11. Quit your dangerous sitting habit

11. Quit your dangerous sitting habit
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Sitting has been called “the new smoking”: Recent studies suggest that sitting for more than eight hours a day raises your risk of a whole host of health problems – and it can definitely slow down your metabolism, says Yasmine S. Ali, MD, president of US-based Nashville Preventive Cardiology, PLLC, and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

This one has an easy fix: Take a break every hour and stand up – or get a desk that allows you the option of standing while you work.

Beat fatigue and boost your energy levels with these five body hacks to perk you right up.

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12. Chill out - literally

12. Chill out - literally
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Cold is one of nature’s most powerful metabolic boosters, helping increase your levels of “brown fat,” a type of fat that burns more calories, even at rest.

“Going outdoors in cold weather can increase your non-exercise thermogenesis (NEAT) score, helping you torch calories,” says Kristin Koskinen, a registered dietitian nutritionist.

“The metabolic act of staying warm is an easy way to boost your metabolism without breaking a sweat.”

Can’t go out and frolic in the snow? Here’s how to eat right to lose weight and put your calorie counter to work for you.

13. Eat an apple before eating anything else

13. Eat an apple before eating anything else
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Adding more apples to your diet can help your metabolism, Koskinen says.

All you have to do is eat an apple before you eat anything else.

“You don’t have to make any other dietary changes. This can decrease your overall calorie intake because of the satiety the apple provides,” she says.

“I’ve seen clients increase their metabolism and lose 10 pounds by making this one change.”

Another benefit apples have is they can be made into Apple Cider Vinegar, which can offer amazing health benefits.

14. Amp up your water

14. Amp up your water
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Drinking plenty of fresh water is one of the best things you can do to support a healthy metabolism but, let’s face it, plain ol’ H2O can get boring.

To help you drink more of it, Koskinen recommends adding flavor to your water with sliced fruit or frozen berries.

Or try changing the temperature for an extra metabolic increase.

Nothing wakes you up like hot lemon water, she says.

15. Use the bathroom on a different floor

15. Use the bathroom on a different floor
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When it comes to increasing your metabolism, every little bit of movement helps.

So look for unusual ways to work in a few more steps, especially stairs, into your day, says Reggie Chambers, a personal trainer and fitness specialist in NYC.

One way to do this? Only use a bathroom located on a different floor of your office or home. Those runs up and down the stairs add up.

16. Add a little magnesium powder to your drink

16. Add a little magnesium powder to your drink
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Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for metabolic health, says Carolyn Dean, MD, of drcarolyndean.com.

“Magnesium is required for the body to produce and store energy and yet 75 percent of Americans do not get their dietary reference intake (DRI) of this important metabolism-boosting mineral,” she says.

You can take a supplement or mix some magnesium citrate powder into your water during the day.

17. Eat something already

17. Eat something already
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It’s common for people looking to lose weight to slash their calories.

This won’t wreck your metabolism (that’s a myth), but it can make you so tired and grouchy that you skip your workout or end up bingeing on junk food later.

18. Add in a protein shake

18. Add in a protein shake
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You don’t have to be a bodybuilder to benefit from chugging a protein shake.

Many nutritionist themselves eat more protein to help the body burn more calories, even at rest.

And protein shakes are an easy, cost-effective way to get more protein in your diet without having to turn on a stove.

19. Eat your greens

19. Eat your greens
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Veggies take more work for your body to digest, helping increase the metabolic afterburn of your meal, says Scott Putnam, a plant-based nutrition expert at Whole Living Nutrition.

“This extra calorie burn from eating plant foods can last up to four hours,” he explains. “It raises your metabolism, and the extra energy you’ll feel will make you want to move your body more.”

20. Go low-carb at breakfast

20. Go low-carb at breakfast
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Skipping breakfast won’t necessarily kill your metabolism—that’s yet another metabolism myth—but what you eat can impact your metabolism for the rest of the day, says Catherine Metzgar, PhD, RD, a nutritional biochemist with Virta Health.

“To improve your metabolism, I recommend that you start your day with low-carb, no-sugar foods that provide protein and enough fat that you’re not hungry,” she explains.

Her favorite quick breakfast? Plain Greek yogurt topped with a handful of berries and nuts.

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