Flip Your Metabolism Switch On

If you're not a natural bean pole, you can still rev up your metabolism. High metabolisms aren't solely connected with good genetics and youth. Sure, metabolism slows as you age -- at 41, I must eat eat less per day to keep my weight steady -- but there are ways to fight back.

The "Chicago Tribune" suggests a variety of strategies to keep your metabolism humming through the day, at any age:

Eat Three Almonds -- To reassure your body you're not starving, eat small and healthy every 90 minutes: three almonds, celery, a couple carrots. Don't forget to eat breakfast, and avoid skipping meals.

Avoid Blogger Disease -- Your morning run doesn't justify desk-job behavior the rest of the day. Continue moving by walking around the office, take the stairs, unobtrusively flex your muscles during a meeting.

Muscle, Muscle, Muscle -- You can fight aging's effect on your metabolism by lifting weights. Your body burns significant calories to maintain those muscles. The more muscle mass, the more calories burned. Cross-training not only avoids a fitness plateau, it keeps you from resting on a metabolism plateau, too.

Don't Be a Vampire -- Uh oh, one metabolism expert says sitting inside all day is like sitting in the dark, stimulating the same physiological process as sleeping and gaining weight. Outdoor smoke breaks are not the solution here, take your lunch outside.