When our main source of energy, our blood sugar, runs low, the process of metabolism turns our body fat into energy. When our supply of blood sugar runs high, the process of metabolism stores excess energy by turning it into body fat to be used another time.

How do we raise our metabolism? The following are ways in which your metabolism can be increased naturally through healthy living:

AVOID SUGAR.

If you must eat something sweet, suck on hard candy or eat a sugar-free ice cream bar. Your body stores excess sugar as fat. Remember that when you want something that is sugar-laden.

EAT FREQUENTLY.

It is important to understand what happens when you severely limit your calorie intake, skip a meal, or go on a crash diet. When you limit your calorie intake or skip a meal your metabolism slows down to conserve your energy.

When you lose weight too quickly for a few days, your body thinks it is threatened with starvation and goes into survival mode. It fights to conserve your body's fat stores. Consequently, any weight loss comes from water and muscle, not fat.

Never skip a meal, especially breakfast, and eat healthy snacks between meals. Eating frequently prevents hunger pangs and the binges that follow, provides consistent energy, and is most effective way to maintain your metabolism's efficiency.

You MUST eat breakfast as this revs up your metabolism and gets you through the morning. NEVER skip a meal. You do not want to starve by day and binge by night. It is very hard on your body and will significantly slow down your metabolism.

When you are at work, plan your snacks (healthy food choices) and take them along so that you will be able to eat regularly and will not be tempted by junk food. This is also good advice for people who are at home all day.

DO NOT EAT AFTER DINNER.

If you must munch at night, eat negative calories foods like broccoli, celery, carrots, apples, kiwis, leeks or radishes. These foods require more calories for digestion and absorption than the actual calories they contain, hence, negative calories foods.

DRINK WATER.

Drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses per day. Sipping it throughout the day is more beneficial than guzzling 8 ounces at a time. Water flushes harmful toxins out of your body, speeds up your metabolism, and makes it easier to lose weight and burn fat.

EXERCISE REGULARLY.

Because dieting or restricting your caloric intake can cause your metabolism to decrease, exercise can help to counter this effect. Exercise is also the way to burn more calories safely. Regular exercise will increase your life expectancy significantly.

Whether you are at home or in the gym, participate in aerobic activities on a regular basis. Not only does the exercise itself increase your metabolism, but it causes your metabolism to remain elevated for a period of time after you finish exercising.

Remember, metabolism decreases with age. This is largely due to the decrease in muscle mass typically experienced as people age. This can be countered by eating a healthy diet and continuing to participate in aerobic activities.