April 21, 2020 Get link Facebook X Pinterest Email Other Apps The 14 Best Ways to Burn Fat Fast Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or simply slim down for summer, burning off excess fat can be quite challenging. In addition to diet and exercise, numerous other factors can influence weight and fat loss. Luckily, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to increase fat burning, quickly and easily. Here are 14 of the best ways to burn fat quickly and promote weight loss. Share on Pinterest 1. Start Strength Training Strength training is a type of exercise that requires you to contract your muscles against resistance. It builds muscle mass and increases strength. Most commonly, strength training involves lifting weights to gain muscle over time. Research has found strength training to have multiple health benefits, especially when it comes to burning fat. In one study, strength training reduced visceral fat in 78 people with metabolic syndrome. Visceral fat is a type of dangerous fat that surrounds the organs in the belly (1Trusted Source). Another study showed that 12 weeks of strength training paired with aerobic exercise was more effective at reducing body fat and belly fat than aerobic exercise alone (2Trusted Source). Resistance training may also help preserve fat-free mass, which can increase the number of calories your body burns at rest (3Trusted Source). According to one review, 10 weeks of resistance training could help increase calories burned at rest by 7% and may reduce fat weight by 4 pounds (1.8 kg) (4Trusted Source). Doing body-weight exercises, lifting weights or using gym equipment are a few easy ways to get started with strength training. 2. Follow a High-Protein Diet Including more protein-rich foods in your diet is an effective way to reduce your appetite and burn more fat. In fact, multiple studies have found that eating more high-quality protein is associated with a lower risk of belly fat (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source). One study also showed that a high-protein diet can help preserve muscle mass and metabolism during weight loss (7Trusted Source). Upping your protein intake may also increase feelings of fullness, decrease appetite and reduce calorie intake to aid in weight loss (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source). Try incorporating a few servings of high-protein foods into your diet each day to help amp up fat burning. Some examples of protein-rich foods include meat, seafood, eggs, legumes and dairy products. 3. Squeeze in More Sleep Going to bed a bit earlier or setting your alarm clock a little later can help boost fat burning and prevent weight gain. Several studies have found an association between getting enough sleep and weight loss. One study of 68,183 women showed that those who slept five or fewer hours per night over a period of 16 years were more likely to gain weight than those who slept for longer than seven hours per night (10Trusted Source). Another study showed that better sleep quality and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night increased the likelihood of successful weight loss by 33% in 245 women enrolled in a six-month weight loss program (11Trusted Source). Other research shows that a lack of sleep may contribute to alterations in hunger hormones, increased appetite and a higher risk of obesity (12Trusted Source). Although everyone needs a different amount of sleep, most studies have found that getting at least seven hours of sleep per night is associated with the most benefits when it comes to body weight. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit your intake of caffeine and minimize your use of electronic devices before bed to help support a healthy sleep cycle. 4. Add Vinegar to Your Diet Vinegar is well known for its health-promoting properties. In addition to its potential effects on heart health and blood sugar control, increasing your intake of vinegar may help bump up fat burning, according to some research (13Trusted Source). One study found that consuming 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of vinegar daily reduced people’s body weight, belly fat and average waist circumference over a 12-week period (14Trusted Source). Consuming vinegar has also been shown to enhance feelings of fullness and reduce appetite (15Trusted Source). Another small study of 11 people showed that adding vinegar to the diet reduced daily calorie intake by up to 275 calories (16Trusted Source). It’s easy to incorporate vinegar into your diet. For example, many people dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink it as a beverage a few times per day with meals. However, if drinking vinegar straight doesn’t sound appealing, you can also use it to make dressings, sauces and marinades. 5. Eat More Healthy Fats Although it may seem counterintuitive, increasing your intake of healthy fats may actually help prevent weight gain and help you maintain feelings of fullness. Fat takes a while to digest and can help slow the emptying of the stomach, which can reduce appetite and hunger (17Trusted Source). One study found that following a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts was associated with a lower risk of weight gain compared to a low-fat diet (18Trusted Source). Another small study found that when people on a weight loss diet took two tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil daily, they lost more belly fat than those who were given soybean oil (19Trusted Source). Meanwhile, unhealthy types of fat like trans fats have been shown to increase body fat, waist circumference and belly fat in human and animal studies (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source). Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts and seeds are just a few examples of healthy types of fat that may have beneficial effects on fat burning. However, keep in mind that healthy fat is still high in calories, so moderate how much you consume. Instead of eating more fat overall, try swapping the unhealthy fats in your diet for these healthy fat varieties. 6. Drink Healthier Beverages Swapping out sugar-sweetened drinks for some healthier selections is one of the easiest ways to increase fat burning. For example, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice are packed with calories and offer little nutritional value. Alcohol is also high in calories and has the added effect of lowering your inhibitions, making you more likely to overeat (22Trusted Source). Studies have found that consuming both sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol is associated with a higher risk of belly fat (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source). Limiting your intake of these beverages can help reduce your calorie intake and keep your waistline in check. Instead, opt for calorie-free beverages like water or green tea. In one small, 12-week study, drinking 17 ounces (500 ml) of water before meals increased weight loss by 4.4 pounds (2 kg), compared to a control group (25Trusted Source). Green tea is another great option. It contains caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, both of which may help increase fat burning and enhance metabolism (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source). For instance, one study in 12 adults showed that green tea extract increased fat burning by 12% compared to a placebo (28Trusted Source). Trading in even just one or two servings of high-calorie beverages for a glass of water or a cup of green tea is a simple way to promote fat burning. 7. Fill up on Fiber Soluble fiber absorbs water and moves through the digestive tract slowly, helping you feel fuller for longer (29Trusted Source). According to some studies, increasing your intake of high-fiber foods may protect against weight gain and fat accumulation. One study of 1,114 adults found that for each 10-gram increase in soluble fiber intake per day, participants lost 3.7% of their belly fat over a five-year period, even without any other changes in diet or exercise (30Trusted Source). Another review also found that increasing fiber intake promoted feelings of fullness and decreased hunger. In fact, an increase of 14 grams of fiber per day was associated with a 10% decrease in calorie intake. Not only that, but it was also linked to nearly 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of weight loss over a four-month period (31Trusted Source). Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds are a few examples of high-fiber foods that can boost fat burning and weight loss. 8. Cut Down on Refined Carbs Decreasing your intake of refined carbohydrates may help you lose extra fat. During processing, refined grains are stripped of their bran and germ, resulting in a final product that’s low in fiber and nutrients. Refined carbs also tend to have a higher glycemic index, which can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, resulting in increased hunger (32Trusted Source). Studies show that a diet high in refined carbs may be associated with increased belly fat (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source). Conversely, a diet high in whole grains has been associated with a lower body mass index and body weight, plus a smaller waist circumference (35Trusted Source). One study in 2,834 people also showed that those with higher intakes of refined grains tended to have a higher amount of disease-promoting belly fat, while those who ate more whole grains tended to have a lower amount (36Trusted Source). For the best results, reduce your intake of refined carbs from pastries, processed foods, pastas, white breads and breakfast cereals. Replace them with whole grains such as whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat, barley and oats. 9. Increase Your Cardio Cardio, also known as aerobic exercise, is one of the most common forms of exercise and is defined as any type of exercise that specifically trains the heart and lungs. Adding cardio to your routine may be one of the most effective ways to enhance fat burning. For example, one review of 16 studies found that the more aerobic exercise people got, the more belly fat they lost (37Trusted Source). Other studies have found that aerobic exercise can increase muscle mass and decrease belly fat, waist circumference and body fat (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source). Most research recommends between 150–300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, or roughly 20–40 minutes of cardio each day (41Trusted Source). Running, walking, cycling and swimming are just a few examples of some cardio exercises that can help burn fat and kick-start weight loss. 10. Drink Coffee Caffeine is a primary ingredient in just about every fat-burning supplement, and for good reason. The caffeine found in coffee acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increases metabolism and boosts the breakdown of fatty acids (42Trusted Source). In fact, studies show that caffeine intake can temporarily increase energy expenditure and enhance metabolism by 3–11% (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source). One large study with over 58,000 people found that increased caffeine intake was associated with less