Foods That Boost Metabolism

Losing weight is difficult enough; there should be some kind of shortcut. You go to the gym, you eat healthy and light. If you don't want to try some fad diet that involves starving yourself, you need to restrict your intake to the foods that boost your metabolism naturally. What follows is a discussion of some foods you should be eating more of---and when---to help you burn that fat away.

Metabolism-Boosting Fruits

Grapefruit are low in calories and high in fiber, and on top of that, they lower your insulin levels, which trigger your body to store fat. A half of a grapefruit can be eaten at breakfast, an important time of the day in which you need to restore your metabolism after it falls during sleep.

Apples, besides keeping the doctor away, are good for just about the same reasons; the high fiber content keeps your body satiated longer than many foods, reducing your desire to eat more. Not to mention, they are the ideal portable snack. Another fiber-filled food is legumes, as they require your body to use more calories to digest them.

Vegetables That Sky-Rocket Metabolism

You know that vegetables are good for you, but certain ones are even better. Spinach, Popeye's favorite, manages to speed up your metabolism while providing all sorts of good-for-you Vitamin B. Don't forget to eat your broccoli, which is chock-full of nutrients including calcium as well as Vitamin C. Combine these veggies with protein rich eggs and cheese to boost your metabolism first thing in the morning.

Drink to Your Metabolism

Among the benefits of green tea, one people might not know much about is that it can help your body burn calories faster. It contains a chemical called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which speeds up your metabolism. Coffee, which contains caffeine, gives you a boost in more ways than one. However, you shouldn't drink more than one or two cups of coffee a day, so if you need a boost in the afternoon opt for green tea.

Spice It Up

Did you know that spices can also boost your metabolism? Cinnamon adds spice to your tea but can also reduce your cholesterol and steady your blood sugar, allowing you to metabolize sugars better. Curry and jalapenos both increase your metabolism, burning extra calories without any work.

Protein Boosters

Protein-rich foods like turkey increase your lean muscle mass, ultimately causing you to burn more calories. Similarly, nuts like almonds contain essential fatty acids, but be careful not to overdo it because they are also high in calories. Yogurt is a lower-calorie source of protein that also helps to regulate your digestive system, thus helping you feel thinner, and also happens to be a great breakfast solution.