Top Foods to Eat to Increase Metabolism

You can eat certain foods that help increase your metabolic rate, or the amount of calories your body is burning on a daily basis, by ensuring the insulin levels in your body remain low. By keeping low insulin levels, your metabolism increases naturally. By consuming the right foods, you can speed up your diet program and lose weight at a faster pace.

Salmon

Salmon is one of the best foods you can eat for fat burning and metabolism boosting. It is extremely filling, rich in protein, has very low saturated fat content and is full of omega-3 fatty acids -- which naturally help your body burn more calories by lowering your leptin levels. Salmon is also beneficial to the health of your brain, making it a good food choice for students. Salmon is best when it is poached or grilled, and it is very flavorful when cooked in your favorite healthy recipes.

Whole-grain Cereals

Whole-grain cereals are an excellent food choice to give your metabolism the boost it needs. Whole-grain cereals and oatmeal contain complex carbohydrates that ensure your insulin levels remain low. They also contain plenty of fiber, which aids in keeping your digestive system healthy and regular. The big difference between these whole-grain foods and other carbohydrates is that they break down at a very slow pace, preventing the insulin spike that occurs when other types of carbohydrates are consumed.

Nuts

Nuts provide your body with essential proteins and healthy fats. Like salmon, many nuts are also a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Because of the variety of nutrients that are in nuts, they also give you a great number of nutritional benefits, including a metabolism increase. Nuts also help keep you feeling full, allowing you to eat less without getting hungry anytime soon after you eat them. The raised metabolism from nuts also gives you increased energy. Enjoy a handful as a snack or add them to your salad.

Green Tea

Consuming green tea that includes both gymnemic acid and cannatic extract slows the speed at which sugar is absorbed into your blood and reduces the amount of sweet cravings you experience. Green tea also prevents the natural actions of amylase, a digestive enzyme found in carbohydrates, which makes food move through your digestive system at a rapid pace, allowing you to burn more calories while increasing your metabolism. To best aid your digestive process, drink green tea approximately one hour before a meal.

References

Article reviewed by Leah Ann Crussell Last updated on: Mar 29, 2011

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