Thermogenesis is the body process of increasing the metabolic process to burn fat and calories for fuel. Some foods have thermogenic, or fat-burning, properties and can be good to include in a well-balanced weight loss diet.
High Protein Foods
Foods that are high in protein, such as lean beef, turkey, fish, nuts or dried beans have a greater thermogenic property than carbohydrate or fat foods. They can keep metabolism optimized by regulating levels of blood sugar and insulin. Because protein is also an essential component of muscle tissue, maintaining adequate protein to build muscle tissue can keep the metabolic rate from dropping.
Salmon
In addition to being high in protein, fatty fish such as salmon contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to regulate a body hormone called leptin, which is involved in energy regulation. Lower levels of this hormone are associated with an increased caloric burn. Tuna is another fish that is high in omega-3s.
Milk
The calcium in milk has been shown to activate metabolism, providing greater weight loss than for those who do not consume dairy products, according to a study conducted at the University of Tennessee. In addition to calcium, dairy foods also provide protein, which is digested more slowly and maintains a sense of fullness, causing a dieter to eat less over the course of the day.
Spicy Peppers
Jalapenos, habaneros, and cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that speeds up the heart rate and can boost metabolism, both of which can help the body burn fat.
Green Tea
Green tea contains more EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) than black tea, which can help burn calories through thermogenesis. Most green tea also contains caffeine, which increases metabolism. Some studies have found that the combination together can burn an additional 80 calories a day.
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