Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy according to MedlinePlus. Boosting your metabolism through diet can help you shed weight or keep your weight under control. This takes discipline and a change of common eating habits.
Foods to Avoid
The foods you decide to eat have an impact on your metabolism. Stay away from anything that is refined, high in sugar and high in saturated fat, such as white bread, sugary cereal, doughnuts, cakes, cookies, burgers, fries, wings and ribs.
Role of Protein
Protein is a macronutrient that is vital for immune system function, and tissue repair. It also takes a lot of energy for your body to break it down, which in turn raises your metabolism. Include foods in your diet like chicken breasts, fish, low-fat dairy products, lean beef and eggs.
Importance of Breakfast
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. When you skip breakfast, your metabolic rate slows down and your blood sugar drops, causing you to have less energy and become hungry according to Meals Matter. Take the time to prepare something healthy like an egg white omelet with chopped up vegetables and whole wheat toast. Be sure to include protein in your morning meal.
Time Frame
Timing of meals plays a role in metabolism boosting. If you eat breakfast, then wait all day long before eating again, your metabolism will slow down. By eating meals every two to three hours instead, your body will burn calories more efficiently and you will be less likely to overeat according to the Calories per Hour website. Include protein and complex carbs in each meal. A whole wheat pita with low-fat cheese, tomato and light mayonnaise is an example of a meal.
Water Intake
Beverages that are high in calories like soda, fruit punch, beer, sweetened tea and lemonade should be avoided when you are losing weight. Water on the other hand, is free of calories and it also helps flush toxins from your system. When it comes to your metabolism, drink it ice cold. This in turn causes your body to burn excess calories to heat it up.
Hot Peppers
Capsaicin is a substance found in hot peppers. When you eat them, your body temperature rises and you start to sweat. This in turn causes your metabolism to elevate. Mix peppers up in salsa, add them to your salads and use them in your sauces for pizza and spaghetti.
Considerations
If you want to maximize your metabolism, add muscle to your body by doing weight training. A pound of muscle burns 30 to 50 calories per day just to maintain itself according to the University of Michigan Health System. Perform exercises that target all of your major muscle groups like bench presses, shoulder presses, back rows, triceps dips, squats and deadlifts.
Before you embark on any new diet and weight training programs, get the consent of your doctor.
