Halfpounder’s Blog

Okay, metabolictic isn’t in the dictionary, but I hope I grabbed your attention. Today I would like to share a short article that reminded me how to keep our metabolism boosted.

These are some of the ideas I’ve learned about metabolism and burning more calories: 1) Eat smaller meals more often. Instead of three regular meals a day, eat three small meals and add two or three snacks a day in between meal times. 2) Exercise regularly. If you can manage 45 minutes to an hour every other day to strength train, and walk as often as you think to eat (sarcasm people…),  you will be on track. 3) Mix cardio and strength training into your exercise. Also mix up the exercises and routines. Don’t let your muscles settle into a rut… keep them guessing what you will throw at them next. 4) Eating more protein will help keep your metabolism burning. Don’t go all Atkins on me, but don’t be afraid to eat more healthy protein. Lean meat, low-fat cheese, an egg, whey protein and lightly-salted nuts are good choices. A good place to add protein is snacks between meals. 5) Protein is more satisfying than carbs. If you are having a snack attack—try protein.

I’m struggling this week. I gained 10 pounds. (I haven’t been to Weight Watchers for a couple of weeks, but my home scale tells the tale.) I know why: lack of exercise and fluctuating emotions. But the short-term forecast is very optimistic: my knee is feeling better since surgery and my new little grandson is doing well.   I have been out for walks a couple of times lately and held my grandson for the first time yesterday.   He is still hooked up to ICU paraphernalia, but the 10 minutes I got to rock and hold him was a very precious Father’s Day present from my son and daughter-in-law.

So have a GREAT week. Recommit and work hard. I am.
Kirk

Lose Your Lard: 4 Ways to Fire Up Your Calorie Burning Engines
Submitted by Editor-in-Chief, Abs Diet Club, Men’s Health Online

Missing a meal doesn’t seem so bad. You don’t need those extra calories anyway, right?

Wrong. When you skip a meal, your body slows down your metabolism to hold on to your existing fuel supply.

Here are three better ways to burn blubber faster:

• When you work out, speed up and slow down. You can interval train with any form of cardio, from the elliptical machine to cycling.

• Perform a bodyweight routine 12 hours before or after your intense weight-training sessions. A handful of pushups and squats will send your fat burners into overdrive.

• Nosh on more protein, one of the hottest-burning food sources out there. Your body uses twice as much energy to break down protein than it does to break down carbs. Translation: Eggs in the morning, string cheese for a snack, salmon for dinner. You’re good to go.