Boost Your Metabolism In The Healthiest Way By Trying These Foods Out
Many people want to lead a healthful lifestyle for a good reason. You've heard the sayings: garbage in, garbage out, and your body is a temple. What you put into your body matters, and that's true when it comes to one of the most significant health trends that strike interest: metabolism.
Humans need energy to get by, and metabolism is how our bodies produce the said energy. Several metabolic activities take place in our body simultaneously that help brings us this energy. One of these activities includes catabolism which is breaking down substances like carbs, proteins, and fats. Certain foods help this process which in turn boost our metabolism. These are the foods that will best keep your metabolism humming.
What's Up, Doc? Got Any Carrots?
No wonder Bugs Bunny was so slim- he loved carrots. He munched on these all the time! These orange delights come packed with vitamin A and help with eyesight. Vitamins K and C are also prevalent in this vegetable.
Carrots help increase metabolism by detoxifying the liver. Not only that, but they cleanse the body by removing toxic substances. Carrots also help in fighting off cancer cells and preventing their growth. It sounds like Bugs Bunny knows what he's doing.
Get Your Egg Whites!
Here's how you score double points with your body. If you're watching your weight, you can use egg whites to prepare a tasty omelet. The amino acids in egg whites aid in boosting metabolism.
Select egg whites as an alternative to whole eggs. The whites contain zero fat, cholesterol, and calories. The proteins in it help build and repair tissues as well. If you're in need of some vitamin B2 in your breakfast then go ahead and add the egg whites to your lineup.
Get Your Spice On
Since chili peppers contain a lot of nutrients, they are capable of really speeding up your metabolism. They are a good source for manganese, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Don't be so afraid of the spicy peppers, for they can help you out a lot.
The vitamin c in them have a lot of health benefits as well. Chili peppers are powerful antioxidants which are beneficial for your skin, hair, and help strengthen immunity. Aren't you glad you clicked on this list? Your healthy lifestyle is about to improve greatly.
No Wonder The Lines At Starbucks Are So Long...
Could you have imagined that drink millions of people depend on helps metabolism? One might think the opposite thanks to the high concentration levels of caffeine but that isn't the case. Coffee is actually a great metabolism booster. While you wait in those long lines at Starbucks, you're not doing it in vain!
Coffee has a lot of antioxidants that help in the battle against toxic substances from your body. Go ahead and sip away all you coffee lovers, you are also reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease as well.
The Wonders Of Garlic
Savvy chefs at home love to cook with this ingredient and for good reason. You may not be aware of this, but garlic has a ton of vitamin B6 and C. The minerals in it include iron, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese.
When you eat garlic you're not only receiving those amazing nutrients but helping prevent skin problems like blackheads while increasing immunity. Thank goodness you're not a vampire! Garlic helps break down fat and increase the metabolism while its at it.
There's A Reason Why Vegetables Are Good For You
Asparagus is one of those greens you don't eat too often or even hear about for that matter. We don't know the reason, but you should stock your fridge with asparagus, if you haven't already.
Filled with nutrients like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, asparagus also has some flavonoid compounds that make it a very good antioxidant. The veggie also helps in preventing breast, colon and lung cancers so there are three more reasons to enjoy this metabolism-boosting vegetable.
The Almond Way
One of the cool things about almonds is that the little nut is so versatile. You can get the milk form of it, eat them raw, or even get the almond butter spread. Outside of that, the healthy fatty acids and protein give your body a temporary metabolism jolt.
They have a nice amount of dietary fiber which is always a good thing as well. The vitamin E assists in strengthening the immune system. Overall, you can't go wrong with the almond.
Nature's Best Kept Secret
Over the past decade, it seems like avocados have become something we all obsess over. It's almost like they cast a spell over the country. The uptick in price for extra guacamole is a brilliant restaurant move. However, maybe the owners know they are helping people achieve a healthy lifestyle.
This fruit has vitamins B3, C, B6, K, and contains carnitine, which is an amino acid that helps efficiently kick-start metabolism. That's a luxury we can all appreciate.
