If you’re thinking about getting into shape, congratulations! You’re starting a challenging but rewarding journey. Not only will you likely feel more satisfied, but you’ll also enjoy potential benefits like a longer life and a faster metabolism. While dieting can help you lose weight if you stick to it, combining it with exercise, especially cardio, is the best way to truly get in shape. This blend boosts your metabolism, something dieting alone can’t sustain.

Your metabolism dictates how quickly your body processes energy. Dieting can slow it down, making fat loss a slower process that requires longer commitment. Here are seven tips to boost your metabolism and burn more fat.

Seven Tips to Boost Your Metabolism and Burn More Fat

1. See a Doctor
Before starting any diet, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They can perform a basic physical and possibly run some blood tests to ensure you’re healthy enough for a diet and exercise program. You can also get blood work done online at a discount and take the results to your doctor for review. This step is crucial for safety.

2. Don’t Starve Yourself
You might think that going on an extreme diet is the quickest way to lose weight, but that’s far from true. Fasting can actually backfire. When you stop eating, your body starts using its reserves, but it also slows down to conserve energy, burning less fat and risking muscle atrophy. Opt for balanced meals instead.

3. Don’t Push It
Overdoing physical exercise can cause injuries, especially if you’re just starting out. Pushing yourself too hard can damage your legs, joints, or cardiovascular system. Start with alternating jogging and walking, and gradually increase intensity. If you feel faint or dizzy, stop immediately. If jogging is too much, try power walking first.

4. Eat Healthy Foods
What you eat is just as important as how much you eat. Some foods are more easily converted to fat, while others keep you full for longer. Avoid high-fat foods and opt for lean meats twice a week. Incorporate legumes like peas and beans for protein, which keeps you full longer. Avoid white rice and bread, and go for high-fiber options to aid digestion and keep you satisfied.

5. Count Calories
While it’s important to eat enough, the quantity matters too. Learn the portion sizes, nutritional content, and calorie counts of your foods. Aim for a 10-20% reduction in daily calories during your diet and maintain this for a period equal to the initial diet. Use apps to track your calorie intake accurately, ensuring you don’t overeat or undereat.

6. Vary Your Exercise
Consistency in exercise is good, but falling into a routine isn’t ideal for your metabolism. Your workouts should challenge your body each time. Interval running, which alternates walking, jogging, and running, can keep your metabolism high. Combine high-intensity cardio with weight lifting. Weight lifting is an anaerobic exercise that keeps your pulse and metabolism up.

7. Eat Spicy Food
Spicy foods, like hot chilies, can boost your metabolism by increasing your heart rate, helping you burn calories faster. Just be cautious with portion sizes, as spiciness doesn’t negate the calorie content of the food.

By following these tips, you’ll start burning calories and getting in shape in no time. A higher working metabolism will give you more efficient results. Remember to stay safe with both your diet and exercise. Enjoy the journey to fitness!