If you want to boost your metabolism and burn more calories each day, there are top foods that are a key part of the process. The wrong types of food can limit the amount of calories you burn each day and slow down your metabolism by interfering with your body’s essential processes. However, the right foods can give your metabolism a kick and make a huge difference when it comes to the total calories you burn in a day. That’s why in this article I’m going to be listing some of the top metabolism boosting foods.
Lentils
One of the best top foods on the planet in terms of nutrient quality metabolism boosting power is lentils. They have the highest protein amount by weight of any plant-based food. They are an easy substitute for animal protein in any recipe and are loaded with fiber and iron. Just one cup of lentils provides 35% of your daily iron needs. Iron facilitates the flow of oxygen through the body, which helps increase energy and metabolism.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) are another top food that contain three essential nutrients that power and boost your metabolism – vitamin B, vitamin C and calcium. They also contain a nutrient called sulforaphane that supports the detoxification of toxins and estrogen (estrogen and toxins together decrease fat loss). The high water and fiber content of these vegetables also increases your body’s ability to burn fat.
Beans
Red and black beans (not refried) are loaded with fiber which will boost your metabolism and lower insulin levels and insulin sensitivity over time. If your body is less insulin sensitive, it stores less fat. Beans are also an excellent source of proteins and vitamins.
Salmon
Salmon is a tasty, tender fish that contains 31g of metabolism boosting protein per 4 oz. serving. It also contains high levels of healthy Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) fats which are found almost exclusively in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and tuna. These fats have been found to drastically decrease inflammation, increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and helps to maintain brain function.
Fatty fish also has numerous vitamins and minerals and amino acids which keep your metabolism ticking over and ensure that you burn the maximum amount of calories possible each day. Keep the amount of fatty fish consumed to 2 to 3 servings per week due to mercury toxins and have a few Brazil nuts with your fish. Brazil nuts contain a high amount of selenium which binds to the mercury in your system and flushes it out.
Chicken
Chicken is a top food because it contains an impressive 35g of protein per 4 oz. breast. Studies have shown that up to 25% of the calories in protein are burned off during digestion which means high protein foods such as chicken are a great way to enhance your metabolism. In addition to the protein, chicken also contains a range of essential nutrients and amino acids which ensure that your body is functioning optimally and prevent your metabolism from slowing down. Make sure your chicken choice is free-range and organic.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are well known for their metabolism boosting properties and temporarily increase the number of calories your body burns. They contain the bioactive “capsaicin” which has the power to activate the immune system and due to its hot and spicy nature, will raise your body’s temperature. Your body then uses up extra calories as it attempts to regulate this temperature change. Also, chili peppers naturally increase the amount of body fat you burn after eating them.
Flaxseeds and Hemp Seeds
Flaxseeds and hemp seeds are quickly becoming one of the most popular health foods around. They are great sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to your muscles to kick your metabolism into high gear. These healthy fats help your body run smoothly and maintain an optimal metabolic rate. They are also packed full of fiber and protein which both help to rev up your metabolism by increasing the amount of calories your body burns during digestion.
Summary
By incorporating these top foods into your diet, you can give your metabolism a notable boost and burn more calories each day. So if you’re not currently eating any of these foods, now is the time to make some changes and fire up your metabolism.
