12 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Tip 2: Eat Breakfast 

Start your day off right-and increase your metabolic rate-by eating a balanced breakfast.

The National Weight Control Registry-one of the largest ongoing studies of successful weight losers-has found that the majority of people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for five years or more eat breakfast every day.

Melina Jampolis, M.D., and Heart-Healthy Living advisory board member, says that by starting your day with a balance of carbohydrates and lean protein, you boost calorie-burning in three ways:
1) Your body burns calories through the digestion, absorption, and processing of food.
2) Eating breakfast can boost your energy level, which helps increase calories burned throughout the day.
3) Providing your body with healthful fuel after nighttime "fasting" keeps your body from using calorie-burning muscle for energy during physical activity.

Shape up your morning routine by following these breakfast tips:

• Include protein-rich foods like eggs or nuts on your breakfast menu. Consuming protein is critical to jumpstarting your metabolism for the day and preventing overeating later on, says Mark Hyman, M.D.
• Avoid sugar-heavy cereals and pastries, which can spike and then dip your blood sugar levels, causing you to get hungry later in the morning.

Learn how eating breakfast can help you lose weight, plus get breakfast meal ideas.