Foods that Increase Metabolism and Help Lose Weight

Ever had foods that increase metabolism? You bet! Hot toast with butter and sugar was such a joy as kids. I remember every other day we would indulge ourselves with some along with so many other similar sinful-sounding treats.

We ate them—or rather gorged them all—and yet remained healthy and trim. Each day as the gap between now and the time we first bid farewell to our teens grow bigger, even thinking about such foods make us gain weight or makes us feel all bloated.

Our metabolism has stopped racing the way it used to. Along with age—and other factors like our food habits—stress, lack of sleep, and pollution slows our metabolism as well. Even with some amount of exercise we find it difficult to shed weight and stay in shape.

Here are 10 foods that increase metabolism, enhance your weight loss efforts and boost your digestion:

1. Fruits

Fruits high in Vitamin C and Vitamin B are powerful metabolism boosters. Grapefruit is an example of a fruit with very high Vitamin C and often considered as a diet super food.

It is rich in fiber and lowers the insulin levels which trigger your system to store fat. Berries are high in Vitamin B with rich antioxidant properties and the ability to boost your metabolism.

Apple is another example of (fruit) foods that increase your metabolism and it is rich in fiber. Have between 1-3 servings of fruits a day.

2. Green tea

Studies show that green tea extract is also one of the foods that increase metabolism and aid weight loss. Green tea has powerful antioxidant properties. This wonder tea has also been reported to contain anti-cancer properties and help prevent heart disease.

Green tea is available as a leaf, in a tea bag or as an extract which is known as macha. Try and have 3-4 cups of it everyday.

3. Vegetables

Vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber and low in calories thus extremely good to keep you lean and keep metabolism going. Broccoli, spinach, cabbage, cucumbers and lettuce are some of the top weight-loss vegetable choices. Eat at least 7-9 servings of vegetables a day.

4. Almonds

Almonds contain high amount of protein and fiber which not only keep you feeling full but also boosts your metabolism. A handful of almonds daily help to lower your bad cholesterol. Almonds contain essential fatty acids that raise the body’s metabolism.

But do keep in mind that they are also high in calories so one must keep control of the quantity.

5. Oats

This is a super cereal to promote metabolism, weight loss and energy for the day. Oats are a low glycemic-index food which provides a rich content of fiber that regulates insulin release for optimal calorie burning.

Oats are the perfect food for breakfast as they keep you full for a long time and give great energy levels. Oats contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and potassium—the nutrients required for calorie burning and a healthy nervous-system function. The rich fiber lowers both blood sugar and bad cholesterol. They are, therefore, one of the best foods that increase metabolism on our list.

6. Cinnamon

A little bit of cinnamon can take you a long way. Cinnamon is a herbal agent for metabolizing sugar as well as helping maintain proper blood sugar levels. This little spice can give your body a good boost. Add a little cinnamon to your tea or oats and spice up your meals.

7. Coffee

The caffeine in coffee gives a boost to the metabolism. This proves especially effective when had about half an hour before a workout as it increases the calorie burning process. However, excessive amounts are not healthy and one must try to keep within 2 cups a day.

8. Dairy

Yogurt, milk and cheese are excellent foods to increase metabolism and thereby effective in enhancing weight loss. These products have high contents of calcium, protein and vitamins which triggers metabolism and burns calories which eventually lowers body fat mass.

9. Lean proteins

Chicken, fish, eggs and turkey are some of the lean sources of proteins. Lean proteins help to keep you full, rev up your metabolism and repair muscle tissues. Grill, poach, stew or even bake your proteins to make it an even more healthy option.

10. Water

Researchers in Germany found that a group of people increased their metabolic rates by 30 percent after drinking approximately 17 ounces of water. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant that banishes bloat as it flushes out sodium and toxins. Make sure that you are starting your day with a big glass of water and drink throughout the day—but not just all at one time. One must have a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day.