Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories and converts them into energy. A faster metabolism means burning more calories, which can help with weight loss and weight management.
While genetics play a role in metabolism, there are several daily eats that can boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories even at rest.
Green tea
Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that increase metabolism by up to 4% for 24 hours after consumption. Additionally, green tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that further boosts metabolism.
Drinking green tea or taking green tea supplements can help increase metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Spicy foods
Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which is a compound that gives peppers their heat. Capsaicin helps increase metabolism by raising body temperature and stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Adding spices like cayenne pepper, jalapenos and chili powder to your meals can give your metabolism a boost and help you burn more calories.
Lean protein
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, which can help increase metabolism. Lean protein like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu are lower in calories and can help boost metabolism by up to 30% after consumption.
Including lean protein in your daily meals can help with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Whole grains
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats are rich in fiber which can help increase metabolism. The body burns more calories digesting fiber than refined carbohydrates because fiber takes longer to digest.
Eating whole grains can also help keep you full for longer periods of time which can reduce overall calorie intake and aid in weight loss.
Water
Drinking water can help increase metabolism. Dehydration can cause a decrease in metabolism, while drinking water can help the body burn more calories.
Drinking cold water can cause the body to work harder to maintain body temperature, which can increase metabolism by about 50 calories per day. Drinking water before meals can also help reduce calorie intake and aid in weight loss.
Low-fat dairy
Low-fat dairy like skim milk, Greek yogurt, and low-fat cheese contains calcium which can help increase metabolism. Calcium is essential for muscle function, and the more muscle a person has, the more calories they burn.
Including low-fat dairy in your daily meals can help increase metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
Berries
Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants which can help increase metabolism. Berries also contain fiber, which can help increase the calories burned during digestion.
Eating berries can help aid in weight loss and boost overall health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is known for its weight loss properties. It contains enzymes and acids that help the body break down and absorb nutrients from food. These enzymes and acids can also help increase metabolism and help the body burn more calories.
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in iron and calcium, which can help increase metabolism. Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production, while calcium helps with muscle function.
Including leafy greens in your daily meals can help increase metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber and protein, which can help increase metabolism. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Adding chia seeds to your daily meals can help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Conclusion
Boosting metabolism can aid in weight loss and weight management.
Daily eats like green tea, spicy foods, lean protein, whole grains, water, low-fat dairy, berries, apple cider vinegar, leafy greens, and chia seeds can help increase metabolism and burn more calories. Incorporating these daily eats into your meals can help you maintain a healthy weight and boost overall health.