If you're having trouble losing weight, the reason could be that you are slowing down. If you lack the time or grit for corrective gym sessions, you can still rev up the rate at which you burn calories through a smart diet. Here are some tips on how to boost your metabolism without working out - no squats required.
The obvious way to kick-start your revitalisation campaign is by consuming green tea - an outstanding metabolism booster, according to US weight loss specialist Westin Childs.
The potion boosts metabolism in two ways, Childs says. First, it increases the breakdown of brown adipose tissue. Secondly, through its caffeine content, it raises your whole body's base metabolic rate, stimulating your sympathetic nervous system, which acts as the body's fight or flight response system. Cue an increase in muscle contraction, among other dynamics.
Caffeine is the next best natural fat burner, according to Childs. In isolation, caffeine can raise your base metabolic rate by up to 7 per cent a day.
On the basis of a 2,000-calorie diet, that spells an extra 140 calories per day and 3,920 calories per month - that's "at least one pound [0.45 kg] of fat", he says.
Avoid sodas and sugary energy drinks, which couple caffeine with empty calories that negate weight loss, he warns, adding that the cheapest effective slimming caffeine consumption tool is pure caffeine pills.