I’ve always been blessed with a really fast metabolism. I’m not sure why I’m so lucky, but because of this, I’ve always maintained a healthy weight, can eat almost anything I want, and have high energy. But not everyone is as blessed as I am.
Sorry!
We all know that having a higher metabolism helps with weight loss and overall energy levels. But did you know that certain foods actually help boost your metabolism?
Yes, it’s true! Today, I want to share 19 of the best foods to boost metabolism, which in turn will help you lose weight and feel better overall.
19 foods to boost metabolism
Some of these are foods, some are drinks, and some are spices. Regardless of what they are, these are the 19 items you should try to consume daily to boost your metabolism and help you feel better.
Avocado
This creamy and delicious fruit is packed with healthy fats and contains a compound called L-carnitine. This compound helps to speed up the fat-burning process in your body, making avocado a great addition to any meal.
I love how versatile avocado is. You can eat it plain, enjoy it in a smoothie, a healthy pudding, guacamole, and so much more!
Green Tea
Not only is green tea a popular drink for weight loss, but it also has metabolism-boosting properties. It contains antioxidants called catechins that have been shown to increase metabolism and aid in burning fat.
Next time you need a caffeine boost, opt for green tea instead of coffee.
Salmon
This fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contains high levels of protein. Protein requires more energy to digest, so your metabolism must work harder and burn more calories.
Next time you plan a meal, consider adding salmon as your main protein source.
Eggs
Eggs are not only a great source of protein but also contain a nutrient called choline. Choline helps to break down fat and boost metabolism.
Plus, starting your day with a protein-packed breakfast like eggs can help keep you full for longer, preventing unhealthy daily snacking.
Spinach (and other leafy greens)
This leafy green is low in calories and contains a compound called thylakoids that can help reduce cravings and increase fat burning. Adding spinach to your diet will boost your metabolism and offer plenty of other health benefits, like increasing bone health and improving digestion.
Choose to sauté it with garlic (another one of the 19 foods to boost metabolism), blend it into your protein shake, or toss it in your salad; spinach is a superfood that will rev up your metabolism.
Apples
Apples are not only a great source of fiber but also contain pectin, which helps boost metabolism and burn more calories. They’re also high in vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption and contributes to a healthy metabolism.
Remember that old saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,”? Well, it not only does that, but it’s also at the top of the list of foods to boost metabolism and help you stay healthy!
Chili Peppers
Spice up your meals with chili peppers to kick-start your metabolism. They contain a compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to increase metabolism and fat burning in the body.
Chili peppers also aid in reducing appetite, thus helping in weight management.
Garlic
Not only does garlic add flavor to your meals, but it also contains allicin, a compound that has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce fat storage in the body.
It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which can slow down your metabolic rate.
Quinoa
This whole grain is high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It takes longer for your body to digest protein than carbohydrates, meaning it has to work harder to burn more calories.
Which in turn means it boosts your metabolism.
Blueberries
These tiny berries are packed with antioxidants and can help boost your metabolism by regulating blood sugar levels.
Also, the high fiber content in blueberries can help you feel satisfied longer, reducing overeating and snack cravings between meals. Try adding blueberries to your smoothies.
Coffee
If you’re not a green tea fan, no worries. You can still enjoy a good cup of joe in the morning. Coffee can boost your metabolic rate and help you burn calories. It also helps with appetite control.
Be careful, though – like green tea, if you drink it late in the day, it may cause insomnia.
Ginger
Ginger has thermogenic properties, which means it can increase the body’s temperature and help with burning calories. It also contains a compound called gingerol, which helps stimulate the digestive system and boosts your metabolism.
Ginger can be used in just about everything you eat or drink!
Almonds
Rich in healthy fats and protein, almonds are great for weight loss as they will help keep you full. While there is no scientific research that shows this is one of the foods to boost metabolism, there is some evidence that it can improve it slightly.
Almonds are still a good choice for a snack between meals.
cinnamon
This tasty little spice does more than just add flavour to foods and drinks. Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties as well as for food. It’s also been used as a power spice for weight loss.
Cinnamon can also improve body metabolism, targeting the fat deposited in the abdominal area.
dark chocolate
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This tasty treat contains caffeine and antioxidants that can help boost your metabolism. It also helps control your appetite and reduce stress.
But remember, everything in moderation!
Greek yogurt
High in protein, Greek yogurt is the perfect snack food to help build muscle mass. Why does this matter? The more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolism.
Greek yogurt is also high in calcium, which helps boost metabolism, too!
Turmeric
Most of turmeric’s health benefits can be credited to curcumin, which has powerful anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. But it’s good to know that this power spice is also great for weight loss and one of the foods to boost metabolism.
Sprinkle some in every dish!
Lentils
Lentils and many other beans (legumes) are high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer. They make your metabolism work really hard to digest them, thus giving it a boost.
Consuming too much fiber may backfire on you, so be careful of your consumption.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense food like spinach and kale, which boasts a high water and fiber content that will keep you feeling fuller longer. The high fiber also helps you burn fat.
The nutrients in broccoli play an important role in boosting your body’s metabolism.
Other health articles you might like:
- 15 Strength Exercises For Women Over 50
- 11 Clean Eating Tips For Glowing Skin
- 6 Strategic Ways to Reduce Belly Fat
final thoughts on foods to boost metabolism
And there you have it – 19 foods to boost metabolism!
While I’m pretty sure there are more than 19 foods that can boost your metabolism, I kept this list to 19. Here are a few other items that can improve your metabolism:
- milk
- healthy oils
- cucumber
- mushrooms
- bananas
A balanced diet, including these nutrient-rich powerhouses, can improve your metabolic rate, aiding in weight management and overall health. Remember, no single food can transform your body overnight.
Consistency is key, so try incorporating these foods into your daily diet. Delicious and full of nutrients and minerals (and more!), these superfoods can pave the way to a healthier, more energetic life.
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