weight gain over a 12-year period (45Trusted Source). Another study found that higher caffeine intake was linked to a higher rate of success with weight loss maintenance among 2,623 people (46Trusted Source). To maximize the health benefits of coffee, skip the cream and sugar. Instead, enjoy it black or with a small amount of milk to prevent the extra calories from stacking up. 11. Try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, is a form of exercise that pairs quick bursts of activity with short recovery periods to keep your heart rate elevated. Studies show that HIIT can be incredibly effective at ramping up fat burning and promoting weight loss. One study found that young men performing HIIT for 20 minutes three times weekly lost an average of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of body fat over a 12-week period, even with no other changes to their diet or lifestyle. They also experienced a 17% reduction in belly fat as well as a significant decrease in waist circumference (47Trusted Source). HIIT may also help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time than other forms of cardio. According to one study, performing HIIT helped people burn up to 30% more calories than other types of exercise, such as cycling or jogging, in the same amount of time (48Trusted Source). For an easy way to get started with HIIT, try alternating between walking and jogging or sprinting for 30 seconds at a time. You can also cycle between exercises like burpees, push-ups or squats with a short rest period in between. 12. Add Probiotics to Your Diet Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your digestive tract that have been shown to improve many aspects of health. In fact, the bacteria in your gut have been shown to play a role in everything from immunity to mental health (49Trusted Source). Increasing your intake of probiotics through either food or supplements may also help rev up fat burning and keep your weight under control. One review of 15 studies showed that people who took probiotics experienced significantly larger reductions in body weight, fat percentage and body mass index compared to those who took a placebo (50Trusted Source). Another small study showed that taking probiotic supplements helped people following a high-fat, high-calorie diet prevent fat and weight gain (51Trusted Source). Certain strains of probiotics in the genus Lactobacillus may be especially effective at aiding weight and fat loss. One study in 28 people showed that eating yogurt containing either Lactobacillus fermentum or Lactobacillus amylovorus bacteria reduced body fat by 3–4% (52). Taking supplements is a quick and easy way to get in a concentrated dose of probiotics every day. Alternatively, you can try adding some probiotic-rich foods to your diet, such as kefir, tempeh, natto, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut. 13. Increase Your Iron Intake Iron is an important mineral that has many vital functions in the body. As with other nutrients such as iodine, a deficiency in iron may impact the health of your thyroid gland. This small gland in your neck secretes hormones that regulate your metabolism (53Trusted Source). Multiple studies have found that low levels of iron in the body may be associated with impaired thyroid function and a disruption in the production of thyroid hormones (54Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source). Common symptoms of hypothyroidism, or decreased thyroid function, include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and weight gain (57Trusted Source). Similarly, a deficiency in iron can cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath (58Trusted Source). Treating iron deficiency can allow your metabolism to work more efficiently and can fight off fatigue to help increase your activity level. One study even found that when 21 women were treated for iron deficiency, they experienced reductions in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index (59Trusted Source). Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough iron in their diets. Women, infants, children, vegans and vegetarians are all at a higher risk of iron deficiency. Be sure to incorporate plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet to help meet your iron needs and maintain your metabolism and energy levels. You can find iron in meat, poultry, seafood, fortified grains and cereals, leafy green vegetables, dried fruits and beans. 14. Give Intermittent Fasting a Shot Intermittent fasting is a diet pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Research shows that intermittent fasting may help enhance both weight loss and fat loss. One review looked at the effects of intermittent fasting, including alternate-day fasting — a method that involves alternating between days of fasting and eating normally. They found that alternate-day fasting over a period of 3–12 weeks reduced body weight by up to 7% and decreased body fat by up to 12 pounds (5.5 kg) (60Trusted Source). Another small study showed that eating only during an eight-hour window each day helped decrease fat mass and maintain muscle mass when combined with resistance training (61Trusted Source). There are several different types of intermittent fasting, including some where you eat only on certain days of the week and others where eating is restricted to specific hours of the day. Popular types of intermittent fasting include Eat Stop Eat, the Warrior Diet, the 16/8 method and the 5:2 diet. Find a variation that fits in with your schedule and lifestyle and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you. Comments
Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or simply slim down for summer, burning off excess fat can be quite challenging. In addition to diet and exercise, numerous other factors can influence weight and fat loss. Luckily, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to increase fat burning, quickly and easily. Here are 14 of the best ways to burn fat quickly and promote weight loss. Share on Pinterest 1. Start Strength Training Strength training is a type of exercise that requires you to contract your muscles against resistance. It builds muscle mass and increases strength. Most commonly, strength training involves lifting weights to gain muscle over time. Research has found strength training to have multiple health benefits, especially when it comes to burning fat. In one study, strength training reduced visceral fat in 78 people with metabolic syndrome. Visceral fat is a type of dangerous fat that surrounds the organs in the belly (1Trusted Source). Another study showed that 12 weeks of strength training paired with aerobic exercise was more effective at reducing body fat and belly fat than aerobic exercise alone (2Trusted Source). Resistance training may also help preserve fat-free mass, which can increase the number of calories your body burns at rest (3Trusted Source). According to one review, 10 weeks of resistance training could help increase calories burned at rest by 7% and may reduce fat weight by 4 pounds (1.8 kg) (4Trusted Source). Doing body-weight exercises, lifting weights or using gym equipment are a few easy ways to get started with strength training. 2. Follow a High-Protein Diet Including more protein-rich foods in your diet is an effective way to reduce your appetite and burn more fat. In fact, multiple studies have found that eating more high-quality protein is associated with a lower risk of belly fat (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source). One study also showed that a high-protein diet can help preserve muscle mass and metabolism during weight loss (7Trusted Source). Upping your protein intake may also increase feelings of fullness, decrease appetite and reduce calorie intake to aid in weight loss (8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source). Try incorporating a few servings of high-protein foods into your diet each day to help amp up fat burning. Some examples of protein-rich foods include meat, seafood, eggs, legumes and dairy products. 3. Squeeze in More Sleep Going to bed a bit earlier or setting your alarm clock a little later can help boost fat burning and prevent weight gain. Several studies have found an association between getting enough sleep and weight loss. One study of 68,183 women showed that those who slept five or fewer hours per night over a period of 16 years were more likely to gain weight than those who slept for longer than seven hours per night (10Trusted Source). Another study showed that better sleep quality and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night increased the likelihood of successful weight loss by 33% in 245 women enrolled in a six-month weight loss program (11Trusted Source). Other research shows that a lack of sleep may contribute to alterations in hunger hormones, increased appetite and a higher risk of obesity (12Trusted Source). Although everyone needs a different amount of sleep, most studies have found that getting at least seven hours of sleep per night is associated with the most benefits when it comes to body weight. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit your intake of caffeine and minimize your use of electronic devices before bed to help support a healthy sleep cycle. 4. Add Vinegar to Your Diet Vinegar is well known for its health-promoting properties. In addition to its potential effects on heart health and blood sugar control, increasing your intake of vinegar may help bump up fat burning, according to some research (13Trusted Source). One study found that consuming 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of vinegar daily reduced people’s body weight, belly fat and average waist circumference over a 12-week period (14Trusted Source). Consuming vinegar has also been shown to enhance feelings of fullness and reduce appetite (15Trusted Source). Another small study of 11 people showed that adding vinegar to the diet reduced daily calorie intake by up to 275 calories (16Trusted Source). It’s easy to incorporate vinegar into your diet. For example, many people dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink it as a beverage a few times per day with meals. However, if drinking vinegar straight doesn’t sound appealing, you can also use it to make dressings, sauces and marinades. 5. Eat More Healthy Fats Although it may seem counterintuitive, increasing your intake of healthy fats may actually help prevent weight gain and help you maintain feelings of fullness. Fat takes a while to digest and can help slow the emptying of the stomach, which can reduce appetite and hunger (17Trusted Source). One study found that following a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts was associated with a lower risk of weight gain compared to a low-fat diet (18Trusted Source). Another small study found that when people on a weight loss diet took two tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut oil daily, they lost more belly fat than those who were given soybean oil (19Trusted Source). Meanwhile, unhealthy types of fat like trans fats have been shown to increase body fat, waist circumference and belly fat in human and animal studies (20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source). Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts and seeds are just a few examples of healthy types of fat that may have beneficial effects on fat burning. However, keep in mind that healthy fat is still high in calories, so moderate how much you consume. Instead of eating more fat overall, try swapping the unhealthy fats in your diet for these healthy fat varieties. 6. Drink Healthier Beverages Swapping out sugar-sweetened drinks for some healthier selections is one of the easiest ways to increase fat burning. For example, sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice are packed with calories and offer little nutritional value. Alcohol is also high in calories and has the added effect of lowering your inhibitions, making you more likely to overeat (22Trusted Source). Studies have found that consuming both sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol is associated with a higher risk of belly fat (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source). Limiting your intake of these beverages can help reduce your calorie intake and keep your waistline in check. Instead, opt for calorie-free beverages like water or green tea. In one small, 12-week study, drinking 17 ounces (500 ml) of water before meals increased weight loss by 4.4 pounds (2 kg), compared to a control group (25Trusted Source). Green tea is another great option. It contains caffeine and is rich in antioxidants, both of which may help increase fat burning and enhance metabolism (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source). For instance, one study in 12 adults showed that green tea extract increased fat burning by 12% compared to a placebo (28Trusted Source). Trading in even just one or two servings of high-calorie beverages for a glass of water or a cup of green tea is a simple way to promote fat burning. 7. Fill up on Fiber Soluble fiber absorbs water and moves through the digestive tract slowly, helping you feel fuller for longer (29Trusted Source). According to some studies, increasing your intake of high-fiber foods may protect against weight gain and fat accumulation. One study of 1,114 adults found that for each 10-gram increase in soluble fiber intake per day, participants lost 3.7% of their belly fat over a five-year period, even without any other changes in diet or exercise (30Trusted Source). Another review also found that increasing fiber intake promoted feelings of fullness and decreased hunger. In fact, an increase of 14 grams of fiber per day was associated with a 10% decrease in calorie intake. Not only that, but it was also linked to nearly 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of weight loss over a four-month period (31Trusted Source). Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds are a few examples of high-fiber foods that can boost fat burning and weight loss. 8. Cut Down on Refined Carbs Decreasing your intake of refined carbohydrates may help you lose extra fat. During processing, refined grains are stripped of their bran and germ, resulting in a final product that’s low in fiber and nutrients. Refined carbs also tend to have a higher glycemic index, which can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, resulting in increased hunger (32Trusted Source). Studies show that a diet high in refined carbs may be associated with increased belly fat (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source). Conversely, a diet high in whole grains has been associated with a lower body mass index and body weight, plus a smaller waist circumference (35Trusted Source). One study in 2,834 people also showed that those with higher intakes of refined grains tended to have a higher amount of disease-promoting belly fat, while those who ate more whole grains tended to have a lower amount (36Trusted Source). For the best results, reduce your intake of refined carbs from pastries, processed foods, pastas, white breads and breakfast cereals. Replace them with whole grains such as whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat, barley and oats. 9. Increase Your Cardio Cardio, also known as aerobic exercise, is one of the most common forms of exercise and is defined as any type of exercise that specifically trains the heart and lungs. Adding cardio to your routine may be one of the most effective ways to enhance fat burning. For example, one review of 16 studies found that the more aerobic exercise people got, the more belly fat they lost (37Trusted Source). Other studies have found that aerobic exercise can increase muscle mass and decrease belly fat, waist circumference and body fat (38Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source). Most research recommends between 150–300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly, or roughly 20–40 minutes of cardio each day (41Trusted Source). Running, walking, cycling and swimming are just a few examples of some cardio exercises that can help burn fat and kick-start weight loss. 10. Drink Coffee Caffeine is a primary ingredient in just about every fat-burning supplement, and for good reason. The caffeine found in coffee acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increases metabolism and boosts the breakdown of fatty acids (42Trusted Source). In fact, studies show that caffeine intake can temporarily increase energy expenditure and enhance metabolism by 3–11% (43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source). One large study with over 58,000 people found that increased caffeine intake was associated with less weight gain over a 12-year period (45Trusted Source). Another study found that higher caffeine