I have a very slow metabolism, so even though I exercise and eat healthy, I have a lot of trouble losing weight. Is there anything else I can do to speed up my metabolism without taking some sort of supplement?
- Krista*

No supplement will speed up your metabolism, no matter what claims it makes. But there are some healthy ways to kick-start your metabolism.

First, it's awesome that you're into exercising and eating healthy. That shows that you're dedicated to taking care of yourself. In addition to eating healthy, pay attention to portion sizes because calories can add up, even if the food is good for you.

To make sure you wake up your metabolism, remember to eat breakfast every day. This is a great way to ensure your metabolism gets off to an early start. When you're asleep, your metabolism goes into slowdown mode — by eating breakfast you let your body know that you are up and moving. If you wait to eat breakfast, your body stays in hibernation mode a few hours longer. Also, people who skip breakfast tend to eat more calories throughout the day.

Strength training is another great way to make sure your metabolism is at its peak. Through strength training you can tone your muscles and boost your metabolism. The great thing about muscles, other than looking lean, is that they burn more calories than fat. No need to bust out the big weights for strength training — try some basics, like push-ups, sit-ups, resistance bands, or yoga.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: March 2011

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.