Mornings are the worst for most of us. You go through a whirlwind of chores, all the while missing the comfort of your bed and feeling like you have the energy of a 200-year-old historical monument.
But it doesn’t have to be like that. A morning routine focused on metabolism sets your mood and keeps you energetic throughout the day.
Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. So here’s an effective morning routine to kick-start your metabolic rate.
1. Say Yes To Water!
We understand that coffee is your best friend in the morning. But after a good 8 hours of sleep, your body is going to wake up dehydrated.
A glass of warm lemon water is good to have on an empty stomach. It doesn’t just cleanse your digestive system, but it’s also good for the immune system; the ingredients in lemon help to increase metabolism. Also, always stay hydrated throughout the day.
A study led by Berlin’s Franz-Volhard Clinical Research Center found out that drinking 17 ounces of water right after waking up in the morning could boost your metabolism by about 30% in the next 10 minutes! Keep a bottle by your bedside; this way, it’s the first thing you reach out to in the morning.
2. Time To Use ’em Muscles
Find out what you enjoy doing and set aside some time in the morning to move your body. It could be yoga, aerobics, weight lifting, or pretty much anything that gets you going.
You could do 20–45 minutes of cardio daily. It does wonders for your body. There are even specific metabolic-focused exercises you could focus on.
In yoga, some of the popular metabolic poses are the twisted chair pose, the locust pose, the bow pose, and the eagle pose.
If you’re in a rush, you can even do a quick aerobic routine. Make a playlist of music that keeps you pumped up and excited to start your day. A morning workout curbs your appetite and keeps you more active throughout the daily.
3. Happy Breakfast With Protein
Many of us opt to skip breakfast thinking we are saving time. But depriving your body of adequate nutrients is definitely not a good way to start your day.
Make it a habit to never leave your house without having breakfast. Eggs are packed with proteins that boost your metabolism, and they are quick and easy to cook in the morning. You can also have lean meat or cottage cheese. A protein and a little fiber should be your first meal.
4. You Snooze, You Lose
That’s right. Set your alarm early. We know it’s difficult and that you crave for those few extra minutes. But waking up maybe 30 minutes earlier makes a lot of difference to your morning routine. This can only happen if you are well rested and had enough sleep.
If you are sleep-deprived, burning your calories takes time. So hit the bed early and get the much-needed 8 hours of sleep. If you’re a fan of the snooze, then maybe you could keep your alarm clock away from your reach. This way, you have no choice but to get up. Cruel, but effective!
5. Make The Switch To Green Tea
Studies have shown that green tea contains antioxidants that increase metabolism. You could fit in 2–3 cups of green tea a day for better results.1
A morning routine takes time to set in. But if you stick with it, you would have much happier thoughts about your mornings. Your body will thank you for the added stamina and love.
References
