Boost your metabolism with these 10 foods
By Louise Belle BHSc (Nut Med)
Boosting your metabolism through food is one of the easiest ways to burn fat. Imagine being able to burn extra calories whilst sitting at your desk! When your metabolism is slow and sluggish, it will burn less calories and store more fat than desired. A fast and efficient metabolism on the other hand will optimise fat burning and assist with weight loss. Here are some metabolism-boosting foods that you can add into your diet:
1. Chilli
Capsaicin is the chemical in chilli that sets your mouth on fire when you eat it. Eating chilli regularly can burn extra calories according to research, and may also help to reduce appetite.
2. Protein foods
Protein has a higher thermic effect of food (TEF) than carbohydrates and fat, which means that more calories are used to digest and metabolise the protein- protein burns calories! Fish, chicken, lamb, nuts, seeds and eggs are great sources of protein.
3. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a sulphur-rich vegetable belonging to the cruciferous family, along with kale, cabbage, broccoli and bok choy. The liver is the major fat-burning organ of the body, and requires sulphur to function efficiently.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Having a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal can help to increase fat burning and decrease fat storage. It could also help to reduce hunger by delaying stomach emptying.
5. Cold water
Drinking cold water regularly throughout the day can give your metabolism a good boost. Researchers believe this is due to the body using energy (calories) to heat the water to body temperature.
6. Green tea
The caffeine and antioxidants found in green tea work together to increase metabolism and fat burning capabilities. Drinking black coffee will have a similar effect due to the caffeine content.
7. Seaweed
Nori, wakame, dulse and kelp flakes are all rich sources of iodine. The thyroid gland controls your metabolism, and requires adequate levels of iodine in the diet in order to function optimally. Supporting the thyroid = improved metabolism.
8. Ginger
Steeping ginger in hot water, or adding it to your favourite vegetable juice may offer a significant boost in metabolism. As a bonus, ginger is anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting.
9. Cacao
This antioxidant rich powder could help to speed up the metabolism and improve the utilization of fat for energy in the body. This is great news for all the chocolate-lovers out there!
10. Lentils
Lentils and other legumes are higher in protein than other starchy foods and also a rich source of fibre which feed the good bacteria in the gut. These bacteria can help to boost fat burning.
Integrate these foods and drinks into your regular diet to give your metabolism a nice boost for ultimate fat burning. If you are someone who is prone to weight gain, or you have difficulty losing weight no matter what you try, you should read Dr Cabot’s book – I Can’t Lose Weight and I Don’t Know Why. The book explains the many reasons for difficulty losing weight, and provides a 12-week metabolic weight loss plan, complete with delicious recipes.
Great article Louise. Sleeping, drinking water and exercising are the best ways to boost your metabolism naturally.