The definition of metabolism: "the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available."

Metabolism is a combination of physical and chemical processes called anabolism and catabolism. Anabolism is the constructive phase of metabolism in which body cells synthesize protoplasm for growth and repair. Catabolism is the destructive phase of metabolism in which complex substances are broken down into simpler compounds producing energy, which is essential for the proper functioning of body cells. Together, these processes distribute nutrients, which are absorbed into the blood after digestion.

Food can speed up your metabolism if it burns more calories to digest than the food actually contains. You burn calories by just eating food. But in most cases, the food contains far more calories than it takes to digest the food. However, if eating the food burns more calories than it contains, it will help speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight.

Food to speed up metabolism

Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans and legumes, fresh herbs and spices, on the other hand, provide the proteins, carbohydrates and fats that give you energy and more even blood sugar levels. Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, fish oils, seeds, nuts, soybeans) promote more stable and long-lasting energy levels. Lean proteins (fish, soy foods, white meat poultry, lean meats and low-fat dairy) provide essential proteins for better digestion and muscle building.

Oatmeal - This is a complex carbohydrate, and one of the better-known foods that boost your metabolism. As it is complex, your body takes longer to break it down than other carbohydrates. It is also high in fiber, which is a beneficial combination, because you won't have that insulin spike after you eat, as the glucose gets released in smaller doses.

Exercises to speed up metabolism

Exercise builds muscle mass, and muscle tissue burns many more calories than fat tissue. This will give you a higher basic metabolic rate and make it easier to lose weight. This is one of the reasons why exercise is such a good way of kick starting weight loss if you've hit a bit of a dieting plateau. Vary your training schedule by including resistance training and high intensity cardio activity in order to stop your body from becoming too accustomed to one regime.

- Weight lifting is at the top of the list when it comes to metabolism boosters. A pound of muscle burns more calories than a pound of fat. So the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn. You don't even have to do anything. You'll simply burn more calories, because muscle requires more of an energy investment. In order to get the maximum effect, weight lifting should be done correctly and at regular intervals.

- Do interval training during cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise. Interval training only works when it's at intervals. The metabolism-boosting benefits you enjoy as a result of interval training are primarily due to the fact that your body suddenly, needs to find more energy.

Increasing the metabolism is quite a challenge for some people but watching your diet and workout out regularly bring out the body that you have always dreamed of.