Your metabolism is the means by which your body creates energy out of the food you eat. Which, in simple terms, is the process you want to speed up if you’re trying to lose weight. But isn’t your metabolism hereditary? Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t boost it with changes in behavior and activity/exercise level.

When your body falls into a routine, sometimes it can be a challenge to break out. Once you do, though, that’s where your metabolism revs up again and help you burn more energy.

Truthfully, boosting your metabolism will come from smaller changes that you implement in the everyday. And don’t worry, you won’t have to feel groggy, hungry, or tired in the process.

Here are nine simple tips for giving your metabolism a push.

1. Hit the weightroom.

There’s a common misconception that straight cardio leads to weightloss and a revved up metabolism. While cardio does, in fact, help with your metabolism, according to research, weight training has a significant impact on your metabolism and overall health.

Not only are you (obviously) burning more calories, but taking short breaks between lifts and pushing yourself (within reason, of course) helps to kick your metabolism into overdrive.

2. Lace up your running shoes.

Weight training, though effective, doesn’t cut it. As much as you’re burning and moving your body, complimenting these workouts with cardio can help boost your metabolism even more (especially if you incorporate HIIT — high intensity interval training).

3. Drink more water.

Not only will water hydrate you and keep you from having the urge to snack, but German researchers have found that drinking 48 ounces of water can help to boost your metabolism.

4. Think heavier meals in the morning and lighter at night.

Focus on breakfast as your biggest meal. Instead of having a heavy dinner at night time, or midnight snacking, try to eat balanced mini-meals throughout the day so you won’t ever be starving.

5. Don’t skimp on your protein.

Adding healthy protein to your meals—like avocados, lean meats or poultry, fish, dairy, nuts, beans, etc.—can help with burning calories post-meal and post-workout. Make sure that you’re adding enough to your daily diet.

6. Opt for full-fat dairy.

Dairy is good for you (in moderation, of course) but sometimes low fat brands have added sugars. Instead, opt for a more natural version that will curb your desire to overeat.

7. Get a regular sleep schedule.

One of the easiest ways to boost your metabolism is to get on a regular sleep schedule, as interrupted or poor sleep can negatively impact your body’s energy levels, making you more keen to picking up junk food or other bad habits.

8. Opt for less ‘white’ carbs and alcohol.

Two big culprits in slowing your metabolism are ‘white’ carbs, which are made of refined and processed sugars/grains, and alcohol, which can boost your calorie intake tremendously if you aren’t being careful.

9. Add vitamins like iron and B12 to your diet.

Iron helps to oxygenate your muscles, thus helping with your body’s ability to burn fat. B12 just boosts your metabolism in general, so adding both to your diet plan can help keep you healthy.