Our metabolism is stimulated by eating small regular meals, exercise, lean muscle and drinking enough water.  Taking pills or drinks to stimulate weight loss might help you to loose weight initially, but when you stop taking them your metabolism will slow down again.  Side effects of stimulants include raised blood pressure, heart palpitations, perspiration, dehydration, anxiety, headaches, etc.  Taking stimulants do ”destroy” ones metabolism. 

Getting tired easily and not being able to concentrate are both symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). 

Hypoglycaemia is a condition where there is an abnormally low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. 

Causes for hypoglycaemia include poor dietary habits such as irregular eating habits, eating large quantities of refined carbohydrates (high GI-foods), and eating insufficient amounts of fibre rich foods (low GI-foods).  Other contributing factors include consumption of alcohol, caffeine and soft drinks, high stress levels, allergies, and smoking.

The diet is the single most important factor in the successful treatment of hypoglycaemia.  The so-called “diet” is not a diet in the true sense of the word, but simply comprises a number of sound eating habits.

Eat regularly and do not skip meals or snacks.  The meals should be more or less the same size and spaced evenly throughout the day.  Whenever possible, eat at the same time every day.

Make starchy food the basis of most meals.  At least half the energy from   the food you eat should be from carbohydrate foods.  Give preference to Low Glycaemic carbohydrates and foods high in fibre.  A low GI diet results in more even blood glucose levels and does not cause a major insulin response.

Protein rich food slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and helps to control blood glucose levels.  Include small portions of legumes (e.g. beans, peas, lentils, and soya), chicken, fish, meat, eggs, or milk with your meals.
Lastly, limit the intake of alcohol for alcohol may induce a state hypoglycaemia.  Never use alcohol on an empty stomach but with a meal or snack.

In short: to loose weight we need to stimulate the metabolism naturally so that the body burns more energy.  To do this we need to eat regular low fat, high fiber meals, do enough exercise and drink enough water.

Trying to loose weight without doing regular exercise will lead to muscle loss, since the body finds it easier to turn muscle into energy, than to burn stored body fat.  Exercise increases lean body mass, which in turn increases metabolism and aids in weight loss. Get regular exercise at least 3-5 times per week for 20-50 minutes.

To aid in concentration during exam times following the same diet principles as for weight loss (eat regular low fat, high fiber meals and drink enough water) will keep your blood sugar levels stable and you will be able to concentrate for longer.