- 1). Keep yourself warm (but not hot). When you get cold, your thyroid gland regulates an increase in your body's metabolic rate to produce extra internal heat. When you're comfortably warm, as you might feel when you wake up under your covers in the morning, your metabolism can reach much lower levels. Take a shower or a bath in the morning when you wake up, and at night before you go to bed. Wear warm clothes.
- 2). Cut down on physical activity. This is especially helpful if you are highly physically active. When you are more active, your metabolism has to run at a higher rate in order for your body to supply energy to your muscles and cardiovascular system. The less you move, the less energy your body needs. Don't cut out physical activity completely without consulting your doctor, though, as some activity is important to your long-term health.
- 3). Shift your eating patterns to later in the day. If you eat your calories later in the day, they are more likely to be digested in the night, when you are asleep. Your body needs much less energy when you are asleep, and won't metabolize as many of the available calories. They will instead be stored as fat.
- 4). Consume fewer calories. Consuming too few calories over a prolonged period of time will considerably lower your body's metabolism as it attempts to conserve energy and minimize weight loss. Note that you will very likely lose some weight this way, and that most of this weight will be muscle and not fat, given that your physical activity levels are lower. Do not cut your calorie intake to the point of starvation, as starvation can cause serious damage to your heart, kidneys and other organs. Also, be sure that your reduced calorie intake does not lead to malnourishment. Take nutritional supplements if your diet is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals.
- 5). Consult with your doctor to see if you would benefit from metabolism-lowering drugs. This step may be especially helpful if you have an overactive metabolism, hyperthyroidism or some other medical condition that causes your body to overuse energy.
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