Lemons Galore
Earlier we featured ginger which is an awesome treat for your metabolism. Now, it's the lemon's turn. We bring up ginger because if you start your day with a lemon ginger drink, you're on your way to metabolism bliss.
The lemon is a natural detoxifier that helps the liver support the metabolism properly. You also get a healthy dosage of vitamin C from this citrus fruit which has its fair share of health benefits as well.
You Say Tomato, I Say Tomato
However you choose to say tomato it doesn't matter at the end of the day. All that matters is these bright, red, juicy fruits help your metabolism and that's what you're here for correct?
They have strong antioxidant properties thanks to the vitamin C and the Lycopene in them. The antioxidants in tomatoes help prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and slim the chances of heart disease. If you've been asking for your food with no tomatoes, you might want to switch that up.
Add Some Ginger To Your Life
We understand that the taste of ginger isn't for everyone. It's an acquired taste for sure. However, if one chooses to enjoy or tolerate this gift from the earth, he or she will reap the health benefits.
Not only does ginger boost your metabolism, but it can do so by a rate of up to 20% in only three hours. That mixed with the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties make for a great addition to your dietary plans.
Show Me The Veggies
Broccoli does an amazing job at combining vitamin c and calcium which make it a powerful metabolism booster. The green treat is low on calories but high in fiber which is why it is such a fantastic side dish for your dinners.
The veggie also has minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It sounds like if you pack enough broccoli into your diet you don't have to keep buying those multivitamins at the store anymore.
An Apple A Day...
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are juicy, sweet and can be incredibly filling when you eat them with a cup of water. These tasty fruits are low in cholesterol, fat, and calories. They also help prevent Parkinson's disease while reducing the risks of all types of cancer.
The pectin found in an apple is what makes them helpful in increasing one's metabolism. Apples come in handy as a perfect snack for any time of the day as well.
Nature's Treat
For those allergic to strawberries, we apologize. And if you don't typically snack on nature's red treat now, is a good time to start. Not only are these berries naturally sweet, but they also have health benefits as well. Strawberries are low in calories and have a high level of vitamin C.
Since these treats are high in fiber, they also help aid digestion and stimulating bowel movements. Honestly, what's not to love about strawberries?
Be Sure To Drink Your Tea
Out of all the teas, green tea is the one you want to sip if your aim is to boost your metabolism. If you haven't added this to your list of beverages you enjoy, feel free to do so now.
Green tea contains catechin polyphenols, which helps your metabolism. With zero calories and vitamins, A, E, C, and B, this tea should be your go-to. If you aren't a coffee drinker, but like caffeine, green tea is calling your name.
Cucumbers Are Precious
Cucumbers have a high content of water, which essentially makes them so valuable for your metabolism. Water may temporarily boost your metabolism by 24-30%. Researchers say that about 40% of the increase is thanks to your body having to heat the water to body temperature.
Cucumbers also contain alkaline minerals which are just overall a healthy way of maintaining pH balance. Slice up a cucumber and throw them in some water and have your self one of the healthiest drinks you can create.
Enjoy Some Watermelon!
Probably one of the juiciest fruits there is, the watermelon has a low calorie and fat content but has a high level of water and electrolytes. As we said before, water is a great way to boost your metabolism, so why not do it with this tasty fruit?
Watermelons also lower blood pressure, improve eyesight, and helps prevent kidney disorders by cleansing the toxic substances. Just look at how these animals love eating it. That can be you.
Lettuce Have It
Much like the cucumber or the watermelon, lettuce has high levels of water. By now, we hope you know why that's great, but lettuce is also high in nutrients like a lot of other leafy vegetables. It contains iron, potassium, calcium, and manganese.
Another benefit of eating lettuce is its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties. The water in it helps re-hydrate your body too. Ask for the side salad next time instead of the starchy food.
Oatmeal Is Good For The Soul
Wake up in the morning and have yourself some good old fashioned oatmeal. Preferably the steel cut kind and not the instant alternative. Oatmeal is an easy and great way to eat more metabolism-boosting fiber because it is full of it.
It also helps in your battles in the bathroom by fighting against constipation and bloating. Like we said, stay away from the pre-packed type because of the artificial sweeteners and added sugars.
