Sad truth: Your metabolism starts to stall in your 30s. But don’t stress (it ages you!). Get it cranking with these tips

Running doesn’t just burn calories. It also slows the aging process, a Stanford University study suggests. I have  got six more ways you can rev up your metabolism.

Lift Weights. Sculpting and maintaining lean muscle keeps your metabolism on high, because it uses more energy (as in burns more calories) than fat. Aim to strength train for 20 minutes, three times a week.

Cardio for 20 min.

Eat Often. Your body needs a little energy to digest food, so having small, frequent meals (around 200 calories) stokes your metabolism. Don’t cut calories; split them up. For example, eat half of your lunch at 11 a.m. and the rest at 2 p.m.

Drink more water. It’s key to fueling metabolic chemical reactions—if you don’t sip enough, your metabolism becomes less efficient. A good rule: Try to get 2 quarts of fluids (8 ounces times eight) daily. Fruit, veggies and other liquids (e.g., coffee) count, too.

Fill up on Fiber. It’s not easy to digest, and that’s a good thing. You burn extra energy processing fiber, keeping your metabolism humming. Aim to get 25 to 30 grams daily.

Choose Protein. Its amino acids rebuild muscle tissue—crucial, because if muscles break down, metabolism slows. Women should eat 70 g a day.