A healthy metabolism will give you the energy you need to go about your day without feeling tired or sluggish. Eating is one important way to increase your metabolism so that you can feel healthier. According to Susan Irby, author of "Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook: Fire Up Your Diet for a Fit and Firm You," eating well-balanced meals at regular intervals throughout the day will help you boost your metabolism as well as your nutritional intake.
Step 1
Add fiber and protein to your breakfast. Eat a bowl of oatmeal with skim milk and raisins to increase your intake of fiber or have an egg white omelet with your favorite vegetables to increase your intake of protein. Consume plenty of fiber and protein in your morning meal to prevent mid-morning hunger as well as to get a burst of energy that lasts for several hours. Opt for peanut butter on toast, high-fiber breakfast cereal or an egg sandwich as some fiber- and protein-filled alternatives.
Step 2
Eat a fruit and a vegetable with your lunch. Consume at least two servings of fresh produce because it is high in nutrients and fiber, both of which will increase your energy and give you the stamina to face your afternoon. Opt for pears, raspberries, apples, broccoli, carrots or sweet potatoes, which all have plenty of metabolism-boosting fiber.
Step 3
Enjoy fish several times a week. Add fish to your meals to increase your intake of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which motivate leptin, a hormone in your body, to work more efficiently--translating into more energy for you. Choose salmon, trout, herring and sardines; they are some of the richest fish sources of omega-3s.
Step 4
Sprinkle seasonings on food to boost your metabolism. Add cinnamon to your morning oatmeal or to a piece of toast; a compound in cinnamon allows your body to work more efficiently so that you have increased metabolism and more energy. Add chili powder to eggs, meat, soups and casseroles; it has similar effects.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat regular meals, even if you are not hungry, to keep your blood sugar regulated so that you do not crave sugary foods. A diet high in sugary foods is linked to tiredness because your blood sugar spikes and crashes rather than remaining stable.
- If dietary changes do not improve your metabolism, make an appointment with your physician to determine if you have a hormonal imbalance or medical condition that requires additional treatment.
References
- "Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook: Fire Up Your Diet for a Fit and Firm You"; Susan Irby; 2010
- "365 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism: Everyday Tips to Achieve Your Maximum Fat-Burning Potential"; Rachel Laferriere; 2010
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