Metabolism refers to the rate at which the body burns calories while at rest. A higher metabolic rate causes your body to burn more calories and may aid in effective weight-loss. In addition to regular physical activity, a healthy diet may naturally aid in increasing the metabolic rate. Be sure to include specific foods with properties that may increase your metabolism.
Step 1
Eat grapefruit to speed up your metabolism and decrease the risks of weight gain. Grapefruit aids in decreasing insulin levels in your body which increases sugar cravings and promotes the storage of fat. It is also a source of dietary fiber which fills you up and helps the digestive system eliminate waste products from the body. The body also burns more calories in the process of breaking down fiber.
Step 2
Add cinnamon to foods and drinks to increase your metabolic rate and to burn more calories. This spice maintains steady blood sugar levels by helping your body metabolize sugars more effectively. Add cinnamon to tea and coffee for extra sweetness in place of sugar, sprinkle 1 tsp. over a bowl of oatmeal with berries or add up to 1 tbsp. to muffin and cookie recipes.
Step 3
Chop up hot peppers and jalapenos to add to salads, soups, stir-fry and sandwiches. These spicy peppers contain capsaicin which aids in speeding up the heart rate and metabolism through the release of stress hormones. The increase in metabolism helps your body burn more calories hours after you have eaten them.
Step 4
Eat spinach as part of your daily diet to boost your metabolic rate. This leafy green is rich in nutrients that serve to increase metabolism and effectively increase calorie and fat burn. Spinach is a source of antioxidants which may help prevent cancers and heart disease, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in absorbing calcium which acts as a trigger for metabolic processes.
Step 5
Drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day for a metabolic boost. Green tea contains catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, that speeds up the brain and nervous system activitie, causing the body to burn calories at an increased rate.
References
- "Fat-Burning Foods and Other Weight-Loss Secrets"; Judy Jameson; 1996
- EcoSalon: 15 Best Foods To Boost Your Metabolism
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