Eating a variety of vibrantly hued vegetables is important for good health, but certain vegetables may also boost your metabolism. According to Lyssie Lakatos and Tammy Lakatos Shames, authors of "Fire Up Your Metabolism: 9 Proven Principles for Burning Fat and Losing Weight Forever," filling at least half your plate with certain vegetables can help you increase your energy level.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a vegetable that is packed with fiber, which, according to Lakatos and Shames, will keep your stomach full and provide you with an increased amount of energy. The fiber in a serving of cauliflower works with the carbohydrates it also contains to gradually supply you with an increased metabolism that lasts for several hours after you are done eating. Raw cauliflower provides the most amount of fiber, adds Rachel Laferriere, author of "365 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism: Everyday Tips to Achieve Your Maximum Fat-Burning Potential," because cooking vegetables reduces their fiber content. Cooked cauliflower will still boost your metabolism. Puree steamed cauliflower and mix with mashed potatoes or add the puree to vegetable soups.
Sweet Potato
A sweet potato has more fiber and nutrients than a plain potato, note Lakatos and Shames, and may boost your metabolism for a longer period of time. Eating sweet potatoes is also linked with a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer because it is loaded with beta-carotene. Bake a medium-sized sweet potato and sprinkle with cinnamon, suggests Laferriere, because there is a substance in the spice that may motivate your cells to work more efficiently, which will result in an increase in energy for you. Lakatos and Shames add that white potatoes will increase your metabolism slightly, but only if you eat the fiber-rich skin.
Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, note Lakatos and Shames. Canned tomatoes can be used to create many different recipes so it is easy to incorporate them into your diet. The fiber and carbohydrates in a can of tomatoes work together to supply you with a dose of instant energy as well as increased metabolism for a few hours after eating. Add a can of tomatoes to pasta and sprinkle with your favorite herbs, such as oregano or rosemary. Create a fiber-filled vegetable stew by adding a large can of tomatoes with the other vegetables. Lakatos and Shames also recommend combining canned tomatoes with garlic, oregano and pepper as a topping for bulgur or couscous.
References
- "Fire Up Your Metabolism: 9 Proven Principles for Burning Fat and Losing Weight Forever;" Lyssie Lakatos and Tammy Lakatos Shames; 2004
- "365 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism: Everyday Tips to Achieve Your Maximum Fat-Burning Potential;" Rachel Laferriere; 2010
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