It helps to know which foods and beverages help speed up the calorie-burning process. Here are 10 metabolism-boosting foods and beverages to start incorporating into your diet.
Oatmeal
A nice hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning is the perfect way to start your day. Oats digest slowly and can help equalize your blood sugar. The high fibre content will keep you feeling full longer. What’s more, this healthy breakfast also helps lower cholesterol levels.
Green Tea
If you’re looking to kick your metabolism into high gear, try sipping on a few cups of green tea each day. The high concentration of catechin polyphenols found in green tea helps intensify the fat-burning process, while the caffeine content acts as a stimulant, helping to accelerate your metabolism even more.
Tuna and Salmon
Tuna and salmon are both packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to help speed up metabolism. A variety of other fish, including mackerel and sardines, will have the same calorie-burning effect.
Hot Peppers
Hot peppers, such as chili peppers or jalapenos, contain a naturally occurring compound called capsaicin, which is what causes the “hot” part of the hot pepper. So in addition to adding zest to a nice spicy dish, capsaicin has the added benefit of speeding up your metabolic rate.
Dairy Products
While nearly everyone knows that calcium strengthens your bones and teeth, studies have also proven that calcium can help boost your metabolism. A diet rich in low-fat dairy products can keep your fat intake in check while raising your calcium levels.
Eggs
Once vilified for their cholesterol content, experts now agree that eggs can be a beneficial addition to any healthy diet. Your body burns more calories digesting protein than it does with fat or carbohydrates, so the high protein in eggs means a boost in metabolism. Protein also keeps you feeling full for longer, so a couple of eggs for breakfast can make it easier to avoid a mid-morning snack.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit has long been praised as a great food for dieters, and for good reason — grapefruit can help lower insulin levels, which in turn helps burn calories.
Water
Reaching for a simple glass of calorie-free water is probably the easiest metabolism-booster around. Scientific studies have shown that drinking approximately 500 ml of water can increase metabolic rate by up to 30 per cent, and drinking two cups of water before a meal could decrease your calorie meal intake by 75 to 90 calories.
Lean Meats
A diet rich in lean proteins, combined with exercise, can help you build lean muscle mass. And the more lean muscle mass you have, the easier it is for your body to burn calories. Look for skinless chicken breasts, Cornish hens and turkey.
Bananas
Feel like you absolutely need a mid-afternoon snack? Grab a banana. Bananas are chock-full of something called resistant starch — a healthy carb that helps keep you full (similar to fibre) and boosts your metabolism. The high content of potassium in bananas can also help your body regulate the transfer of nutrients into cells, which may increase your metabolism as well.