People always ask “What’s the best way to lose weight and keep it off?” What most are really trying to do is lose body fat and improve health & appearance. The best way to accomplish these goals is by powering your metabolism. Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the amount of calories your body uses while at rest. Research has shown RMR will slow 3-5% each decade after age 30, but it doesn’t need to. The main ways to prevent this trend include:

• – Eat enough food and eat frequently. If your body doesn’t get enough food or goes long periods without eating your metabolism will naturally slow down to conserve energy.
• – Eat lean protein at every meal. The general guideline I use is grams of protein = 50% of weight in pounds per day (ex: 150 lbs person needs 75 grams of protein per day).
• – Exercise! You are never too old to lift weights. Weight or resistance training is especially important because it increases your lean tissue which burns more calories or raises your RMR. While recovering from exercise your metabolism will be increased even higher!

Originally Posted 11/19/09