Life changes. Things move. Perspectives shift. Everything in life—from the size of your waistline to your marriage—will change. And, so does your metabolism. Did you know that just by skipping a meal, you can slow your metabolism down? Here’s five ways to crank it up, slim down and get your sexy back!

Green Tea

green teaGreen tea is a great addition to your morning routine. Why? Because it raises your metabolic rate, allowing you to burn off more fat in a shorter period of time. In fact, a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that five cups of green tea a day can allow you to burn as much as 70 calories a day. Incorporate this one slimming secret into your daily routine, and you can burn 7 pounds in a year!

Bring Spice into Your Life With Spicy Peppers

A similar approach to green tea, spicy peppers can kick start your metabolism, allowing you to have a revved up fat boosting body! If you’re not used to spicy food, or don’t like to have it on a daily basis, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to boost your metabolism. But, feeling like you need to change things up with your pasta dish? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.  Are you in the mood for Chinese food? Add some hot chili oil to your soy dipping sauce.

Down That Water!

There many reasons you should stay hydrated. For one, your body is made of water and so when you don’t drink your eight glasses a day, you’ll experience fatigue, and eat more often. But, did you know that dehydration also causes a slower metabolism? Drink up! If water isn’t your thing, flavor it with watermelon and strawberry slices. It’s bound to go down easier, when it’s just the way you like it!

Bring On the Power—Bring on the Protein!

OatmealWhen was the last time you fueled up on protein morning, noon and night? Are you reaching for the turkey or the crackers? Skip the processed stuff, and head straight for the tofu, chicken or salmon instead. Studies show that when you fill up on protein you skip the consumption of all those wasted calories from bread, crackers and chips.

Add Some Cinnamon to Your Oatmeal

Who knew that fragrant cinnamon would have so many amazing benefits? Cinnamon helps to regulate your blood sugar (so that you can avoid the ‘famished’ feeling you get after your sugar levels drop), and keeps your daily caloric intake in check. As an added bonus, it helps your fat cells to metabolize better, so you can burn more energy and burn off last night’s dinner more quickly! Add cinnamon to your oatmeal, or sprinkle some in your green tea. Cinnamon is a very versatile food, and can offer amazing benefits for your overall health—and best of all, your waistline!