Foods That Boost Metabolism and Help You Lose Weight Faster

Last updated on September 4th, 2018 at 08:40 am

Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. This energy is further used for various activities in the body like breathing, digestion, blood circulation, functioning of brain and the nerves. Metabolism or the metabolic rate can largely affect your weight loss effort. If your metabolism is high, you body will burn more calories and that certainly helps in losing weight. Similarly, if your metabolism is sluggish, you will burn less and put on weight. Metabolic rate may be affected by several factors including your physical activities, sleep, and obviously the foods you eat. And today in this post, we are going to talk about surprising foods that boost metabolism and help you lose weight.

Metabolism of your body can directly impact your weight loss effort. Metabolic rate varies from person to person. Some of us may have high metabolic rate and other may have a sluggish metabolism.

When we eat certain foods, the metabolic rate of the body gets boosted. Our body work hard to digest the foods and release the hormones in the blood. And it also stops accumulation of trans-fatty acids in the body.

Human bodies have a natural capacity to burn calories and convert them into energy. But, the rate at which the body does that differs from person to person. If the rate is slow in your body, then there is a tendency that you will gain weight easily.

Being overweight and obese are the major signs of low metabolism rate. Before we move on to the foods that boost metabolism, it is important that you are well acquainted with the term metabolism.

What is metabolism and why it’s important?

Metabolism provides fuel to your body so that all the bodily functions like digestion, breathing, blood circulation can work properly. When you consume foods with calories, your body will break the calories and convert it into energy with the help of the oxygen that you breathe in.

This energy will then carry out all the functions like cell development, so that your body can develop with time.

The rate of metabolism in your body is called as Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). If you have high BMR, then you will have low tendency to get fat, and vice versa. So, in order to maintain a perfect physique, you need to boost up your metabolism.

Physical exercise and 7-8 hours of sleep are essential for you, if you want to boost your metabolism. But there are certain foods

And there are certain foods that boost metabolism, and if you wondering how food boost metabolism, then continue reading.

11 Surprising foods that boost metabolism

Did you know an apple a day keeps the doctor away?

I think it’s because, apart from being healthy and nutritious, you can actually boost the metabolic rate of your body by eating apple. Similarly beans, broccoli and spinach, fish, chicken, milk, green tea is among those foods that boost metabolism of the body.

If you feel tired, sluggish and sleepy throughout the day, then these foods will also help you to increase the energy levels in your body. Let us looks at some of these amazing foods that boost metabolism.

Eggs

People often say that egg yolk is not good for health as it leads to weight gain. But this is a myth and has no connection to reality. The eggs are a rich source of energy for your body; it is rich in protein, amino acids and minerals.

A single egg in your breakfast can make you fuller for long hours, you will not feel hungry, your metabolism will increase, and you will feel energetic throughout the day.

If you have high cholesterol already, then consult your doctor before consuming egg. Otherwise, an adult can have maximum of 2-3 eggs in one day. But, I will stick to one egg daily.

Green Chilies

Green chilies can add some spice to your foods; it can also boost your metabolism. The skin of the chilies is very useful in this respect. Chop some green chilies and add them to your food.

There is no need to add the processed red chili powder in your food, it is always better to use the organic and natural food resources.

Coffee

Have a cup of coffee in the morning, you will feel like running miles like Usain Bolt. Yes, coffee can give you a shoot in your energy levels. During late night studies when you feel that you have no more energy left to appear for the exam the next morning then you often drink coffee.

Coffee has caffeine in high quantity and therefore it can boost metabolism. But if you are insomniac, or suffer from sleeplessness, then please avoid coffee.

Green tea

Green tea contains a plant compound called ECCG, which helps in boosting metabolism. Have a warm cup of green tea in your breakfast and feel the difference yourself.

Water

When you feel thirsty, you often have a tendency to buy a bottle of Coke or even Diet coke to soothe your thirst. This is the worst torture that you can possible do to your body. When you are thirsty, drink some water and not some drinks, be it soft drinks or hard drinks.

You must have 6-7 liters of water daily for a proper and fast metabolism. Water all controls your hunger, and you will not feel the need to eat something at regular intervals. Water can make you feel fuller for long hours, just like eggs.

Milk

Studies conducted at The Nutrition Institute at the University of Tennessee show that the calcium present in the milk play a vital role in boosting the metabolism in your body.

Whole grains food

Whole grains like oats, brown rice and wheat breads can be digested easily by your body, and this can shoot up the metabolism rate. Instead of white breads and macaroni pasta for breakfast, have some oatmeal and feel the difference within a week.

Fish and Chicken

Fish and chicken both are protein rich foods, which can be broken down by the liver very easily. The foods will be broken down with the help of the digestive juice from the liver, the calories will be converted into energy and used up by the body. Have fish and chicken daily, without miss.

Apple

An apple a day can prevent diseases like cardiovascular disorders, hear problems, indigestion etc. Apples can also prevent metabolic syndrome, where huge quantities of fat gets accumulated in your lower abdomen and cause obesity and weight gain.

Extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil is rich in oxidants, monounsaturated fats and flavanoids which are healthier than mustard oil and the processed vegetable oil. Use olive oil for cooking, and also garnish the salads with olive oil. If you are trying to lose weight, then olive oil is a must addition.

Beans, broccoli and spinach

These foods are good for you in many aspects, boosting metabolism, controlling diabetes and heart diseases, improving digestion, useful in weight loss, and they are very tasty vegetables. You can make curries with these, or add them in stew or soup, and also make smoothies.

What else to do to boost metabolism and lose weight?

As I said, metabolic rate of your body can directly impact your weight loss efforts. If you are following strict diet chart and working on losing weight, then you should be eating foods that boost metabolism. And we have already discussed about 11 foods above.

But what else one can do to boost metabolism, apart from eating right? Well, the metabolic rate or metabolism can also be boosted by exercise.

Extensive workout in the gym and the weight training can seriously boost the metabolic rate of your body. 30-45 minutes of extensive weight session in gym can increase the metabolic rate for next 10-12 hours.

Similarly, cardio exercise can boost the metabolism of your body and hence you should do cardio exercise daily or at least every alternate day, for 20-30 minutes.

So eat well, exercise and workout to boost the metabolism and stay fit and healthy.

To conclude

The first step to lose weight and increase your BMR is by eating right. Eating right is the only option. If you skip meals, then this will lead to low pressure, gas formation and you will fall sick. Whereas by relishing these healthy and tasty food items you can give pleasure to your taste buds, and also maintain the metabolic rate of your body.

If you have resolved to get in shape and live a healthier and happier life, then take a note of the metabolic rate of your body. Include some of these amazing foods that boost metabolism, in your daily diet. And you will get in shape in no time.

What else do you do to improve the metabolism of your body?