According to the Mayo Clinic, metabolism is the process of exchanging the food you eat into energy. Consuming large amounts of excess calories can cause weight gain and eventually lead to obesity. While you may not have a great deal of control over the swiftness of your metabolism, you can keep an eye on your daily caloric intake, step up your activity level to burn additional calories, and choose healthier foods that promote fat burning.
The Mayo Clinic generally recommends a plant-based, high-fiber diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and foods, such as fish, that contain healthy fat. There are a number of foods that may help burn fat.
Grains & Oats
Whole grain breads and cereals are good sources of fiber and complex carbohydrates. They help keep your metabolism up and insulin levels down after eating. Oats are also rich in fiber, so eating oatmeal first thing in the morning keeps insulin production at a minimum and helps to increase the number of calories burned for the day. High insulin signals your body to hold on to its fat.
Chicken & Turkey
Chicken and turkey are top fat burning foods because they are rich in metabolism enhancing protein. You can save a number of calories by removing the skin before eating.
Salmon & Tuna
Salmon, and to a lesser extent, tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce levels of a protein hormone called leptin. Leptin plays a significant role in controlling energy intake and energy expenditure. Animal research has proposed that lower leptin levels may be linked with speeding up metabolism and increasing the number of calories burned.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a low calorie and nutritious non-starchy vegetable that fills you up. Asparagus will keep your metabolism operating efficiently.
Melons
Honey dew melons and watermelons are full of antioxidants and vitamins needed for the efficient operation of your metabolism. They are also high in potassium, which is needed for cellular water balance. If your cells do not have enough fluid, this can cause your metabolism to become sluggish.
Milk & Eggs
Calcium rich milk helps set off your metabolism. It is also good source of complex carbohydrates, which can increase your metabolism by helping your insulin levels stay low after a meal.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are very filling. While eggs may not specifically burn fat, they can provide nutrients, provide appetite control and force your body to burn its stored fat.
Cofffee & Green Tea
Green tea has a chemical called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that causes the brain and nervous system to run faster and helps you burn more calories. EGCG is a polyphenol, which aids in the production of certain proteins and alkaloids.
Coffee contains caffeine, which helps speed up your heart rate and contributes to the number of calories burned.
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