

THINK ORGANIC: Always choose organic when purchasing peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, and pears; non-organic produce tend to have elevated levels of pesticides.

ALWAYS INCLUDE PROTEIN: The Human body needs protein to sustain lean muscle. Add a serving, like three ounces of lean meat, two tablespoons of nuts, or 1/2 pound of low-fat yogurt, to every snack and meal.

EAT FOODS RICH WITH IRON: Until menopause, women lose iron each month as a result of menstruation. Unless you restock your stores, you run the risk of reduced stamina and a sagging metabolism.

DRINK MILK: Report shows that consuming calcium by way of dairy foods such as fat-free milk and low-fat yogurt may reduce fat absorption from other sources.