If you find yourself starving at the same time in the late morning and evening and find yourself crashing around the same time every afternoon, then you are likely in need of a metabolism boost to provide you with the energy you need. A number of snacks will help you to kick your metabolism into high gear and keep you going until it's time for bed.
Fruit
Fruit is always a healthy option and an excellent choice for when you need a boost of energy. Fruit is full of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It also has the kind of carbohydrates you want for energy fast. Another benefit of using fruit as a metabolism booster is that you can use any fruit you like. To eat on the go, choose a portable fruit like grapefruit, oranges, apples, pears, bananas or grapes. One cup of sliced fruit or a piece of medium fresh fruit will give you the energy you need.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is full of good carbohydrates and good for your heart. Oatmeal gives you loads of energy and keeps you feeling full until you are ready for your next meal or snack. This feeling of fullness comes as the result of the fat-soluble fiber, which also benefits you by decreasing your risk of developing high cholesterol. To get all the fiber, vitamins and minerals, turn to steel-cut rolled oats and try to avoid the instant varieties, if at all possible.
Milk
While not a food, milk can be used for a quick, healthy metabolism-boosting snack that you can drink at home or on the go. When you drink milk, the complex carbohydrates help get your metabolism going by keeping the levels of insulin in your blood at a low level. You want to keep your insulin levels low, and your body will begin to store fat when the insulin levels get too high. Be sure to select low-fat milk to avoid any unnecessary fat.
Whole Grain Cereal
It's difficult to find something that goes better with milk than cereal. Whole grain cereal pumps up your metabolism because of its fiber and complex carbohydrates. You can get a triple shot of metabolism boosting benefits by combining whole grain cereal, low-fat milk and sliced fruit, such as strawberries, bananas or blueberries.
References
- "Fitness" magazine: 11 Energy-Boosting Snacks; Lisa Kovalovich
- "Ultra-Metabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss"; Mark Hyman; 2008
- "100 Ways to Supercharge Your Metabolism"; Cynthia Phillips, et al.; 2009
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