5 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

So dieting alone isn't the answer. Indeed, it may be counterproductive because dieting triggers your body to lower metabolism to "hang on to fat," says Dr. Jackson. "If a diet is prolonged, and metabolism is driven down, you will gain weight even if you consume fewer calories than before the diet."

Revving up

Certain things will increase the energy you produce, at least briefly. Eating a meal raises your metabolism, especially if it's high in protein. That's why some fad diet products based on protein claim to "burn fat."

You'll also find ingredients such as caffeine and ephedrine used to increase energy expenditure by raising metabolism, but these may have adverse effects. Weight-loss products that use amphetamines can even cause death, Dr. Jackson notes.

Foods such as red pepper (capsaicin), black pepper, ginger, green and black teas (which may contain caffeine) and other spices are being studied scientifically for possible weight-control benefits. These all raise metabolism through the body's heat production and energy use, but whether they can provide long-term results (and at what dosages) remains unclear.

"The real way to change metabolism is to exercise on a regular basis," says Dr. Jackson. "This changes brain function."

Push your metabolism higher

When you're physically active nearly every day, your body maintains an elevated metabolic rate. In one recent study, women who did 40 minutes of aerobic exercise at 80 percent of maximum heart rate increased their bodies' energy expenditure rates for the next 19 hours. That keeps your engine revved up and burning calories, even while you're relaxing and watching an old movie in your fuzzy slippers.

A few ways to reach that goal: