When you are following and weight loss plan, are toning up or are just trying to lose stomach fat, the overriding principle of weight loss is that you have to be consuming fewer calories than those which you are using up every day. The rate at which your body burns calories is known as the metabolism.
Everyone’s metabolism is different, and there is lots of research which suggests that there are several things that can be done to speed up metabolism and burn calories more quickly. One of these ways is by eating certain foods and Lose Baby Weight has compiled our top eleven list below.
Top Eleven Metabolism Boosting Foods
Oatmeal
Eating oatmeal is an ideal way to kick start your metabolism in the morning and start burning off those calories. Therefore, adding oatmeal into your smoothies is a great way to help your metabolism and it will also reduce the desire to snack between meals
Coffee and Tea
The caffeine in coffee raises energy levels and makes the body more alert. However, coffee is a stimulant and can stimulate appetite, but although it boosts metabolism it should be drunk in moderation as too much coffee can lead to irritability and difficulty in sleeping. Green and white tea has similar metabolism properties to coffee – and has much less caffeine so is a better choice – and you can read about why Green tea is so good here.
Capsicum
It is thought that capsaicin, found in capsicum peppers, is one of the most efficient ways of boosting the metabolism. Capsicums can be eaten raw in a salad or as a snack, roasted in the oven or added into pasta sauces and soups. Other peppers such as chilis have the same effect on the body, so the spicier the meal the better.
Ginger & Garlic
Chemicals in ginger and garlic are thought to raise the body’s temperature and speed up the metabolism. Ginger and garlic can be eaten in many different forms, and is the ideal spice to use as the base of a stir fry or Asian inspired salad dish. Ginger can also be added to baked items such as biscuits or cakes.
Grapefruit
Studies have shown that people who eat half a grapefruit with every meal lose weight faster than people who do not. It is thought that it works by reducing insulin levels in the body. Grapefruit is also packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Click here to see how cider vinegar before meals has a similar effect
Broccoli
Broccoli is low in fat, high in fibre and rich in vitamins and minerals. It is very low in calories and as well as helping with weight loss it can also boost the immune system and help to keep you fit and healthy.
Lean Meat
Lean meat, especially lean poultry such as chicken or turkey, is low in fat and very high in protein. Lean meat both boosts the metabolism and helps to build extra muscle tissue in all areas of the body. Lean poultry is low calorie and can be eaten in many different ways, making it one of the most valuable metabolism boosting foods out there.
Yogurt
Low fat yoghurt is high in protein, and the high protein levels also make it harder for the body to digest. The body uses more energy to digest it and this means calories are burned quicker. Also, live yogurt which contains healthy bacteria will help keep the entire digestive system healthy.
Spinach
This green leafy vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals and is an important source of iron. It can either be eaten raw in salads, or lightly cooked to add to sauces or simply served as a vegetable in its own right.
Almonds
The fats in almonds help raise metabolic rate and burn calories more quickly. The downside to eating almonds is that they are high in calories, so only a few almonds should be eaten at any one time.
Berries
Berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and blackberries are packed full of antioxidants and nutrients and when free radicals start to accumulate in the body they start to cause damage such as cell damage, weight gain, inhibited muscle growth and disease. Berries help boost the metabolism and help your health – and are great for breast milk supply so add some to your smoothies today!
For more information on food, nutrition and weight loss click here
To see our recipe section which uses these great ingredients click here
