Which Foods Boost Metabolism

Most people know that in order to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, you must keep your metabolism going at a rapid pace. This is achieved by not only staying active but also by eating foods and drinking beverages that are full of nutrients. By using a little strategy when planning your meals, you can eat the right foods to help boost your metabolism.

Green Tea

When it comes to things you can drink, it is difficult to find a metabolism booster better than green tea. This is especially true when you use it as a replacement for your morning coffee. Green tea gives your metabolism a kick start that will last throughout the day. Coffee drinkers will be glad to know that green tea contains the caffeine needed to be able to focus during those morning hours. In addition to the metabolism and weight loss benefits, green tea also has antioxidant properties that protect you from some conditions and illnesses. If you take a look at the ingredients found in many weight loss products, many contain green tea as an active ingredient.

Water

The best way to use water as a metabolism booster is to drink it with ice, which causes your body to use more calories. When you drink water that is ice cold, your body will have to use more energy to warm it up, boosting your metabolism. Water also helps you lose weight as your body often confuses thirst for hunger, so keeping your body hydrated may lead you to eat less.

Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in many vitamins and nutrients. It contains vitamins A, C and K. Broccoli is also loaded with calcium, which has its own weight loss benefits. Consuming a single serving of broccoli provides you with important antioxidants along with folate and dietary fiber to get your metabolism moving. Broccoli is a low calorie food, allowing you to eat until you feel full.

Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as those found in brown rice and oatmeal, are full of the complex carbohydrates and nutrients that are needed by your body to speed your metabolism. Whole grains are carbohydrates that are released into your bloodstream at a slow and steady pace, giving you energy that lasts for hours without going through the insulin spokes that you get by eating foods that are high in sugar. Limiting these spikes are important as it tells your body that storing extra fat is not necessary.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: May 3, 2011

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