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Burning fat doesn’t always call for breaking a sweat. Your body continues to burn calories while you’re at rest, even when you're chilling out on the sofa or passed out in bed. But did you know it’s possible to increase the rate at which your body burns calories? By taking measures to raise your metabolism, you can speed up fat oxidation and expend more calories – without moving a muscle. Follow these tips to turn your body into a lean, mean, fat-burning machine.
Your body’s sleep cycle directly influences your metabolism. Going to bed earlier will ensure you get more sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. The human brain is highly active during the stages of sleep, leading to higher calorie expenditure. You actually burn more calories during sleep than you do while watching TV or reading a magazine.
When you don’t get enough rest, your cortisol levels also increase, leading to heightened stress and potential weight gain. Even going to bed half an hour earlier each night can make all the difference, allowing your body to sleep deeply and burn more calories
in the process.
Intermittent fasting creates an anabolic environment in your body and promotes fat loss. Give it a try once or twice a week while you sleep. Simply close the kitchen early instead of snacking before bedtime and abstain from eating for at least 12 hours. Fasting will lower your insulin levels, increase human growth hormone and promote cellular repair. In doing so, you’ll speed up your metabolism, helping your body shed fat while sleeping.
Exercise is a great way of ensuring a good night’s sleep – and the more vigorous the better. To maximise your calorie burn, try an intense session of HIIT.
On the nights when you’re not fasting, try having a high-protein snack before bedtime. It may consist of chicken, turkey breast, tuna, cottage cheese or a protein shake. Whey protein has a strong thermogenic effect and requires more energy to digest than fats or carbohydrates. Try a scoop of Healthy Whey; its blend of easily digestible protein, fibre and essential minerals will fuel your body through the night without disrupting your sleep.
