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 they used to. Along with age and other factors like our food habits, stress, lack of sleep and pollution slows our metabolism. 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 metabolism:-

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 fibres and lowers the insulin levels which trigger your system to store fat. Berries are high in Vitamin B with rich anti oxidant properties and ability to boost your metabolism. Apple is another example of (fruit) foods that increase your metabolism and it is rich in fibres. Have between 1-3 servings of fruits a day.

2. Green tea

Studies show that green tea extracts boost 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, fibers 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 atleast 7-9 servings of vegetables a day.

4. Almonds

Almonds contain high amount of protein and fiber which not only keeps 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 a control on the quantity.

5. Oats

This is a super cereal to promote a metabolism, weight loss and energy for the day. Oats is a low glycemic index food which provides a rich content of fibers that regulate insulin release for optimal calorie burning. Oats is the perfect food for breakfast as it keeps you full for a long time and gives 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 fibers lower blood sugar and the bad cholesterol.

6. Cinnamon

A little bit of cinnamon can take you a long way. Cinnamon helps your body metabolize sugar effectively, while maintaining steady blood sugar levels. This little spice can give your body a good boost. Add a little cinnamon to your tea, oats and spice up your food.

7. Coffee

The caffeine in the 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 is not healthy and one must try keep within 2 cups a day.

8. Dairy

Yoghurt, 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, revs up your metabolism and repairs muscle tissues. Grill, poach, stew or 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 not just all at one time. One must have a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a day.

Conclusion

Hope this list of foods that increase metabolism comes handy. Read additional tips to increase metabolism at our blog – How to boost metabolism

Article by Shalini Ray

Shalini has written 20 articles.

Shalini is a fitness enthusiast and has been practising Pilates, doing spinning, yoga and various kinds of aerobics. She researches and reads extensively about health, nutrition and wellness. Shalini loves playing tennis,swimming and trying all sorts of sports..