Now more than ever, there seems to be no shortage of beverages and supplements on the market claiming to boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. It makes sense to be skeptical of these products. And whether or not they really work, the reality is that only diet and eating the right food can make a lasting impact on your metabolic rate.
As much as factors like genetics influence your metabolism, certain meals can also bring it up or down, affecting your weight along the way. For example, foods that are high in protein are known to cause a temporary spike in metabolism.
What’s more is that how much you eat also plays a role, with too few calories making your body burn muscle for energy. The resulting attempt by your body to reserve its energy stores leads to a reduction in metabolism. This is why it’s vital that you opt for meals that are high enough in calories without containing sugars and unhealthy fats.
With all of this in mind, here are seven foods that can boost your metabolism and aid weight loss.
Eggs
As one of the most affordable sources of nutrition, it should come as no surprise that eggs are an excellent choice for healthy eaters looking to lose weight. Not only are they light on the wallet, but you can also use them in a wide range of meals. Eggs also have an ample amount of B vitamins, which have been demonstrated to boost metabolism.
If you’re interested in creative ways to add eggs to your diet, meal delivery company metabolic meals has some tasty recipes that you can find on the linked review of the service.
Avocado
There are several reasons why avocados are so often included in healthy food lists. For our purposes, they are packed with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which leave you feeling satisfied and thus less likely to overeat. It’s also theorized that the anti-inflammatory effects of avocado can positively influence metabolism.
Tempeh
Another food that contains high amounts of protein and healthy fats, tempeh is a great option for weight loss and is suitable for those who prefer an alternative to meat. The soybeans that this food is made from are fermented, making tempeh a good source of probiotics as well.
Chili Pepper
Some studies have shown that spicy foods such as chili peppers are capable of speeding up your metabolic rate. This is primarily due to the presence of capsaicin, an active ingredient that can impact weight loss and has several other great health benefits. So, be sure to add some chili pepper to your meals when you’re looking to spice things up.
Beans
Just like tempeh, beans are a versatile meat alternative that are high in protein. They also contain a large number of amino acids which aid in preserving muscle mass. This has the knock-on effect of raising your calorie burning rate in a way that positively influences metabolism.
In addition, beans contain a lot of fiber, further improving satiation so that you can go for longer periods between meals. There are many different types of beans available, so it’s a good idea to experiment and try different varieties.
Whole Grains
There are refined grains and there are whole grains. Unlike the former, whole grains are anti-inflammatory and high in fiber. Both these factors are conducive to weight management and can lead to a moderate increase in metabolic rate. A few examples of whole grains include barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, oatmeal and even popcorn.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, namely arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and collard greens, contain several important nutrients that can improve metabolism. This includes calcium, along with B and C vitamins. These types of veggies also contain fiber as well as sulforaphane, a nutrient that has been shown to aid in removing toxins.
Additional Suggestions
Food aside, you can also do your metabolism a favor by staying active and building muscle mass. This is because working out raises your resting metabolic rate. When you’re not moving, your body is still burning calories, and the speed at which this happens is higher among people with more muscle mass, as muscles need to burn calories to sustain themselves. Moreover, the weight loss and overall health benefits of getting fit go without saying.
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What seldom receives consideration when it comes to metabolism and losing weight is sleep. One study in Finland that observed sets of identical twins found that the sibling who slept less had more visceral fat. This can be owed to the fact that sleep deprivation can cause a number of problems related to metabolism, so that extra hour of shuteye pays off.
By adding the aforementioned foods to your diet and following a healthy lifestyle overall, you’re bound to see a major improvement in your weight and how you feel. All that remains is to get started and commit to your goals.
