Diet

• Following a healthy diet with the right amount of calories can do wonders for your metabolism, while eating heavy foods packed with fat and sugar can slow you down. Munching on more veggies and lean protein can jump-start a sluggish metabolism. Heavy, unhealthy foods take longer for your digestive system to process, so you don't get the energy right away from your meal. Focus on fresh vegetables, protein from sources like chicken, turkey and legumes, and whole-grain carbohydrates from oatmeal, brown rice or whole wheat bread.
  
  Always eat breakfast. When your mother claimed it was the "most important meal of the day," she was right. Eating before you start your day kicks your metabolism into gear. Otherwise, it's still in sleep mode from last night's slumber. Eating smaller meals throughout the day, instead of three huge meals a day, keeps the metabolism humming with fuel, which means more energy and less weight for you. Getting enough to eat during the day is important as well. The starvation diet of drastically reducing calories slows down your metabolism as the body tries to hang on to your fat for future energy reserves.
  
  

Exercise

• Getting out and moving about is one of the best ways to naturally boost your metabolism. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise several times a week to stay healthy. If you've been inactive for a long time, check with your doctor before starting an exercise plan, and pick the right workout intensity for you. Even 10 minutes of activity done three times a day counts toward your goal. Walking, dancing, working in the garden, and playing with the dog are excellent ways to get active and boost your metabolism.
  
  Strength training with weights also helps fat burn faster, since it is replacing fat with muscle, making you stronger and leaner. Also, take advantage of outdoor activities during the cooler months. The body puts more effort into keeping you toasty when it's cold, and cranks up the metabolism to do so.
  
  

Taking Care of Yourself

• If you want a better body, de-stress often with pleasant activities like meditation, hobbies or just a relaxing evening with family and friends. A proper amount of sleep is also required to recharge the body.