Losing weight is not just a matter of watching calories and getting regular exercise: it is also a matter of learning how to boost your metabolism to make your body more efficient at burning fat. Fortunately, there are a variety of foods that you can include in your diet that can make this happen safely and naturally, and without the side effects of many over-the-counter diet pills. The top ten metabolism-boosting foods are listed below.
Almonds
Rich in essential fatty acids and dietary fiber, almonds make an excellent snack since they take care of your hunger quickly and will help tide you over until mealtime and also provide the metabolism with a definite boost.
Asparagus
Some argue that asparagus is so low in calories that it is actually a negative calorie food. This, however, does not stop it from tasting great, bringing plenty of nutrients and fiber with it and stimulating the metabolism, too.
Beans
Beans make the perfect diet food, being extremely high in fiber so that they break down slowly in the digestive system and leave you feeling fuller for longer. They also have a very positive effect on the body’s metabolic processes.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, kale, broccoli and cabbage stimulate the metabolism by being rich sources of Vitamin B, but they are a great aid to dieting by being nutrient-rich and high in fiber.
Celery
Celery may not be the most popular vegetable, but it is thought of as a thermogenic food, meaning it raises the body’s calorie-burning capabilities and is also a great source of calcium.
Coconut Oil
Dieters often avoid fats and oils, but now that more is known about healthy and unhealthy fats, people who want to lose weight should embrace this oil in particular, as it helps boost the metabolism and helps you to feel fuller longer.
Coffee
The caffeine in the average cup of java can help speed up the metabolism and is frequently used in many dietary aids. If you drink coffee, though, be sure to drink extra water too to avoid dehydration.
Cucumbers
These veggies boost metabolism through having a high water content (which keeps you hydrated), and plenty of fiber. They also are nutrient rich and are a great source of many vitamins and minerals and can be used in variety of dishes.
Ginger
Adding this pungent root to various dishes can help you also speed your metabolism up. It has thermogenic properties to make your body better at burning fat and also is a strong antioxidant, which is good for overall health.
Green Tea
Green tea contain a compound called EGCG which has been shown to greatly improved metabolic rates and it’s not surprising that it is found in some many dietary aids. It is healthier, however, to enjoy its benefits through drinking the tea itself rather than ingesting it in pill form.
Losing weight can be a difficult journey. However, regular exercise, good hydration and a diet that includes many of these metabolism-boosting foods can make that journey a lot easier.