Metabolism refers to the chemical processes in the body that convert calories from food into energy. The basal, or resting, metabolic rate refers to the calories the body uses daily just to perform essential, basic functions involving breathing, heart rate, digestion and sleeping. While certain foods contain properties that might help increase metabolic rate, the Mayo Clinic says no magical solution exists to burn more calories for weight loss. Rather, a healthy diet combined with regular exercise is key. Consult a physician prior to initiating any new dietary changes that could affect health.
Midnight Snacking
Commonly held belief asserts that eating late at night increases the risk of weight gain from excess caloric intake. Because the body is less active at night, and such eating is followed by sleep, fewer calories are burned for weight loss. However, weight loss is essentially about taking in fewer calories than what are burned off. If eating large amounts of foods late at night increases total daily caloric intake, weight gain is likely to occur. However, dieters who are very active throughout the day and monitor their food intakes might be able to eat late-night snacks to satisfy the appetite while also boosting metabolic rate.
Green Tea
Green tea might increase metabolic rate to burn more calories. According to Registered Dietitian Juliette Kellow on WeightLossResources.co.uk, the antioxidants in green tea, specifically catechins, a type of polyphenol, might speed up the metabolism. Avoid teas that are caffeinated, however, by sticking to herbal green teas. Caffeinated beverages will increase the metabolic rate through an increase in central nervous system activity to burn more calories, but it also increases heart rate and might disrupt sleep patterns.
Low Carb Foods
According to ShapeFit.com, eating foods high in carbs late at night might lead to weight gain because they are more likely to be converted to fat in the body at this time. The body is less active at night, and energy provided by carbs not used immediately will be stored as fat. Carbs that are higher in sugar also might lead to overeating as blood sugar levels rise again shortly after consumption, increasing the desire for more sweets. Foods low in carbs, however, have fewer calories and less sugar than high-carb breads, cereals or cookies, which should all be avoided at night in favor of vegetables such as celery sticks, bell pepper slices, mushrooms and lettuce.
Lean Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient needed in the body for the growth, development and maintenance of muscle, which has a higher metabolic rate than fat, meaning more calories are burned even while at rest. If the body is hungry for a midnight snack, or a dieter is in a calorie deficit for the day after a hard workout, eating protein might help avoid excess fat gain because it is more likely to be used for muscle growth and repair vs. fat storage. Protein will also satisfy hunger cravings to avoid eating excess calories or sugar late at night. Stick to lean sources in small servings such as nuts, chicken, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or a protein shake.
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