Find out which "boosters" will really rev you up.

Ladies, start your engines.

Follow our signals to get your metabolism racing, avoid the myths and stay on the right track:

Exercise: green light. Short bursts of intense exercise are proven to speed metabolism--and building muscle is one of the most effective ways to increase daily burn.

Eating frequently: stop. This may curb cravings, but studies have shown that energy expenditure is not impacted by the frequency of your meals.

Hot peppers: caution. Capsaicin, found in chiles, has been shown to temporarily boost metabolism by 23%...though if you ask us, it's most effective as an appetite suppressant.

Protein: green light. Studies show you may burn up to twice as many calories digesting protein as carbs, but more than that, protein helps maintain calorie-burning muscle.

Supplements: stop. There are no supplements proven to speed metabolic rate--the Mayo Clinic warns against anything making that promise.

Tea: caution. One study showed a few cups of oolong or green tea can burn an extra 50 calories daily...assuming you skip the sugar.

Cold foods: stop. Your body does use more energy processing cold foods and beverages, but not enough to make a difference.