As we get older, our metabolism naturally slows down. For some of us that means that it finally will work at an average rate; for others it means that it begins to move at a glacial pace. However, it is not required that you live with this status-quo of your metabolism moving at an elderly pace. You in fact have the power to change your metabolic rate for the better with these ten amazing foods. So take the reins that drive your stomach and bump up your body’s efficiency at burning through metabolism boosting foods. The power rests in your hands, and your waistline.
Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world and HFR’s Top 10 Foods That Will Boost Your Metabolism
- Green tea – This awesome drink has been proven to increase fat oxidation while at rest and reduce obesity, both of these help to increase your metabolic rate. Unfortunately you need to be mindful of how much you consume: in a single day you should not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine – the equivalent to two very strong cups of coffee. Good news: one eight-ounce cup of green tea has only 35-70 mg of caffeine. An added bonus to drinking tea is it relaxes your body if you drink it right before you got to bed: it really helps you unwind after a long day. Drink responsibly my friends.
- Lentils – This starch is a prime switch for bread or potatoes, because it has enough energy to sustain our muscles without having so much that our body has to store the excess as considerable amounts of fat. Also, one in five women fail to consume the proper amount of iron in a day, which is a recipe for a waistline that isn’t what you dream of. But lentils are a wonderful source of iron, which helps increase your body’s ability to process food and get back to that body you’re proud of.
- Chili peppers – Some like it mild, some like it hot, some like it burning like a house fire. Spicy food is known for containing chemicals that put a serious spike in your metabolism. Not only do they raise your metabolic rate, but you also feel fuller faster, preventing you from overeating. Cooking with even just a single tablespoon of green chili can do the trick. Granted the spike in your metabolism is more than likely temporary, if you regularly add spice to your food, the effect will become more pronounced and consistent.
- Eggs – Eggs are no longer just an impeccable source of protein. In fact they are quite the metabolic booster and one of the best ones at that. Because they are so protein dense, this will help you build more muscle mass which is great for speeding up your metabolism: the more muscle mass, the faster the metabolism. This is especially helpful if genetics let you down and you don’t naturally have the metabolism of your dreams. Some would call this an eggcellent way to improve your digestive powers, but don’t scramble your brains over that.
- Spinach – A major deliverer of iron, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium, spinach is perfect for muscle repair. It also can prevent free-radicals (oxidation crashes and dangerous fluctuations in your body which have the potential to cause cancers) and keep your metabolism at a healthy and consistent level. Because your muscles are repaired, you retain your muscle mass, which keeps that metabolism in a safe and high place. So take a page out of Popeye’s book and gulp down on these leafy greens by themselves or in smoothies, salads and stir fries.
- Oatmeal – For the record, by oatmeal we mean rolled oats that have been cooked, not the sugary, spiced up dish pre-packaged powder that many call breakfast. That said, rolled oat are a fantastic soluble fiber source! For those of us who aren’t quite fluent in the nutrition lingo, soluble fiber slows your body’s digestion of starch, which brings more balance to your digestive system and allows things to flow better. So the next time you’re craving some warm, breakfast goodness, grab a pot of water and boil some rolled oats, and top it off with fresh berries for a fun, filling, tasty way to speed up your metabolism.
- Black coffee – This common brew allows for a brief spike in your metabolism after drinking it. Okay, with this you HAVE to only sip small amounts of coffee. Consuming too much coffee can be detrimental to your adrenal glands and cancels any effort at improving your metabolism. But at two cups a day, (400 mg of caffeine) it is a great metabolism booster. Though the effects of black coffee aren’t permanent, they can be sustained by drinking on a daily basis.
- Almonds – It’s a miracle!!! …. food. It’s a miracle food! It has been found that almonds are the most nutrient dense nut, provide the most nutrients per serving and the most healthy calories. A serving of almonds may be more calories than you would initially anticipate, but the vast majority of these calories are great for your body unlike the empty calories in so many other snacks. These nuts can lower cholesterol (the bad kind) and keep you fuller for longer periods of time. Therefore, these nuts fill you up and give you what you need, giving your metabolism more time to break down the fats in your body and process through food at a faster rate. Thanks, almonds, you really got our backs!
- Strawberries – A great source of anthocyanins (antioxidants of the totally awesome variety) which prevent fat cells from growing while simultaneously causing them to release adiponectin- a chemical that reduces inflammation, blood sugar, and reverses your body’s resistance to insulin. They also reduce your digestive system’s ability to absorb some starches and fats. This berry is easy to work into your diet at any meal, and they are approved by picky eaters worldwide; so next time you have a fruit fix, think back to your humble friend the strawberry. Consider your metabolism boosted.
- Broccoli – Broccoli is what you would call a cruciferous vegetable- a vegetable in the mustard family like cauliflower, some cabbages, brussels sprouts. Much like cabbage and cauliflower, this veggie packs a powerful nutrient punch with only a small amount of calories. You feel full after eating it and it increases your body’s ability to burn fat. If you find that the taste of broccoli off-putting, try it in a green smoothie with mangoes, apples, nectarines, and blueberries. You won’t taste the wannabe tree, but you’ll still reap its benefits. Fun fact: the more fiber you eat, the less weight you gain, and guess what? Broccoli is a fantastic fiber source. Munch away my friends, munch away.
Hungry for more? Check out these stellar recipes!
Even hungrier for more nutrition science?
Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!
