By: Tamara Jacobi

Part of the aging process is that your metabolism naturally slows down.  I’m guessing that you’re probably not thrilled about this part of getting older; the idea of carrying around extra pounds is not always welcome. Though your first response to your slowing metabolism may be to reduce your calorie intake or extend your workouts I highly recommend that you think twice. Eating less and spending more hours at the gym may not be the most enjoyable or the more effective way to deal with a dropping metabolism. Instead, why not try these simple tricks to give your metabolism a gentle (and natural!) boost.  

1) Eat whole foods that support your thyroid. A happy thyroid means a healthy metabolism. By keeping your thyroid healthy you can support a strong metabolic rate and keep your body at a healthy weight. Whole foods containing iodine such as seaweed, seafood, and strawberries are key players in keeping your thyroid healthy and your metabolism high.  A small amount of iodine daily can do wonders for your metabolism.  Don’t over do it though, a tiny amount is plenty; too much iodine can be harmful.

2) Add some light weights and strength training to your workout. Just one day a week of doing a series of gentle toning exercises with 2 – 3 lbs weights can do wonders for your metabolism. To give your metabolism a boost you don’t need to lift heavy weights that build muscle. Instead, focus on using light weights that tone your muscles. Toning works your muscles gently and gives your metabolism a boost while helping you burn those pesky pounds!

3) Move your body in new ways!  When you repeat the same activity over and over again your body may fall into a bit of a metabolic rut. When you jog at the same pace, walk the same route etc. your body becomes too familiar with the repetitive motion. Instead, why not gently push your body out of its comfort zone with new and dynamic movement that targets a variety of muscle groups and stimulates your metabolism.   Try running a bit faster, bike a hilly route or be brave and try a new sport!

3) Don’t starve yourself! Severely restricting your caloric consumption can actually decrease your metabolic rate.   Consuming too few calories will prompt your body to go into “starvation mode”, which means that it will store calories. Ideally, you want to keep your body nutritionally satisfied with an array of quality foods. It’s important to find the ratio of healthy fats, proteins and complex carbohydrates that work best for your unique body. Finding your personal balance and you’ll keep your metabolism happily humming along.  Eating at small meals at regular intervals can also keep your metabolism humming right along.

Ready to start listening to your unique body and find out what foods work best for you? Check out my FREE guide to start listening to your unique body! Also, curious to know what the best foods are for your workouts and give every cell in your body a blast of nourishment? Join me for my upcoming 30 day nourishment challenge!

Tamara Jacobi, Certified Health Coach

Tamara Jacobi is a certified health and nutrition coach who received her training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is the founder of Jungle Girl Health, www.junglegirlhealth.com, offering health coaching over the phone to individuals who are ready to feel and look their best. By using whole foods for healing and lifestyle balancing techniques, Tamara helps people understand how to heal and nourish their bodies completely.

Tamara leads an adventurous and active lifestyle, dividing her time between the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Mexican Pacific coastline.  In Mexico, she is the owner and manager of the Tailwind jungle lodge, a certified sustainable jungle lodge and adventure tour company just north of Puerto Vallarta, www.tailwindjunglelodge.com. Tamara also guides adventure tours for the Tailwind jungle lodge including sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and hiking. In her free time she spends as much time as possible playing outside. She is a passionate skier, road biker, trail runner and stand up paddle boarder.