intake was linked to a higher rate of success with weight loss maintenance among 2,623 people (46Trusted Source). To maximize the health benefits of coffee, skip the cream and sugar. Instead, enjoy it black or with a small amount of milk to prevent the extra calories from stacking up. 11. Try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-intensity interval training, also known as HIIT, is a form of exercise that pairs quick bursts of activity with short recovery periods to keep your heart rate elevated. Studies show that HIIT can be incredibly effective at ramping up fat burning and promoting weight loss. One study found that young men performing HIIT for 20 minutes three times weekly lost an average of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of body fat over a 12-week period, even with no other changes to their diet or lifestyle. They also experienced a 17% reduction in belly fat as well as a significant decrease in waist circumference (47Trusted Source). HIIT may also help you burn more calories in a shorter amount of time than other forms of cardio. According to one study, performing HIIT helped people burn up to 30% more calories than other types of exercise, such as cycling or jogging, in the same amount of time (48Trusted Source). For an easy way to get started with HIIT, try alternating between walking and jogging or sprinting for 30 seconds at a time. You can also cycle between exercises like burpees, push-ups or squats with a short rest period in between. 12. Add Probiotics to Your Diet Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your digestive tract that have been shown to improve many aspects of health. In fact, the bacteria in your gut have been shown to play a role in everything from immunity to mental health (49Trusted Source). Increasing your intake of probiotics through either food or supplements may also help rev up fat burning and keep your weight under control. One review of 15 studies showed that people who took probiotics experienced significantly larger reductions in body weight, fat percentage and body mass index compared to those who took a placebo (50Trusted Source). Another small study showed that taking probiotic supplements helped people following a high-fat, high-calorie diet prevent fat and weight gain (51Trusted Source). Certain strains of probiotics in the genus Lactobacillus may be especially effective at aiding weight and fat loss. One study in 28 people showed that eating yogurt containing either Lactobacillus fermentum or Lactobacillus amylovorus bacteria reduced body fat by 3–4% (52). Taking supplements is a quick and easy way to get in a concentrated dose of probiotics every day. Alternatively, you can try adding some probiotic-rich foods to your diet, such as kefir, tempeh, natto, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut. 13. Increase Your Iron Intake Iron is an important mineral that has many vital functions in the body. As with other nutrients such as iodine, a deficiency in iron may impact the health of your thyroid gland. This small gland in your neck secretes hormones that regulate your metabolism (53Trusted Source). Multiple studies have found that low levels of iron in the body may be associated with impaired thyroid function and a disruption in the production of thyroid hormones (54Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted Source). Common symptoms of hypothyroidism, or decreased thyroid function, include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and weight gain (57Trusted Source). Similarly, a deficiency in iron can cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath (58Trusted Source). Treating iron deficiency can allow your metabolism to work more efficiently and can fight off fatigue to help increase your activity level. One study even found that when 21 women were treated for iron deficiency, they experienced reductions in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index (59Trusted Source). Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough iron in their diets. Women, infants, children, vegans and vegetarians are all at a higher risk of iron deficiency. Be sure to incorporate plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet to help meet your iron needs and maintain your metabolism and energy levels. You can find iron in meat, poultry, seafood, fortified grains and cereals, leafy green vegetables, dried fruits and beans. 14. Give Intermittent Fasting a Shot Intermittent fasting is a diet pattern that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Research shows that intermittent fasting may help enhance both weight loss and fat loss. One review looked at the effects of intermittent fasting, including alternate-day fasting — a method that involves alternating between days of fasting and eating normally. They found that alternate-day fasting over a period of 3–12 weeks reduced body weight by up to 7% and decreased body fat by up to 12 pounds (5.5 kg) (60Trusted Source). Another small study showed that eating only during an eight-hour window each day helped decrease fat mass and maintain muscle mass when combined with resistance training (61Trusted Source). There are several different types of intermittent fasting, including some where you eat only on certain days of the week and others where eating is restricted to specific hours of the day. Popular types of intermittent fasting include Eat Stop Eat, the Warrior Diet, the 16/8 method and the 5:2 diet. Find a variation that fits in with your schedule and lifestyle and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.
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