A Diet To Jump Start The Metabolism

Metabolism is the process of burning energy, or calories, to run your body. Your metabolic rate refers to the speed at which you burn those calories. By speeding up your metabolism, your body may burn more calories, leading to weight loss. Certain diet tips may help boost your metabolism.

Frequent Meals

Eating small, frequent meals will keep your metabolism revved up because it takes energy to digest food. Eating frequently will also help keep your blood sugar steady and prevent hunger, according to Patricia Bannon, R.D., M.S., a licensed dietitian in Los Angeles and author of "Eat Right When Time is Tight." When you wait too long between meals or go on a starvation diet, your metabolism actually slows down to conserve energy. Bannon recommends eating four to six healthy meals of at least 400 calories per day to keep your metabolism humming. And always eat breakfast. After going without food for eight hours, breakfast will help jump start your metabolism.

Plenty of Protein

Protein is needed to build muscle mass. MayoClinic,com notes muscle tissue burns more calories than body fat. Plus, protein requires more calories to digest than carbohydrates and fat, Bannon says. In a large 2010 European study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine," a higher protein and lower glycemic-index diet was found to help participants maintain a healthy weight. Bannon suggests including some lean red meat in your diet. Because meat requires more energy to chew than softer foods, you'll burn more calories and boost your metabolism as soon as you start eating.

Green Tea and Coffee

Green tea contains compounds called catechins that have various effects on your body's physiological functions. In a 12-week, double-blind study published in the January issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," drinking green tea with catechins daily significantly reduced subjects' body fat and waist circumference. Coffee has a similar effect because caffeine raises your heart rate, which may increase the rate at which your body burns calories, according to Bannon. But skip the latte and take your coffee without cream and sugar to avoid added calories. Bannon also suggests making your own green tea from tea leaves rather than using instant, which often has added sugar.

Spicy Meals

A spicy meal may jump start your metabolism by speeding up your heart rate and calorie burn. Hot peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin that may raise the body's metabolism, according to Bannon. Ginger and cinnamon are also known as metabolism boosters. Wash down your hot, spicy meal with a big glass of water. Water helps your digestion and metabolism by keeping you hydrated. Being even a little dehydrated can lower your metabolism, Bannon says. For more metabolism-boosting, make the water ice cold. Your body will burn calories warming it to body temperature.