Have you gained weight recently? Do you feel lethargic and fatigued all the time? Well, that’s because you have a slow metabolism. Unfortunately, when that happens, you will gain weight.
And no matter how much you exercise and how less you eat, you will not be able to lose the flab. So, you must rev up your metabolism.
How? By consuming the right foods in the right quantities. Below are 7 best metabolism boosting foods you should add to your diet:
1. Green tea
Green tea remains the unchallenged winner in the best natural weight loss drink category. The catechins in green tea – epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechins (EC), and epigallocatechin (EGC) – are antioxidants. These help scavenge the harmful oxygen radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the cells, DNA, and cellular functions. When you prepare green tea the right way, the antioxidants help protect the cells, which function normally and keep your metabolism going.
Drink 3-4 cups of green tea per day to boost your metabolism, energy levels, and weight loss.
2. Protein-rich foods
Protein-rich foods like lean meat (chicken breast, fish, scallops, etc.), legumes and beans, tofu, mushroom, and soy are great for amping up your metabolism. They keep your hunger in control and prevent you from consuming too much food, junk food, in particular. And when you consume less junk food (or sugary/salty food), your body will stop storing fat, reduce inflammation and stress, and support your cells to carry out their functions.
3. Chili
Believe it or not, chilies are great for weight loss. Why? Scientists have found that they accelerate metabolic rate, increase thermogenesis (heat generation in the body to melt the fat), and improve energy expenditure. The main weight loss phytonutrient, capsaicin, increases energy expenditure of the fat tissues and also helps regulate insulin levels.
4. Fenugreek seeds
If there’s one magic ingredient that can speed up your metabolism and help you lose fat, it is fenugreek. A study conducted on high-fat-fed obese rats. Fenugreek seed extract helped improve metabolism by decreasing adipose tissue in the body and increasing digestive enzymes, antioxidants, blood glucose levels, and insulin sensitivity.
You can add fenugreek seeds to curries or detox water and notice great results in just a few weeks’ time.
5. Broccoli
This lush green vegetable, no matter how much you hate it, has innumerable health benefits. It is loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein, and numerous phytonutrients that help fight various types of cancers and metabolic syndromes. Scientists have found that broccoli extract can help decrease blood sugar levels and improve abnormal metabolism.
Consume blanched broccoli in salads or vegetable quinoa or make broccoli soup for dinner or lunch. You can also have broccoli fritters instead of munching on a bag of chips.
6. Water
Staying hydrated is the key to good health. You must drink 3 liters of water per day. Increase the quantity if you work out regularly. Drinking adequate water will help flush out toxins from your colon, improve gut health, and help lower inflammation levels. Scientists found that drinking 500 mL water increased the metabolic rate by a whopping 30% and increased energy expenditure by 100 kJ.
Drink a glass or two of water every hour. But make sure you do not go overboard and drink too much water as it can lead to water intoxication.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is just not a spice you use to enhance the taste of cakes and pancakes. This unassuming spice is a natural weight loss agent that works by increasing the metabolic rate. Research shows that cinnamon helps increase insulin sensitivity, reduces blood pressure, and lowers blood sugar levels.
The best way to consume cinnamon is to buy Ceylon cinnamon, powder it, and store it. Use this powder in your teas, salads, and soups.
