Your body's metabolism may seem mysterious, but it's really not. Your metabolism is simply the amount of energy your body needs to function daily. About 70 percent of that energy is usually produced by eating foods, which are then used to help you breathe, circulate blood and perform other normal bodily functions. Another 20 percent goes toward physical activity and the last 10 percent helps you to digest your food.
If you want to lose weight, you'll need to find ways of increasing your energy levels without adding more calories to your diet. You can do this by eating foods that contain chemicals or nutrients known to give the body extra energy.
Shrimp
Just 4 oz of shrimp can give you about a third of your protein needs for the day. Protein helps to build healthy, strong muscles, which will in turn boost your metabolism as your body looks for an alternative fuel source. You can get this metabolism-boosting benefit from the protein found in tofu, chicken, lean beef and fish as well.
Jalapenos
Jalapeno peppers are packed with a naturally occurring chemical known as capsaicin. This spicy chemical is responsible for giving the peppers flavor but will also quicken your heart rate and cause your metabolism to increase as well. Adding jalapenos to your home-cooked meals or snacks can be beneficial to your diet. Be cautious when making your food choices. Eating cheese-stuffed jalapeno poppers may be more detrimental to your diet than helpful.
Almonds
Almonds are full of both protein and fiber, which will keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. Making a snack of almonds--about a handful of 24--will help you to ward off hunger cravings while boosting your metabolism at the same time.
Green Tea
Green tea boosts the metabolism because of a naturally occurring chemical known as EGCG. The EGCG chemical stimulates the brain and nervous system which will, in turn, boost your metabolism while helping you to burn fat calories. Combining caffeine and 90 mg of EGCG can help you burn up to 80 extra calories per day - without exercise.
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are unique when compared to other beans because they contain fiber in the form of a starch that is resistant to digestion. Your body's metabolism will increase as you work harder to digest the beans and move them through your system, burning more calories in the process. Just a half cup of these beans daily will help you boost your metabolism, burn fat and reach your weight-loss goals.
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