Super Foods That Boost Your Metabolism Naturally
When you know how to include in your diet a variety of foods that speed metabolism, you have the key to permanent weight loss. Metabolism describes the rate at which your body burns fuel to produce energy (calories). If the fuel available is consumed slowly (slow metabolism)it is harder for you to lose weight than it is for someone who has a fast metabolism. It is easier for you to lose weight, especially fat, if you are able to speed up this process.
Merely reducing your daily calories by eating less causes your body to compensate for the lack of food by slowing metabolism. Hence it becomes harder to lose weight simply by reducing the amount of food consumed. If smaller portions are eaten at more frequent intervals, the body will continue to burn calories at the higher rate and you will lose fat more quickly.
EAT MORE OFTEN
By increasing the number of meals (and snacks) to six a day – or having something to eat every 2-3 hours – the higher level of metabolism will keep your own energy levels higher and, as a result, you feel better, less hungry, and are more able to stick with the diet.
NATURAL FOODS VS PROCESSED FOODS
Also, by spending a little time each week planning your meals, you are able to include food which actively promotes a higher metabolism. These are natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and enable you to reduce the processed foods normally consumed. Processed foods often contain chemicals which will affect your metabolic rate and slow absorption. They also frequently include additional salt, which encourages the retention of water.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING FOODS THAT SPEED METABOLISM
Hot peppers, such as chillies, contain an ingredient known as Capsaicin, which is renowned for increasing the metabolic rate.
Other useful foods which help metabolism are ginger, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, garlic and spices, as well as lean protein, fish and whole grains.
Fiber rich foods that speed metabolism are nuts, fruit and vegetables. They keep your digestive system busy and contain so few calories that they will have a negative calorie effect by using up more calories than they provide, which also helps to reduce fat deposits. These especially include leafy green vegetables and beans. The presence of fiber, which is not digested, helps you to feel full.
Fruits that speed metabolism include apples, which contain a lot of water. Also cherries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cranberries, honeydew, grapefruit, mango, oranges, peaches, pineapples and watermelon are in this category.
Prefer proteins to starchy carbohydrates, such as potatoes, rice and bread. Proteins provide additional nutrients and take longer to digest so that you continue to feel full and less likely to feel hungry. Lean proteins include chicken and turkey breast.
Green tea is a helpful beverage that has antioxidants which boosts metabolism and lessens the desire for sugar.
Avoid Junk foods which are high in fat, salt or sugar. Say goodbye to fried chips and chicken, juices (lots of sugar), pastries and pizza.
Water – To properly digest foods that speed metabolism requires that you drink plenty of fresh water – at least eight cups a day. A good hint is to drink a cup of water just before you eat a meal. It is filling and aids digestion and metabolism.
If you make it a habit to select your food along the lines described here, choosing foods that speed metabolism rather than foods which add calories and fat to your body, you will inevitably lose weight. Moreover, if this is treated as a lifestyle change and you continue to prefer these foods, the trimmer you will enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier, slimmer body.
