Who says that you should compromise on your food intake in order to meet your weight loss goals? Rather, you should eat in order to lose weight! Yes, there are foods that boost metabolism and can help you to lose weight.
Metabolism is a word that you would be familiar with, if you are looking to lose weight. The better the metabolic rate, the closer you will get towards your fitness goal. Similarly, a slow metabolic rate will make it difficult for you to meet your weight loss goal. Slow metabolism can be a reason behind weight gain as well! Thus, as a weightwatcher, you will always intend to keep your metabolic rate high by taking appropriate foods and by doing the right activities. Here is a list of the top 12 foods that boost metabolism:
- Green Tea: Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called flavonoids, which help to protect against heart disease, stroke and cancer. A study conducted in the University of Geneva found that green tea contains catechin polyphenols - plant chemicals - that may boost your metabolism by as much as 4 percent.
- Almonds: Almonds contain essential fatty acids and fiber, which not only increase your metabolism but also satisfy your appetite and curb your cravings, thereby helping in weight loss.
- Eggs: All protein foods help in increasing your metabolic rate. Egg is one of the best protein food which helps to boost up your metabolism. But it needs to be noted that the egg yolk is high in fat and so you need to consider having the egg white only. The albumin in egg white helps the body to build up the lean body mass while burning off the fat.
- Lemon: Lemon, being high in vitamin C, acts like an antioxidant in the body. It is believed to be a powerful cleanser for the liver. The liver is responsible for processing fats and for supporting the digestive system. This goes a long way to increase the metabolic activity.
- Fish and Other Lean Meats: Fish, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, not only helps in weight loss but proves to be effective in several other health conditions as well. Lean meats contain creatine monohydrate, which helps in the better utilization of creatine phosphate (ATP). This helps to improve the muscle mass in the body. Greater the muscle mass, higher is the metabolic rate.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is prepared using probiotic cultures, which are healthy for the bacteria in the gut. This not only helps in better digestion, but also speeds up your body's metabolism as well. Furthermore, yogurt prepared using skimmed milk is low in fat and has good quality protein. Thus, yogurt is completely beneficial for weight loss.
- Spinach: Spinach is very famous for its iron, potassium and magnesium content. It is also considered to have good antioxidative properties, which not only helps in getting rid of the free radicals produced in the body, but also helps in repairing the damaged muscle tissues. The fiber-rich spinach is a "must have" to improve your metabolism and to aid in the process of weight loss.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains a fiber called pectin which is known for flushing fats, toxins and cholesterol from the body and for helping in reducing a considerable amount of weight.
- Whole Grains: A perfect source of complex carbs and fiber, whole grains help in reaching satiety and improving your cholesterol and blood sugar levels by increasing your metabolic rate. This, in turn, results in weight loss. You can incorporate whole grains in your diet through several forms like oatmeal, flaxmeal and whole wheat flour.
- Cayenne Pepper: Over the last few years cayenne pepper has been considered as a fat burning food due to its thermogenic ("heat generation") properties. It requires more calorie to be digested compared to several other foods. It speeds up the overall metabolism and helps in weight loss.
- Coffee: This beverage is hated as well loved to the same degree by the dieticians. Coffee helps in speeding up the metabolism if it is consumed in right amount (not more than one to two cups a day). It is beneficial for heart health and for improving your concentration to some extent at the same time.
- Water: A recent study conducted by a group of German researchers states that if you consume cold water, the metabolic rate increases up to 24 percent after a 90 minute period. So next time you feel thirsty, intend to drink cold water. It not only helps in maintaining a leaner body but also assists in the better transportation of nutrients.
Starving or opting for crash diets will only steal energy from your body. Lack of nutrients will interfere with the body's normal functioning. So it is not wise to adopt any of these methods for losing weight. Eating the right, healthy foods will allow you to be successful in your weight loss endeavors.
