Your metabolism is how your body converts the fuel from food into energy to supply to vital organs in the body. Finding the right combination of foods helps you to rev up your metabolism and lose weight quickly. You should consider choosing foods that stabilize blood sugar in the body, preventing spikes in insulin distribution and reducing fat storage. Foods that keep you full longer also prevent you from craving foods and may help with overeating.
Grains
Grains are a good source of fiber and are helpful with weight management. There are two types of grains -- whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains are a healthy choice because they contain the entire grain kernel. Examples of some whole grain foods include brown rice, cornmeal, oatmeal, bulgur wheat and whole wheat products. Refined grains have the germ and bran removed and include white bread, white rice, and white flour based products. Grains are beneficial when it comes to metabolism because they contain many B vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin and thiamine, all of which help with the release of energy from food consumed.
Protein
Getting enough protein in each meal can help keep your metabolism steady. Like the grain group, proteins also provide a substantial supplement of B vitamins to help boost metabolism. Proteins also help to build and provide nutrients to muscles, skin, cartilage and blood. Eating protein also helps make you feel full faster, especially when you replace high fat processed foods with lean proteins. There are several foods in the protein group that may help keep your metabolism in high gear. They include nuts, beans, peas, seeds, eggs, poultry, fish and lean cuts of beef, lamb and venison.
Fruits
If you have a craving for something sweet, you may find yourself reaching for sugar-laden treats and processed snacks. While they may boost your energy for the moment, they may actually cause your body to store more fat. Because many processed foods have minimal amounts of nutrients, they can slow your metabolism down. Choose fruits in place of sweet treats. Fruit contains a natural energy boost and can prevent you from over-snacking on bad foods. Fruit has vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which are good for speeding up your metabolism and overall physical health.
Greens
A large green salad is always a healthy meal choice. Greens are minimal in calories and carbohydrates but loaded with vital nutrients that help support a healthy metabolism. Greens are also loaded with vitamin B, E, C and K. Minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and iron can be found in greens. Iceberg lettuce is a popular salad choice because of taste and crunch, but it has a high water content. Choose nutrient-rich greens such as spinach, kale, collards and chard. Greens can be combined with other nutrient dense foods such as lean chicken and fish, seeds and nuts to make a healthy salad that is filling and low in fat and calories.
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