Metabolism Boosting Foods

Original Image by Dan Zen via Flickr

By: Nikki Nies

A lot of emphasis is put on the quality of what one eats.  There are some foods that are associated with boosting one’s metabolism.  You have to eat to survive, so why not gravitate to foods that can help increase your metabolism.  Win win.

So, what’s metabolism? It’s the process that body takes to break down one’s food to produce energy.  As one ages, one’s metabolism decreases as muscle mass decreases over time.  By age 40, one’s metabolism starts to decline by 5% every decade on.  One can’t prevent the biological clock from moving forward, but keep these foods in mind when planning meals.

Food Source	Explanation
Water	Natural appetite suppressant Increases metabolism by 30% after drinking 17 oz. Suggested to drink water before every meal and snack Increase intake of fruits and vegetables, which contain more fluids than empty calories such as chips and cookies When cold water’s consumed, body expends energy to warm water to one’s natural body temperature
Grapefruit	High in vitamin C Reduce insulin levelsàpromoting weight loss **check with doctor before consumption as there are some interactions with certain medications
Oatmeal	Fat soulable fiber Very filling Lowers cholesterol Provides energy for workouts
Broccoli	Helps absorb calcium, which has been seen to help with weight loss Protects against disease Low in calories Boosts immunity
Green Tea	Great antioxidant properties Helps prevent some forms of cancer Mood enhancer Boosts metabolism from caffeine and catechins Recommended to drink 2-4 cups, which can burn 17% more calories than moderately intense exercise
Hot Peppers	Causes one to burn more calories by releasing capsaicin Temporarily releases stress hormones that speed up metabolism i.e. green chili pepper
Low Fat Dairy	Great for digestive tract High in calcium—great for weight loss
Lean Meats	Take longer to digest than fruits and vegetables Provide more energy longer Contains omega 3 fatty acids, which increase fat burning enzymes Body burns more calories from protein than fat and carbohydrates i.e. lean beef, turkey, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, beans, eggs, nuts

I started noticing a trend, a lot of the foods suggested are dairy products.  I looked further, and calcium’s been found to stimulate fat cells.

Calculate one’s http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/, which can help make sure one’s on target.

Disclaimer: Eating metabolism boosting foods does not give one a “pass” to omit exercise or other healthy foods from one’s diet.  Metabolism boosting foods should be consumed in conjunction with other healthy habits.

Sources: http://www.improving-health-and-energy.com/ways-to-increase-metabolism.html

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/weight-loss-1/9-metabolism-boosting-foods-for-faster-weight-loss.html

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/calcium-weight-loss

http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-boost-your-metabolism

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/7-day-miracle-plan-boost-your-metabolism