If you've decided to lose weight, follow the American Council on Exercise's advice by using a combination of exercise and calorie moderation. When planning your diet, it's important to be aware that the types of food you choose have a direct impact on the speed of your metabolism. By increasing your metabolic rate, you'll be rewarded with even quicker weight loss.
Grass-Fed Beef
Dieters often avoid meat in order to avoid fat and calories. However, according to diet expert and "Metabolic Diet" author Mauro Di Pasquale, lean red meat, especially grass-fed beef, plays several important roles in calorie burning. The protein in beef has a thermogenic effect, boosting metabolic rate. Protein also supports muscle growth, which further supports metabolism. Grass-fed beef is more nutritious than the grain-variety, containing more heart-healthy omega-3 fats.
Vegetables
Vegetables are high in fiber, which encourages healthy digestive function and prolongs feelings of fullness when added to meals. In addition to fiber, most vegetables are high in vitamins and nutrients while remaining low in calories. According to North General Hospital Obesity and Diabetes Programming Director Cathy Nonas, some veggies like celery are so low in calories you might actually burn slightly more calories consuming and digesting them than the vegetable itself contains.
Greek Yogurt
While American yogurt is often recommended as a healthy diet food, the Greek variety contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates, making it the more effective choice for boosting your metabolism. Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency than American yogurt, making it a metabolism-boosting replacement for sour cream and some dips.
Coffee
Coffee, either iced or hot, contains caffeine, which stimulates the metabolism and may also increase the percentage of calories burned from fat during exercise, according to the Physician and Sports Medicine Journal. While coffee may be a potent calorie burner, many of the ingredients it's typically prepared with are not. Cream and sugar will add calories and negate any of the metabolic advantage gained by coffee consumption. While coffee is generally safe, it's important to remember that caffeine is still a potent drug. Stick to one or two cups of coffee per day.
References
- "The Metabolic Diet"; Dr. Mauro Di Pasquale; 2000
- "ACE Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals, 3rd Edition"; Cedric X. Bryant and Daniel J. Green; 2003
- The Physician and Sports Medicine: Fat Burning During Exercise: Can Ergogenics Change the Balance?
- NYTimes.com: The Claim: Some Foods Have Negative Calories
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