Jump-start your metabolism

2. Increase caloric expenditure by exercising. Pick your favorite activity and, as the Nike slogan states, "Just do it!" If you are at a metabolic standstill, you need to start moving and burning more to rev up your metabolic engine.

Increasing your muscle mass by weight training (free weights, elastic bands, etc.) also increases your resting metabolic rate (RMR).

3. Increase your protein consumption for an eight-week period. By doing so, you will release more of the hormone glucagon (insulin's opposite), which facilitates fat loss. This doesn't mean you should exclude carbohydrates. On the contrary, your body will need to eat low-glycemic-index carbohydrates in the form of vegetables, most fruits and a modest amount of whole grains.

4. Drink three cups of green tea daily. Green tea increases metabolic rate and speeds up fat oxidation. Compounds in green tea speed up the rate at which calories are burned and therefore increase overall energy expenditure, leading to weight loss.

5. Supplement with 200 mcg of chromium daily. Chromium is a trace mineral found in certain types of food such as brewer's yeast. Research has shown that chromium -- in combination with a healthy diet and exercise -- can suppress appetite, help insulin function, balance blood sugar levels and control cravings.

It's important to remember that your metabolic rate is not set in stone. By implementing the steps above, you can noticeably increase your calorie-burning rate, build muscle and lose weight.

Need more inspiration? Read about these 7 roadblocks to weight loss success.