While staying active in high school wasn’t particularly difficult, getting a workout in isn’t the easiest in college. Between classes, work and social lives, our health has been put on the back burner. But have no fear – there are simple ways to boost your health and crank up your metabolism! Here are five easy ways to keep your heart pumping and those calories burning.
1. Drink green tea
Switch your coffee with a mug of green tea in the morning to boost your metabolism. The active ingredient catechins, increases metabolism and also improves fat oxidation and thermogenesis.
2. Do strength training
Change up your gym routine and mix in a little strength training next time! A run on the treadmill or a half hour on the elliptical are good for burning a few calories, but strength training will gradually increase your resting metabolism over time. According to health.com, the average woman who strength-trains 30 to 40 minutes twice a week for four months will increase her resting metabolism by 100 calories a day!
3. Drink lots of water
You probably know that you should be drinking eight glasses a day, but most people don’t even drink half as much water as they should. Not only does water keep you hydrated and clear up your skin, but it can also help boost your metabolism. Drinking enough water is a simple way to speed up digestion and burn calories.
4. Do interval workouts
Skip the gym and try an interval workout in your dorm room! Again, a run on the treadmill isn’t a bad workout, but high intensity exercises will do you more favors in the long run. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can burn tons of calories in a short amount of time, and your body will keep burning them long after your workout.
5. Don’t skip breakfast
You’ve probably heard a million times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. While it can be easy to simply wake up and run out of your dorm, make sure you take the time to squeeze in a small meal. Eating early will kick start your metabolism and help you burn calories throughout the day.
Have a quick calorie-burning trick? Tell us on Twitter at @HCEmerson or let us know in the comments below!