So what is your metabolism, exactly? It's basically the amount of calories your system burns on a daily basis. If you're interested in losing weight, or in maintaining a healthy weight as you age, you'll want to look at ways of increasing your metabolism.

When your metabolism slows, as is the case with most people as they age, you burn fewer calories, and so you tend to gain weight. So the goal is to find ways of increasing your metabolic rate so that you'll burn those calories before they can be converted to fat in your body.

Two of the most common ways of increasing your metabolism is by exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and nutritious diet. Here are several more tips to help you reach your daily calorie-burning goals:

1. Avoid fasting or "crash" diets. This type of dieting is very unhealthy, and your body tends to burn too many calories all at once, which can harm your body. You can get dehydrated, and your muscles become weak from lack of nutrition.

2. Eat more, smaller meals throughout the day. Many dieticians recommend 5-6 small nutritious meals spread out over the day, meals rich in fruits and vegetables. 3. Avoid a heavy breakfast. Starting out the day by eating a large bacon and egg breakfast gets your day off to a bad start, and can make you feel sluggish all morning. Try something lighter light a high fiber cereal and piece of fruit. 4. Try sprinkling some "healthy fats" in your daily meals. These are the fats that you find in fish, nuts, olive oil, ect. These are better for you than loading up on a lot of complex carbs that are harder for you body to digest.

3. Go easy on the sugar. Sure, you get a little boost right after eating a candy bar or drinking a soda, but then you crash as insulin is produced in your body. Also avoid the heavy deserts like cake and ice cream after dinner. A better choice would be fruit or a handful of nuts instead.

4. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption as well. Everyone knows that too much alcohol is bad for your liver and other organs, but it's also loaded with sugar and calories. Even a "lite" beer usually isn't so light if you're trying to lose or maintain your weight. Drink a glass of water instead.

5. As mentioned above, drink lots of water. Green tea is also a healthy beverage that's good for boosting your metabolism. Water helps to regulate your blood pressure, flush toxins from your system, and even get a good night's sleep.