Trying to lose weight doesn't have to mean eating less. In fact, if you replace unhealthy foods with foods that boost your metabolism, you may be able to eat more than you do now and still lose weight. Choosing foods that are rich in nutrients that boost metabolism will help your body turn food into energy efficiently -- which can make it possible for you to reach your desired weight without going hungry.
Beans
Beans are packed with nutrients, such as protein, potassium and magnesium, that help boost your metabolism, the American Diabetes Association says. A ½-cup serving of beans contains as much protein as 1 oz. of meat but is healthier than meat because of the lack of saturated fat in beans, according to the American Diabetes Association, which says that the same size serving of beans also contains about 1/3 of the amount of fiber that Americans should eat every day to manage their weight well. The Women's Health website recommends eating a variety of beans, such as lentils and garbanzo beans, to boost your metabolism.
Colorful Vegetables
Vegetables are low in calories but high in nutrients like vitamins and iron that support your cells' efforts to metabolize the food you eat. Eating a mix of types of green, red and orange vegetables is particularly helpful at boosting your metabolism, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, which suggests eating leafy green vegetables like kale, collard greens, mustard greens and spinach, as well as other colorful vegetables, such as tomatoes, red peppers, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Fruits
Boost your metabolism by eating different kinds of fruits, too. Fruits are rich in nutrients like vitamins and potassium that keep your cells healthy enough to metabolize your food well. Eating citrus fruits and berries, in particular, may be a powerful way to boost your metabolism, says the American Diabetes Association, which recommends eating oranges, limes, limes, grapefruit and any variety of berries regularly. Try to eat fruits themselves rather than drinking fruit juices, Women's Health advises, because you'll get more of the fruits' nutrition when you eat them in their natural form.
Whole Grains
Eating natural whole grains instead of processed refined grains can also help you boost your metabolism, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Women's Health recommends reading the labels on breads, rice, pasta, cereal and other grain products to determine whether or not they're made of whole grains, and to aim to eat at least 3 oz. of whole grains every day.
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