Several diets may increase your metabolism to help drop those unwanted pounds. Western populations are increasingly becoming overweight and even obese. The good news is that there are some diet plans that could actually help increase your metabolic rate. The Mediterranean Diet, the Atkins Diet and the Coconut Diet contain healthy substances that may speed up your metabolism to burn calories.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet contains healthy foods that may boost your metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids are found abundantly in the Mediterranean Diet and might help regulate your metabolism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This diet recommends eating a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans. It also suggests decreasing whole-fat dairy products and using plenty of olive oil. The Mediterranean Diet limits your red meat intake, while it advocates getting protein from fish and poultry. In addition, the Mediterranean Diet encourages seasoning your foods with such ingredients as garlic, herbs and onions, and drinking two glasses of red wine daily.
Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that may help stimulate your metabolism. The Atkins Diet restricts complex carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, and is filled with fats and calories, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. London-based physician, John Briffa, states that protein-filled diets, like the Atkins Diet, promote a faster metabolism.
An article by Dr. Briffa, cites a 2009 investigation published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," which observed the effects of dietary protein on the energy expenditure and metabolic rate of 24 adults. Participants were divided into two groups and given diets of equal calories, but differing amounts of protein and fat. One group was given a high-protein diet composed of 25 percent casein, a protein found in milk, with 20 percent fat and 55 percent carbohydrates. The other group consumed a low-protein diet containing only 10 percent casein, 35 percent fat and 55 percent carbohydrates. Dr. Briffa wrote that the higher-protein group was found to exhibit a greater rate of energy output that appeared to be associated with a boost in metabolic rate.
Coconut Diet
A diet rich in coconut oil and coconut products may positively affect your metabolism, according to Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bruce Fife. All fats---saturated and unsaturated---are made from fat molecules or fatty acids. There are short-chained fatty acids, medium-chained fatty acids and long-chained fatty acids. Coconut oil contains a very concentrated form of medium-chain fatty acids, which are thought to be absorbed easily and burned rapidly to increase metabolism. Coconut oil gives an even greater boost to metabolism than protein, according to Fife.
The Coconut Diet is simple to follow---just use coconut oil and other coconut products as often as possible. Dr. Fife suggests using coconut products instead of margarine, shortening and hydrogenated oils. You can even continue to use butter and olive oil when coconut products aren't appropriate. Fresh and dried coconut can be eaten as well. Coconut milk may be used in several recipes including butterscotch pudding, coconut milk pancakes and clam chowder. Fife recommends combining the coconut diet with an abundance of high-fiber foods.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Heart-healthy Diet---Diet Plans
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Coconut Connections: Coconut Oil---A Low-calorie Fat
- The Epoch Times: Protein-Rich Diet Can Speed Up Metabolism
- Harvard Health Publications: Healthy Eating For a Healthy Heart
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