Most people know your metabolism is responsible for converting your food into fuel, and affects how efficiently you burn calories.

What you may not know is that your age, gender, and lean body mass all influence your metabolism. Genetics also play a role.

Very few people know that, actually, the heavier you are, the faster your metabolism. This is because your body has to work harder to sustain itself, even while resting. This is part of the reason why when you begin a weight loss program, you generally experience success losing weight in the beginning, and then it becomes more difficult to lose the remaining pounds.

And of course, it is easy to regain the weight you lose because your leaner body needs less calories to perform, so an increase in calories on your leaner frame will produce extra pounds.

This is the metabolism paradox that baffles many seeking to burn fat and lose weight.

So what do you do to master your metabolism and break through weight loss roadblocks?

EAT! EAT! EAT!

Your metabolism will operate more efficiently if you eat smaller meals, more often. It keeps your metabolism at a higher rate, meaning you'll burn more calories overall.

Many dieters tend to deprive themselves throughout the day in an effort to save on calories. This technique actually tells your body that it's about to starve and it needs to conserve. If you go too long between meals your metabolism will actually slow down to help your body compensate. When you eat a huge meal after going a long period without food, your body wants to hold onto those calories, and processes them very slowly. This won't necessarily sabotage your weight loss plan if it happens every once in a while, but if you make it a habit, you will experience difficulty in losing unwanted pounds.

Eat What?

Popular culture has introduced us to the idea that hot foods, spicy foods, jumpstarts our metabolism. In truth, eating any type of food puts your metabolism in motion.

However, the spicy food idea is actually true. Athletes who added red pepper to their diet boosted their resting metabolic rate for about half an hour after eating, but there's no evidence to suggest how long the increased metabolic rate actually lasts.

Protein is one body fuel that takes about 25% more energy to process, so a snack that is high in protein will rev up your metabolism slightly more than a carbohydrate heavy snack.

The best way to get your metabolism high charged is through a program that includes high-protein and low calorie foods, increased lean muscle mass and physical activity.

Make changes to your diet and activity level, and get a good night's sleep. Your body will respond well to a healthy routine and operate at a more optimum level.

If you stay hydrated and frequently eat a variety of foods that contain fiber and protein, which your body will have an easier time converting into fuel, you burn fat faster and lose those unwanted pounds quickly.