You're eating right, finally making it to the gym as planned, but you're still not getting the results you want. What's going on? Your metabolism could be to blame. Having a sluggish metabolism can make it really difficult to increase your core body temperature and burn off those extra calories. If this sounds like the reason why the scale won't budge, you need a better plan for boosting that heart rate and stoking that calorie-burning fire!

Start things off by changing up your workout schedule. If you've been hitting the treadmill and weights on alternate days and aren't seeing results, it's time to try something new. Jump onto the elliptical trainer for a great cardio and resistance combo that will get your heart pumping. Pick up the jump rope and do a few sets between your treadmill run to give your body a new challenge. The goal here is to work just a little bit harder by challenging different muscle groups.

Next, make sure your diet really is up to par. Are you eating three large meals and feel like you're starving in between? The best way to give a sluggish metabolism a boost is to eat small snacks, up to six 'mini meals,' throughout the day. This will give you plenty of fuel to get through a few hours without feeling hungry, and will keep that digestive fire and metabolism running at full speed. Just fill up a lunch tote with your daily meal plan so it's easier to keep up with your healthy routine.

If you're not getting the results you want from your fitness routine, make sure you're getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep can make it very difficult to keep your energy level running strong throughout the day, and you're more likely to overeat or eat the wrong types of foods when you're tired. Make sure you're getting between 7 to 9 hours of rest per night so that your body can effectively burn extra calories all day long.

Revving up a sluggish metabolism is no easy feat, especially if you're already exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet. Making a few tweaks to your daily schedule and routine may be all you really need to get that metabolism running in high gear, and start getting the results you want!

We've all heard it before, and even experienced it. Eating foods low in nutrition is often less expensive than eating healthy foods. This is especially true when it comes to produce. You may be tempted to purchase canned vegetables and fruit because the price seems less expensive. But, what are the real costs of buying canned produce? Canned vegetables are often loaded in sodium and canned fruits are often packed in syrup. Obviously, this isn't what you want to feed your family, but how do you purchase healthy produce while living on a budget? This week, let's discuss tips that will make it easier to provide healthy fruits and vegetables for your family without breaking the bank.

First things first: produce that's in season will always be less expensive than produce that has to be trucked across the country. Many grocery stores even have sales on seasonal produce that makes the prices even less expensive. Of course, you'll find the best deals on seasonal produce at farmer's markets.

Local farmer's markets are not only a great way to help the community, but they also help your wallet. Basically, farmer's markets cut out the middle man. Instead of helping grocery stores make a profit on the items they purchase, you're able to go straight to the source: the farmers. This also means you'll have the choice of some of the freshest produce available. Chances are, much of the produce was picked that very morning.

If you prefer shopping at grocery stores, or it's the middle of winter, there are tips you can use. First of all, shop the frozen foods aisle. Frozen produce is healthier than fresh grocery store produce because it's packaged and frozen at the time of harvest, sealing in the nutrition. Another great tip is to always be willing to try new things. Look at the sales papers and try what's on sale that week. One last tip is to search the markdown bins. Markdown bins often contain produce that has a blemish, but is perfectly usable and healthy.

There's simply no excuse to purchase low quality produce. What are you waiting for? Grab your tote bag and hit those farmer's markets!

Fitness gurus and healthy eating fanatics are always raving about the importance of downsizing portion sizes and why it's important to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. If you want to lose weight and keep up with your weekly fitness routine, eating mini meals really is the way to go. Small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will keep your energy levels up because your blood sugar remains stable. This means you don't experience 'highs and lows' just from eating different foods, and you can actually get through your day without getting too hungry.

The best way to keep up with this habit? Pack a day's worth of food in a lunch tote and carry it around with you. This reduces the risk that you'll overeat at the next meal, and also prevents you from making an unnecessary trip to the nearest fast food pit stop or clearing out the vending machine.

Some of the best foods you can pack include whole grain crackers, lean meats, low-fat cheese sticks, yogurt and meal replacement bars. If you plan to eat a complete meal at the office, make sure it's a well-balanced one. For most people working in an office, staying focused is a priority; you can avoid the late-afternoon slump by making sure the center of your meal is high in protein. Grilled, skinless chicken breasts, grilled salmon, or even tofu will fill you up fast and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

If you're planning to hit the gym before heading home after work, you will need to pack a few extra foods to make it through your workout. Eat a high-protein snack right before the workout to maximize the calorie and fat-burning potential of your routine. Make sure you drink plenty of water during and after your workout, and eat a combination of protein and carbs to refuel and restore your energy levels.

For the final meal of the day, go light; a lean protein for dinner coupled with a large salad is the ideal menu item at the end of the day. If you're craving something a little heartier, stick with smaller portions so you can enjoy your favorite meal without the guilt!