Until recently I never had a problem with my metabolism. But, since backing into forty, I've noticed things are starting to slow down. I ignored the slow down for a while and continued my normal lifestyle of eating when I pleased and only exercising when I saw some benefit or enjoyment in it.
You can pretty much guess the result. I have stacked on 15 kilos have the last two years.
And so I decided to do something about it in the last eight months. I started exercising at least one hour a day and altered my diet dramatically to reduce or eliminate almost all highly processed carbohydrates.
Most importantly, I looked at ways I could adjust my metabolism slowly and sensibly over time. Here are some of the things I've tried and how they worked for me.
1. Cut Down the Carbs
I know there's a lot of controversy about low carb diets. However, this has been brilliant for me. It improves my sleep, and the weight has come off gradually without cravings. I give myself as much protein, double thick cream and things like nuts and dairy as I like.
I don't get hunger pains, and over the last few months, my desire for carbs has all but disappeared. If I'm not eating with friends, I will still enjoy a dessert, some cake and in the morning I will have some toast from time to time. But I'm the whole at reduced my carb intake by 90%.
One of the unexpected results was that my eczema cleared up after 20 years. This was a massive boost in my confidence, and I'm delighted to say that eczema had not returned except for a few occasions when I did give myself free rein to enjoy cakes, biscuits and slices.
2. Drinking Water
I've always known the rule about drinking plenty of water, but I've just never felt like a lot of water unless I've been exercising heavily. However, my routine usually starts with at least one glass of cold water, and I keep my water handy.
I noticed that if I carry my water with me, I'm more inclined to drink it. I don't drink sugary drinks or soft drinks. The only other drink would be tea and coffee.
The water helps fill me up, but more importantly, it helps to cleanse my body. I often add a dash of apple cider vinegar to it and have grown to custom to it.
Speaking of apple cider vinegar...
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
There are many health claims made about apple cider vinegar, but one of the most consistent and the one that seems to be born out in the research is that it will raise your metabolism. I will often include a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar with each price of water and will often add a sprinkle of cane pepper as well.
Do your research when it comes to apple cider vinegar. I've been using it since I was a kid on and off, but it's only recently that I've made it a permanent part of my diet and I'm really thankful for it.
I might also add that I used to get the flu every year and haven't had the flu since I started this regime.
3. My HI Workouts
For the first three months, I was doing 1 hour of the gym in the morning and one hour in the evening. I just did whatever I felt like with no great intensity.
Over time my stamina has improved dramatically, and I decided to research a little further on how I can get rid of the leftover chubby wobble. I stumbled upon high-intensity workout and must say the results have been brilliant.
I've cut my gym time and my exercise time in half but now work out twice as hard as I ever did. I love this way of working out. First, because I'm time poor. Secondly, because it really seems to maintain a high metabolism even after I finish the exercise.
Not only that but I'm only now only exercising two or three times a week, yet the weight loss and muscle tone have continued to improve over the last three months.
To be honest, these are the only three changes like made in my lifestyle, and it has truly made all the difference. I fit into clothes that I haven't fitted into 20 years. I feel better and healthier and have a lot more stamina and clarity of thought. I'm not recommending that this diet and this regime will suit everybody, but it certainly works for me.