When it comes to losing weight and staying feet, a high metabolism is beneficial. While it is possible to shed the pounds even with a sluggish metabolism, the process will take much longer and you are more likely to become frustrated and disheartened along the way. By adding metabolism-boosting foods to your diet, however, you can help give your metabolism the extra kick that it needs to make your body a more efficient calorie-burning machine. Here are 8 foods that boost metabolism.
1. Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do to increase your metabolism. Even when you are only slightly dehydrated, your metabolism has a tendency to slow down. To get even greater results, try drinking cold water. This way, your body will need to burn more calories as it works to warm it up.
2. Lean Meat & Other Iron-rich Foods
Iron deficiency is known to slow metabolism, so you can combat this problem by including three to four servings of iron-rich foods to your daily diet. Lean meat is heart-healthy option for getting the iron your body needs. If you do not eat meat, look for other sources of iron, such as fortified cereal and leafy, green vegetables. Lentils are another iron-rich food, with one cup providing 35 percent of your daily iron needs.
2. Whole Grains
Whole grain foods are high in fiber, which means your body has to put more work into processing it. This, in turn, encourages your body to burn more fat. Replace your white breads and pastas with whole wheat varieties to enjoy the benefits they provide.
3. Chili Peppers
The capsaicin in chili peppers helps give metabolism a boost, so try to add a tablespoon of chopped chili peppers to one meal per day. Chili peppers are also a good source of vitamin C.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are all high in B Vitamins. As such, they can have a healthy impact on your metabolism.
5. Tree Nuts
Tree nuts, such as almonds, cashews and walnuts, contain essential fatty acids that can help give your metabolism a boost. Just make sure you do not overdo it because these foods are also high in fat content.
6. Egg whites
Egg whites are high in branched-chain amino acids, which help to give your metabolism a boost. As an added bonus, egg whites are also rich in protein and vitamin D, which are nutrients your body needs for healthy functioning.
7. Cucumbers
Filled with water, fiber, vitamins and other nutrients, cucumbers are a low-calorie food that helps to hydrate your body while boosting your metabolism.
8. Spices
While you certainly aren’t going to eat them by the spoonful, adding spices such as black pepper, curry, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and mustard to your favorite dishes can help to increase your metabolism.
With the help of these foods, you can give your metabolism a boost while also getting other nutrients that your body needs to be healthy. While none of these foods is a “cure all” for weight loss, their beneficial properties will help make your weight loss journey a little bit easier.