Popeye Knew What He Was Doing
He might have been a fictional cartoon character, but it seems like Popeye knew what he was doing all along. That or the producers knew and wanted to help the kids grow up with a healthy metabolism.
Spinach is low in calories but high in fiber. The veggie also offers a ton of nutrient superpowers in the form of iron, zinc, and vitamins A and K. Make yourself a smoothie with spinach in it and reap the health benefits.
Fenugreek Seeds, Ever Heard Of Them?
We'll be honest, fenugreek seeds are foreign to us. However, after learning what they can do, they've become our secret little weapon. You might learn to pick them up too after reading this. Think of them as a magic ingredient if you will.
The Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology came out with a study that revealed what these little seeds are capable of. They improve metabolism by decreasing adipose tissue and increasing digestive enzymes, blood glucose levels, and antioxidants.
Yerba Mate Tea Is Your Friend
We've featured one tea already and that was green tea. Now, it's time for the delicious yerba mate tea. One of the more flavorful teas, yerba has serious metabolism boosting features if you drink it properly.
By drinking properly we mean a few things. Scientists found that when you drink yerba mate two hours before a workout, then it will improve satiety levels and boost your energy levels, mood and metabolism. If you drink it twice a day you're setting yourself up for success as the tea will kick-start your metabolism and help you lose a few pounds as well.
Cinnamon Helps A Lot
Cinnamon can be there for you to help spruce up some of your favorite dishes. Did you know it helps with your metabolism as well? While you're over there putting it in your oatmeal, it looks like you're getting a double dose of metabolism help.
This spice works as a natural weight loss ingredient that works by increasing the metabolic rate. The research behind it is that cinnamon boosts insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, and reduces blood pressure.
Lentils For The Win
If you're looking for a great source of plant protein, look no further. Lentils have a huge portion of minerals, fiber, and vitamins as well. They also help protect against diseases like diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. The protein in them help keep your hunger pangs away and improve digestion.
While all this is taking place, your gut health gets improved while your hunger is at bay, allowing your metabolism to boost naturally. You can have boiled lentils or in a soup.
The Do-All Vinegar
What can't apple cider vinegar do? That's the real question here because honestly, apple cider vinegar gets used for so many things. Now you're about to find out how it helps with your metabolism.
It's already a great weight loss agent. When it balances your internal pH, that's when it's boosting your metabolism. It also lowers serum triglyceride levels and reduces BMI value. Overall, it sounds like you should have a bottle of this in your household.
Eat The Whole Egg, Too
Earlier, we discussed how egg white can be beneficial to your metabolism. Now, we'll dive into how the whole egg can get the job done as well. Before you jump the gun and say that egg yolks raise your cholesterol level, hear us out.
Cholesterol levels increase when you consume too many trans fats and unhealthy fats as a whole. Egg yolks are rich in water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. All of that is perfect for body function, including metabolism.
Celery Never Hurt Anyone
Celery can be an acquired taste for many people and that's fair. It isn't as personable as the carrot or other vegetables. However, it is rewarded for being the best negative calorie food, meaning you burn more calories to eat and metabolize then there are calories in the vegetable.
When you eat this green veggie, your cells have to work harder to break it down which results in peak metabolic rates. Eat celery in your soup, salads, smoothies, or just as a snack.
Choose The Full-Fat Yogurt
Today, there are so many yogurts to choose from that each have their individual health benefits. For the metabolism, we're telling you that the full-fat option is the way to go.
Low-fat doesn't have the same nutrients in it that makes you feel hungry sooner as compared to full-fat. Full-fat also is a nice source for good gut bacteria which helps with better digestion. Your cells will work at their best level when you eat this treat.
With Mustard, Please
Mustard is one of America's favorite condiment. You can have it on your burgers, hot dogs, and hot links. It adds an extra zest that your taste buds crave. Did you know this flavorful condiment is a good source of healthy fats?
It also aids in boosting the metabolism by speeding up fat breakdown. If you're feeling fancy, then you can but mustard powder and add it to curries. However, be cautious as to not add too much or your food will become very bitter.
The Goji Berry
The goji berry is very similar to the strawberry in a way. They are both packed with nutrients that help balance your body's pH levels, flush out toxins, induce thermogenesis, and boost fat oxidation.
The goji and strawberry are both considered the best foods for people attempting to lose some weight by boosting their metabolism. You can add goji berries to your smoothies, snack on them, or in your breakfast oatmeal. Try not to go overboard with them, however.
Get The Herbs
Many of the herbs you use at home to cook with are perfect for your metabolism. Herbs like oregano, rosemary, cilantro, thyme, dill and fennel come jam packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants help the metabolism by stopping the harmful effects of free oxygen radicals.
All this means is you shouldn't be too shy when adding in herbs to your dishes at home. Even ask for extra when you're out to eat at a restaurant for all we care!
The Kale Way
Another healthy and nutritious veggie to make the list is kale. Sometimes, people get kale confused with spinach and that's understandable. They both carry a ton of benefits, but the taste is where they really differ.
Kale comes loaded with vitamin C and A. It also has other nutrients like potassium and magnesium making this leafy green a great addition to your smoothies you make at home or the kind you order at the smoothie store.
The Black Bean Is A Real Superfood
Beans in general are a great way to boost your metabolism. However, the one we suggest as the best would be the black bean. They all have their unique nutritional value, but the black bean is rich in iron, potassium, protein and magnesium.
Have them cooked with your rice and make a traditional rice and beans dish. You can also throw in some type of vegetable in their as well if you're feeling really healthy.
The Smelly One
Yes, we know onions don't have the greatest of smells. They also tend to bring tears to the eyes of those who cutting them. We're sorry about all that, but they can be very helpful for your metabolism.
Great on burgers and other things, the onion are good in the fight against the flu because they have a lot of components against disease. Were you aware that they were also a natural diuretic? A lot of good comes from these smelly veggies.
Fig This
An interesting berry indeed, the fig isn't usually apart of people's diets. Only a select few of individuals consume this metabolism helping berry. You can either have them dried or fresh, with the dried type being a bit more calorie-rich because the high sugar content.
Figs also have a lot of minerals and fiber allowing them to fill your stomach for quite a long time. All the values that help with boosting your metabolism after consumption.
Choose The Oily Fish Like Salmon
While there's plenty of fish in sea, we're telling you which kind you should go for. Don't follow your heart on this one, trust us. It's the oily fish that you want to take home and allow to enter your belly.
We're talking specifically salmon in this case. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. What this acid does is reduce the resistance to leptin. That's a hormone that plays an important role in determining how fast fat gets burned in your body.
Try Some Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of nature's best kept secrets like the avocado. Its both an antibacterial and anti-viral that helps keep a healthy balance of good bacteria in our guts. That right there is necessary for great digestion.
Coconut oil is also high in good fats which makes your body work a little harder to break it down, in turn giving your metabolism a boost. Specifically speaking, coconut oil has medium-chain fats and that type speeds up your metabolism.
Go For Whole Grains
Feel free to quote us on this one, but you should never buy white bread from the store ever again. There is virtually no nutritional value found in that type. You should only aim to purchase whole grain bread and here's why.
The short-chain fatty acids found in whole grains release leptin that helps you eat less. There is also high levels of fiber that slows down the blood sugar release and evens out insulin spikes.
Turkey Sounds Great
If you're eating meats, you should really focus on the lean meats. One of which we suggest is turkey. Not only is it lean but its high in protein as well. This makes your body work harder when it digests it.
Eating turkey helps boost your metabolism simply because your body requires more energy to eat it. Also, all that protein helps keep your muscle mass and keep your metabolism at the highest level it can be.
A Healthy Dose Of Cabbage
Did you think we forgot about cabbage? No way, pal. Cabbage is one of the best cruciferous vegetables there is. It contains three essential nutrients that help your metabolism: calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin B.
Cabbage also is one of those greens that has nearly no calories, but it can fill you for a long time. The water levels in cabbage is high as well and by now, we hope you know what a high level of water means for your metabolism.